LOS ANGELES | METRO Project Rundown 2.0 (non-downtown) [Archive] - Page 53

Munchitup

Dec 31, 2014, 11:36 PM

Although I am excited about many of the new developments that Flavius is writing about, it makes me sad that so many of them involve tearing down classic LA structures that make up part of the fabric and identity of the city rather than the countless nondescript parking lots and parking-out-front strip malls.

Me too. I saw the article and got sad when I realized these iconic Southern California apartments will get the wrecking ball. They have amazing views of the basin and DTLA from their courtyard areas. Flavious is probably correct that they are total Junkers on the inside but damn they have a ton of character on the outside.

I'm looking forward to bringing my daughter to this intersection in 15 years and telling her how when we lived there, this high rise corridor used to be a bunch of low rise apartments, a vacant lot, a DWP station and a creepy abandoned office building.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 1, 2015, 9:46 AM

Me too. I saw the article and got sad when I realized these iconic Southern California apartments will get the wrecking ball. They have amazing views of the basin and DTLA from their courtyard areas. Flavious is probably correct that they are total Junkers on the inside but damn they have a ton of character on the outside.

I'm looking forward to bringing my daughter to this intersection in 15 years and telling her how when we lived there, this high rise corridor used to be a bunch of low rise apartments, a vacant lot, a DWP station and a creepy abandoned office building.

It's also partially a product of zoning. Because of various downzonings under NIMBY pressure, land zoned for multifamily is rare in LA (and surrounding jurisdictions). That means teardowns of classic apts are much more frequent--there just isn't enough vacant land to accommodate demand without teardowns. LA's decided to go all-out in preventing single family areas from changing character - no duplexes, no townhouses, and increasingly strict floor area ratios as they toughen up the BMO - and that housing demand has to go somewhere.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 1, 2015, 5:00 PM

LAT on out-migration driven by housing costs. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-california-migration-20150101-story.html

Easy

Jan 1, 2015, 6:46 PM

LAT on out-migration driven by housing costs. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-california-migration-20150101-story.html

It's a quality of life issue. If you are a family, middle class neighborhoods with good schools are practically non-existent. LA salaries are low compared to other areas with high housing costs.

brudy

Jan 2, 2015, 2:54 PM

It's also partially a product of zoning. Because of various downzonings under NIMBY pressure, land zoned for multifamily is rare in LA (and surrounding jurisdictions). That means teardowns of classic apts are much more frequent--there just isn't enough vacant land to accommodate demand without teardowns. LA's decided to go all-out in preventing single family areas from changing character - no duplexes, no townhouses, and increasingly strict floor area ratios as they toughen up the BMO - and that housing demand has to go somewhere.

Is there any explanation for why? LA's one of the few cities that you don't see brownstones, duplexes, townhouses, rowhomes, that kind of thing. Is it all about the orange tree and yard?

bobbyv

Jan 2, 2015, 3:35 PM

Is there any explanation for why? LA's one of the few cities that you don't see brownstones, duplexes, townhouses, rowhomes, that kind of thing. Is it all about the orange tree and yard?

With the exceptions of brownstones and rowhomes, LA has plenty of the other 2.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 2, 2015, 5:22 PM

With the exceptions of brownstones and rowhomes, LA has plenty of the other 2.

Yes, but my point was that they're banned in single-family neighborhoods. They're extremely prevalent in multi-family neighborhood, but unlike in the 60s before downzoning, you can't put up duplexes or townhouses in single-family areas (and thus modestly densify them). A lot of R-1 land used to be zoned R-2 or even R-3 before the '80s and '90s. That puts a lot of redevelopment pressure on multi-family neighborhoods, since they have to bear all the burdens of housing demand.

edluva

Jan 3, 2015, 12:33 AM

LAT on out-migration driven by housing costs. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-california-migration-20150101-story.html

too many poor unskilled people here not contributing to bettering the city as it is. that's completely fine by me, provided their replacement is a more knowledge based demographic. otherwise these inflated prices will only hurt LA

Flavius Josephus

Jan 3, 2015, 3:17 AM

Hollywood Entertainment District BID apparently has a report out projecting massive, massive population growth in Hollywood. CurbedLA has some of it; I couldn't find the full report anywhere. http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/01/hollywood_prepping_for_big_population_boom_over_next_5_years.php

On that note, here's my Hollywood update from the Court of Appeal docket website:

- Sunset Gordon: developer's opening brief due next week. Several months away from a decision, and since the trial court decision was based on general land use law rather than CEQA, the appeal appears not to be expedited. http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/mainCaseScreen.cfm?dist=2&doc_id=2091351&doc_no=B259672

- Hollywood Target: Silverstein appears to have missed the initial deadline to file his brief as respondent/cross-appellant. He has a "grace period" deadline of 1/13. Assuming he meets that, Target will have the opportunity to file a reply brief. Again, land use law case rather than CEQA, so no expedited appeal. http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/dockets.cfm?dist=2&doc_id=2084287&doc_no=B258033

- Hollywood Community Plan Update: Another briefing mess - looks like the case is finally fully briefed as of a couple days ago, but some of the smaller NIMBY groups whose appeals were consolidated with the main ones seem to have been filing odd motions and submitting documents in the name of entities that are not their clients (big no no). Anyway, looks like everything's fully filed, and the case should be calendared for oral argument on an expedited basis. The court seems to estimate that it will have a decision by mid-March. Once we know the oral argument date, it should be clearer, since CA law requires decisions within 90 days of oral argument. I assume a petition for review to the Supreme Court is likely either way. http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/dockets.cfm?dist=2&doc_id=2083034&doc_no=B257712.

And not in Hollywood, but:

- Sherman Oaks Residents for a Safe Environment (Il Villagio Toscana) - no idea what the issue is, but whatever it is seems important enough for the City to be filing for review with the Supreme Court. The case caption suggests that the city is trying to get a "writ of mandate," meaning that the order that it's seeking to overturn is something other than a final judgment. The Supreme Court will decide whether to review the CA's denial of the writ within the next month. http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/mainCaseScreen.cfm?dist=0&doc_id=2091904&doc_no=S222344

kelbeen

Jan 3, 2015, 1:07 PM

Speaking of Hollywood's boom, I made this out of boredom and curiosity

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7513/16182014281_8094de5c50_h.jpg

StethJeff

Jan 3, 2015, 6:02 PM

/\ Dude you rock. Visuals like this put things into perspective perfectly. Thanks.

