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202_Cyclist
Feb 27, 2015, 4:32 PM
On the topic of Glendale, I have it on good authority that Ara Najarian is pushing hard for DTLA-Glendale-Burbank and Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena light rail to be included in a Metro LRTP update and ballot measure. Not surprising, but good to know. It's a city that was originally built around the Pacific Electric line down Brand, and it would be huge to be able to get there by some high quality transit.

Indeed-- with the Amtrak and Metrolink station (and hopefully a high-speed rail station) in Burbank, this could really increase regional connectivity, as well as make Burbank airport a more attractive option for Southern California passengers.

202_Cyclist
Feb 27, 2015, 4:37 PM
Speaking of Long Beach, Virgin Galactic is going to create some good jobs in the commercial space industry in Long Beach. These CA naysayers who claim CA is on the decline and that the state should follow the Texas model of more pollution and lower wages are going to need to find some new talking points. I challenge people to name one emerging industry or high value-added industry that does not have a significant presence in California.

Virgin Galactic to build satellite launcher in Long Beach
http://www.presstelegram.com/business/20150212/virgin-galactic-to-build-satellite-launcher-in-long-beach

blackcat23
Feb 27, 2015, 7:02 PM
http://www.globest.com/news/12_1055/losangeles/development/VCN-Plans-Mixed-Use-Development-355742-1.html

VCN Plans Mixed-Use Development

CULVER CITY, CA—Developer VCN has purchased the Surfas Culinary District in Culver City, CA, with plans to develop a 100,000-square-foot mixed-use property on the site. The developer purchased the property for $16 million and has secured a $10.2 million loan through Buchanan Street Partners’ high yield lending program to fund the development.

“Culver city is going through a massive renaissance that has attracted a significant amount of world-class creative office users, new restaurants and residential development,” Tim Ballard, president of Buchanan Street Partners, tells GlobeSt.com. “With that, many existing properties are being redeveloped to meet today’s tenant demands. The subject property is in a premier location, that has a lot of development or redevelopment in the immediate area, that will be very attractive to office, retail and residential tenants.”

VCN plans to take advantage of the area’s high-density and mixed-use zoning in the area. The property is located at the intersection of Washington Blvd. and National Blvd., at 8777 Washington Boulevard in Culver City, near the EXPO light rail line. While the developer secures entitlements for the planned property, the Surfas Culinary District, who sold the site to VCN, will occupy a 13,206-square-foot retail property on the site.

This is right across the street from the Expo Line's Culver City Station.

StethJeff
Feb 27, 2015, 7:06 PM
Since I know a lot of the people who were involved with the signage initiative, I'll explain.

The segment of Sawtelle between Olympic and Santa Monica Boulevard developed into a Japanese American business/cultural district following the end of WWII, and remains so today. Besides stores and restaurants along Sawtelle Boulevard, there are multiple Japanese temples, churches and community centers in the surrounding neighborhood. That's why they wanted to make sure that the signage officially recognized the area as a "Japantown."

Not fully up to date with what's going on, but last I heard they were also pursuing a community design overlay for the area.

Edit: FYI the Little Osaka moniker only originated about seven or eight years ago as a well-meaning but misguided attempt to rebrand Sawtelle. The actual residents still call it Sawtelle, as do most people who frequent the neighborhood (like Illithid Dude and ChelseaFC).

I similarly only know it as Sawtelle, but if they are attempting to use signage to re-brand the area, we're still left with an inconsistent naming strategy. Sawtelle Japantown and Little Tokyo in the same city just sounds clumsy.

sopas ej
Feb 27, 2015, 10:56 PM
The segment of Sawtelle between Olympic and Santa Monica Boulevard developed into a Japanese American business/cultural district following the end of WWII, and remains so today.



The history of Japanese people in the Sawtelle area is actually older than WWII:

Sawtelle (http://www.californiajapantowns.org/sawtelle.html)

Incidentally, I've also always called it Sawtelle, and still do. I've never used "Little Osaka."

blackcat23
Feb 28, 2015, 2:25 AM
The history of Japanese people in the Sawtelle area is actually older than WWII:

Sawtelle (http://www.californiajapantowns.org/sawtelle.html)

Incidentally, I've also always called it Sawtelle, and still do. I've never used "Little Osaka."

Thank you for posting this! I was always under the impression that it didn't truly become a Japanese American neighborhood until after the end of the WWII internment camps.

