LOS ANGELES | METRO Project Rundown 2.0 (non-downtown)

[Steve2726]

Interesting proposal for 9000 Wilshire-

http://projects.denari.co/9000-WILSHIRE-2017

http://payload185.cargocollective.com/1/12/410704/6008780/wilshire05Parallel_01_3d%20pnl_2048x1151_2048.jpg

http://payload185.cargocollective.com/1/12/410704/6008780/wilshire03NE_01_3d%20pnl_2048x1151_2048.jpg

[Wally West]

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/06/park_mile_fretting_over_plan_for_48_little_houses_on_wilshire.php
terrible news, why would these idiots want to bulldoze such a nice building?

Someone brought up a valid reason why they want to demolish this gem of a building.

"I think I've heard that the Farmers relocation is because the main building on the campus (the Deco building in the photo) requires such extensive retrofits for seismic safety that it's cost-prohibitive. They're relocating rather than do the retrofits. (If you look at the LA Times article related to earthquake-risk concrete buildings, this one is listed: http://graphics.latimes.com/la-concrete-buildings/) So, lovely as the building is, it may not be long for the world simply because of the risk of occupying versus the cost of retrofitting."

As much as I hate to see this building go, it looks very unlikely that someone is going to save it.

[blackcat23]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/new-life-sciences-building-rises-at-lmu.html

This is a new building currently under construction at LMU. Designed by CO Architects.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laMkt4baBBE/U4_4_pcIBmI/AAAAAAAADHo/GOertlajERo/s1600/lmu1.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JGLKjb5ER0/U4_7LMM44ZI/AAAAAAAADH0/ZUxE228Wwes/s900/DSC03000.JPG

[circuitfiend]

Looks like the official ground-breaking ceremony for 10000 Sta Mon occurred this a.m. Speakers at a podium, cameras, sound system, dignitaries, shovels, the whole bit. You really can't tell by the lighting, but the dig is quite deep, which I tried to capture. It's better in the afternoon, when that side is in shadow. I'll take those shots when they're done digging.

http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj539/Dave1364/Groundbreaking/P1010119.jpg (http://s1266.photobucket.com/user/Dave1364/media/Groundbreaking/P1010119.jpg.html)

http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj539/Dave1364/Groundbreaking/P1010121.jpg (http://s1266.photobucket.com/user/Dave1364/media/Groundbreaking/P1010121.jpg.html)

[blackcat23]

Psyched that 10000 Santa Monica is really happening. Now we have to wait on the other Century City proposals; 10131 W. Constellation Blvd is currently going through the CPC. Still not much happening with New Century Plaza or the Westfield Tower.

In other Westside high-rise news, the Gayley at Wilshire (http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/westwoods-gayley-at-wilshire-revived.html) suddenly appeared in this past weeks City Planning filings. Looks like the wannabe Flatiron proposal is still alive.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDgVi37_rqo/U5G_VoLeCbI/AAAAAAAADLc/5QVmOBrKhPw/s900/gayleywilshire1.PNG

[colemonkee]

^ That looks a lot taller than originally proposed. Very interesting.

In the exact opposite direction, the developer of Plaza of Santa Monica (the Rem Koolhaas proposal) has offered up a slightly shorter version (85 ft. vs 148 ft. tall) to appease Santa Monica City Council. Currently the council is discussing which design to approve/move forward with. Curbed has some really cool before/after pics that you can toggle back and forth.

Frankly, I like the original design much better - it includes more affordable housing (which Santa Monica desperately needs) and the fanned design is a great way to program the space. But the alternate design would still be pretty cool. Check it out here:http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/06/here_are_rem_koolhaass_stumpy_new_designs_for_plaza_at_samo.php

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/alternative%20samo%20plaza%20A.JPG

Here's The New, Stumpier Starchitect Design For Plaza at SaMo
Thursday, June 5, 2014, by Bianca Barragan

Starchitect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA have been yanked around quite a bit in just the last year or so since Santa Monica selected them to design the Plaza at Santa Monica, a mixed-user with a boutique hotel, restaurants, shops, a marketplace, and cultural and public space on a highly-covetable city-owned site at Fourth and Arizona. OMA's designs were picked in the summer, then rejected in the fall, then reselected in the winter in a version that included housing. And now there's yet another version. The initial design called for a 12-story, 148-foot-tall structure that looks like an opening fan, but, according to documents that will be presented to the Santa Monica City Council next week, the city also asked the firm to come up with designs for an 84-foot-tall structure just for the heck of it.

Read the rest of the article here (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/06/here_are_rem_koolhaass_stumpy_new_designs_for_plaza_at_samo.php).

[edluva]

actually this project is being designed by Shigematsu, a design partner of Koolhaas, not Koolhaas himself.

in some ways i prefer the massing of the revised plan, but in either case, it's slated for way too many parking spaces. until projects can stop allotting a significant portion of their real estate to parking, any claims to ped friendly design are just window dressing. not santa monicas fault perse, just a testament to market forces and the usability (or lack thereof) of mass transit regionally speaking

[LA21st]

Psyched that 10000 Santa Monica is really happening. Now we have to wait on the other Century City proposals; 10131 W. Constellation Blvd is currently going through the CPC. Still not much happening with New Century Plaza or the Westfield Tower.

In other Westside high-rise news, the Gayley at Wilshire (http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/westwoods-gayley-at-wilshire-revived.html) suddenly appeared in this past weeks City Planning filings. Looks like the wannabe Flatiron proposal is still alive.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDgVi37_rqo/U5G_VoLeCbI/AAAAAAAADLc/5QVmOBrKhPw/s900/gayleywilshire1.PNG

That looks to be 35-40 stories.

