Children’s Institute (CII) in Los Angeles opened its new 20,000-square-foot campus designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry in summer 2022, becoming its first ever purpose-built home in the community of Watts. The $20 million Children’s Institute campus is a permanent investment and commitment to the community of Watts, an architectural landmark and a critical resource for families.
Since 2007, the Children’s Institute has worked in the Watts community to transform the lives of children through free, high-quality early childhood education at seven locations, counseling services, workshops, and more. This building is meant to serve as a community hub for CII programs and community programming. As such, we are delighted to offer available spaces to community partners, groups and other non-profit organizations.
If you are interested in reserving space at CII’s Otis Booth campus in Echo Park, please email driddle@childrensinstitute.org instead of filling out the form linked below.
Map
Location Details
Address:
10200 S. Success Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90002
Phone: 424-536-4320
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm
Saturdays by request, 8:00am-4:00pm
NO RESERVATIONS ON SUNDAYS
Public Transportation Routes Nearby:
Bus: Watts DASH Clockwise & Counterclockwise,117, 55
Metro: A Line (Blue) Watts Towers Station
Eligible Groups
- Community Partners
- Nonprofit organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Independent, sponsored projects of a nonprofit Section 501(c)(3) organization acting as a fiscal sponsor
- Community Groups
- Government & Public Agencies
Eligible Activities
Activities & events allowed at CII's Watts Campus:
Activities that align with Children’s Institute’s North Star – All children and families can achieve emotional well-being and educational success, which build pathways to economic mobility. Examples include:
- Activities promoting safety, health, and empowerment
- Community Meetings
- Art and music workshops
- Collaborative partnership meetings
- Positive youth development activities
The following activities & events may not be held at CII's Watts Campus:
- Commercial Events: The Watts Campus may not be used for any profit-making activities. Interested parties can apply to use the site for a fee.
- Fundraising Events: The Watts Campus may not be used for fundraising events. Interested parties can apply to use the site for a fee.
- Political Events: The Watts Campus may not be used for events that promote political campaigns, or for individual candidates and/or their activities.
- Private or Family Events:The Watts Campus may not be used for any private events such as weddings, birthdays, or other family celebrations.
- Religious Events: The Watts Campus may not be used for proselytizing or for events whose primary focus is religious worship and instruction.
Reservation Process
STEP 1: Complete the Reservation Application.
- CII requires a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice prior to the reservation date. You may reserve 3 months in advance.
- Rooms are available in increments of 30 minutes up to 4 hours, with the exception of all-day training events and offices.
STEP 2: Attach relevant documents.
If applicable, this can include a copy of your safety protocols, certificates of insurance* (e.g. Liability, Workers Compensation), and/or a sample flyer.
STEP 3: A CII staff member will review your application.
If approved, you will receive a reservation confirmation OR you will receive a follow up email to clarify any questions staff may have about your request within 2 business days.
If you need assistance filling out the application or have any questions about the process, please contact (424) 536-4320 or email WattsReservations@childrensinstitute.org.
*If you do not have insurance, CII can recommend a third party through which you can purchase a single day or multiple day event policy.
Know Before You Go
Technology
The Watts Campus building offers an array of the latest audio-visual equipment free of charge. CII staff is available for setup, initial guidance, and troubleshooting. If dedicated tech support or equipment exceeding CII inventory is required for your meeting, please speak with your Event Coordinator about the possibility of contracting your own services. Wireless Internet access is available.
Technology Available: Monitors, Mice and Keyboards, Microphones, Speakers, Webcams, TV Carts, Universal Laptop Docking Stations, HDMI Cables. NOTE: YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN LAPTOP.
Accessibility
CII's Watts Campus facilities are designed to include the full participation and enjoyment of people with physical disabilities as well as those who are not fluent in English.
Meeting rooms and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. A list of recommended interpreters for most commonly used languages in California is available upon request. Assisted listening devices are available for the deaf and hearing impaired, as well as simultaneous interpretation equipment.
COVID-19
As CII is considered a health care setting, masking is required indoors at all times. While we cannot verify the vaccination status of event attendees, CII staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are required to pass a health check questionnaire before entering any CII campus.
Recurring Room Reservations
Groups, Trainings, or Meetings may recur for up to 3 months. If additional recurring sessions are necessary, please re-submit a reservation application.
Timing & Cancellations
Be On Time: If you arrive more than 15 mins late, you may lose your reservation. If you no longer need the room you have reserved, please be mindful and notify CII Staff at WattsReservations@childrensinstitute.org to cancel your reservation.
Be Respectful of our Neighbors
As CII's Watts campus is located in a residential area, please be mindful of excessive noise and traffic, especially after 5pm. Please also keep in mind that you will be held responsible for any damage to our neighbors' property incurred by activities/attendees of your event.
Parking
Please plan to utilize the parking spaces in front of CII's Watts campus or street parking along CII's property. Please avoid parking in front of residential properties.
Animal Access
Guide dogs and assistance animals for people with disabilities are permitted in CII's Watts Campus but must be on leash at all times and muzzled, if necessary.
No other animals are permitted.
Alcohol & Smoking
Wine and beer (no spirits) may be served with a meal or catered reception as long as there are no events taking place within the facility involving youth under the legal drinking age. Organizations wanting to serve alcohol at events must obtain permission from CII Staff at the time of booking.
Smoking is prohibited in all areas of CII's Watts Campus.