I similarly only know it as Sawtelle, but if they are attempting to use signage to re-brand the area, we're still left with an inconsistent naming strategy. Sawtelle Japantown and Little Tokyo in the same city just sounds clumsy.

I honestly don't think it matters. The residents want the neighborhood to be called Sawtelle, so let the neighborhood be called Sawtelle.

The name Little Tokyo only came about because business owners in the neighborhood branded it as such. Before that, it was just called J-Town. A lot of people still call it that.

LosAngelesSportsFan
Feb 28, 2015, 11:20 PM
Anyone know when the sunset gateway project (sunset and Everett in echo Park) is supposed to break ground. They were aiming for a 2016 opening.

blackcat23
Mar 2, 2015, 2:26 PM
http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2015/03/luxury-apartments-to-rise-in-brentwood.html

49-unit apartment complex starting work in Brentwood.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG-0V0brd04/VPNhdzuEAjI/AAAAAAAAFhE/Ukg5xGdKvz0/s1000/montana.jpg

Flavius Josephus
Mar 2, 2015, 4:09 PM
http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2015/03/luxury-apartments-to-rise-in-brentwood.html

49-unit apartment complex starting work in Brentwood.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG-0V0brd04/VPNhdzuEAjI/AAAAAAAAFhE/Ukg5xGdKvz0/s1000/montana.jpg

That's some nice classical-inspired architecture. Wish more architects went for stuff like that rather than modern boxy stuff.

elcoronel
Mar 2, 2015, 4:51 PM
That's some nice classical-inspired architecture. Wish more architects went for stuff like that rather than modern boxy stuff.

Honestly, that building strikes me as quite ugly. Rarely have I seen contemporary imitations of classical styles look anything but a tasteless attempt at displaying an image of wealth without regards to historical aesthetics and this seems to be no different to me.

The building in the rendering to the left, although it may strike you as 'boxy stuff' functions to me as a much more fitting declaration of "LA" aesthetics without being dressed up in a mock historical facade.

Illithid Dude
Mar 2, 2015, 5:10 PM
Yeah, this strikes me as ugly as well. At least it provides more density, and isn't in a super visible area.

LAsam
Mar 2, 2015, 5:19 PM
IMHO, it fits the character of the area it is being built in and can look fine if constructed with quality materials and a tasteful color palette. It's good to have variety.

ceonwuka
Mar 2, 2015, 5:19 PM
Count me in the not-a-fan category. The tiny windows strike me as very outdated, not classic. Look at the building to the left, thats a much better looking building.

Eightball
Mar 2, 2015, 5:50 PM
Interesting that the units will be pretty large (averaging 1600 sq Ft). Nice to see the market provide some larger units.

StethJeff
Mar 2, 2015, 6:27 PM
IMHO, it fits the character of the area it is being built in and can look fine if constructed with quality materials and a tasteful color palette. It's good to have variety.

Agreed. This and simply having something that isn't Ava/1111 Wilshire is good in my book.

brudy
Mar 2, 2015, 7:56 PM
Agreed. This and simply having something that isn't Ava/1111 Wilshire is good in my book.


You can have awful design in any style, as evidenced by the various TCA atrocities and Palmer's fauxtalian crap. This one is a little bland, but not so bad, especially for the area. Generally I think this style is tough to pull off without looking completely phony, it will probably come down to the materials.

Flavius Josephus
Mar 3, 2015, 1:02 AM
Count me in the not-a-fan category. The tiny windows strike me as very outdated, not classic. Look at the building to the left, thats a much better looking building.

Tiny windows aren't classic but they are classical. Most classical revival architecture has small windows - big windows are modernist (think case study houses). I like details like columns, and while this one isn't going to win any architecture prizes, it's leaps and bounds ahead of TCA. And classical revival is much more pleasant than Palmer-style italianate revival.

Anyway, on a completely different note, the Hollywood Community Plan Update litigation is set for oral argument tomorrow morning at 9am. Courthouse info should be available at http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/dockets.cfm?dist=2&doc_id=2083034&doc_no=B257712 somewhere.

DIESELPOLO
Mar 3, 2015, 7:01 AM
If the materials are solid, I think modern, classical style architecture can totally work.