Muji

Jan 3, 2015, 6:25 PM

I wasn't able to get any pictures, but as of yesterday it looks like the Dream Hotel in Hollywood is now topped out, and the Camden project on Vine St. is starting its 3rd floor.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 3, 2015, 9:03 PM

Rumors that the USOC will announce its candidate city for the 2024 Olympics next week. Talking heads say LA's a strong contender, but probably not favorite (although increasingly prominent organized opposition groups in Boston and SF may work in LA's favor).

Flavius Josephus

Jan 5, 2015, 12:32 PM

Big NFL news out of Inglewood - Rams owner Stan Kroenke is filing applications to build a stadium on his Forum-adjacent land (technically, he's doing it via ballot initiative - probably because initiatives are exempt from CEQA). Of course, that doesn't mean it will get built, but definitely ups the ante for both St. Louis and AEG/Farmers Field. http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-0105-nfl-la-stadium-20150105-story.html http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-la-plaschke-20150105-column.html

Edit: Press release here - http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2422532

As described in the ballot measure, the 298-acre project will include a stadium of up to 80,000 seats and a performance venue of up to 6,000 seats while reconfiguring the previously approved Hollywood Park plan for up to 890,000 square feet of retail, 780,000 square feet of office space, 2,500 new residential units, a 300-room hotel, and 25 acres of public parks, playgrounds, open space and pedestrian and bicycle access.

Note that the Hollywood Park area is a couple miles from the future Crenshaw/LAX line station at Florence/La Brea (Mayor Butts previously lobbied for a Forum/Hollywood Park alignment, but the cost of right-of-way acquisition, questionable ridership demand, and the difficulties it would cause for LAX access made that basically a non-starter). So this is likely to be a very auto-oriented stadium district, although the announcement suggests it's not entirely a single-use area that would be dead except on game days.

Munchitup

Jan 5, 2015, 5:55 PM

Big NFL news out of Inglewood - Rams owner Stan Kroenke is filing applications to build a stadium on his Forum-adjacent land (technically, he's doing it via ballot initiative - probably because initiatives are exempt from CEQA). Of course, that doesn't mean it will get built, but definitely ups the ante for both St. Louis and AEG/Farmers Field. http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-0105-nfl-la-stadium-20150105-story.html http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-la-plaschke-20150105-column.html

Edit: Press release here - http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2422532

Note that the Hollywood Park area is a couple miles from the future Crenshaw/LAX line station at Florence/La Brea (Mayor Butts previously lobbied for a Forum/Hollywood Park alignment, but the cost of right-of-way acquisition, questionable ridership demand, and the difficulties it would cause for LAX access made that basically a non-starter). So this is likely to be a very auto-oriented stadium district, although the announcement suggests it's not entirely a single-use area that would be dead except on game days.

Looks like it will be about 1.5 miles from the La Brea / Florence stop (via La Brea, Manchester and Prairie). You would think there would be a shuttle offered ala the Dodger Express, perhaps they could even dedicate lanes to the shuttle on game day (as there would only be 8-10 game days including potential playoffs or a Super Bowl), which would make it much more functional than the Dodger Express.

However this will still be pretty auto-oriented even if there is a convenient shuttle because getting to the stadium from most neighborhoods requires a transfer or two or three.

Overall I do think this is a good site for an NFL stadium - if built along with the rest of the project it's probably going to be an over-sized semi-urban version of LA Live. I can't remember the plans for the Hollywood Park redevelopment, are they developing that entire site, including the race track / central park? If so, that is a massive site.

In a perfect world we would get the Rams back at this site and then a new expansion team at the South Park site.

ChelseaFC

Jan 5, 2015, 6:35 PM

I can't remember the plans for the Hollywood Park redevelopment, are they developing that entire site, including the race track / central park? If so, that is a massive site.

It's called Hollywood Park Tomorrow, mixed use/commercial/residential. The site plans will be changed somewhat to accommodate the stadium.

http://www.hollywoodparklife.com/

EDIT: Here's the amended plan from Wilson Meany, which will bring the site to 298 acres

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6mocjrCUAA458W.jpg

Steve2726

Jan 5, 2015, 7:16 PM

Please remind me what is going up here. A picture would be nice.:)

Not super current, but here's a drone flyover and overview of the Sunset/ La Cienega site-

http://www.largoconcrete.com/news/sunset-la-cienega-hotel-residential-high-rise-towers-west-hollywood-california/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMzqtepY02c

Eightball

Jan 6, 2015, 7:27 PM

Access Culver City is coming along nicely:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7545/16190079746_410b005d02_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qEEoDY)Access #CulverCity (https://flic.kr/p/qEEoDY) by thaeisahtbizall (https://www.flickr.com/people/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8587/16190079076_2cf3e8b94c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qEEosq)Access #CulverCity (https://flic.kr/p/qEEosq) by thaeisahtbizall (https://www.flickr.com/people/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/16029855389_b26017cff6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qqvcx4)Access #CulverCity (https://flic.kr/p/qqvcx4) by thaeisahtbizall (https://www.flickr.com/people/73028294@N00/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/16028600230_aaacd9a4ef_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qqoLqo)Access #CulverCity (https://flic.kr/p/qqoLqo) by thaeisahtbizall (https://www.flickr.com/people/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

JRinSoCal

Jan 6, 2015, 8:24 PM

Not super current, but here's a drone flyover and overview of the Sunset/ La Cienega site-

http://www.largoconcrete.com/news/sunset-la-cienega-hotel-residential-high-rise-towers-west-hollywood-california/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMzqtepY02c

Awesome video thanks! That site is massive.

JRinSoCal

Jan 6, 2015, 8:26 PM

It's called Hollywood Park Tomorrow, mixed use/commercial/residential. The site plans will be changed somewhat to accommodate the stadium.

http://www.hollywoodparklife.com/

EDIT: Here's the amended plan from Wilson Meany, which will bring the site to 298 acres

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6mocjrCUAA458W.jpg

So this means we can kiss Farmers Field goodbye for good right? Not necessarily a bad thing.

