‘Renaissance’ Project’s Civic Center Opens

The new Watts Civic Center, part of the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency’s “Renaissance of South Los Angeles,” opened Wednesday.

The renaissance program is designed to boost economic and cultural growth from Exposition Park to Watts.

The Civic Center is a $2.7-million office complex that will house several district offices of city government as well as a major bank.

Part of what some residents are calling the new “downtown Watts” near 103rd Street and Compton Avenue, the center is adjacent to the new $3-million Alma Reeves Woods Watts Branch Public Library.

“Oh gosh, I just love it because you can feel the good vibrations and positive energy coming from the building and from the residents knowing it is here,” said Rosetta Warren, senior librarian at the library. “It’s a welcome addition to the community. A lot of good things are going to be happening in Watts.”