INGLEWOOD, Calif. — City of Inglewood leaders, joined by state, regional and community partners, will break ground on the quarter-billion-dollar first phase of the Inglewood Transit Connector (ITC) on Wednesday, October 21, launching construction of three mobility hubs, a pedestrian bridge to the Metro K Line and a rebuilt Downtown streetscape that will keep Inglewood moving on event days and every day.
“On Wednesday, we stop talking about what Downtown Inglewood can become and start building it,” said Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. “This project is funded by grant dollars we competed for and won — not a dime from the General Fund. When the world arrives in 2028, Inglewood will be ready, and our residents will benefit long after.”
Phase 1 is funded through competitive state and regional transportation grants, led by the State’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), with no General Fund dollars and no new tax.
Elevate Inglewood Development Company LLC, led by Plenary Americas with contractor Swinerton and designer Walter P Moore, have designed, and will now build, finance, operate and maintain the project under a single guaranteed-maximum-price agreement.
“Inglewood made the case for this investment, and the State is proud to stand behind it,” said Assemblymember Tina McKinnor. “This project will connect families to jobs, to transit and to a downtown ready for its next chapter.”
“This is exactly what the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program is for — connecting communities to the regional rail network with real, lasting benefits,” said Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency.
WHAT WILL BE BUILT
Three mobility hubs along Market Street will add more than 1,000 parking spaces and create designated spaces for rideshare pick-up and drop-off and bike and pedicab access. The Market & Florence hub will also include transit-oriented retail and a ten-bay bus plaza. A pedestrian bridge over Florence Avenue will connect Downtown directly to the Metro K Line. Market Street, Manchester Boulevard and Queen Street will get new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and wayfinding.
Construction begins in November and will go through Spring 2028. Roadway work will mostly occur at night and block by block, with business access maintained.
LOCAL JOBS
Construction falls under a Community Workforce Agreement with targeted local hiring and apprenticeships, plus a 20% small and local business goal. Once open, 35% of operations and maintenance labor hours will go to local residents.
BUSINESS RELOCATIONS
Businesses which are relocating in order to construct the mobility hubs are receiving one-on-one relocation and reestablishment support. The City has also offered grants of up to $250,000 for eligible businesses that are relocating to other locations in Downtown Inglewood.
To date, 11 businesses have secured new locations in Inglewood, and two more are negotiating leases for Inglewood sites. CVS Pharmacy has opened a pharmacy-focused location right across the street, and multiple new restaurants, a nail salon and an optometrist are anticipated to relocate along the Market Street corridor. Several independent hair stylists chose to continue their businesses in neighboring South Bay cities.
ABOUT THE INGLEWOOD TRANSIT CONNECTOR
The ITC links Downtown Inglewood and the Metro K and C Lines to the City’s sports and entertainment district.
More information can be found at www.inglewoodtransitconnector.com.