ChelseaFC

Jan 6, 2015, 8:37 PM

One would have to think. I've never been a Farmers Field guy. Never bought into the notion that a football stadium connected to and used as ancillary convention space would be better for downtown LA than brand new convention-specific space. The LACC is cramped for acreage as it is. To even stay remotely competitive with San Diego and Vegas, they need to use as much of it as possible for large convention halls. A new hotel incorporated into the convention center redevelopment would be great.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 6, 2015, 9:00 PM

So this means we can kiss Farmers Field goodbye for good right? Not necessarily a bad thing.

Not necessarily. There were reports that the NFL preferred a Downtown stadium, and until there are shovels in the ground, this could just be an elaborate negotiation strategy to extract money from St. Louis rather than an actual stadium. The talk is that Kroenke does want to bring the Rams back to LA, but he's a businessman at heart, and if the League demands too large a relocation fee or St Louis offers enough money, he'll go for whatever is more profitable.

Kroenke is doing this by ballot measure. Ironically, he's married to a Walton, and Wal-Mart famously lost a ballot measure fight over the same land in Inglewood a decade ago.

The City's press release is here - http://www.cityofinglewood.org/pdfs/admin/stadiuminitiative.pdf

Haven't found the ballot measure text yet. Will post it if I find it.

kelbeen

Jan 7, 2015, 11:37 AM

Petersen Automotive Museum renovation has two webcams up.

www.workzonecam.com/projects/petersenmuseum/

http://www.petersen.org/uploads/petersen_museum.jpg

I personally believe this is a very underrated project in all of LA. If they don't screw up like the Broad, then this could be a landmark. Project is expected to be done by end of this year.

A quick 2014 summary of the nearby projects:

LACMA:
"Now LACMA is working on feasibility studies, which it hopes to finish by spring 2015; then it can start on a capital campaign to pay for the project."

Academy Museum:
Not sure about this project because of some drama.
"Work will start at the end of 2014 and the museum is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2017"

Frank Gehry tower:
Still in early talks. "We are continuing to negotiate with the individual property owners to acquire or lease property needed for the Fairfax subway station, and we are also exploring, with the property owners, the possibility of a large mixed-use project above the station."

Flavius Josephus

Jan 7, 2015, 12:57 PM

202_Cyclist

Jan 7, 2015, 1:49 PM

Flavius Josephus:
I wonder why LACMA doesn't seem to be considering anything other than a single-use museum on-site. Wouldn't a partnership with a residential, hotel, or office developer to create, say, "The Residences at LACMA" be a good way of funding the massive project cost? LACMA has a lot of valuable real estate, and one would think that there would be ways to exploit it while keeping most of the site for Zumthor's vision.

This approach was done with the Newseum in DC, where there are upscale condos next to the mueseum.

San Frangelino

Jan 8, 2015, 8:45 PM

Near Hollywood and Western 1/8/15
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oH5IsIZdk08/VK7rb8nSA2I/AAAAAAAABjc/WCEGmHPqDJE/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg
I think this is the rendering
http://pslarchitects.com/5550hollywoodII.html
http://pslarchitects.com/images/projects/5550hollywood.1.jpg

Location: 5550 W. Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Description: 280 apts and 12,650 sq. ft. retail. 140 du/ac
Funding: Private Funding

Quixote

Jan 8, 2015, 9:01 PM

Wow, I didn't know that was proceeding forward. Very exciting.

DenseCityPlease

Jan 8, 2015, 10:04 PM

Near Hollywood and Western 12/8/15
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oH5IsIZdk08/VK7rb8nSA2I/AAAAAAAABjc/WCEGmHPqDJE/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg
I think this is the rendering
http://pslarchitects.com/5550hollywoodII.html
http://pslarchitects.com/images/projects/5550hollywood.1.jpg

Thanks for pointing that out! I spend a lot of time in this area and had noticed the construction site, but wasn't sure what was being built there. (By the way, does anyone else find the pint-sized historic facade preservation on this project mildly amusing? But hey, I'll take it).

This linear area roughly following the Red Line through East Hollywood/Thai Town/Los Feliz flats (i.e. south of Franklin) is definitely something to keep an eye on as far as small to medium scale infill development. It's generally on the gritty side of things but is pockmarked with spots of brilliance like Barnsdall Park and of course the bustling historic "villages" along Vermont, Hillhurst, and Hollywood Blvd. With gentrification moving west from Silverlake, east from Hollywood, and south from Los Feliz this spot find itself at the center of the confluence AND happens to be served by two Metro stations.

I would definitely watch for more projects like the one shown above along Hollywood and Santa Monica Blvds., as well as frequent use of the newish Small Lot Subdivision ordinance on smaller scale projects on the side streets. For those not familiar with what this entails, I encourage you to check out this short and fascinating article about it: http://urbanland.uli.org/development-business/fee-simple-small-lots-yield-urbane-density/

As it turns out, the project profiled happens to be right in this area on Kenmore Ave. between Hollywood and Franklin. Essentially, one single family home is being replaced with six, all on a standard city lot.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 9, 2015, 11:39 AM

Thanks for pointing that out! I spend a lot of time in this area and had noticed the construction site, but wasn't sure what was being built there. (By the way, does anyone else find the pint-sized historic facade preservation on this project mildly amusing? But hey, I'll take it).

This linear area roughly following the Red Line through East Hollywood/Thai Town/Los Feliz flats (i.e. south of Franklin) is definitely something to keep an eye on as far as small to medium scale infill development. It's generally on the gritty side of things but is pockmarked with spots of brilliance like Barnsdall Park and of course the bustling historic "villages" along Vermont, Hillhurst, and Hollywood Blvd. With gentrification moving west from Silverlake, east from Hollywood, and south from Los Feliz this spot find itself at the center of the confluence AND happens to be served by two Metro stations.

I would definitely watch for more projects like the one shown above along Hollywood and Santa Monica Blvds., as well as frequent use of the newish Small Lot Subdivision ordinance on smaller scale projects on the side streets. For those not familiar with what this entails, I encourage you to check out this short and fascinating article about it: http://urbanland.uli.org/development-business/fee-simple-small-lots-yield-urbane-density/

As it turns out, the project profiled happens to be right in this area on Kenmore Ave. between Hollywood and Franklin. Essentially, one single family home is being replaced with six, all on a standard city lot.

