Initial guidelines have recently been adopted for a potential new development in the Boyle Heights Mariachi Plaza. Based on input from locals, this plan would call for 12,000 square feet of commercial space, along with a spacious resource center where the mariachi musicians could safely store their musical instruments.

There is also a plan to include somewhere between 40 and 60 units of affordable housing on this 1+ acre parcel that is situated adjacent to Mariachi Plaza’s Gold Line stop in Boyle Heights, as well as the creation of a park across the street that would feature work from local artists on display. Another possibility here may be to incorporate a space for street vendors, which would allow the sale of the vendors’ goods in certain designated areas.

Only time will tell if this new development will actually move forward, though, as a previous plan several years ago that included a medical office building and street level retail ended up falling through – due in large part to its unpopular appeal to the local community members.

Due to the housing component of the plan, some of the zoning rules in the area would also require a revision before being allowed to proceed. If the go ahead is given, the project may be able to move forward as early as next year.