It'd be cool if they can add 4-5 more 20 story highrises in that Westwood Gateway area

[JDRCRASH]

^ You can bet something big is planned on that large parking lot behind Gayley, especially with the Purple Line planned to go through the area.

[Illithid Dude]

^ You can bet something big is planned on that large parking lot behind Gayley, especially with the Purple Line planned to go through the area.

Actually, the parking lot is owned by UCLA, who want to do very little with it.

[blackcat23]

^ That looks a lot taller than originally proposed. Very interesting.

The image was pulled from the 2009 DEIR, but it does look like the proportions are a bit off, now that you mention it. In reality, the G@W would be closer in height to Center West (400' tall, two blocks east).

[Ragnar]

With all credit due to ChelseaFC in the L.A. Central City thread, I have shamelessly stolen the idea of putting all of the development activity in Glendale in a Google Map. While not nearly as vast and exciting as what's going on in Downtown L.A., Glendale has a lot of activity completed, under construction, and proposed/approved. Glendale is rapidly filling its parking lots and unused commercial space with apartments, condos, and hotels. These are the projects that I am aware of, but if anyone knows of any others feel free to let me know and I will add them!

Glendale Development map:

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zhVXkL_DaBTM.kVUwo1XoAbGk

key:
blue = recently completed
red = u/c
Green = proposed/approved
Black = Initial planning

Updated to add The Campus as an approved project pending construction.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/06/huge_mixeduser_headed_to_dull_stretch_of_brand_in_glendale.php#more

Huge Mixed-User Headed to Dull Stretch of Brand in Glendale

Glendale's apartment explosion carries on and on, with a new mixed-use development coming to liven up a sleepy section of Brand Boulevard in downtown. The Glendale City Council signed off last week on a development called the Campus, the LA Times reports; it would create a complex with 5,000 square feet of restaurant space, 219 apartments, and nine live/work units in buildings up to eight stories ("step[ping] down" to one story along Brand) on a 1.3-acre site that's now home to a restaurant, office buildings, and a parking garage.

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/5397a7dbf92ea110c401e008/campus%201.JPG

[caligrad]

I like it. Looks interesting. Like some actual thought was put into it.

[Steve2726]

There's a big new fence up and what appears to be demolition going on at the old May Co. building at 9900 Wilshire Blvd. Isn't that property supposedly back on the market for sale?

Also, heavy equipment has arrived at the Sunset/ La Cienega site. Looks like the start of construction there.

[IMBY]

^ That looks a lot taller than originally proposed. Very interesting.

In the exact opposite direction, the developer of Plaza of Santa Monica (the Rem Koolhaas proposal) has offered up a slightly shorter version (85 ft. vs 148 ft. tall) to appease Santa Monica City Council. Currently the council is discussing which design to approve/move forward with. Curbed has some really cool before/after pics that you can toggle back and forth.

Frankly, I like the original design much better - it includes more affordable housing (which Santa Monica desperately needs) and the fanned design is a great way to program the space. But the alternate design would still be pretty cool. Check it out here:http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/06/here_are_rem_koolhaass_stumpy_new_designs_for_plaza_at_samo.php

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/alternative%20samo%20plaza%20A.JPG

Here's The New, Stumpier Starchitect Design For Plaza at SaMo
Thursday, June 5, 2014, by Bianca Barragan

Starchitect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA have been yanked around quite a bit in just the last year or so since Santa Monica selected them to design the Plaza at Santa Monica, a mixed-user with a boutique hotel, restaurants, shops, a marketplace, and cultural and public space on a highly-covetable city-owned site at Fourth and Arizona. OMA's designs were picked in the summer, then rejected in the fall, then reselected in the winter in a version that included housing. And now there's yet another version. The initial design called for a 12-story, 148-foot-tall structure that looks like an opening fan, but, according to documents that will be presented to the Santa Monica City Council next week, the city also asked the firm to come up with designs for an 84-foot-tall structure just for the heck of it.

Read the rest of the article here (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/06/here_are_rem_koolhaass_stumpy_new_designs_for_plaza_at_samo.php).

There is no other word for this, the Nimby madness that goes on in this city, but the word tragi-comedic! Now let's add a bit more comedy to this project with yet another revision, scaling this project down to 50 feet!

Just wondering, how many masochistic architects, working on projects in Santa Monica, have committed suicide?

[112597jorge]

There is no other word for this, the Nimby madness that goes on in this city, but the word tragi-comedic! Now let's add a bit more comedy to this project with yet another revision, scaling this project down to 50 feet!

Just wondering, how many masochistic architects, working on projects in Santa Monica, have committed suicide?

the taller version was chosen by SaMo city council

[colemonkee]

^ That's promising news. I much prefer the higher rise version.

[caligrad]

^^ Ditto, The shorter version looks rather.....cheap looking ? with much of the building sitting on stilts like that.

[ChelseaFC]

^ You can bet something big is planned on that large parking lot behind Gayley, especially with the Purple Line planned to go through the area.

Doubt it. It's a UCLA employee parking lot.

[colemonkee]

I honestly think either version would be nice, and I like the building on stilts effect. But I like the taller version as it steps up more naturally, and creates three distinct rooftop terraces that will have some pretty spectacular views.

[Muji]

I took these sometime last week but forgot to upload them. Here's a quick Culver City TOD update as seen from the Expo Line itself. First off, here is Access Culver City starting to rise out of its hole. This is going to do wonders for the pedestrian connection from the station to both the Helms Bakery area and the "Eric Owen Moss neighborhood" south of National Blvd.
https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_2610-e1402942605629.jpg

Work is a little more advanced at The Platform.
https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_2612-e1402942611541.jpg

Now it would be great if we could do something about the huge station-adjacent parking lot and those nasty buildings on nearby Venice Boulevard.

