CIM Group is bringing a new mixed-use development to Los Angeles’ Crenshaw community thanks to a longtime partnership with West Angeles Church of God in Christ.
The development, which will comprise 168 apartments—with 17 designated as affordable—and 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, is being constructed on the 1.3-acre property that was formerly the site of West Angeles Church’s north campus. After 43 years, the church has consolidated its facilities and now serves its congregants from its south campus location.
“Today, we welcome the creation of new housing that will also provide retail and services for our community on the site of our former north campus facilities. We believe that repurposing this property for housing complements our goal to be a catalyst for positive change in the community,” said Charles Blake II, pastor of West Angeles Church. “Having been a part of this community for over 40 years, West Angeles has always held a vision to uplift the community and our underserved and often-overlooked populace. And since we still will be an active part of our vibrant neighborhood, we look forward to partnering with CIM in the future on projects that will benefit all members of the Crenshaw community.”
West Angeles Church sold the property to CIM Group in March as part of its long-planned property dispositions announced in 2019. The sales proceeds have been used to fund church programs and initiatives, including the construction of the Family Life Center, a community-serving, multiuse building that will be open by the end of the year.
CIM Group’s relationship with West Angeles Church dates back to 2004, when co-founder and principal Shaul Kuba and Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. began talking about the kind of new developments in the neighborhood that would align with community needs. CIM Group has delivered a variety of developments in partnership with West Angeles Church, including a modern office building and an adjacent parking structure with ground-floor retail on land acquired from the church.
“CIM Group joined with West Angeles Church almost two decades ago to bring new development to South Los Angeles that benefits the community by attracting quality jobs, services, and housing, work we continue to do today,” said Kuba. “My first meeting with Bishop Blake led to an ongoing dialogue about our shared vision to improve the community through the development of commercial properties on and around Crenshaw Boulevard. Rather than an overwhelmingly large mega-project, our approach is to work within the context of the community or infill developments, such as the new apartment community that we are currently constructing.”
The six-story apartment community will offer a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments with a wealth of amenities, including a central courtyard, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and two outdoor sky decks on the fifth floor.