Is this is the area where bad zoning decisions about 15 years ago led to low height limits (3-4 stories)? I know that's one issue in the Hollywood Target litigation--not sure how widespread the problem is.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 10, 2015, 12:04 PM

Interesting tidbit from this month's Metro agendas: LA is seeking the World's Fair, and local politicians are on side. http://media.metro.net/board/Items/2015/01_january/20150115emcitem77.pdf

Also, from the LAT, Shomof goes Pasadena: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rialto-theater-sold-20150109-story.html

ChelseaFC

Jan 10, 2015, 3:12 PM

Also, from the LAT, Shomof goes Pasadena: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rialto-theater-sold-20150109-story.html

As all South Pasadena residents would, I take offense to you referring to us as "Pasadena."

In all seriousness, this is incredibly exciting. The Rialto has been the architectural centerpiece of the main business district for as long as we can remember, and it was disappointing that it had to close down because of crumbling plaster. A working, modern entertainment venue isn't required to be a functioning business district, but boy, it certainly doesn't hurt.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 10, 2015, 6:54 PM

As all South Pasadena residents would, I take offense to you referring to us as "Pasadena."

In all seriousness, this is incredibly exciting. The Rialto has been the architectural centerpiece of the main business district for as long as we can remember, and it was disappointing that it had to close down because of crumbling plaster. A working, modern entertainment venue isn't required to be a functioning business district, but boy, it certainly doesn't hurt.

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Will you forgive me if I submit an angry comment to Metro when the 710 Draft EIR comes out next month?

ChelseaFC

Jan 10, 2015, 7:12 PM

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Will you forgive me if I submit an angry comment to Metro when the 710 Draft EIR comes out next month?

I'm actually one of the few here who is pro-tunnel. Would much rather have people driving underneath us, than trucks and commuters clogging up Fair Oaks, Huntington, and Fremont during rush hour every day on their way to Pasadena, Glendale, and Sunland. Would be expensive, so funding would need to be vetted, but no need to torpedo the EIR methinks.

DenseCityPlease

Jan 10, 2015, 7:30 PM

Is this is the area where bad zoning decisions about 15 years ago led to low height limits (3-4 stories)? I know that's one issue in the Hollywood Target litigation--not sure how widespread the problem is.

I'm not quite sure either. The only large-ish projects I can think of that were completed during the last 10 years or so are the Hollywood Senior Apartments at Hollywood and Garfield, which appears to be a 4-over-1 for a total of 5 floors, and also the affordable housing complex literally on top of the Hollywood/Western station, which has the same configuration:

Hollywood/Garfield: https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1017168,-118.3108392,3a,75y,312.51h,100.8t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sgCgen_E61vmki2xtqM4AMg!2e0

Hollywood/Western: https://www.google.com/maps/@34.101718,-118.3091372,3a,75y,150.31h,88.91t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1su1y7yEZztI1d6IQ3aDaWOA!2e0

If that's the case though I would expect the ongoing zoning rewrite to allow for greater density, particularly around the aforementioned Metro station and also the Sunset/Vermont station. Not only has Garcetti brought this up on a city-wide level, if I'm not mistaken the area we are discussing is also his former council district. What's more, neighborhood renters outnumber homeowners, which as we have seen elsewhere is a fairly reliable indicator of the amount and sophistication of political opposition that may arise. Likely not much.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 10, 2015, 10:48 PM

I'm not quite sure either. The only large-ish projects I can think of that were completed during the last 10 years or so are the Hollywood Senior Apartments at Hollywood and Garfield, which appears to be a 4-over-1 for a total of 5 floors, and also the affordable housing complex literally on top of the Hollywood/Western station, which has the same configuration:

Hollywood/Garfield: https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1017168,-118.3108392,3a,75y,312.51h,100.8t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sgCgen_E61vmki2xtqM4AMg!2e0

Hollywood/Western: https://www.google.com/maps/@34.101718,-118.3091372,3a,75y,150.31h,88.91t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1su1y7yEZztI1d6IQ3aDaWOA!2e0

If that's the case though I would expect the ongoing zoning rewrite to allow for greater density, particularly around the aforementioned Metro station and also the Sunset/Vermont station. Not only has Garcetti brought this up on a city-wide level, if I'm not mistaken the area we are discussing is also his former council district. What's more, neighborhood renters outnumber homeowners, which as we have seen elsewhere is a fairly reliable indicator of the amount and sophistication of political opposition that may arise. Likely not much.

Recode LA only changes the definitions of zones--it's the community plan process that actually picks what applies where, and it gets even more complicated along the Red Line because of the weird station area specific plans. Anyway, did some research and looks like height limits are a mixture of 50ft and 75ft along Western, except for single use commercial which is 35ft (that was what caught the Hollywood Target). It's in the Hollywood Community Plan area, so things are messy even by LA planning/zoning standards.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 12, 2015, 2:07 PM

Flavius Josephus

Jan 12, 2015, 2:24 PM

LA Times covers the insanity of LA development - bizarre parking requirements, Sierra Club employees who support more parking and oppose infill, etc. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-analysis-koreatown-20150111-story.html#page=1

Meanwhile, on the editorial pages, this:

With the right planning, the region can create policies that will incentivize or require developers to build more affordable housing as a return on taxpayers' investment — smart, environmentally advantageous housing that will be convenient as well. This is also the time to fix the city's broken land-use development process, which slows the construction of new homes and buildings, gives communities and developers little certainty of what to expect in the neighborhood and leaves all sides frustrated.

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-affordable-housing-part-1-20150111-story.html

ChelseaFC

Jan 12, 2015, 4:21 PM

Inglewood stadium update: per AP, the proposed development agreement provides that some of the improvements in public areas will be financed by deductions from future property tax receipts. So not exactly public spending, but neither is the deal entirely free from tax incentives. http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/01/12/ap-inglewood-stadium-developers-expect-100m-in-tax-reimbursements/#.VLPNEJCMMWw.twitter

Makes total sense, private developer fronts the money for public services like street, sewer, parks, lighting, utility improvements, and then is incentivized to generate additional tax revenue to pay for it. So the funds essentially never change hands, meanwhile the city gets a new development, worldwide name recognition, upgraded infrastructure, and the millions in surplus tax revenue that the dormant racetrack currently is not generating.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 12, 2015, 9:08 PM

Makes total sense, private developer fronts the money for public services like street, sewer, parks, lighting, utility improvements, and then is incentivized to generate additional tax revenue to pay for it. So the funds essentially never change hands, meanwhile the city gets a new development, worldwide name recognition, upgraded infrastructure, and the millions in surplus tax revenue that the dormant racetrack currently is not generating.

