Two projects which would bring new green space and community amenities to sites adjacent to Compton Creek and the Los Angeles River have taken key steps forward.
This week, Skanska announced that its Skanska Integrated Solutions (SIS) division has been selected by the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) as construction managers for the new Alondra Gateway Park in Compton and the Frank Gehry-designed Southeast LA Cultural Center in South Gate. Skanska will be responsible for planning, preconstruction, and construction efforts for both projects.
“We are thrilled to be selected for two of the RMC’s most significant projects to date,” said Skanska Integrated Solutions senior vice president John Maloblocki in a news release. “Skanska’s SIS team continuously strives to be a valued partner and advisor on projects that will have a meaningful and immediate impact to local communities and environments. We look forward to furthering our involvement in this type of work through our management roles on both the SELA Cultural Center and Alondra Gateway Park.”
Rendering of Alondra Gateway ParkStudio MLA
The Alondra Gateway Park, planned for a triangular patch of land where Alondra Boulevard crosses Compton Creek, is being designed by Studio-MLA. Plans call for transforming the currently vacant property into a half-acre park, with space for picnics, seating areas, exercise equipment, and shade trees.
Funding for the project was allocated in the 2019 California budget, and construction is poised to begin in the coming months.
Aerial view looking northGehry Partners LLP
The Southeast LA Cultural Center, or SELA Cultural Center for short, would be located along the east bank of the river, and is the first of seven signature projects to be implemented from the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan. Architect Frank Gehry, who recently led a master planning effort for the river corridor, is designing the center.
The approximately 85,000-square-foot campus, which would sit at the Rio Hondo Confluence, has already completed its environmental clearances, and is on track to begin work this year. Plans call for multiple buildings, including a performance hall, a music education space, recording studios, a dance theater, a cafe, workshops, galleries, a plaza, gardens, and a parking lot.
Rio Hondo Confluence Area PlanGehry Partners LLP
The site sits on the south side of Imperial Highway, and near other upcoming Los Angeles River projects such as South Gate's 30-acre "Urban Orchard." The site is also located just south of the future right-of-way of Metro's West Santa Ana Branch light rail line.
Another Gehry-designed river project, the Headwaters Pavilion, broke ground earlier this year far north in Canoga Park.
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