El Segundo Smoky Hollow Specific Plan

The Smoky Hollow area rapidly developed into an industrial district after World War II due to the influence of local aerospace companies and the district was largely built out in the 1960s. However, by 2000, the limited demand for industrial space resulted in the gradual decline of physical conditions in the district. The area is characterized by a pattern of industrial buildings, typically build more than 50 years ago and some newer structures. The mix of old and new is enticing prospective businesses and the vision of the area embraces the funky, eclectic nature of the area.

 JKA was retained by the City of El Segundo via MIG to provide urban design and visualization services in drafting the Smoky Hollow Specific Plan. The plan incorporates the emerging characteristics of the creative sector cluster that has begun to evolve in the existing industrial districts and aims to provide better public amenities and infrastructure. In this specific planning exercise, JKA conducted extensive field documentation, performed GIS spatial analyses and designed creative and interactive community/stakeholders engagement processes. After in-depth studies of the site and community, JKA then established multiple urban design themes for the long-term physical, environmental, and urban design for this area. A series of illustrative precedents and renderings were produced to help envision and promote the eclectic incubator district that will provide opportunities for businesses to thrive in a creative, innovative and dynamic environment.

The proposed new Specific Plan will regulate private development in the Smoky Hollow area and will identify a new, long-term vision with objectives for private development and public improvements within the Specific Plan area. This Plan was adopted in 2018.