[ChelseaFC]

I took these sometime last week but forgot to upload them. Here's a quick Culver City TOD update as seen from the Expo Line itself. First off, here is Access Culver City starting to rise out of its hole. This is going to do wonders for the pedestrian connection from the station to both the Helms Bakery area and the "Eric Owen Moss neighborhood" south of National Blvd.[/IMG]

Work is a little more advanced at The Platform.
[/IMG]

Now it would be great if we could do something about the huge station-adjacent parking lot and those nasty buildings on nearby Venice Boulevard.

Actually Access Culver City is further along. It's just that most of the work has been below street level. It's hard to tell unless you're standing right next to it, but they dug an absolutely massive hole for that project. At least 25 feet deep by my estimation.

[Wilcal]

I took these sometime last week but forgot to upload them. Here's a quick Culver City TOD update as seen from the Expo Line itself. First off, here is Access Culver City starting to rise out of its hole. This is going to do wonders for the pedestrian connection from the station to both the Helms Bakery area and the "Eric Owen Moss neighborhood" south of National Blvd.
https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_2610-e1402942605629.jpg

Work is a little more advanced at The Platform.
https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_2612-e1402942611541.jpg

Now it would be great if we could do something about the huge station-adjacent parking lot and those nasty buildings on nearby Venice Boulevard.


How can I not be discouraged by the vandalized plexiglass panel through which this view had been photographed. It seems, for at least some people, that pride and respect for our surroundings don't matter.

[DistrictDirt]

How can I not be discouraged by the vandalized plexiglass panel through which this view had been photographed. It seems, for at least some people, that pride and respect for our surroundings don't matter.

FWIW, these are recycled blue line trains. I rode the Expo line the day it opened, and noticed that all the windows had already been vandalized, likely months or years previous when the cars were used on the Blue line.

[caligrad]

In all fairness. Every major cities mass transit systems has some form of graffiti on them. Not like its only happening here. NYC has graffiti on the inside AND outside of the trains. Trains completely covered in graffiti even though the older trains are slowly being phased out. And be grateful that our train platforms and subway terminals are all for the most clean and graffiti free compared to other cities. Just be happy we don't have to look at our light rail lines covered in graffiti. Google "Paris train graffiti" and "NYC train graffiti" and "Chicago train graffiti" and be grateful that our trains AND platforms don't look like that. Now have fun with it and google "Los Angeles Train graffiti" and only one pic pops up of a blue line train from five years ago that was tagged on one side but it was because of an idiot group of kids who were trying to make a statement with the whole occupy wall street movement bullcrap.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Ya, our trains are pretty clean and graffiti free compared to most older systems. LA MTA does a pretty good job.

[blackcat23]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/office-building-proposed-next-to-la.html

New six-story office building planned next to La Brea Gateway. The rate of change on La Brea between Wilshire and Hollywood Blvd is incredible to watch.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9GaFP5b-GQ/U6Ba0vT1NAI/AAAAAAAADUU/KAWIKV5wqZo/s1600/labrea1.jpg

[Illithid Dude]

http://la.racked.com/uploads/WestfieldCC_2014_06.jpg

First rendering for the 700 million Century City Mall upgrade, which includes 10 residences over 10 stories. I guess this means that the 40 story residential tower is out.

[WonderlandPark]

I read it as a whopping 20 residences in 1 ten story building. Looks squat and sorry we are loosing the modernist office tower for this.

oh, and the phrase in their plan reading: "Working in partnership and with the input from the City of Los Angeles and neighborhood residents" is code for NIMBYS killed the tower and density.

completed in 2017 seems ambitious. Considering the demo.

[blackcat23]

The Racked article offers some confusing language, but the Westfield Tower will be 15 stories and 20 "upscale residences." (http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/westfields-century-city-tower-gets-big.html)

Although I'm sure the neighbors weren't enamored with the concept of a 39-story building, I suspect market conditions are to blame here. Same reason that Crescent Heights opted to switch 10000 SaMo from condos to rentals.

[Wilcal]

The Racked article offers some confusing language, but the Westfield Tower will be 15 stories and 20 "upscale residences." (http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/westfields-century-city-tower-gets-big.html)

Although I'm sure the neighbors weren't enamored with the concept of a 39-story building, I suspect market conditions are to blame here. Same reason that Crescent Heights opted to switch 10000 SaMo from condos to rentals.

Blackcat, you are probably right (I always take you for your word). But, one has to wonder at the idea of "unsuitable" market conditions (that is for selling condos) in one of the most wealthy, most prestigious areas in the world.

[blackcat23]

Blackcat, you are probably right (I always take you for your word). But, one has to wonder at the idea of "unsuitable" market conditions (that is for selling condos) in one of the most wealthy, most prestigious areas in the world.

Hah, I don't know if I'd just take my word for it, but it does make sense given some of the other developments going on. Four 200+ unit luxury condo towers seemed like way too much all at once.

The front page article of today's LA Times provides the first bit of news about the Century Plaza condo towers in the past year.

http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-century-city-20140619-story.html#page=1

Meanwhile, Next Century Associates expects to begin construction next year on a $2-billion project to upgrade the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel and erect two 46-story towers behind it.

http://www.newcenturyplaza.com/lib/img/vision/image01.jpg

[bobbyv]

http://touch.latimes.com/#section/615/article/p2p-80552480/

[blackcat23]

http://touch.latimes.com/#section/615/article/p2p-80552480/

Wow, taller than I was expecting.

Kilroy unveils detailed plans for lush urban complex in Hollywood

http://i.imgur.com/OfNcpBK.jpg

Kilroy will seek city approval to develop three, four-story office buildings and a 23-story apartment tower. The low-density campus would have about 40% of its four acres dedicated to open space and cost as much as $300 million to build.

The block is surrounded by Vine Street and De Longpre, Ivar and Homewood avenues, southwest of the busy intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Vine.