Sidebar: Can someone point me to information on the massive development under construction at Sunset and...La Cienega(?).

blackcat23
Mar 3, 2015, 2:25 PM
http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2015/03/la-county-looks-to-facilitate-crenshaw.html

LA County is planning to vacate two properties near Crenshaw Lines as Expo/Crenshaw and Florence/West and open them up to redevelopment. Both are nice TOD opportunities.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd8Bvb_eWPQ/VPVcoYSTq6I/AAAAAAAAFh8/i9m6DxLv7yE/s1000/Capture1.JPG

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBNFp0CdKeA/VPVcs67Kk-I/AAAAAAAAFiE/8xP2z9X4xEE/s1000/Capture.JPG

colemonkee
Mar 3, 2015, 3:27 PM
That Expo/Crenshaw one is huge. Do we know what's going up where they razed the shopping center on the southeast corner of Crenshaw and Rodeo (bottom right of the first structure. That, along with the property across Rodeo that Metro is using for construction staging (and used to house the Rite Aid and Del Taco) could completely change that area for the better if they are all developed with mixed use. They don't need to be high-rise, just denser mixed use with retail.

blackcat23
Mar 3, 2015, 3:58 PM
That Expo/Crenshaw one is huge. Do we know what's going up where they razed the shopping center on the southeast corner of Crenshaw and Rodeo (bottom right of the first structure. That, along with the property across Rodeo that Metro is using for construction staging (and used to house the Rite Aid and Del Taco) could completely change that area for the better if they are all developed with mixed use. They don't need to be high-rise, just denser mixed use with retail.

That's going to be a shopping mall called District Square. Not mixed-use, but better than what was there before.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97wUkAVR8Z0/UxaQRgru7tI/AAAAAAAACR0/vYl1YcApeoo/s1000/districtsquare.jpg

ChelseaFC
Mar 3, 2015, 4:01 PM
Sidebar: Can someone point me to information on the massive development under construction at Sunset and...La Cienega(?).

here's the project website:
http://www.sunsetlacienega.com/

and a drone video of the site from November:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMzqtepY02c

LAsam
Mar 3, 2015, 5:10 PM
Hey Circuitfiend, could we please get an updated birds-eye photo of 10000 Santa Monica? From street-level, it looks like a considerable amount of progress has been made. Thanks!

Easy
Mar 3, 2015, 6:01 PM
That Expo/Crenshaw one is huge...They don't need to be high-rise, just denser mixed use with retail.

Could they even be developed as high rises? I thought someone here (or maybe somewhere else) had posted a link to the LA City neighborhood zoning guidelines for SW LA and IIRC all of Crenshaw was designated to stay low or medium density. Medium density along Crenshaw and low density almost everywhere else. Even next to the transit stations. I don't know how these things work other than what I've read on here. Is that something that would have to be granted an exception by the city to build denser? Is there something regarding TOD's that might supersede that?

My guess would be that these get developed with a couple of the 7 story boxes that have been going up all over town (except around here), but with a much larger than normal low income portion because of where the land is coming from.

Flavius Josephus
Mar 3, 2015, 6:54 PM
Could they even be developed as high rises? I thought someone here (or maybe somewhere else) had posted a link to the LA City neighborhood zoning guidelines for SW LA and IIRC all of Crenshaw was designated to stay low or medium density. Medium density along Crenshaw and low density almost everywhere else. Even next to the transit stations. I don't know how these things work other than what I've read on here. Is that something that would have to be granted an exception by the city to build denser? Is there something regarding TOD's that might supersede that?

My guess would be that these get developed with a couple of the 7 story boxes that have been going up all over town (except around here), but with a much larger than normal low income portion because of where the land is coming from.

It doesn't make financial sense to build much higher than 7 stories outside of Downtown, Century City, the Wilshire corridor, and a few other core areas (Hollywood, DTLB, maybe a few other places). Better to build low-rise in Crenshaw and have it actually get built than have a project that goes bust because some politician wanted something big and shiny without paying attention to construction costs.

Flavius Josephus
Mar 3, 2015, 10:58 PM
According to the docket page, the Hollywood Community Plan Update litigation has been submitted for decision. That means that the Court of Appeals must issue a ruling within 90 days barring extraordinary circumstances.

My understanding of the legal standards is that the Court of Appeals reviews the whole trial court decision anew in CEQA cases. In essence, the Court has to decide whether it was unreasonable for the City to rely on SCAG population estimates when contradictory census information was available by the time the Environmental Impact Report was certified. The Court may also review whether the error was harmless.

I'm not sure if the City has made the argument that the Census data may undercount certain groups, notably the homeless and recent immigrants (especially unauthorized immigrants or people sharing a home with them). I think that's a serious argument, and an important reason why the City often fails to zone for its actual population.

