LA County Approves Mixed-Use Wellness and Education Campus in Willowbrook

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has given final approval for the CDU Wellness & Education Campus, a substantial mixed-use development in Willowbrook. This project, spearheaded by Century Housing and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, also received certification for its environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.

The 14-acre site, primarily owned by the Compton Unified School District with an additional parcel from the Los Angeles County Development Authority, will be developed under a 99-year ground lease. Plans include 250 affordable housing units for families, 200 units for students, and 50 units for faculty, targeting incomes between 30% and 80% of the area median. Additionally, the campus will feature over 121,000 square feet of offices, labs, and life sciences space, alongside recreational facilities like a gym and pool.

Located across East 118th Street from the existing Charles Drew campus, the development will transform vacant lots into five new buildings constructed in phases. Construction is projected to start next year, with the first phase completing by late 2029, and full buildout anticipated by 2050. This project represents a significant long-term investment in community infrastructure and affordable housing within Los Angeles County.