The design for the largest of the three office buildings at 100,000 square feet was inspired by the historic midcentury bow-truss buildings that are popular with tenants in the creative field such as entertainment and technology.

All three office structures are terraced to make a dramatic transition to the street and contribute to the human scale of the property, said design architect Joey Shimoda of Shimoda Design Group.

The apartment tower would anchor the northwest corner of the block. The buildings would be connected by a series of landscaped passageways running through the center of the campus, with some restaurants, bars and shops at ground level.

The campus would open up at Vine and De Longpre, with a large public gathering area that would include public art and the majority of the development's 20,000 square feet of retail space....

Kilroy officials hope to have the project approved and underway by early 2016. It would take about 22 months to build.

http://i.imgur.com/s3WFraR.png

http://i.imgur.com/M8mzikx.png

[Illithid Dude]

The front page article of today's LA Times provides the first bit of news about the Century Plaza condo towers in the past year.

I can honestly say that this is one of my most anticipated projects in Los Angeles. Can't way for this to break ground.

[kelbeen]

Good news for Hollywood, though I personally feel that the 23-story apartment tower would be better if located on Vine St. instead. I hope Hollywood's Arclight would do something about their parking structure.

Speaking of Arclight, I came across an article from April revealing renderings of the new Arclight theatre at Santa Monica Place. I scrolled through the previous pages and don't see anyone posting this.

http://www.losangelesregister.com/articles/monica-598295-santa-city.html

SANTA MONICA – ArcLight Cinemas – known for its reserved seating, no-commercial policy and cocktail lounges – is coming to downtown Santa Monica.

The seaside town will be the first Westside theater for ArcLight – which has five others in Los Angeles – and it might also be the first city to have more than one.

An ArcLight theater is planned for Santa Monica Place, the shopping center at the end of Third Street Promenade, in 2015. With as many as to 13 screens and 1,500 seats, the theater will show indie and popular films. The location also intends to get an alcohol permit.

ArcLight also entered into exclusive negotiations with the city this week to open a second location at 1320 Fourth St. – now a city-owned parking garage. That location – with as many as 16 screens and 2,700 seats – would have larger auditoriums, ideal for IMAX films and blockbusters, a staff report said.

Santa Monica, where parking is a top complaint, won’t suffer from the loss of the 324 spaces, city staff said. The recently reconstructed parking structure 6 on Second Street has 744 spaces and will offset the loss.

The Santa Monica Place location is awaiting approvals from the city’s Architectural Review Board and the California Coastal Commission. If those happened quickly, construction could start in a few months, city officials said. Concepts and community input will be gathered for the Fourth Street location. It could open by 2017, staff said.

http://images.onset.freedom.com/laregister/gallery/n4kjsf-b8843157z.120140424211226000gr21kq7r.10.jpg

[blackcat23]

I can honestly say that this is one of my most anticipated projects in Los Angeles. Can't way for this to break ground.

With that and mind, this is from SSC

I stay at the Century Plaza occasionally and it is clear that something is going on: there are constantly people and instruments on the roofs of the buildings behind the hotel that will be torn down; some ballrooms are sealed off. Not sure what they plan to do with the pool, which will now be in shade most of the time. Also, the westward views will be blocked so a new way to attract visitors will be needed.

[circuitfiend]

Here's a link to a proposal, which was just approved by the WeHo Planning Commission for the Western Gateway project at Doheny and Sta Mon.

http://www.wehoville.com/2014/06/16/weho-planning-commission-will-consider-melrose-triangle-project-week/

[brudy]

That's crazy Arclight news. Two complexes in SM? I wish they'd come downtown, where unless you want the latest exploding thing, it's a movie desert.

[LA21st]

Regarding Century City. When the subway arrives, where will the new high rise development happen? Is it possible new development can be built across Santa Monica Blvd? Could there be a small Wilshire Corridor canyon on that stretch?

Same for Westwood. I'm going to imagine the land will become scarce there too. Do you think Westwood Blvd, south of Wilshire will need to be re zoned for future growth?

Won't Beverly Hills have start to adding 20-25 story residential buildings in their business district? It's hard to see these small mid rises making sense at some point.

[Wilcal]

Delete

[Bond007]

Developer Breaks Ground on ‘Avalon West Hollywood’ at Movietown Plaza Site

http://www.wehoville.com/2014/06/24/developer-breaks-ground-avalon-west-hollywood-movietown-plaza-site/

[brudy]

The LACMA tar pit redesign has been modified. Sounds like it will now cross over wilshire.
http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/06/new_peter_zumthor_design_for_lacma_winds_above_wilshire.php#more

[Munchitup]

The LACMA tar pit redesign has been modified. Sounds like it will now cross over wilshire.
http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/06/new_peter_zumthor_design_for_lacma_winds_above_wilshire.php#more

Interesting plan to have it stretch over Wilshire. Done right, could be a must-see attraction of LA. Done wrong it could look goofy I guess... At the very least by swooping over the street it will eliminate that large parking lot right in the middle of the Miracle Mile.

[Muji]

I have to say that I can't get behind the LACMA project at all. I'm sure that the Zumthor design would look stunning in a more rural setting, but I find that it somehow lacks the dynamism that would be appropriate for its very urban context. I know that LACMA's campus has gone through many reconfigurations over the years, but it still strikes me as irresponsible for them to simply demolish their original buildings out of an endless urge to create a showpiece building.

[112597jorge]

looks like we lost out on the george lucas museum, really didnt think LA was going to be chosen, but oh well :(

[blackcat23]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/motor-avenue-apartment-complex-nearly.html

This has kind of flown under the radar, since it's in Palms. Either way, it's almost finished. 115 units, almost 1,000 sq ft retail. Architect is KFA, developer if Frost/Chaddock.