Anyway, we should get a decision by early June at the latest. The loser will presumably petition the California Supreme Court to review the decision, but this case doesn't present any novel questions of law so it's unlikely to grant review.

It's worth noting that, because the City rescinded its approval of the plan to comply with the trial court injunction, even if it wins, council action may be necessary to reinstate the Plan. It's not impossible that the relevant council members will have changed their minds in the intervening years.

In other planning news, a work plan to implement the Mobility Plan has surfaced. https://losangeles2b.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/staffreport_fiveyearstrategy.pdf. Because zoning is required to be consistent with the General Plan, aspects of the plan calling for individualized parking requirements and pedestrian-friendly form standards are very significant for the ongoing Re:Code process. Blanket speed limit reductions on local streets and sidewalk repairs are currently deferred due to barriers in state legislation and lack of funds respectively.

Flavius Josephus
Mar 6, 2015, 6:54 AM
Something potentially big just got filed at LADCP. At 6150 N Laurel Canyon (Laurel Plaza Macy's), a 25 acre mixed use project just got proposed. Details from the filing are vague, but big. http://planning.lacity.org/caseinfo/casesummary.aspx?case=CPC-2015-889-ZC-CU-MCUP-SPR-ZAD-ZAA (see also last year's LAT coverage of the land sale - developers described it as a $100m plan. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-laurel-plaza-sold-20140123-story.html#axzz2rBDQTC3B)

Also, 154 unit mixed use development at 333 S La Cienega - that's very close to th Beverly Center. Developer is listed as Rick Caruso. http://planning.lacity.org/caseinfo/casesummary.aspx?case=CPC-2015-896-GPA-ZC-HD-MCUP-SPR

And Jewish Family Service seems to be building a 3 story building with a big-ass parking garage at 330 N Fairfax. http://planning.lacity.org/caseinfo/casesummary.aspx?case=ZA-2015-867-ZAA

colemonkee
Mar 6, 2015, 3:42 PM
Had a meeting in Century City earlier this week and snapped a picture of 10000 Santa Monica. It's tough to tell, but the core is about 4-5 stories up, and the rest of the building is working on the 2nd floor, with a pretty tall first floor. You can also see the crane for the Waldorf Astoria in the background.

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/2875/CUQ7aT.jpg
Image Source: Me and my iPhone

blackcat23
Mar 6, 2015, 4:04 PM
DistrictDirt and I have banded together to create Urbanize LA (http://urbanize.la/), a new blog which will combine coverage of Southern California real estate development with greater discussion of planning policy. Everything that I've previously done with Building Los Angeles will migrate to the new website.

http://urbanize.la/post/high-rise-apartment-building-planned-mid-city-west

As mentioned above by Flavius, Rick Caruso is planning a 19-story apartment tower with 154 units, 3,500 square feet of restaurant space, and a 26,000-square-foot grocery store. The project is located at 333 S. La Cienega Boulevard, across the street from the super-expensive 8500 Burton Way development (another Caruso project) and just south of the Beverly Center. Expect high rents and an inevitable NIMBY showdown.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/333lacienega.JPG?itok=ZZaQdkd4

BrandonJXN
Mar 6, 2015, 4:39 PM
Urbanize LA is all kinds of awesome btw.

Eightball
Mar 6, 2015, 4:47 PM
Had a meeting in Century City earlier this week and snapped a picture of 10000 Santa Monica. It's tough to tell, but the core is about 4-5 stories up, and the rest of the building is working on the 2nd floor, with a pretty tall first floor. You can also see the crane for the Waldorf Astoria in the background.

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/2875/CUQ7aT.jpg
Image Source: Me and my iPhone

Very nice shot! Beautiful colors

And yeah the new site looks great ya'll, good job.

LAsam
Mar 6, 2015, 4:51 PM
DistrictDirt and I have banded together to create Urbanize LA (http://urbanize.la/), a new blog which will combine coverage of Southern California real estate development with greater discussion of planning policy. Everything that I've previously done with Building Los Angeles will migrate to the new website.

I absolutely loved the Building LA blog, and will be sure to check in on Urbanize LA daily. Thanks so much blackcat23 and DisctrictDirt!

brudy
Mar 6, 2015, 5:53 PM
That looks like a solid project for the area, but transit and traffic is definitely an issue in this area. The city should make Caruso pony up for something here. West 3rd could sure use a street car from here to fairfax.

