SELA Cultural Center

The project is being led by RMC (The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy), a regional State Conservancy, who is overseeing the design and community input.

About RMC

RMC (The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy), 1 of 10 state conservancies under the California Natural Resources Agency, whose mission is to support environmental conservation, education, and revitalization projects to communities in the San Gabriel and Lower LA Rivers watersheds through grant programs, will lead the administration of the SELA Cultural Center project team. Learn More ->

Project Team

• Gehry Partners LLP is an LA-based architectural firm led by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. With extensive experience in the design and construction of world-class architecture, Gehry Partners will lead the architectural design of the SELA Cultural Center, as well as play a central role in associated outreach and engagement efforts. Learn More ->

• OLIN, a well-known landscape architecture studio founded by distinguished architect Laurie Olin, brings experience with award-winning projects that are environmentally advanced and culturally relevant and will work closely with Gehry Partners to shape the SELA Cultural Center into an inviting and inclusive epicenter of culture and activity. Learn More ->

• Geosyntec Consultants, a premier civil and environmental consultancy, will work closely with the team to provide civil, environmental, and geotechnical services for the SELA Cultural Center. Learn More ->

The SELA Cultural Center Core Project Team was selected following an open RFP process led by the San Gabriel & Lower Los Angeles River and Mountain Conservancy.

Lower LA River Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) / Lower LA River Revitalization Plan (LLARRP)

In 2016, the State of California authorized Assembly Bill (AB) 530 and established the Lower LA River Implementation Advisory Group (IAG). The IAG, comprised of 58 committee members, led the development of the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan (LLARRP). The LLARRP identifies 155 Opportunity Areas and seven Signature Projects, including the Rio Hondo Confluence Area. This project identified the development of a community center among other project proposals. During the early development of the community center, the team evaluated local needs that resulted in the expanded vision for the facility to construct a culture and arts center to serve as a community and regional asset.

Click here to learn more about the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan.

Rio Hondo Confluence Area Project (RHCAP)

The Rio Hondo Confluence Area Project (RHCAP) was one of the seven Signature Projects identified in the LLARRP and the first Major Project Zone identified in the 2020 LA River Master Plan update. The project area falls within a 2-mile stretch of the LA River at the Rio Hondo Confluence, including the Cities of South Gate, Lynwood, and Downey. The SELA Cultural Center is surrounded by the RHCAP opportunity areas that fall within five project typologies: platform parks, wetlands, at-grade parks, water education programming, and gateways and crossings. The projects work together to form a comprehensive vision for open space, recreation, arts, and cultural amenities.

Click here to learn more about the Rio Hondo Confluence Area Project.