The Clark on 54th: Building on a Legacy of Community

The Clark on 54th, a $24 million mixed-income and transit-oriented development, recently broke ground at the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and 54th Street. This project represents a new model of development that prioritizes community preservation and inclusivity.

The Clark family, who has owned the property for nearly 40 years, partnered with Praxis Development Group to transform their land into a six-story building with 48 apartments and 2,100 square feet of retail space. The project includes 10 affordable units and the ground-floor retail space will be dedicated to local businesses, ensuring the neighborhood’s vibrancy and economic opportunities.

“This project fulfills our parents’ dream of building something lasting in our community,” said Jamial Clark, co-developer and member of the Clark family. “It’s also a tribute to our sister Carla and the legacy our mother started as a hairstylist in the original building.” The Clark siblings, Jamial and Bridgette, are determined to honor their family’s roots while providing an example of how legacy landowners can participate in the growth of their neighborhoods without displacement.

Praxis Development Group, led by Kacy Keys, played a critical role in bringing The Clark on 54th to life. “We launched Praxis to create opportunities for long-time property owners to benefit from redevelopment,” said Keys. “This project is proof that these partnerships work.” Praxis, a woman-owned firm, is committed to a community-first approach aligned with the Clark family’s vision.

The development benefited from innovative financing supported by LISC’s Black Economic Development Fund, LISC LA’s Asset Building for Communities of Color (ABC) program, funded by Wells Fargo, MSquared, Six Peak Capital, Genesis LA, and LA4LA. Nicole Williams, Executive Director of LISC LA, described the project as a model for inclusive development: “This is about creating generational wealth, economic opportunity, and a brighter future for the Crenshaw community.”

The Clark on 54th prioritizes affordable housing, sustainable practices, and local businesses, showing how redevelopment can benefit long-time residents instead of pushing them out. With completion expected in 2026, The Clark on 54th is poised to inspire similar projects across Los Angeles. As Jamial Clark put it, “We hope this project encourages other families to do the same and reminds us all of the power of community-led development.”