LAsam
Mar 6, 2015, 7:03 PM
That looks like a solid project for the area, but transit and traffic is definitely an issue in this area. The city should make Caruso pony up for something here. West 3rd could sure use a street car from here to fairfax.

Well, Caruso does love trolleys :D

Wally West
Mar 6, 2015, 7:16 PM
Well, Caruso does love trolleys :D

This new project might even encourage his idea of extending the Grove's trolley to the Beverly Center and the LACMA (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/06/caruso_wants_to_extend_grove_trolley_to_bev_center_and_lacma.php). I'd supportive of that.

And Urbanize LA (http://urbanize.la/) looks awesome! Keep up the great work, guys!

Illithid Dude
Mar 6, 2015, 7:42 PM
Very happy about the new high rise. I've always thought that the area around the Beverly Center could turn in to an urban, walkable neighborhood, so it's nice to see that start to play out.

DistrictDirt
Mar 7, 2015, 12:04 AM
I absolutely loved the Building LA blog, and will be sure to check in on Urbanize LA daily. Thanks so much blackcat23 and DisctrictDirt!

Thanks for the positive feedback on the site, everyone!

http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/125/331/feels-good-man-goat-squint-12883904505.jpg

Flavius Josephus
Mar 7, 2015, 4:07 AM
That looks like a solid project for the area, but transit and traffic is definitely an issue in this area. The city should make Caruso pony up for something here. West 3rd could sure use a street car from here to fairfax.

I'm not sure a trolley would be a sound investment (unless we're talking rubber wheeled, rather than rail), but either (a) improving 16/316 service along 3rd or (b) putting some $$$ toward the eventual northern extension of the Crenshaw Line would be a good public benefits package.

Jun
Mar 8, 2015, 12:43 AM
delete

blackcat23
Mar 9, 2015, 2:20 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/mixed-use-infill-planned-near-orange-line

New mixed-use development planned near North Hollywood Orange/Red Line terminus. Seven stories, 82 residential units, 1,000 sq. ft. of retail.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/tujungachandler.JPG

Flavius Josephus
Mar 9, 2015, 3:39 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/mixed-use-infill-planned-near-orange-line

New mixed-use development planned near North Hollywood Orange/Red Line terminus. Seven stories, 82 residential units, 1,000 sq. ft. of retail.



On the topic of NoHo, any news on what that filing for Laurel Plaza was about (http://planning.lacity.org/caseinfo/casesummary.aspx?case=VTT-73302)?

Also, looks like the Broadway Trade Center redevelopment downtown has filed for something (http://planning.lacity.org/caseinfo/casesummary.aspx?case=ZA-2015-932-MCUP-CUX-ZV).

RST500
Mar 9, 2015, 5:20 PM
DistrictDirt and I have banded together to create Urbanize LA (http://urbanize.la/), a new blog which will combine coverage of Southern California real estate development with greater discussion of planning policy. Everything that I've previously done with Building Los Angeles will migrate to the new website.

http://urbanize.la/post/high-rise-apartment-building-planned-mid-city-west

As mentioned above by Flavius, Rick Caruso is planning a 19-story apartment tower with 154 units, 3,500 square feet of restaurant space, and a 26,000-square-foot grocery store. The project is located at 333 S. La Cienega Boulevard, across the street from the super-expensive 8500 Burton Way development (another Caruso project) and just south of the Beverly Center. Expect high rents and an inevitable NIMBY showdown.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/333lacienega.JPG?itok=ZZaQdkd4


I know a lot of people here are exited about this project. I have mixed feelings. It's an improvement on what's there now but I always envisioned that area being a major urban district and that location having something 40 to 50 stories also where the Beverly Connection is.

RST500
Mar 9, 2015, 5:24 PM
Very happy about the new high rise. I've always thought that the area around the Beverly Center could turn in to an urban, walkable neighborhood, so it's nice to see that start to play out.

That area should become LA's equivalent to Time Square.

colemonkee
Mar 9, 2015, 5:30 PM
^ There's not the transportation infrastructure - current or planned - to support something in the 40-50 story range (the Purple Line stop will be a 1/4 mile away, and won't be there for some time). But some buildings in the 10-20 story range will help increase the density without over-burdening what that area can reasonably support. Honestly, I expect a 19-story tower to have a difficult time getting through the process, though I fully support it.