Yeah, agreed. But whoever's doing Kroenke's PR should be fired for allowing this to come out through a news story rather than controlling its release.

blackcat23

Jan 13, 2015, 3:49 PM

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2015/01/first-look-at-proposed-fountaincahuenga.html

Here's the first rendering out for the mixed-use development planned at Fountain/Cahuenga. Seven-story building, designed by Nadel Architects. 369 apartments, 2,500 sq. ft. ground-level creative office space. Slated to break ground in late 2015/early 2016 and wrap up in 2018.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzIxT4pVSH0/VLSdXY3FH5I/AAAAAAAAFK0/z7bSAzF-mtY/s1000/cahuenga.PNG

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhTfLnIc_Gs/VLSoUtMH1XI/AAAAAAAAFLU/4rsYTdGiScQ/s1000/Capture.PNG

circuitfiend

Jan 13, 2015, 5:38 PM

Wow, that's huge & across the street from the other big project, with the 20 flr tower. That neighborhood is on FIRE.

brudy

Jan 13, 2015, 6:30 PM

That's not bad at all. Once again, everywhere but downtown is getting decent mid-rise design. I'd trade Palmer's 'Broadway Palace' for this any second of any day.

blackcat23

Jan 14, 2015, 4:13 PM

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2015/01/more-residential-over-retail-in-k-town.html

More of the same in Koreatown. Seven-story building with 100 apartments over retail at 3100 W. 8th Street.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTXEL1jlqfA/VLYNDR1jruI/AAAAAAAAFME/-7fSMDnjTtc/s1000/Capture.PNG

Flavius Josephus

Jan 14, 2015, 11:11 PM

Appellate litigation update:

1. The City's petition for Supreme Court review in the Villagio Toscano Sherman Oaks case appears to have been denied. As previously noted, it seems to have been about some sort of non-final order, so this probably doesn't end the litigation over the project.

2. In the Hollywood Target case, the NIMBY groups filed their brief today. I think there's reply briefing before the case can be heard, so still several months to go on this one. Non-CEQA case, so not expedited.

3. Sunset Gordon still has a few months before briefing is done. Again, land use cause of action rather than CEQA, so not expedited.

4. Hollywood Community Plan Update - expected to be scheduled for oral argument soon - CEQA action so receives scheduling priority.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 15, 2015, 4:47 PM

Norm's La Cienega has a demo permit pending HCM review. Much as I'm a fan of new development, this is an iconic building that should be preserved (or if that's not possible, largely incorporated into new development on site). https://www.laconservancy.org/issues/norms-la-cienega-coffee-shop
https://www.laconservancy.org/sites/default/files/files/issues/Norm%27s%20Full%20HCM%20Application%2C%20LAC%2C%2012.23.2014%20asf.pdf (photos appear to be by forumer Hunter Kerhart)

Contact the City at http://www.preservation.lacity.org/contact

brudy

Jan 15, 2015, 8:33 PM

Yeah, I agree. Their food is pretty awful (and I like crappy diners), but the architecture is sweet.

Thanks for posting all the legal news, Flavius.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 15, 2015, 10:33 PM

LAT's surprising embrace of common sense continues: http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-affordable-housing-part-2-20150115-story.html

Eightball

Jan 15, 2015, 10:54 PM

thanks for posting all the legal news, flavius.

+1

Flavius Josephus

Jan 15, 2015, 11:46 PM

+1

Thanks. I got bored and set up an e-mail alert on the court website for developments in those cases.

In other news, a group of Westwood NIMBYs just got hit with the other side's legal fees for filing a truly bizarre frivolous lawsuit against the UCLA conference center project. http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/B253013.PDF

LosAngelesSportsFan

Jan 16, 2015, 12:32 AM

Thanks. I got bored and set up an e-mail alert on the court website for developments in those cases.

In other news, a group of Westwood NIMBYs just got hit with the other side's legal fees for filing a truly bizarre frivolous lawsuit against the UCLA conference center project. http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/B253013.PDF

Excellent. Hopefully La Mirada and Silversteins ass get hit with a few of those as well

Munchitup

Jan 16, 2015, 7:12 PM

Here are some pictures of the Playhouse Plaza from 1/14. Coming along very nicely, looking forward to it opening up and leasing out its retails spaces.

El Molino looking north towards Colorado:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/1518929_800429546163_494574331954363015_o.jpg

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/10922383_800429486283_3786059848934298900_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10423985_800429471313_3842769364890458273_n.jpg?oh=637b1a592968a871eadcf73a00efb8e4&oe=556F79DE&__gda__=1428618915_47be8f4ff658254fe55d1bd95db07d38

On the south side of Colorado looking east:

https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10806425_800429391473_3807928836391666482_n.jpg?oh=6f9bb5aa137ab5c04f322ff4c86e8412&oe=556A389A

Looking south across Colorado:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/p843x403/10484596_800429441373_5935373351968670655_o.jpg

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10904593_800429456343_3459686969358042625_o.jpg

Here is the Mack Urban project that is between Colorado and Union on El Molino. Just barely poking above street level now.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t31.0-8/1421074_800429516223_1517125593477117341_o.jpg

Flavius Josephus

Jan 16, 2015, 7:46 PM

Excellent. Hopefully La Mirada and Silversteins ass get hit with a few of those as well

Not likely. Much as I dislike the NIMBYs behind those lawsuits, they're not frivolous, and indeed many are meritorious thanks to the mess that CEQA's in.

