Play on: LA Philharmonic completes deal for property Frank Gehry will transform

Frank Gehry and renderings of the project (Credit: Wikipedia)

The Los Angeles Philharmonic completed its deal to buy an aging building that Frank Gehry will transform into into a modern facility for young musicians.

The philharmonic paid $5.8 million for the Inglewood property, located at 101 South La Brea, records show. The orchestra bought the 88-year-old building from the City of Inglewood, which acquired it from a nonprofit organization two years ago.

Soon to be called The Judith and Thomas L. Bechmen YOLA Center @ Inglewood, the 25,000-square-foot project will serve as permanent home of the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles. It will also serve as a third venue for the L.A. Philharmonic Association. There will be space for classes, rehearsals and performances.

Construction on the $14.5 million project is in its early stages, with an expected completion date of August 2020, a spokesperson for the philharmonic said.

The project adds to the number of prominent developments that are dramatically changing Inglewood. Most notable is the $2.6 billion stadium for the L.A. Rams and Chargers that is expected to be completed by the 2020 NFL season. That project, dubbed Hollywood Park, will also include shops, a hotel, parks, 2,500 housing units and restaurants.