Some of the facade elements look to have been value engineered from original plans, exchanging plaster for stucco.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtSWR2tKJ_k/U68bc4QVfcI/AAAAAAAADas/h5AVVlRwwxU/s900/DSC03021.JPG

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Buvau1ykwKA/UjvPdY34HjI/AAAAAAAAAww/vSyr_XbXvic/s1600/motor.jpg

[WonderlandPark]

This doesn't surprise me one bit. This has been dragging and no wonder why.

Long Beach Port bridge delayed at least a year
The massive $1.26 billion project to replace the ailing Gerald Desmond Bridge in Long Beach will be delayed at least a year, port officials announced.

Originally expected to open by the end of 2016, port officials say the bridge that will rise over its port won’t be completed until late 2017 or early 2018.

The delay has been attributed to design issues, including delays in obtaining approval for designs from Caltrans officials, who have the ultimate authority over plans.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-long-beach-bridge-delay-20140627-story.html

[Wilcal]

This doesn't surprise me one bit. This has been dragging and no wonder why.

Long Beach Port bridge delayed at least a year
The massive $1.26 billion project to replace the ailing Gerald Desmond Bridge in Long Beach will be delayed at least a year, port officials announced.

Originally expected to open by the end of 2016, port officials say the bridge that will rise over its port won’t be completed until late 2017 or early 2018.

The delay has been attributed to design issues, including delays in obtaining approval for designs from Caltrans officials, who have the ultimate authority over plans.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-long-beach-bridge-delay-20140627-story.html
I think that delays like this are typical of any major infrastructure project and to be expected. My hope is that the final height (clearance) of the bridge will not be made obsolete in 15 to 20 years by a newer generation of container ship (or sea level rise).

[Wilcal]

Deleted

[Wilcal]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/motor-avenue-apartment-complex-nearly.html

This has kind of flown under the radar, since it's in Palms. Either way, it's almost finished. 115 units, almost 1,000 sq ft retail. Architect is KFA, developer if Frost/Chaddock.

Some of the facade elements look to have been value engineered from original plans, exchanging plaster for stucco.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtSWR2tKJ_k/U68bc4QVfcI/AAAAAAAADas/h5AVVlRwwxU/s900/DSC03021.JPG

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Buvau1ykwKA/UjvPdY34HjI/AAAAAAAAAww/vSyr_XbXvic/s1600/motor.jpg

Blackcat,
nevertheless, KFA usually does very good work--much, much better than those at dreaded TCA

[blackcat23]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/fresh-renderings-of-almost-finished.html

A few new renderings of Sunset Gordon, which should open later this year. Nice job recreating the Old Spaghetti Factory building.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ2Z6pVT4Ow/U6xzcnnrAYI/AAAAAAAADZg/RVxs7DbGDs0/s900/sunsetgordon2.jpg

[brudy]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/motor-avenue-apartment-complex-nearly.html

This has kind of flown under the radar, since it's in Palms. Either way, it's almost finished. 115 units, almost 1,000 sq ft retail. Architect is KFA, developer if Frost/Chaddock.

Some of the facade elements look to have been value engineered from original plans, exchanging plaster for stucco.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtSWR2tKJ_k/U68bc4QVfcI/AAAAAAAADas/h5AVVlRwwxU/s900/DSC03021.JPG

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Buvau1ykwKA/UjvPdY34HjI/AAAAAAAAAww/vSyr_XbXvic/s1600/motor.jpg

It's not just the crappy look of that stucco job, it's the color too. It's a shame, because the rest of it looks quality, but that stucco just looks so incredibly cheap.

[ChelseaFC]

LA Times' Roger Vincent on 10000 Santa Monica

swNuL9-HpaA

[blackcat23]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/whoa-eric-owen-moss-expo-adjacent-tower.html

Surprisingly, plans have been filed with LADBS for the proposed Eric Owen Moss tower next to La Cienega/Jefferson Station. 12 stories/230', 150k sq ft of office.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOvSL4ouAA4/UsDhS3Ykd3I/AAAAAAAABwY/Og2eadW6UJ8/s1600/wrapper1.jpg

[BrandonJXN]

I like it a lot. It fits right in with the Hayden Tract not far away. Lived not far from there.

[Muji]

Well that's surprisingly encouraging news. It's about time we got a true high-rise right next to the above ground part of the Expo Line.

[WonderlandPark]

Isn't Pterodactyl under construction? It took like a decade or more for that to be prepped on top of the garage to actually built, thought someone here or on curbed mentioned it was finally going up. (haven't been over there in a year or two)

[EMArg]

Some projects & developments can be seen in this video, recorded 1 month ago:



8CrJsxgcVQw

[blackcat23]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/boutique-hotel-planned-on-cahuenga.html

New boutique hotel planned on Cahuenga Boulevard, in-between Sunset Boulevard and Selma Avenue. Seven stories, 55 guest rooms, restaurant/bar space, rooftop pool deck.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPBZQBRNdv4/U7YX7WcS4oI/AAAAAAAADfQ/GQW6G-SAb6U/s900/1525cahuenga.PNG

[Kingofthehill]

Great news for that area! Cahuenga between Sunset and Hollywood is alot better than most side streets in the area, thanks to the Farmers Market, Stout, Space 1520, etc., but most of that part of Hollywood is awful.

[LA21st]

Isn't the Dream hotel nearing construction too? Hollywood needs more hotels.

Cahuenga is one of my favorite streets in LA. Lively nightlife, walkable.

I don't know if I'd call that part of Hollywood awful. Vine and Sunset streets are more vibrant than I expected them to be. Day and night.

I think LA should be excited for Hollywood's future.

[blackcat23]

The Dream Hotel is already under construction.

