The Crenshaw Corridor during the 1950s and 1960s was a multi-ethnic community, but also the cultural and economic center of African American life in Los Angeles.

That all changed after the 1965 Watts riots, which sent whites and Asians fleeing and precipitated a long decline. Since then, there have been attempts to revive the corridor, but little came of them.

Now, though, there are signs of change on Crenshaw Boulevard with new retail, commercial and residential space either planned, under construction or completed. Moreover, respected real estate developers and investors are pumping money into the area and not necessarily with the enticement of subsidies.

This special report looks at the progress being made, but also the challenges the corridor still faces. It also examines its storied history, and the thoughts of one savvy and frank developer. It appears that this time, the corridor’s shot at revitalization may hold real promise.