The development team behind a proposed mixed-use project near Expo/Crenshaw Station has cleared an important milestone, with the submission of an entitlement application yesterday to the City of Los Angeles.

The Crenshaw Crossing development, announced by Metro in November 2017, would rise on properties located at 3630 S. Crenshaw Boulevard and 3606 W. Exposition Boulevard, which are owned by Metro and Los Angeles County respectively.  A project website describes a two-building project featuring 401 apartments - including 81 affordable units - with 40,000 square feet of community-serving retail space, 2,500 square feet of community space, 34,000 square feet of open space, 502 parking spaces, and amenities for the adjacent transit hub.

Affordable units would be priced for households at the very low-income level, which translates to a household of four earning up to $52,200 per year.

The project is being developed as a joint venture between Watt Companies and West Angeles Community Development Corporation.  Both entities have developed multiple residential and mixed-use projects in the Los Angeles area.

The Crenshaw Crossing design team includes Belzberg Architects, SVA Architects, and RELM.  A rendering depicts two contemporary mid-rise structures, standing up to seven stories in height.

The development team has partnered with the Vernon-Central LATTC WorkSource Center and the Coalition for Responsible Community Development on its local hire program.  Click here for more information.

Crenshaw Crossing was initially envisioned as a larger 492-unit development, but hasevolved over the course of a two-year outreach period, adding more affordable units and a different mix of retail tenants - including a grocery store.

"When Metro and the County selected us a year ago to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement for the property at Expo/Crenshaw Station, we pledged to work with the community to design a project that best fits in with the area and meets its needs," said Jennifer McElyea of the Watt Companies in a news release.  "I believe our plans make it loud and clear that we heard the community's feedback."

Additional community outreach is planned during the entitlement process, which is expected to take between 12 and 14 months.  Following project approvals, construction is anticipated to occur over roughly two years.