LA County Approves 121k SF Mixed-Use Expansion at Charles Drew University

• Los Angeles County has approved the CDU Wellness & Education Campus, a major mixed-use expansion at 1667 East 118th Street and 1655 East 117th Street in Willowbrook.
• The project will deliver 500 affordable housing units, more than 121,000 square feet of office, laboratory, and life sciences space, along with community and recreational amenities.
• Developed by Century Housing and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, the first phase could be completed by late 2029, with full buildout expected by 2050.

What the Approved Development Includes

Los Angeles County has officially given the green light to the CDU Wellness & Education Campus, a large mixed-use project that will significantly expand the campus of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science in Willowbrook. The development will rise on a 14-acre site at 1667 East 118th Street and 1655 East 117th Street, across from the university's existing campus. The property is primarily owned by the Compton Unified School District, while the Los Angeles County Development Authority owns an additional parcel that will accommodate a 700-space parking structure. A newly approved 99-year ground lease between the university, the county development authority, and the school district gives Charles Drew University long-term control of the site, allowing the project to move forward.

What the Housing and Commercial Expansion Will Deliver

The campus expansion is designed to bring both affordable housing and employment opportunities to the Willowbrook community. Century Housing will develop 250 affordable apartments for families earning between 30% and 80% of the area's median income. The project will also include 200 affordable student housing units and 50 affordable homes for faculty and workforce members, creating a total of 500 affordable residences. Beyond housing, the project includes more than 121,000 square feet of office, laboratory, and life sciences space to support education, research, and healthcare innovation. Additional amenities will include a gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, multipurpose athletic field, and new public open spaces. The master plan also transforms a portion of East 118th Street into a pedestrian promenade, creating a stronger connection between the new buildings and the existing university campus.

What Comes Next for the Project

The development will be constructed in multiple phases across five buildings, making it one of the largest long-term institutional projects planned for South Los Angeles. Construction could begin as early as 2027, with the first phase expected to finish by late 2029. Full completion is anticipated by 2050, reflecting the project's long-term vision for education, affordable housing, and community investment.

What This Means for Willowbrook

The approval marks a major milestone for Willowbrook and South Los Angeles, where affordable housing and healthcare-focused development continue to be key priorities. By combining affordable homes, life sciences facilities, educational space, and public amenities, the CDU Wellness & Education Campus is expected to strengthen the neighborhood while supporting workforce development and expanding access to higher education and healthcare services. The project also reinforces the growing role of institutional real estate in driving long-term community revitalization across Los Angeles County.