ChelseaFC

Jan 16, 2015, 7:51 PM

I LOVE the Playhouse Plaza project. Coming along wonderfully.

brudy

Jan 16, 2015, 9:07 PM

On the Playhouse project, it looks really fantastic in person. It's Art Deco inspired without doing the Full Vegas. Palmer should take note.

blackcat23

Jan 18, 2015, 5:41 PM

Excavation was in full swing for the tower 3033 Wilshire Boulevard yesterday. Nice to see this one moving forward; that dirt lot was an eyesore.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEWmigVYp0E/VG6whUW4O1I/AAAAAAAAE0k/Eba5HiUCfXI/s1600/3033wilshire.jpg

blackcat23

Jan 19, 2015, 2:11 PM

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2015/01/crane-action-hits-sunset-strip.html

Sunset La Cienega, from this weekend.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rshAdID7MI/VLrTv7WMo0I/AAAAAAAAFMU/CRh-bPVfTdw/s1000/DSC03915.JPG

Hotel Towers (Two 10-story buildings w/ a 286-room James Hotel, retail)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYhKqcipIYs/VLrWy4VKOuI/AAAAAAAAFMg/z9E0CPM08Cc/s1000/DSC03921.JPG

Residential Towers (Two 8-story buildings w/190 units, retail)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJqCUkex4m0/VLrcOBkMXwI/AAAAAAAAFM0/_E20S4eLbgI/s1000/DSC03925.JPG

SimonLA

Jan 19, 2015, 7:02 PM

More hotels! The Dream in Hollywood. I think H'wood looks great, but this photo comes from a local complaining about losing his views. Oh, brother.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1530366_10152767739549842_3454246281518691450_n.jpg?oh=d241cdfbc9afae6f42df4ec211e380a6&oe=556AF2F0&__gda__=1432846407_a577b1011a6b23cb02e5784312614059

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10924759_10152767739564842_8832416563555778597_n.jpg?oh=1f0dd5993f39c329dbe34b9d1295c3c7&oe=556CDD0D&__gda__=1433255768_c45fb5614b9f71f8f03ab242b1e854ce

blackcat23

Jan 19, 2015, 8:19 PM

What's he losing sight of? The Arclight parking garage?

caligrad

Jan 19, 2015, 8:53 PM

The funny thing is. Looks like he's standing in a building that is towering around the neighborhood which i'm sure blocked someone's view when it was built. Oh the IRONY !

Flavius Josephus

Jan 20, 2015, 2:46 AM

Times covers lobbying tactics of bike activists and NIMBYs: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-analysis-cedillo-20150119-story.html#page=1

And the Hollywood Property Owners' Alliance/Hollywood BID seems to be blogging about road diets and tactical urbanism.http://onlyinhollywood.org/hollywood-boulevard-time-road-diet/. Since they have a very good relationship with Mayor Garcetti, I wouldn't be surprised if this translates into some sort of action on the ground.

colemonkee

Jan 20, 2015, 3:37 PM

Flavius Josephus

Jan 20, 2015, 4:37 PM

The Dream Hotel looks like it's using the same construction method as Carmel's 8th and Grand project downtown. I hope this type of construction catches on. It opens up a world of possibilities in the 8-12 story range, something LA has a serious dearth of.

Yes, I said "dearth."

Agreed. When you look at places like New York, the real intensity comes from having lots and lots of buildings about 10 stories high, not from the supertalls. Until recent decades, London had nothing above 14 stories, and skyscrapers are still rare (although getting less so); London's urban feel came from having lots and lots of ~4 story mixed use buildings mixed with a few mid-rises.

The two key things that would do wonders for the vibrancy of many LA commercial corridors are having a few more buildings in this ~100ft range and replacing as many single-story retail buildings as possible with 4-6 story mixed use. (Also, making better use of the mid-rises we have - like redeveloping the non-tower parts of Park La Brea as a mixed use neighborhood rather than Garden City monotony).

San Frangelino

Jan 20, 2015, 10:15 PM

Pocket Park in Progress on Carlton Way between Bronson and Gordon in Hollywood.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1ASWvlm69M/VL7TGKpKsSI/AAAAAAAABjs/_pBIpNBI4BM/s1600/IMG_2958.JPG

Muji

Jan 21, 2015, 1:13 AM

In continuation of the Hollywood updates, here are a few pictures of Columbia Square (taken last Wednesday, forgot to upload).

https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/img_3200-e1421802297476.jpg

https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/img_3199-e1421802308462.jpg

Exterior renovations of the historic main buildings on Sunset seem to be largely complete. The new paint scheme looks wonderful, and it gives the Streamline Moderne design the pop that it should've always had.

https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/img_3201-e1421802283304.jpg

blackcat23

Jan 21, 2015, 1:26 AM

Awesome! That's roughly one block away from the pocket part built with the stuck-in-limbo Sunset Gordon development.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLghB9XoKf4/VCh24ozGahI/AAAAAAAAEJs/sC0FvPMHpaw/s1000/DSC03384.JPG
http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/09/sunset-boulevard-developments-making.html

The Mack Urban project in South Park will have a similar arrangement.

chris08876

Jan 21, 2015, 4:51 PM

City looks at new 'infrastructure district' to fund L.A. River plans

http://www.trbimg.com/img-54bb33af/turbine/la-me-g-adv-la-river-financing-web/700/700x394

L.A. officials wasted no time, taking initial steps last week toward creating what is believed to be the state's first Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District. At a City Hall hearing, council members voiced eagerness to explore the steps needed to form a district and ordered a detailed report, due back in 45 days.

Councilman Mitch O'Farrell, who asked for the analysis, said the city's first infrastructure district would be focused on projects to restore and improve a 31-mile portion of the Los Angeles River.

Revitalizing the river is one of Mayor Eric Garcetti's top initiatives, and the city got a boost last year when the Army Corps of Engineers agreed to a $1-billion restoration plan. But the city has been trying to come up with its share of funding. Retaining more property taxes within the city is one possibility, O'Farrell said this week.

[...]
=============================
http://www.latimes.com/local/cityhall/la-me-la-river-financing-20150118-story.html

Allnatural85

Jan 21, 2015, 9:28 PM

SoCalKid

Jan 21, 2015, 11:09 PM

Expo Line progress:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7471/16150434089_0ffc1eb100_s.jpg
Track at 5th/Colorado with a low rise multifamily going up adjacent.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7580/15714188294_5200fddbe8_s.jpg
DT Santa Monica Station progress

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8683/16150431959_db7e18e0c4_s.jpg
Courtyard Marriott going vertical across the street. I didn't snap a picture of the Hampton Inn and Suites on the other side of the intersection, but it's at a similar stage of construction. I can snap a picture later if anyone wants me to.

Ok so this is pretty embarrassing.... someone needs to explain why my pictures are tiny...