I'd call this part of Hollywood a diamond in the rough. As LA21st says, Cahuenga (and Selma) are vibrant, walkable corridors. And unlike Hollywood, Sunset, Vine, etc. their new developments tend to have compact footprints, creating a better ground level experience.

[Munchitup]

Also in this area is the poorly monikered EaCa Alley. This part of Hollywood is far from awful in my opinion (as a former resident).

I believe this is the only gap between Hollywood and Sunset, great to see it getting filled in. Don't forget the two adaptive reuse projects a block west on Wilcox. This place is on the serious up and up.

[Kingofthehill]

Also in this area is the poorly monikered EaCa Alley. This part of Hollywood is far from awful in my opinion (as a former resident).

I believe this is the only gap between Hollywood and Sunset, great to see it getting filled in. Don't forget the two adaptive reuse projects a block west on Wilcox. This place is on the serious up and up.

Guys, perhaps I should've been clearer. I was referring moreso to the areas closer to Highland and Santa Monica, which, IMO, offer little in spite of their prime locations. I find those areas to be unnecessarily crowded, dirty, and somehow expensive, and hope that they benefit more from this type of development. Cahuenga has a nice little vibe, and I hope that the redevelopment trend continues.

On that note, has anybody been to the new Oinkster? That is huge news for the South Vine corridor, another corridor, which in spite of its proximity to Hancock Park, Larchmont, and a huge, dense swath of Hollywood, offers very little to residents and visitors.

Maybe part of the problem is that LA, due to its auto-centricity, LA has too many boulevards. Many times, at least in the core, LA's neighborhoods are charming, walkable, and offer attractive low-scale architecture from the 1910's up to the Mid-Century era. It is the awfully disjointed and out-of-scale, auto-oriented boulevards that really destroy walkability/urbanity in this city.

[brudy]

Yeah, i love that area just north of Sunset by Amoeba. It's small but for a few blocks it's pleasantly walkable, lots of cool independent businesses and restaurants. I often take the train over from downtown, hit amoeba and the record parlor, the art book store, grab a coffee. It has a really cool (dare i say almost Village) feel to it. Some of the major holes are getting filled in and it will only get better.

[blackcat23]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/playa-del-reys-strand-offices-looking.html

10,000 sq ft office project wrapping up in Playa Del Rey. Not bad.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBzy0O-MY3Y/U7hIuAPsDiI/AAAAAAAADfs/6R7eMDfqMbo/s900/DSC03053.JPG

[blackcat23]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-glimpse-into-playa-vistas-future-core.html

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but a look through the Playa Vista development. The Runway/fake downtown is on the right hand side, indicated by the crane.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVfu3V0sVXU/U7sZWZzMS7I/AAAAAAAADhI/lm4Lcj8tKcg/s900/playavista.jpg

[BrandonJXN]

I like Playa Vista. One of my favorite areas of LA. Not easy to get to but I'm happy for the attention it's getting.

[Jaycruz]

Fresh off the plane when I first moved here, I stayed with some friends in Westchester for a while. My first west coast visit to Home Depot was in playa vista. its a peculiar area, I found it easy to get to, but underwhelming. That huge "apartment city" as I call it, that wraps around Jefferson and Lincoln is a bit much and I see they are adding more unfortunately, it feels like suburban row houses but on a denser scale.

[brudy]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-glimpse-into-playa-vistas-future-core.html

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but a look through the Playa Vista development. The Runway/fake downtown is on the right hand side, indicated by the crane.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVfu3V0sVXU/U7sZWZzMS7I/AAAAAAAADhI/lm4Lcj8tKcg/s900/playavista.jpg

If you squint, that's what Olympic will look like in dtla.

But seriously, I guess it's fine for the area. We sometimes drive out there and walk around the Ballona wetlands. It's beautiful. Not sure I'd want to live there exactly...

[Illithid Dude]

I don't mind Playa Vista. It's basically just infill on a much larger scale, since all it's replacing is a huge hole in the middle of the city.

[gurbie]

LAT- LACMA planning a new tower at Wilshire/Fairfax:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-lacma-metro-planning-wilshire-blvd-skyscraper-20140709-story.html#navtype=outfit

The "Museum Tower" would include exhibitions on lower floors, officers and residences higher up. No height announced yet, but article hints it will be tall, maybe a supertall.

[Jaycruz]

I think the only chance of another super tall going up in LA is in downtown. Wilshire seems like a bizarre place to propose another one, especially far away from any city center. But. I can see a 500-600 footer going up there and even that's pushing it a bit.

[LosAngelesDreamin]

I think the only chance of another super tall going up in LA is in downtown. Wilshire seems like a bizarre place to propose another one, especially far away from any city center. But. I can see a 500-600 footer going up there and even that's pushing it a bit.

a supertall on wilshire could influence other developers to build big on wilshire. One day i wanna see downtown and wilshire create a connected skyline.. if NY could do it with downtown and midtown manhattan i think LA could do it with downtown and mid city/ wilshire corridor etc... it already has plenty of skyscrapers.. we just need to connect em all.

[gurbie]

I think the only chance of another super tall going up in LA is in downtown. Wilshire seems like a bizarre place to propose another one, especially far away from any city center. But. I can see a 500-600 footer going up there and even that's pushing it a bit.

The article hints at something really tall. LACMA director Govan mentions approaching Frank Gehry, and admiring Gehry's MOMA tower in NYC, which is 76 floors. Gehry says he's "open" to the idea.

Reading between the lines, I think Govan has something "iconic" in mind. He's not releasing details yet, because he doesn't want to spook the NIMBY herd.

[gurbie]

a supertall on wilshire could influence other developers to build big on wilshire. One day i wanna see downtown and wilshire create a connected skyline.. if NY could do it with downtown and midtown manhattan i think LA could do it with downtown and mid city/ wilshire corridor etc... it already has plenty of skyscrapers.. we just need to connect em all.

