The Downtown Redevelopment Project Area, located adjacent to the Industrial Redevelopment Project Area, encompasses 88.5 acres and contains the original commercial core of the City which was founded in 1912. This area is also experiencing its own renaissance with the development of the Historic Downtown Redevelopment Project. This $44 million retail/residential mixed-use project is a result of a joint private and public effort by the ANA Real Estate U.S.A., Inc./Gascon Mar Ltd. and the City of Torrance Redevelopment Agency. It occupies two sites in the commercial sector of the Downtown Redevelopment Project Area and features 28,000 square feet of commercial retail floor space (Plaza del Prado), and three residential complexes (Brisas del Mar, Brisas del Prado, Brisas del Sol) containing 148 condominium units.
 
In addition, the Agency allocated $200,000 from the Downtown Bond revenues in 1986 to establish the Commercial Rehabilitation Program to help property owners and businesses make needed improvements to the exterior of their buildings. Accordingly, owners receive payment for half the cost of exterior improvements up to $40,000 per property. Due to its success, the Agency has now budgeted an additional $100,000 for each fiscal year for this program. Numerous buildings have been renovated including the El Prado Apartments and the Newberry Building, located at the intersection of El Prado and Sartori Avenues.  Redevelopment staff will continue to monitor current legislation in order to provide outreach to property owners as changes occur. Since the adoption of the redevelopment project area, the total property valuation for the Downtown Redevelopment Project has increased from just over $7 million dollars in 1980 to $66 million dollars in 1992 and $167 million in 2010. 

Someof the current businesses located in the Downtown Redevelopment Project Area include:

Dining Establishments: 
The Buffalo Fire Department Restaurant, Buffy's Coffee Shop, By Brazil Restaurant, Daniela's Italian Deli, The Depot, Foster's Old Fashioned Freeze, Keegan's Irish Pub, Johnny C's Homestyle Deli, La Capilla Mexican Restaurant, Lucio's Mexican Restaurant, Old Torrance Coffee & Tea, Onami Seafood & Sushi Buffet, the Red Car Brewery & Restaurant, Tortilla Cantina, and Yuzu Restaurant.

Commercial & Retail:
Bathtub King of California, Bo's Cigar Lounge, Butter 2 Honey Boutique, Fred's Carpets Plus, Fox Drugs of Torrance, My Doll's House, Nana's Bakery, Torrance Bakery, and Torrance Neighborhood Super Market.

Neighborhood Services:
Bank of America, Bartlett Senior Citizens Center, Bellameri Day Spa, Bryman College, Bubblebath Hand CarWash, Chase Bank, Marcelina Post Office Station, RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), South Bay Ballet, South Bay Gymnastics,  South Bay Home Health Care, Time Warner Cable, The Torrance Historical Society Museum, and Wells Fargo Bank.
 
Downtown is also known for its many mom and pop shops, along with medical, dental, law, and real estate offices to serve the many residents that live in the Downtown Redevelopment Project Area.

Residential projects include Brisas del Prado, Brisas del Mar, Brisas del Sol, Coleman Court, and several new residential projects are also emerging.

Downtown Area Restaurant Guide

Downtown Color Palette

Downtown Development Standards

Downtown Project Area Map

Downtown Redevelopment Plan

Downtown Sign Standards

Map of Public Parking in the Downtown Area

Special Development Permit