Wave Staff Report
NORWALK — City officials conducted a groundbreaking ceremony Feb 7 at the Civic Center, 12700 Norwalk Blvd., for a commercial/residential development called “The Walk.” It will be located between City Hall and the Los Angeles County Courthouse and a parking structure.
Developed by Primestor Norwalk Entertainment, The Walk is a mixed use development consisting of residential units, commercial uses, food and beverage establishments, retail, health and wellness facilities; and grocery or supermarket uses, designed to expand dining, shopping, and gathering spaces in the city’s civic core,.a Planning Department spokesperson said.
“For many years, residents have shared that in addition to existing local dining and shopping, there is a need in Norwalk for more options and a central place to gather as part of everyday community life,” Norwalk Mayor Jennifer Perez said. “The Walk reflects that input by bringing dining, shopping and entertainment together in one walkable public space.
“Inspired in part by the peacocks at nearby Paddison Farm, the community-led design celebrates Norwalk’s character while supporting local businesses and community connection,” Perez added.
As a pedestrian-first development, The Walk prioritizes public space, accessibility and daily use. By activating land next to City Hall, the project reinforces the civic core as a place where people come not just for government services, but to connect, live, work, and spend time together.
“At Primestor, our mission is to build places that serve as anchors for the communities we are privileged to serve,” said Arturo Sneider, CEO of Primestor. “The Walk reflects how we approach development: with true ownership, deep collaboration with cities and a commitment to delivering access to goods, services and economic opportunity.
“This project is about creating a place that is rooted in Norwalk’s heritage of community, respect and family gathering while laying a foundation towards Norwalk’s future and its evolving needs and desires,” he added.
The Walk was designed by DLR Group to reflect Primestor’s focus on human-centered, contextual design and placemaking, ensuring the project feels accessible, welcoming, and rooted in its civic context.
“Our vision for The Walk focused on creating an environment that encourages gathering and connection while respecting the civic setting and fostering a true sense of community” said DLR Group Principal and Mixed-Use Design Leader Jose Sanchez. “The result is an open, walkable destination integrated into the fabric of Norwalk, where everyday life can unfold.”
In addition to creating a new civic destination, The Walk will generate local jobs during construction and ongoing operations, support small and local businesses, and contribute to the long-term economic vitality of Norwalk.
The development will eliminate the lawn surrounding City Hall that has been used over the years for many civic events, including the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, summer concerts in the park, carnivals and Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.
The new project will add to current Civic Center businesses that include the AMC Theatre and an Outback Steakhouse.