JDRCRASH

Jan 22, 2015, 12:49 AM

I dunno if this has been posted but it mentions where yahoo was looking to set up shop before it ended up in Playa Vista

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-silicon-valley-south-20150118-story.html#page=1

Ah yes, it mentions they looked at the BLOC as a possible home. I guess it's a bummer for downtown but at least it shows the tech industry is starting to really look into burgeoning DTLA as an alternative to the no-growth city of Santa Monica.

However, what really puzzles me is why they would settle for looking at a place like the BLOC in the first place... when only a few or so blocks away down the street the Broadway Trade Center lies just waiting to be snatched up...

Could it be that some "other" tech giant has already laid claim to the BTC???

Idk, maybe I'm reading too much into it.

lakegz

Jan 22, 2015, 3:00 AM

What is this? An update for ants!? :haha:

Expo Line progress:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7471/16150434089_0ffc1eb100_s.jpg
Track at 5th/Colorado with a low rise multifamily going up adjacent.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7580/15714188294_5200fddbe8_s.jpg
DT Santa Monica Station progress

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8683/16150431959_db7e18e0c4_s.jpg
Courtyard Marriott going vertical across the street. I didn't snap a picture of the Hampton Inn and Suites on the other side of the intersection, but it's at a similar stage of construction. I can snap a picture later if anyone wants me to.

Ok so this is pretty embarrassing.... someone needs to explain why my pictures are tiny...

blackcat23

Jan 22, 2015, 3:21 PM

Access Culver City, from earlier this week.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4-1GaMV0Fc/VL8gr_F-QzI/AAAAAAAAFOg/EIhP_7QIm6o/s1000/DSC03938.JPG
http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2015/01/lots-of-progress-on-expo-adjacent-tod.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uku29kWIa7k/UtGk8FB9k_I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/iUJYCPNJJ6o/s1000/access1.jpg
http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2015/01/lots-of-progress-on-expo-adjacent-tod.html

colemonkee

Jan 22, 2015, 3:25 PM

SoCalKid, it may be that you're copying the image source from the thumbnail images in your Flickr account. Try getting to a larger size in your browser, then right clicking on the image and select "Copy Image Location", then paste that between the IMG tags and see if that fixes the issue.

LAsam

Jan 22, 2015, 9:27 PM

10000 Santa Monica's core is now about 2 or 3 stories above street level and the site is very busy with construction workers. I'd say it will start popping up into the CC skyline in the not-to-distant future.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 23, 2015, 1:31 AM

blackcat23

Jan 23, 2015, 1:47 AM

SimonLA

Jan 23, 2015, 2:05 AM

Ports' O' Call update: http://www.dailybreeze.com/government-and-politics/20150113/realtors-join-forces-to-press-port-of-los-angeles-for-action-on-san-pedros-waterfront-and-ports-o-call

Meanwhile, everyone's favorite NIMBY lawyer gets a Bloomberg writeup: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hollywood-deals-stop-as-david-fights-goliath-real-estate.html

And it looks like Century City Center is scheduled for a City Council vote next week. http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=14-1130-S1 http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=14-1130

And renderings on 904 N La Brea mixed user. http://cityplanning.lacity.org/staffrpt/mnd/ENV-2014-4075.pdf

At least Silverstein comes off as the money-grubbing opportunist that he is (I'm sure he's so concerned with over-development and the environment). :tup:

Anyway, check out this list from the Hollywood Economic Development Corp. with a list of all the projects completed or underway, including Eastown Phase II and a project at 5400 Hollywood Blvd. (rendering pictured--if link works):

http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/newsletter/Hollywood-Economic-Development-Map.jpg

http://metahousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/5400-Hollywood-Family-Apartments-Rendering.jpg

Quixote

Jan 23, 2015, 4:42 AM

Regarding the 904 La Brea development, I believe someone from SSP stumbled upon the renderings last month, but as a refresher:

...

It was me. I really love this project. It's actually one of my favorite un-built projects currently on the board.

LAsam

Jan 23, 2015, 5:02 PM

And it looks like Century City Center is scheduled for a City Council vote next week. http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=14-1130-S1 http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=14-1130

This would be such a massive development for Century City. Major risk though building an office building in CC with occupancy rates being what they are.

http://www.centurycitycenter.com/images/project_slider_1.png

Steve2726

Jan 23, 2015, 5:06 PM

LAsam

Jan 23, 2015, 5:57 PM

I thought CC occupancy rates are pretty decent. Anyone have current statistics? Also, deconstruction of the Westfield tower at S.M. Blvd and Ave of the Stars is in full swing, that is taking a few hundred k sq ft out of the mix.

According to DAUM, as of Q3 2014, CC vacancy was 13.9%. Out of 10.9MM sq/ft, 1.6MM was vacant. Regarding Westfield, I though they were going to have office space above the new Nordstrom?

Muji

Jan 23, 2015, 7:55 PM

Regarding the 904 La Brea development, I believe someone from SSP stumbled upon the renderings last month, but as a refresher:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nN5YqBVXew/VMEWREU5AOI/AAAAAAAAFPU/yEIfjDUEvv8/s1000/904labrea1.jpg
http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2015/01/latest-la-brea-mixed-user-unveiled.html

If most of the city's new 7-story mixed-users looked something like that, I would be very happy. That said, it's still unacceptable that we had to lose the Mole-Richardson Building for it.

LosAngelesSportsFan

Jan 23, 2015, 7:58 PM

bzcat

Jan 23, 2015, 8:01 PM

According to DAUM, as of Q3 2014, CC vacancy was 13.9%. Out of 10.9MM sq/ft, 1.6MM was vacant. Regarding Westfield, I though they were going to have office space above the new Nordstrom?

Most of the vacancy was due to the Westfield building being empty. The Q4 vacancy number will probably be very different once they remove the Westfield building from the rentable square footage.

Steve2726

Jan 23, 2015, 9:49 PM

Regarding Westfield, I though they were going to have office space above the new Nordstrom?

According to Blackcat it's just condos-

http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/06/westfields-century-city-tower-gets-big.html

Quixote

Jan 23, 2015, 10:00 PM

If most of the city's new 7-story mixed-users looked something like that, I would be very happy. That said, it's still unacceptable that we had to lose the Mole-Richardson Building for it.

I mostly favor historic preservation (especially Art Deco), but sometimes there are exceptions. In this case, we're talking about a 1-story building with large setbacks in a prime location that needs mid-rise density. La Brea's a pretty significant north-south corridor because it anchors the walkable stretches of the major east-west corridors (Wilshire, Beverly, Melrose, Santa Monica).

