Norwalk gets first look at redeveloped Entertainment District
NORWALK – Los Angeles developer Primestor presented to the Norwalk City Council a plan Tuesday to redevelop the Civic Center to enhance Norwalk’s Entertainment District, which includes the Civic Center, AMC Theater, DoubleTree Hotel and surrounding restaurants and businesses.
The redevelopment of the 10 acres of city-owned property along Imperial Highway at Norwalk Boulevard, dubbed “The Walk,” will include enhanced open space, shops, restaurants and housing.
The intent of the project is to create a community-driven destination that meets the needs of residents, attracts additional economic development, promotes local hiring, and creates high-quality development in the center of Norwalk.
Following the presentation, the council gave direction to Primestor to work closely with the community to solicit feedback on the redevelopment proposal. The community engagement efforts will commence immediately and include virtual meetings, door-to-door canvassing, online surveys, social media advertisement, and a project-specific website, among other efforts.
The City Council initially adopted the Economic Development Opportunities Plan on October 2, 2018 to identify areas within the city to promote economic development.
On February 5, 2019, the city entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Primestor Development, Inc. to undertake a feasibility study for the development of the area and explore viable opportunities to revitalize the 10-acre Civic Center lawn, surface parking lot and City Hall site.
In December 2019, the developer commenced their public input campaign by engaging in several outreach efforts but stopped in late 2020 due to the pandemic.
This development will further the city’s Strategic Plan Goal 3 (Norwalk 2021 Strategic Plan), to increase the number of business and associated jobs in the community. The 2021 Strategic Plan is available at www.norwalk.org/city-hall/departments/city-administration/2021-strategic plan.
Additional information on Norwalk’s Economic Development Projects can be found at norwalkecondev.org
Residents interested in obtaining more information can email publicaffairs@norwalkca.gov or call (562) 929-5319.