Commercial Development

Through its commercial development efforts, VSEDC has been established as a premier economic development organization. Click on the links below for detailed case studies of three VSEDC flagship developments:

Vermont Slauson Shopping Center

Vermont Slauson Retail Center

Business Enterprise Center

Other accomplishments include:

 L. A. Neighborhood Initiative: In 1995, we were one of eight neighborhoods that received $1 million each for improvements to the commercial corridor. As managers of this two-year demonstration program funded by the Federal Department of Transportation, we began implementation of our work plan in 1997. Improvements include lighting, landscaping, facade upgrades, safety/security programs, business promotions and the formation of a BID (Business Improvement District).

The Vermont Avenue Corridor carries the most passengers on the MTA Bus Lines in all of Los Angeles County. Most of these passengers are low income individuals who do have not have automobiles. This project tremendously upgrades the Neighborhood amenities and improves the quality of the area.

R Ranch Supermarket - A $1.2 million market project that opened in 1996. This 25,000 square foot store was the joint development of the VSEDC, the property owner, and the owner of R Ranch, an independent grocer. This store, previously a Boys Market, was destroyed in the 1992 Los Angeles riots. VSEDC's involvement included working with the property owner to coordinate the development, financing of the project, job development, and community outreach for the project. Sixty-seven low-income jobs were created. This project was financed partially by OCS funds and a private lender.

Baskin Robbins Ice Cream - In 1985, VSEDC entered a joint agreement with Baskin Robbins to locate four minority owned franchises in south Central Los Angeles. This was the first time the company would have stores available in our community. We worked with the company in identifying participants for the training/ownership program, and loaned each participant 50% of the start up costs of $80,000 per store. CDBG Funds were used for this project and corporate funds from Baskin Robbins matched these funds. More than 20 permanent full time jobs with career mobility potential were created for low income residents.