Actually, the thing that makes the Empire State Building really awe-inspiring is the fact it stands in splendid isolation. There's a gap in NYC's skyline between the DT and the ESB that's filled with low to mid-rise buildings (at least on NYC scale). I'd like to see that effect with this new structure along mid-Wilshire. Not as massive as the ESB, but maybe just as tall.

[Jaycruz]

a supertall on wilshire could influence other developers to build big on wilshire. One day i wanna see downtown and wilshire create a connected skyline.. if NY could do it with downtown and midtown manhattan i think LA could do it with downtown and mid city/ wilshire corridor etc... it already has plenty of skyscrapers.. we just need to connect em all.

When you put it that way, I can actually see that happening but on a smaller scale. I was driving down the 10 today, heading to the west side, looking from downtown to century city, its pretty much already connected with 15-20 story buildings along Wilshire, although not continuous as we all wish it would be. I think LA could accomplish connecting Downtown and century city via Wilshire. But the big problem is once you 2 blocks off of Wilshire, you go from a 30-40 story building all the way down to a 2 story single family home. Those single family homes are FULL of nimbys and will never sell to developers and I think that's what is stopping LA from having a downtown that stretches from Century City to Downtown currently.

But before a connection between the 2 city centers ever occur. I think what we will see, in our lifetimes even, is the downtown from the 110 to the river, and 10 to the 101 start to get completely filled in with towers and I look forward to that :cheers:

[LosAngelesDreamin]

When you put it that way, I can actually see that happening but on a smaller scale. I was driving down the 10 today, heading to the west side, looking from downtown to century city, its pretty much already connected with 15-20 story buildings along Wilshire, although not continuous as we all wish it would be. I think LA could accomplish connecting Downtown and century city via Wilshire. But the big problem is once you 2 blocks off of Wilshire, you go from a 30-40 story building all the way down to a 2 story single family home. Those single family homes are FULL of nimbys and will never sell to developers and I think that's what is stopping LA from having a downtown that stretches from Century City to Downtown currently.

But before a connection between the 2 city centers ever occur. I think what we will see, in our lifetimes even, is the downtown from the 110 to the river, and 10 to the 101 start to get completely filled in with towers and I look forward to that :cheers:

Very true.. I'm from San Diego, so when i was driving on the 101 towards Hollywood i couldn't stop looking to my left because everything just seems so dense and tall compared to anything down south lol

And i can't wait to see that as well.. a skyline that stretches to the river.. currently looking north at the skyline from the south, it looks like theres an invisible wall that just stops it at pershing square.. looks kinda odd. Looking east and west though the skyline stretches south and going to continute :D

[Jaycruz]

Very true.. I'm from San Diego, so when i was driving on the 101 towards Hollywood i couldn't stop looking to my left because everything just seems so dense and tall compared to anything down south lol

And i can't wait to see that as well.. a skyline that stretches to the river.. currently looking north at the skyline from the south, it looks like theres an invisible wall that just stops it at pershing square.. looks kinda odd. Looking east and west though the skyline stretches south and going to continute :D

Yeah I'm from the mid west. Moved to LA a few months ago. I have to agree with you, the oddest thing to me is driving into downtown from the south on the 110, before you get to the 10, like you said, there is like an invisible barrier that blocks downtown from spreading to the river, which I would love to see happen in the near future, It feels like once you get to Pershing square and Broadway, The building heights drops off from 60-70 story buildings to 15 :???:, downtown needs to get to the river Asap. That downtown would be awesome. You would assume that developers would try to jump on building high-rises near the river since it is soon to be revitalized and the land near it is considerably cheaper than compared to anything near LA live.

[LosAngelesDreamin]

Yeah I'm from the mid west. Moved to LA a few months ago. I have to agree with you, the oddest thing to me is driving into downtown from the south on the 110, before you get to the 10, like you said, there is like an invisible barrier that blocks downtown from spreading to the river, which I would love to see happen in the near future, It feels like once you get to Pershing square and Broadway, The building heights drops off from 60-70 story buildings to 15 :???:, downtown needs to get to the river Asap. That downtown would be awesome. You would assume that developers would try to jump on building high-rises near the river since it is soon to be revitalized and the land near it is considerably cheaper than compared to anything near LA live.

yea.. eventually it will happen... of course you'd have downtown NIMBYs who will complain about high rises spreading east.

[DistrictDirt]

yea.. eventually it will happen... of course you'd have downtown NIMBYs who will complain about high rises spreading east.

There's some truth to that. If there's NIMBYs anywhere downtown, they're in the Arts District. Sometimes I check out the Arts District Facebook page when I'm bored, just for the drama. They're always annoyed by some change in the neighborhood or another. Going by some of their comments, you'd think that the neighborhood was some paradise 10 years ago, not a half-deserted warehouse district and extension of Skid Row.

[Steve2726]

Scaffolding is now up around the old Trader Vic's building portion of the Beverly Hilton at the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Blvds. Add that to the scaffolding around the Robinsons-May Co and the demolition of the old parking garage there and you have a big change occurring at that intersection finally.

In case you forgot, here's what's planned for the Trader Vic site-

http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/1425/waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.jpeg

[colemonkee]

^ If this moves forward, we're looking at a pretty significant amount of construction in the Century City/Beverly Hills/Westwood area with 10000 Santa Monica, this, and hopefully the RM Stern hotel project in Westwood.

[Jaycruz]

Cool project. I saw the Beverley Hilton for the first time the other day. Is there also plans for it to be renovated? it was looking a little more drab than I expected.

[Quixote]

Badly needed quality infill coming to western Sunset...