LAsam

Jan 23, 2015, 10:46 PM

Most of the vacancy was due to the Westfield building being empty. The Q4 vacancy number will probably be very different once they remove the Westfield building from the rentable square footage.

I'm not sure if they included Westfield or not... that building has been defunct for quite some time. Not to belabor the point, but Century City Center is planning to add 700K sq/ft of office to CC and will most likely be attempting to demand some of the highest $/sqft of any office in the area. The question is, is there demand for that much premium office space in CC? I'd love for the answer to be yes, and it could be yes, but its still quite risky IMHO. A mixed-use Apartment (or Condo)/Hotel would have been what I'd have guessed for that parcel.

112597jorge

Jan 24, 2015, 5:22 AM

I mostly favor historic preservation (especially Art Deco), but sometimes there are exceptions. In this case, we're talking about a 1-story building with large setbacks in a prime location that needs mid-rise density. La Brea's a pretty significant north-south corridor because it anchors the walkable stretches of the major east-west corridors (Wilshire, Beverly, Melrose, Santa Monica).

they should have kept the facade of the art deco building, and raze the rest, then build what is currently planned leaving just the art deco facade.

Kingofthehill

Jan 24, 2015, 3:46 PM

Exterior renovations of the historic main buildings on Sunset seem to be largely complete. The new paint scheme looks wonderful, and it gives the Streamline Moderne design the pop that it should've always had.

https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/img_3201-e1421802283304.jpg

I saw those earlier this month. They look great! Glad to see some of LA's often underrated Streamline-Moderne heritage get some love.

bzcat

Jan 26, 2015, 9:22 PM

I'm not sure if they included Westfield or not... that building has been defunct for quite some time. Not to belabor the point, but Century City Center is planning to add 700K sq/ft of office to CC and will most likely be attempting to demand some of the highest $/sqft of any office in the area. The question is, is there demand for that much premium office space in CC? I'd love for the answer to be yes, and it could be yes, but its still quite risky IMHO. A mixed-use Apartment (or Condo)/Hotel would have been what I'd have guessed for that parcel.

Condo/hotel brings its own issue with competition (10000 Santa Monica and the Century City Plaza) so I'm not sure it is that low risks, relatively speaking.

But yes, point is that when it is done, there will be a lot of office space. Westfield building is coming back to the market too eventually so they must all have studies that points to higher office space demands on the West side.

Eightball

Jan 26, 2015, 9:25 PM

i saw those earlier this month. They look great! Glad to see some of la's often underrated streamline-moderne heritage get some love.

+1

blackcat23

Jan 26, 2015, 10:02 PM

Condo/hotel brings its own issue with competition (10000 Santa Monica and the Century City Plaza) so I'm not sure it is that low risks, relatively speaking.

But yes, point is that when it is done, there will be a lot of office space. Westfield building is coming back to the market too eventually so they must all have studies that points to higher office space demands on the West side.

FYI, 10000 SaMo Boulevard will start out as luxury apartments, although units will be build to condo specs.

I believe the Century Plaza project is still proceeding as condos, though.

Your point re: competition is still well taken though. I think that is the main reason why the Westfield project opted to all but completely cut its residential component.

The entire pipeline for Century City is (approximately): 280 high-end rentals, 600 condos, 700k sq ft office space plus a significant expansion for the mall. I think the Westfield project and the Century Plaza development also have the option of including minor office components if market demand exists (100k sq ft for Century Plaza and 14,000 sq ft for Westfield).

Flavius Josephus

Jan 27, 2015, 2:56 AM

FYI, 10000 SaMo Boulevard will start out as luxury apartments, although units will be build to condo specs.

I believe the Century Plaza project is still proceeding as condos, though.

Your point re: competition is still well taken though. I think that is the main reason why the Westfield project opted to all but completely cut its residential component.

The entire pipeline for Century City is (approximately): 280 high-end rentals, 600 condos, 700k sq ft office space plus a significant expansion for the mall. I think the Westfield project and the Century Plaza development also have the option of including minor office components if market demand exists (100k sq ft for Century Plaza and 14,000 sq ft for Westfield).

Century City needs way more residential development than that. It's dead after 5 and because no-one lives there it screws up the entire Westside with traffic.

blackcat23

Jan 27, 2015, 4:30 AM

Century City needs way more residential development than that. It's dead after 5 and because no-one lives there it screws up the entire Westside with traffic.

I agree, but I'm not sure how it can happen.

There are only a couple of parking lots remaining in CC at this point, but they've remained as such because they're cost prohibitive to develop. Trying to upzone the surrounding neighborhoods is a political nonstarter. Likewise, the LA Country Club isn't going anywhere in the foreseeable future, despite being a colossal waste of space and resources.

There is some potential for teardowns or conversions of non-trophy properties on Century Park East, but I have yet to hear of any proposals.

Flavius Josephus

Jan 27, 2015, 2:59 PM

New LADCP case filings today. Quiet couple weeks - here are some highlights:

- 2405 E Pomeroy (Boyle Heights) - 81 room hotel.
- 700 W 9th (Downtown) - 2 story (???) mixed use tower. Address corresponds to part of Apex site.
- 900 S Figueroa (Downtown) - no caption. Address corresponds to part of Apex site.
- 215 W 7th and 354 S Spring (Downtown) - Bartlett Building and Hellman Building Historical-Cultural Monument filings
- 1550 N San Pablo (Lincoln Heights) - 200 key hotel mixed user
- 7700 N Woodman (Panorama City) - 3 96 unit senior residential buildings for a total of 288 units.
- 601 S Ocean Front Walk (Venice) - office-retail-residential mixed user

http://cityplanning.lacity.org/CNCRpts/dsp_viewFileDetail.cfm?filename=310

colemonkee

Jan 27, 2015, 3:03 PM

^ blackcat makes a good point. The other thing that hinders Century City is that outside of Westfield Century City and Craft (or possibly the Annenberg Center for Photography), there's nothing to do in Century City, and all of those attractions are inwardly designed, so they'll never activate the street. The eventual arrival of the Purple Line (which I do think will happen) will make it easier to get in and out of Century City without a car, but Century City would need some pretty dramatic programmatic changes before it's streets become activated at night or on weekends.