With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Here's What Will Be Inside The Massive USC Village Project When It Opens Next Month
After three years of work, the $700 million USC Village project is nearing completion.
The 15-acre mixed-use development—the largest development project in the university and South L.A.'s histories—is replacing the former University Village shopping mall at Jefferson Boulevard and Hoover Street.
The development will have 130,000 square feet of retail space, new academic facilities, housing for 2,700 students, over 400 spaces for retail-specific parking, and 1,272 indoor bike racks for residents, along with 530 outdoor bike racks open to the community from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The village—designed by Harley Ellis Devereaux in the same red-brick style as the rest of the USC campus—is centered around a faux-village square replete with a steepled clocktower.
"The USC Village will be an architectural masterpiece," USC President C.L. "Max" Nikias stated in 2013 during his annual address to the university faculty. "It will look like a medieval Tuscan village redefined for the 21st century."
As for retail tenants, Trader Joe's and Target Express are set to open their doors for the project's August 17 grand opening. Trejo's Cantina, Rance's Chicago Pizza, Baked Bear, Honeybird, SunLife Organics, Greenleaf Gourmet ChopShopand, Wahlburgers, Cafe Dulce, and BBCM are also moving in (among plenty of others).
An aerial video from last month gives a tour of the development as finishing touches are put in place:
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
-
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious.
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
-
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.