Los Angeles is constantly adding new cultural destinations, from major museum projects to community gatherings. Now, one of the city’s older public buildings is getting a new purpose.
A historic fire station in Hyde Park is set to become the Manchester Junior Arts Center, transforming the former Fire Station 54 at 5730 S. Crenshaw Boulevard into a creative facility with studios, workshops, and community spaces. The project was recently presented to the Los Angeles Board of Cultural Affairs Commissioners, Urbanize LA reports.
Inside the new Manchester Junior Arts Center
The ambitious project will preserve the historic firehouse while adding new construction to expand the site along the eastern side of the property. The goal is to create a dedicated space where residents can explore different artistic disciplines and participate in creative programs.
Construction is expected to cost approximately $11.5 million and will be designed by Perkins&Will in partnership with Good Project Co. The future arts center will feature up to six creative labs, including:
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Sewing and textiles
- Graphic design
- Woodworking
- Culinary arts
The redesign will also include improvements to the surrounding property, including new landscaping, pathways, and an outdoor covered area at the southeast corner of the site. The space is planned as a flexible area for performances, screenings, and community events. Additional improvements include solar panels above parking areas along the southern portion of the property.
The history behind Fire Station 54
Before becoming an arts center, the 2,500-square-foot building served Hyde Park as a working fire station for more than six decades.
Fire Station 54 opened in 1924 and was designed by architect Loy L. Smith in the Mediterranean Revival style, a popular architectural style found throughout Los Angeles during the early 20th century.
The station continued operating until the late 1980s, when it was decommissioned. After sitting mostly unused for decades, the building recently began hosting community events again, including a weekly farmers market.
