The ambitious Centro Westlake project, a proposed two-tower complex, is set to significantly transform the area surrounding the Westlake/MacArthur Park Metro station. This development plans to introduce hundreds of new residential units, including income-restricted housing, alongside a hotel, office spaces, and retail outlets.

Transforming a Transit Hub

Envisioned as a vibrant transit village, the project will feature a 55-story and a 39-story tower. It will span nearly 150,000 square feet, bordered by Wilshire Boulevard, Alvarado Street, Westlake Avenue, and 7th Street. The development is expected to generate over 700 on-site jobs across various sectors.

Local Business Perspectives

Local business owners have mixed reactions to the Centro Westlake project. Some, like produce vendor Lonidas Pinto, anticipate increased foot traffic and potential benefits for existing businesses. However, others, such as Ana Vasquez, who has operated a stand near MacArthur Park for over a decade, worry about increased competition from the project's retail spaces and the potential for rising rents.

Doña Bibi’s, a long-standing Honduran restaurant, sees potential benefits. Owner Mednik Sandoval believes the project could revitalize the neighborhood by attracting more residents and businesses, and contribute to cleaner streets and reduced encampments. Aardvark Letterpress, a specialized print shop, highlights the unique challenges for businesses with heavy machinery, requiring specific locations.

Community Input Shapes Design

Community feedback, particularly from March 2023, has played a crucial role in shaping the Centro Westlake project. Residents emphasized the need for safer streets, improved public spaces, and better connections to the Metro station. The design has been updated to enhance pedestrian access and rework the station plaza with seating, lighting, and active uses.

The developer has incorporated these concerns, reserving approximately 20% of the retail space for existing local businesses. This initiative aims to mitigate displacement and support the continuation of local enterprises. The project also plans programming tied to arts, culture, and community services.

Uncertain Timeline

While the project aims to balance growth with community needs, the specific timeline remains unclear. The developer and the architecture firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, have not yet provided details on when construction might begin or an estimated completion date. The project represents a significant investment intended to address local needs and concerns.