Bethune Site Mixed Use Development

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Rising across from the western gateway of the University of Southern California, the LACI Bethune Center transforms a historic site into a contemporary symbol of innovation, sustainability, and community growth. Built on the former grounds of the Mary McLeod Bethune Library, the developer NC Vision, LLC honors the enduring legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune through architecture that celebrates education, opportunity, and progress.

The mixed-use development is composed of two architecturally distinct buildings organized around a vibrant second level retail paseo. Extending from Vermont Avenue to 37th Street, the elevated pedestrian corridor creates a dynamic social spine that encourages movement, interaction, and community engagement while connecting the project to the surrounding urban fabric.

At the center of the development, a six story building houses the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator on its lower floors, creating a dedicated environment for emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and clean energy innovation. Above, Cleantech residences establish a unique live work setting where collaboration and innovation continue beyond the workplace into everyday life.

Crowning the building, a glass enclosed restaurant with expansive outdoor terraces offers panoramic views of Los Angeles while serving as an elevated destination within the neighborhood. The architecture balances transparency, activity, and openness, creating a visible connection between the public realm and the project’s innovative mission.

Framing the paseo, a seven-story companion building introduces additional residential units above activated ground floor retail spaces. Together, the buildings create layered environments for living, commerce, and gathering while reinforcing the pedestrian character of the development.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the project and expressed most prominently through a 10,000 square foot rooftop urban farm and integrated solar canopy system. Designed to support renewable energy production and local food cultivation, these elements reflect the project’s broader environmental vision and commitment to resilient urban development.