Let’s talk about vision. Real vision. The kind that turns outdated, underperforming assets into economic engines and lifestyle ecosystems. That’s exactly what’s happening in Woodland Hills — and Stan Kroenke just moved all his chips to the center of the table.
After methodically acquiring nearly 100 acres of land in the heart of the Warner Center, the LA Rams owner is rolling out plans for a $10 billion mixed-use mega development centered around the team’s new headquarters. It’s called Rams Village, and if you know how to read between the lines, you’ll recognize this as more than a sports facility. This is urban transformation at scale.
From Dead Malls to Dynamic Districts
Kroenke’s team isn’t starting from scratch — they’re repurposing the bones of a failed commercial past. At the core is the defunct Promenade mall on Topanga Canyon, joined by the Anthem Blue Cross campus on Owensmouth. While the mall site already had entitlements for high-rise housing, retail, and office, the vision here is being leveled up — and anchored in real momentum: the Rams’ new permanent headquarters.
The existing Anthem site is already functional, housing the Rams’ practice facility. But the bigger play is what’s coming:
- A 350,000-square-foot HQ
- A 150,000-square-foot indoor practice field with seating for 2,500
- Two indoor venues (5,000 and 2,500 seats respectively) replacing a dated 10,000-seat arena concept
That’s not just a sports campus. That’s infrastructure for impact.
Three Million Square Feet of Possibility
Across 52 acres, we’re looking at an estimated 3 million square feet of development — a full vertical integration of retail, office, and residential space. And this isn’t one-size-fits-all residential. Plans include 3,000 units blending affordable housing, market-rate apartments, and live/work layouts — a smart mix for today’s flexible economy.
Let’s be clear: this is not about real estate alone. It’s about placemaking.
Gensler is on design — which tells me this project isn’t cutting corners. The plans call for 4 acres of mandated open space under the Warner Center 2035 plan, plus another 5.5 acres Kroenke is delivering above and beyond. That includes a central park-style plaza where the Promenade once stood. Think green space, walkability, lifestyle retail — the kind of design that shifts an area’s perception and draws long-term tenants and investors.
A Proven Blueprint
If this all sounds familiar, it should. We’ve seen Kroenke execute a similar masterstroke in Inglewood. What was once the Hollywood Park racetrack is now a powerhouse mixed-use development orbiting SoFi Stadium — home to both the Rams and Chargers.
Same playbook. Different zip code. Bigger opportunity.
Why This Matters
As someone who’s been in this game for nearly three decades, I look at projects like this through three lenses:
- Legacy Moves – This isn’t just a land play; it’s a generational asset strategy.
- Community Impact – Jobs, housing, activation of public space — this is a rising tide approach.
- Investor Signal – When a builder like Kroenke bets $10 billion on a site, the smart money follows.
This isn’t just good for the Rams. It’s good for the Valley. And it’s a case study in how patient acquisition and long-term planning create leverage — not just in business, but in urban development.
Final Thought
I’ve always believed in building with intent — whether it’s companies, communities, or brands. What’s happening in Warner Center is more than a headline. It’s a moment. And it’s exactly the kind of bold, unapologetic vision Los Angeles needs.
