Project Starts at Disputed Prison Site

Ramser Development Corp. has begun grading for an industrial park at the Crown Coach site in Los Angeles, even though the state may decide to build a prison there instead.

The site, at 12th Street and Santa Fe Avenue, has been the subject of controversy ever since Gov. George Deukmejian announced plans to build a prison there last year.

While Deukmejian was battling with lawmakers over the future of the site, Ramser purchased it for $5 million and announced plans to build a $20-million industrial park, according to Grubb & Ellis Commercial Brokerage Co., the firm that represents both Ramser and Crown Coach in the transaction.

The state could conceivably attempt to take the site away from Ramser if it wants to build a prison there, although recent reports indicate that the prison will be located elsewhere in the county.

If Ramser has its way, the site will contain five industrial buildings with a total of 280,000 square feet of space. The project will be completed by the end of this year--unless the state government moves to stop construction.