A significant new high-rise development, known as the Centro Westlake Project, is set to reshape the urban landscape near MacArthur Park. This ambitious project, which includes residential units, commercial spaces, and direct transit integration, is eliciting a spectrum of reactions from the local business community.

Mixed Outlook for Local Enterprises

While some businesses anticipate a surge in customer activity, others are voicing apprehension about the potential repercussions of such a large-scale development. Concerns range from increased competition and rising rental costs to the possibility of displacement.

Street Vendors' Concerns

Ana Vasquez, a produce vendor operating near Alvarado and 6th streets for over a decade, has experienced a significant downturn in business, partly attributed to reduced foot traffic from immigration raids. Vasquez expressed anxiety about the upcoming Centro Westlake project, fearing that new businesses and their pricing structures could negatively impact her street vending operation. She also worries that rising rents might hinder her aspirations of opening a physical storefront.

A Restaurant's Cautious Optimism

Doña Bibi’s, a Honduran restaurant that has been a neighborhood staple for nearly thirty years, offers a more hopeful perspective. Owner Mednik Sandoval believes the development could attract more residents and businesses, potentially contributing to neighborhood improvements like enhanced street cleanliness and a reduction in encampments. Sandoval noted that a potential relocation of the restaurant would be contingent on financial feasibility and business needs.

Specialized Businesses Face Unique Challenges

Aardvark Letterpress, a family-run print shop operating since 1968, faces distinct challenges. Specializing in traditional letterpress printing, the business requires ground-floor access for its heavy machinery. Representatives from Aardvark Letterpress highlighted the specialized nature of their operations and their dependence on their current location.

Centro Westlake Project Details

The Centro Westlake project comprises a dual-tower complex, featuring 55 and 39 stories respectively. It will house hundreds of residential units, including affordable housing options, alongside a hotel, office spaces, retail outlets, medical facilities, and parking. The developers, including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, have not yet disclosed a specific timeline for the project's completion.

Community-Informed Design

The development aims to revitalize the area surrounding the Westlake/MacArthur Park Metro station. Plans have been refined based on community feedback gathered in March 2023, focusing on improving pedestrian flow, enhancing public spaces, and strengthening connectivity to the transit hub. Updates include plaza improvements with new seating, lighting, and active uses to foster a more welcoming environment.

Supporting Local Commerce and Job Creation

The project's design incorporates dedicated spaces for local vendors and small businesses, alongside provisions for arts, culture, and community services. Spanning nearly 150,000 square feet, the development is expected to generate over 700 on-site jobs across various sectors. Some vendors, like Lonidas Pinto, anticipate that the increased foot traffic will benefit their businesses, attracting customers from a wider area.

The Centro Westlake project is linked to a prior proposal by the same developer, which received city approval years ago but has not yet commenced construction.