AndrewK
Mar 9, 2015, 8:16 PM
The Pink Line would definitely move things in the right direction, though who knows how far off that might be.

Flavius Josephus
Mar 9, 2015, 8:50 PM
The Pink Line would definitely move things in the right direction, though who knows how far off that might be.

If you're talking about the northern extension of the Crenshaw line, I tend to prefer a Fairfax alignment over La Cienega, but definitely much needed. Metro should be reporting back soon about its priorities for a new ballot measure.

Meanwhile, on the topic of the LA/WeHo borderlands, looks like some overwrought postmodern architecture is coming to the place where they paved over paradise to put up a parking lot. http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/03/frank_gehry_sunset_strip_garden_of_allah_townscape_partners.php

timpdx
Mar 9, 2015, 11:01 PM
I still think NIMBYs will kill this project, at least at this scale but, I totally welcome this porject in scope and scale, would be TOPS if they can preserve the bank building:

BREAKING: Frank Gehry Designing Huge Project on Sunset Strip
http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/03/frank_gehry_sunset_strip_garden_of_allah_townscape_partners.php

This project, to refresh memories
http://cdn.cstatic.net/gridnailer/500x/http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/54fe0544f92ea1701300437f/G202-Sunset-and-Crescent.jpg

brudy
Mar 9, 2015, 11:35 PM
That area should become LA's equivalent to Time Square.

That doesn't really make any sense, given that LA Live has essentially become our version of Time Square. Once Fig Central and the other mega developments are complete in a few years this will truly fulfill that need. Besides being centrally located to the freeways, it's also transit accessible, unlike Beverly Center, which I'd rather almost die than drive towards on the weekend.

brudy
Mar 9, 2015, 11:37 PM
Also, looks like the Broadway Trade Center redevelopment downtown has filed for something (http://planning.lacity.org/caseinfo/casesummary.aspx?case=ZA-2015-932-MCUP-CUX-ZV).

It reads like hotel permits (with roof top bars/clubs/resto), including some kind of dog boarding thingie.

elcoronel
Mar 10, 2015, 12:04 AM
http://www.trbimg.com/img-54fe289a/turbine/la-fi-property-report-333--s-la-cienega-blvd-jpg-20150309/750/750x422

http://http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-caruso-apartments-20150310-story.html

LATimes posts renderings of the new Caruso tower. Looks almost Miami style.

losangelesnative
Mar 10, 2015, 12:28 AM
Reminds me of a cruise ship

circuitfiend
Mar 10, 2015, 12:31 AM
Very nice. Echoes the design of his building across the street.

StethJeff
Mar 10, 2015, 12:33 AM
Yeah but it completely fits the area.

Flavius Josephus
Mar 10, 2015, 1:08 AM
Yeah but it completely fits the area.

You can't really tell whether it will fit or not from that angle. People see neighborhoods from the street, not from helicopters.

Muji
Mar 10, 2015, 2:10 AM
If only the building would actually come with a planted median on La Cienega... With so many new residential units in the area, it's about time for someone to actually put some thought in fixing up the horrible conditions for pedestrians at the La Cienaga/San Vicente intersection.

Quixote
Mar 10, 2015, 2:32 AM
If you're talking about the northern extension of the Crenshaw line, I tend to prefer a Fairfax alignment over La Cienega, but definitely much needed. Metro should be reporting back soon about its priorities for a new ballot measure.

Or even La Brea, which is ripe for residential development. It gives much more direct access to Hollywood and the Purple Line (for those who need to get to Downtown) from LAX.

It's a shame that the Pink Line was demoted from HRT to LRT because of a conservative ridership prediction. What's LACMTA's methodology for calculating these figures? The Expo Line exceeded the 2020 ridership goal of 27,000 two years ago.

blackcat23
Mar 10, 2015, 1:21 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/pocket-park-under-construction-hollywood

Construction update on the new Carlton Way Pocket Park in Hollywood

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04071.JPG?itok=wttPMVeS

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/carltonway.JPG?itok=RF-IzbSB

202_Cyclist
Mar 10, 2015, 3:17 PM
What's LACMTA's methodology for calculating these figures? The Expo Line exceeded the 2020 ridership goal of 27,000 two years ago.

I don't know specifically what methodology LA MTA uses but the four-step model (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_forecasting) is the basic model for transportation forecasting. The four step model includes: 1) trip generation, 2) trip distribution, 3) mode choice, and 4) route assignment.