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/53c2cb1af92ea16992043a2d/7500%20Sunset%20West.jpg

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/53c2cb18f92ea16992043a23/7500%20sunset%20east.jpg

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/07/major_gamechanger_headed_for_sunset_blvd_guitar_center_zone.php

[Illithid Dude]

also, this in west hollywood too:

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/53c05bdbf92ea1796d00e325/Beverly_02-S.jpg

five stories of retail, office, and residential, and a nice design to boot! this is on beverly blvd.

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/53c05bdef92ea1796d00e32f/Beverly_01-S.jpg

[Munchitup]

Badly needed quality infill coming to western Sunset...

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/53c2cb1af92ea16992043a2d/7500%20Sunset%20West.jpg



Unfortunately it will displace some unique retail that was was housed in relatively pedestrian-friendly (though single use) buildings. Would rather see this go into the myriad strip mall or gas station occupied lots.

[blackcat23]

Slight change to the design of the proposed seven-story/200 unit development at 6250 Sunset.

Now this:

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/slightly-updated-for-earl-carroll.html

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_HpMHmY_Saw/U8P7MTQlXoI/AAAAAAAADkg/tIZqawqv0Kg/s900/6250sunset.PNG

Previously this:

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/03/heres_the_latest_look_for_the_new_sunsetvine_mixeduser.php
http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/5329fac0f92ea1099c0274de/Screen%20Shot%202014-03-19%20at%201.11.24%20PM.png

[brudy]

Unfortunately it will displace some unique retail that was was housed in relatively pedestrian-friendly (though single use) buildings. Would rather see this go into the myriad strip mall or gas station occupied lots.

Yeah, that's a bit of a bummer, there are some cool shops on that block. I'm pro density and development and all, but the last bits of old LA are getting crushed. I've always liked that Parisian Florists sign, which despite being shown in the renderings, is being demolished. The new development runs from Gardner to Curson.

http://31.media.tumblr.com/g18vo4txmlkojbr66w0yZfH8o1_500.jpg

[Illithid Dude]

It should be noted that the developers of the two sunset mixed users say that they will offer retail spaces to each business they are displacing.

[blackcat23]

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/mid-rise-hotel-planned-on-hollywood.html

New hotel planned on the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Cherokee Ave. 181 guest rooms, 18,700 sq ft of ground floor retail, 3,000 sq ft theater, plus associated restaurant/event space. Maximum of 95 ft tall.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQY_3FJyBYQ/U8Vu4tqmcEI/AAAAAAAADlQ/JDYsRXtSlFQ/s900/hotel.PNG

[Steve2726]

:previous:
Many blocks of Hollywood Blvd need help, but that isn't one of them.

[brudy]

It should be noted that the developers of the two sunset mixed users say that they will offer retail spaces to each business they are displacing.

Good to know, let's hope the leases are affordable enough. Somehow I doubt it. Even though the building is dumpy, i just love the signage on the Parisian Florist. The typography is cool.

[caligrad]

:previous:
Many blocks of Hollywood Blvd need help, but that isn't one of them.

I think many blocks on Hollywood blvd between highland and vine need to be revamped ASAP. all the tourists hang out around highland and down towards the vine section but in between its so seedy and tacky that something needs to happen. I'm all for preserving some of the buildings but some need to go....either that or change the stores that currently line this corridor.... A tourist trap gift shop seen in every other store, cheap liguor/dollar stores, clubs that kill all street life until late night, tattoo parlors that do the same and sex shop, wig stores or cheap alley shoe stores that need to go. Hollywood and highland area is already full of toursits, the city needs to figure out a way to stretch them out to fill the gap between there and vine. I think this project is the step in the right direction.

[112597jorge]

Slight change to the design of the proposed seven-story/200 unit development at 6250 Sunset.

Now this:

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/slightly-updated-for-earl-carroll.html

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_HpMHmY_Saw/U8P7MTQlXoI/AAAAAAAADkg/tIZqawqv0Kg/s900/6250sunset.PNG

Previously this:

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/03/heres_the_latest_look_for_the_new_sunsetvine_mixeduser.php
http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/5329fac0f92ea1099c0274de/Screen%20Shot%202014-03-19%20at%201.11.24%20PM.png

I hope they dont cut the palms, they would be destroying LA identity (small businesses, and palm trees) to give way to sterile and tasteless buildings :(

[blackcat23]

NMS@Culver City

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OrFmn2s4LNs/U8Z8IFFGxpI/AAAAAAAADnc/eb0QaRAdK8Y/s900/DSC03061.JPG
http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/07/checking-in-on-slow-moving-nmsculver.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YnLSC1FuS0/UiE6g_QIrhI/AAAAAAAAAbs/Ya3zGoUrdKk/s900/9901-2.bmp

[LAsam]

Looks like the official ground-breaking ceremony for 10000 Sta Mon occurred this a.m. Speakers at a podium, cameras, sound system, dignitaries, shovels, the whole bit. You really can't tell by the lighting, but the dig is quite deep, which I tried to capture. It's better in the afternoon, when that side is in shadow. I'll take those shots when they're done digging.

Circuitfiend... any update on this? I work in Century City but don't have quite as nice of a view of the constructions site as you do!

[circuitfiend]

re 10000 Sta Mon:

Pilings (lots of them) have been sunk for about half the building, and they are being prepped right now. Still a lot of foundation work to go. I'll take a shot or two later today. I also have a decent view of the demolition occurring on the Trader Vic's (Waldorf) site and the Robinson's site (I don't know if it has a proper name yet).

[LAsam]

re 10000 Sta Mon:

Pilings (lots of them) have been sunk for about half the building, and they are being prepped right now. Still a lot of foundation work to go. I'll take a shot or two later today. I also have a decent view of the demolition occurring on the Trader Vic's (Waldorf) site and the Robinson's site (I don't know if it has a proper name yet).

That's great news, thanks for the update and forthcoming photos! :cheers: