Crenshaw Mall Remodel Includes New Restaurants, But Divides the Community

New plans for the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall moved forward Wednesday, as the Los Angeles City Council voted to approve its redevelopment. That plan includes restaurants, 900 brand new apartments and condos, an office building, and retail space that resembles other outdoor local malls like The Americana at Brand in Glendale and Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

It’s still too early to tell which restaurants are headed to the 43-acre development. The Los Angeles Times reports, the AMC Magic Johnson movie theater and existing mall will stay put, which could include Post and Beam, Everytable, Southern Girl Desserts, though some buildings could be demolished.

Not everyone agrees this remodel is a good idea. Many Crenshaw residents and activists appealed the Council’s decision, and believe gentrification could push longstanding residents out. On the opposite side, some crave a new and local retail center, with quality food, outdoor seating, and movie theaters.

There are jobs on the line as well, as part of yesterday’s agreement requires that 30 percent of the workforce come from within the community.

Chicago-based Capri Capital Partners owns the property, and LA architect Ian Espinosa Associates put together a future look for the mall. Construction has already begun for the Metro stop at Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Boulevard, which is right in front of the mall, and makes for easy access once it’s completed.

• City Council approves hotly contested overhaul of South L.A. mall [Los Angeles Times]
• Massive WeHo Project Boasts Underground Nightclub and Four Eateries [ELA]
• 23 Restaurants That Define South LA’s Dining Scene [ELA]