I am not a transportation forecaster but I would guess that there are faulty assumptions for trip generation (investment in rail transit induces walkable, transit-oriented development, which encourages additional trips) and mode choice (changing transportation preferences, espcially among younger residents).

The Transportation Research Board also has a good overview (i.e. 60-page report) on fixed-route transit forecasting: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_syn_66.pdf

blackcat23
Mar 11, 2015, 6:37 AM
http://urbanize.la/post/proposed-hollywood-office-tower-revealed

Renderings are out for 5901 Sunset Boulevard, an 18-story office tower planned by Hudson Pacific Properties. This would be located right next-door to the controversial Sunset Gordon development.

260 feet tall, 274,000 sq. ft. of office space, 26,000 sq. ft. of retail, 1,118(!!!!) parking spaces in an eight(?!?!?!)-story podium. Building is supposed to open in 2017, assuming all goes to plan.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/5901sunset4.JPG?itok=j-HkGVnp

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/Capture_0.JPG?itok=ML7-qFOn

Quixote
Mar 11, 2015, 7:04 AM
^ That's egregious. The multi-story parking podium is even worse than the much-maligned strip mall, as it only exacerbates our region's culture of auto-centric density. And these monstrosities are being built within walking distance of mass transit.

DistrictDirt
Mar 11, 2015, 7:36 AM
http://urbanize.la/post/proposed-hollywood-office-tower-revealed

Renderings are out for 5901 Sunset Boulevard, an 18-story office tower planned by Hudson Pacific Properties. This would be located right next-door to the controversial Sunset Gordon development.

260 feet tall, 274,000 sq. ft. of office space, 26,000 sq. ft. of retail, 1,118(!!!!) parking spaces in an eight(?!?!?!)-story podium. Building is supposed to open in 2017, assuming all goes to plan.

What on earth is LA going to do with its glut of parking structures in 10 years when everyone is Ubering everywhere? Every study conducted on the subject has shown that car sharing has already made an impact in car ownership- drastically in some places. And we're only just getting started. We're devoting massive amounts of real estate to something that doesn't have a future.

Leo the Dog
Mar 11, 2015, 3:53 PM
What on earth is LA going to do with its glut of parking structures in 10 years when everyone is Ubering everywhere? Every study conducted on the subject has shown that car sharing has already made an impact in car ownership- drastically in some places. And we're only just getting started. We're devoting massive amounts of real estate to something that doesn't have a future.

I heard on CNBC that once cars become automated, the cost to take an Uber, Google car or Apple car will be almost as cheap as public transportation, but far more efficient. The costs are high now because there's a human that must be compensated. Take that driver out of the equation and it suddenly becomes very cheap to hail a ride.

The kids that are born today, might not ever own a car.

LosAngelesSportsFan
Mar 11, 2015, 6:12 PM
I heard on CNBC that once cars become automated, the cost to take an Uber, Google car or Apple car will be almost as cheap as public transportation, but far more efficient. The costs are high now because there's a human that must be compensated. Take that driver out of the equation and it suddenly becomes very cheap to hail a ride.

The kids that are born today, might not ever own a car.

well, honestly, Uber is very cheap right now. I can get from Hollywood and Vine to 8th and Broadway in Downtown LA, about 7 miles, for 12 dollars. Downtown LA to LAX is now about 24 dollars... Not dirt cheap like public transit, but still very affordable for most people to use occasionally

And i agree about kids born today. We are already seeing car ownership rates drop

caligrad
Mar 11, 2015, 6:24 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/proposed-hollywood-office-tower-revealed

Renderings are out for 5901 Sunset Boulevard, an 18-story office tower planned by Hudson Pacific Properties. This would be located right next-door to the controversial Sunset Gordon development.

260 feet tall, 274,000 sq. ft. of office space, 26,000 sq. ft. of retail, 1,118(!!!!) parking spaces in an eight(?!?!?!)-story podium. Building is supposed to open in 2017, assuming all goes to plan.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/5901sunset4.JPG?itok=j-HkGVnp

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/Capture_0.JPG?itok=ML7-qFOn


No........No......Just No.......

Looking at it at a quick glance I thought it was a win... I thought it was a true 18 story office building.... Looking at the picture some more and seeing the bottom half.....Wait.....Wait..... WTF IS THAT ??? reading....(1000+ parking spaces in an 8story podium).............NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOO............

Ive always been a supporter of some podiums as a necessary evil in SOME cases.....BUT In a booming Hollywood, especially sunset...NO.

