A commercial site in Norwalk is set for a major transformation, as national homebuilder Meritage Homes moves forward with plans to redevelop the 4.5-acre parcel at 11459 Imperial Highway. City records show that the site, currently home to the longtime bowling center Keystone Lanes, is slated to be replaced by a new 93-unit mixed-use residential community. The project calls for the demolition of an existing 53,450-square-foot commercial building—originally constructed in 1957—to make way for a modern residential development comprising 83 three-story townhomes and 10 three-story live-work units.
The development will also include abundant landscaping, pedestrian connections, and shared community amenities. The project designer is Kevin L. Crook Architect. The site, bordered by single-family homes to the north and east and commercial zones to the south and west, sits just off the terminus of the I-105 Freeway, providing residents with regional access. In addition to the residential buildings, the proposal includes 223 on-site parking spaces—186 enclosed in garages and 37 open guest spots—as well as a landscaped park area and multiple pedestrian pathways. Meritage Homes’ proposal is currently under municipal review and has been deemed exempt from significant environmental impact under CEQA guidelines.
Renderings and site plans indicate that the project will consist of 13 separate residential buildings with three different configurations: five-unit, seven-unit, and eight-unit types. Seven buildings will line the west side of the property, and six will sit on the east side, flanking a central drive aisle. The live-work units will be positioned along Imperial Highway and feature dedicated ground-floor commercial space—approximately 130 square feet—designed for small businesses or home-based professional services. The townhomes will range in size from 1,215 to 1,773 square feet, with two- and three-bedroom layouts. Each unit will include a private balcony or patio, and garages will be equipped with additional storage for trash bins and personal items. The live-work units, sized between 1,863 and 2,002 square feet, will have residential space on the second and third floors, above their commercial workspaces.
According to city staff, the project aligns with Norwalk’s General Plan objectives to promote infill development, diversify the housing stock, and revitalize aging commercial corridors. The property’s current zoning is General Commercial (C-3), and the project would maintain compatibility with surrounding land uses through thoughtful design and integration.
Meritage Homes is one of the largest public homebuilders in the United States, known for delivering innovative, energy-efficient homes tailored to modern living. Based on its website, the company has built and sold nearly 200,000 homes across the country. It operates in key housing markets nationwide, including California, Texas, Arizona, and Florida.
