Planning Commission backs LA Sparks headquarters and training facility at Media Campus, forwards DA amendment to council
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Summary
The commission approved two resolutions 4-0 on a proposed two-story, ~60,000 sq ft LA Sparks headquarters and training facility at the Media Campus (Rosecrans): a site-plan/adjustment approval and a recommendation to City Council for a development agreement amendment to allow the use and an alternative site plan.
The El Segundo Planning Commission on Nov. 13 approved two resolutions related to the Media Campus site on Rosecrans, backing a proposed two-story, roughly 60,000-square-foot LA Sparks professional headquarters and training facility.
Planning staff member Eduardo said the proposal would occupy the western parcel of the Media Campus (about 2.5 acres) and includes 54 parking spaces, 12 bicycle spaces and one small-truck loading space; staff recommended an adjustment to reduce the code-required two loading spaces to one based on operational details. Eduardo told commissioners the project stays within the scope of the 2019 certified EIR and carries forward applicable mitigation measures, including a signalized driveway that was part of the earlier mitigation package.
Tim Cott of Transwestern, representing LA Sparks ownership, described the project as "the largest single team facility investment in the history of women's sports" and said the team is targeting a 2027 opening. Gensler lead architect Steve Chung presented design details emphasizing beach-community materials, generous glazing and terraces, indoor practice courts, and wellness and rehab spaces. Derek Hamby, an LA Sparks player, thanked the city and pledged community engagement.
Architects and operations staff addressed commissioner questions about sightlines into training spaces (finished-floor elevations and walls to allow players to see out without public views in), security (on-site security director and gated player parking), and the single loading dock (staff cited a Phoenix facility precedent and the single-tenant, scripted delivery schedule). Several members of the public welcomed the Sparks and emphasized youth-sports and community partnership opportunities.
The commission voted 4-0 to approve both the site-plan/adjustment and to recommend the development agreement amendment to the City Council. Staff noted one of the two resolutions is final approval and the other will be forwarded to the council for decision. After the vote the commission allowed a group photograph with the team and project representatives and heard brief introductions from the project manager and women-led elements of the design/construction teams.
