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Consultant outlines reuse options for Highland, Kelso and Morningside school sites
Summary
A consultant told the Inglewood Unified School District asset management committee that Highland, Kelso and Morningside have differing land‑use constraints and offer options including medium‑density housing, mixed‑use redevelopment and leased parking; the committee requested follow‑up on easements and zoning specifics.
A consultant advising the Inglewood Unified School District presented land‑use findings for three closed school sites and urged the committee to consider zoning, access and community context before committing to disposition plans.
Grandis Graton, chief executive officer of DCG Strategies, told the Asset Management Committee on Aug. 26 that Highland Elementary is about 5.85 acres and is currently designated medium‑density residential (R3), which typically supports multi‑family housing at roughly 23–43 dwelling units per acre. He said that while residential uses are the policy default for the site, "alternative uses in residential districts" — such as educational or religious uses — can be compatible and should be considered during reuse planning.
Graton said Kelso is more complex because it spans two zoning designations on different parcels (residential on one parcel and commercial on another), which he said "opens up more creativity for future land use," including mixed‑use development and commercial frontage opportunities. Committee members asked whether a district‑owned parking structure could be feasible near the stadium; Graton confirmed a parking operation is a viable use but emphasized the economics and operations would need to be evaluated, noting the district could either operate a facility or lease to a professional operator.
On the larger Morningside parcel, Graton said the dominant land use remains single‑family residential though the city is considering rezoning that could increase density; he suggested the district has flexibility for multiple futures but should weigh community preferences and any ongoing district uses.
Committee members pressed for clarifications about site access and property rights. One member asked who owns an alley that separates Kelso parcels; Graton said he would research alley ownership and return the information to the committee. The committee also asked for maps showing adjacent arterial streets and other site details.
Why it matters: The district is weighing options that could generate revenue, produce housing, or sustain public uses. Zoning constraints, municipal plans and local opposition or support will shape whether sites are reserved for educational or recreational uses, leased to private operators, or sold or exchanged for other public facilities.
Quotes and attributions in this report come from the meeting transcript and speakers listed by the committee. The committee did not vote on disposition tonight; Graton’s presentation was for information and follow‑up.
Next steps: The consultant will provide requested maps, alley/ROW ownership details and follow‑up materials to inform future committee recommendations.
