Inglewood's Downtown Dilemma: Revitalization Amidst Major Sporting Events

Inglewood's historic Market Street corridor, once a vibrant center for Black-owned commerce dating back to the early 20th century, is currently struggling. Despite its proximity to major entertainment venues, sections of downtown remain noticeably quiet, marked by shuttered storefronts and abandoned buildings.

Structures dating back to the 1940s, including the long-closed Fox Theatre, stand empty. Allison Simon, owner of the Black Being nonprofit yoga studio on Queen Street, described the area as feeling like a "ghost town." This stagnation persists even as nearby sports and entertainment complexes draw massive crowds.

The Economic Paradox Near SoFi Stadium

SoFi Stadium opened nearly six years ago, followed by the YouTube Theater (2021) and the Intuit Dome (2024). These venues, alongside the renovated Kia Forum (2014), form a significant economic engine for Inglewood.

According to Billboard, SoFi Stadium alone generated over $175 million in revenue and attracted one million visitors in 2023. Yet, Market Street remains largely subdued on most evenings. Some long-standing businesses struggle due to factors like rent hikes and eminent domain acquisitions for planned transit centers.

Urgent Push for Market Street Transformation

The need to revitalize Market Street has become critical as Inglewood prepares for major international events. The city will host L.A.'s World Cup matches in June, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the Olympics in 2028.

In response, the city initiated an $8.5-million state grant program targeting the corridor. Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts stated the goal is for Market Street to "regain its luster and attractiveness." He expressed a vision for the area to emulate successful districts like Old Town Pasadena.

Destination Market Street Grant Program Details

The Destination Market Street program, launched last June, aims to fund exterior and interior renovations, improve pedestrian lighting, enhance landscaping, and add outdoor seating and parking.

The city plans to award grants of up to $250,000 each to 16 restaurants and nearly 20 other businesses. Terry Dulan, owner of Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, noted that Market Street business declined significantly after the Lakers moved in 1999 and worsened after the Hollywood Park racetrack closed in 2013.

Dulan hopes the funding will "help turn the corner" and attract more out-of-town visitors to a cultural area separate from the sports complex. Seven restaurants have been confirmed to receive up to $250,000, including Little Belize, Randy’s Donuts and Chinese, and Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen.

Mixed Results and Lingering Challenges

The grant represents hope for many owners who remember Market Street's former vitality. However, many businesses were excluded, highlighting deeper structural issues within the corridor.

Allen Frimpong, co-founder of ZEAL Co-op, observed that "the gentrification of Market Street is already happening through the closure of the businesses that are already there." Some applicants were rejected due to focusing solely on Market Street, while others faced an "overwhelming interest" pool.

  • Allison Simon of Black Being was rejected after initially applying, as her studio is on neighboring Queen Street, causing her to halt planned renovations due to a lack of trust in the city's commitment.
  • Amanda-Jane Thomas, who co-owned the now-closed Sip & Sonder coffee shop, cited a lack of transparency in the grant process.
  • Babette Davis, owner of Stuff I Eat, found her vegan restaurant ineligible because she lacked a lease. Her establishment is set to close on April 26 after the building owner dramatically increased the rent.

Davis expressed deep sadness over losing the community connection built over nearly 20 years. Furthermore, some business owners, like Simon, reported having to cover significant building maintenance issues, such as faulty electrical and plumbing systems, upon moving in.

Future Mobility and Landlord Protections

Frimpong suggested the city must implement systems to manage rent increases and enforce building codes, ensuring small business owners understand their leasing rights.

To address rent volatility, landlords receiving grant funds must sign an agreement limiting rent increases to 5% for three years following renovations. Additionally, Inglewood plans to develop two transit hubs connecting Market Street to the entertainment venues, featuring parking and bus facilities.

One mobility hub will require the demolition of a strip mall at Market Street and Florence Avenue, with some businesses, like Randy’s Donuts and Chinese, receiving relocation funds. Mayor Butts concluded that these improvements are "just another incremental step along the way towards resurgence of Inglewood," focusing on making the entire city more pedestrian-friendly.