Demolition looms for south Rancho buildings

Demolition of long-abandoned buildings on the South Rancho Los Amigos hospital campus is expected to begin next year. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

DOWNEY – The redevelopment of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center’s abandoned south campus pressed onward last month when the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors greenlit the demolition of over 100 buildings at the location.

The county-owned 74-acre property is located at 7601 E. Imperial Hwy. Its buildings have remained abandoned and in a continued state of decay since medical-related services were consolidated to Rancho’s north campus in the 1980’s.

As they stand currently, the south campus and its current buildings are incompatible with any county use, and restoration would amount to a costly $300 million, county officials said.

Despite its dormant state, the site continues to demand approximately $1.5 million in resources annually, as the county continues to spend on security measures such as fencing repairs, securing/boarding up of abandoned buildings, brush clearance, debris removal to remove fire hazards, and fire and police protection services including 24/7 patrol.

The deteriorating buildings also present a hazard for security personnel – and potential trespassers – as many are structurally unstable and contain hazardous materials including asbestos, mold, and lead paint, officials said.

Of course, the south campus is already in the midst of a multi-faceted, multi-million dollar development.

More than 100 buildings on the south Rancho Los Amigos campus are expected to be demolished next year to clear room for redevelopment. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

The $468 million project includes development of up to approximately 650,000 square feet of floor area of new buildings to serve as headquarters for the County’s Internal Services Department, Probation Department, County offices, as well as two parking structures and necessary infrastructure improvements. Several of the existing buildings and structures will also be reused or retained as well, including the Casa Consuelo, power plant, water tower, and shop and laundry.

The Administration building - which is currently occupied by the Sheriff’s Department – will be retained with no alterations to the building or changes to its use. The historic Moreton Bay Fig Tree will also be retained.

The demolition of the 103 buildings slated to be knocked down does mean, however, that the site will lose eligibility as a historic resource; a sacrifice deemed necessary by the Board in order to achieve its objectives for the campus.

In total, the demolition project is budgeted at $28.6 million. It is expected to be completed by fourth quarter 2022.