I hate nimbys but I WILL support any plans to cancel this building or to drastically redesign it. The bare minimum im willing to take is to bury the parking... If that's not on the table than NO.

I have 2 teenage younger brothers.... Neither one wants a car, talks about a car or even obsessed with getting a car like I was, being a kid from the 90s...Now kids these days don't want the responsibility and costs of cars.... Why set up a future for something that doesn't have a future. Cars are not going away, probably never will.... But their prominence for some is fading.

brudy
Mar 11, 2015, 7:10 PM
That is an insane amount of parking for that location. Seriously egregious...

colemonkee
Mar 11, 2015, 7:16 PM
^ The parking podium is only a part of the problem with that building. The entire design is disjointed, inharmonious, and confused about itself. They have an office tower that seems to float atop a separate, terraced office pedestal that sits atop a parking podium. The office uses should be more integrated with each other (though I like the idea of the terraces), and the curved edges on the office tower portion don't have anything to do with the rest of the design.

They need to go back to the drawing boards with this one. Parking podiums can work if designed right, but this entire design just screams of HDAD.

Flavius Josephus
Mar 11, 2015, 7:50 PM
^ The parking podium is only a part of the problem with that building. The entire design is disjointed, inharmonious, and confused about itself. They have an office tower that seems to float atop a separate, terraced office pedestal that sits atop a parking podium. The office uses should be more integrated with each other (though I like the idea of the terraces), and the curved edges on the office tower portion don't have anything to do with the rest of the design.

They need to go back to the drawing boards with this one. Parking podiums can work if designed right, but this entire design just screams of HDAD.

If I remember correctly this is a site where the landowner is obliged by covenants with neighbors to provide a LOT of parking. So about half the parking is stuff they have to have in order not to owe neighbors a lot of money.

elcoronel
Mar 11, 2015, 11:13 PM
http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/55009ff4f92ea10e0e007a4d/1422417884502.jpeg

http://http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/03/first_look_at_the_thompson_hollywood_hotel_headed_for_wilcox.php

Renderings have come out for a new Hollywood Hotel called the Thompson Hollywood Hotel on Wilcox. Hollywood really is getting the best designs in LA.

Quixote
Mar 11, 2015, 11:28 PM
^ Perfect scale for Hollywood too. Buildings like that and the one under construction at the northwest corner of Selma/Vine would look great in the Historic Core.

Eightball
Mar 12, 2015, 12:07 AM
http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/55009ff4f92ea10e0e007a4d/1422417884502.jpeg

http://http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/03/first_look_at_the_thompson_hollywood_hotel_headed_for_wilcox.php


Renderings have come out for a new Hollywood Hotel called the Thompson Hollywood Hotel on Wilcox. Hollywood really is getting the best designs in LA.
Very nice! Reminds me of one of my favorite newer DC buildings, The Atlantic Plumbing building

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2014/12/apview550.jpg
http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/best_new_development_in_2014_jbgs_atlantic_plumbing/9329

Muji
Mar 12, 2015, 12:37 AM
I like the Thompson's size, and the rendering looks sharp! It does look a little too similar to the Dream Hotel, but the final cladding will likely make a big difference.

As for the massive amount of parking at 5901 Sunset, it's almost certain that most of it will be completely useless. Here are some stats about the parking excess at the somewhat recently built University Gateway Apartments at Exposition and Figueroa. Basically, the developers built an eight-story garage for 775 cars on site, and reserved another 440 parking spots at another shared garage. Now, they estimate that of those 1215 spaces, 662 (54%) are unused! The sheer scale of systematic parking overbuilding in this city is ludricrously shameful.

Daily Trojan article on Gateway parking: http://dailytrojan.com/2015/02/12/gateway-apartments-to-rezone-parking-spots/

blackcat23
Mar 12, 2015, 6:22 AM
http://urbanize.la/post/huge-mixed-use-complex-planned-west-adams

Plans are out for the massive KLOS/KABC radio broadcast facility next to the Expo Line's La Cienega/Jefferson Station. Much more ambitious than expected.

Tentative plans are:

1,218 multi-family residential units (one-, two- and three-bedroom units)
200,000 sq. ft. of office space
50,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space
50,000 sq. ft. grocery store


Architect is TCA.

Plans call for a seven-story building along Jefferson, and an eight-story building further north. Surprisingly, the centerpiece of the project would be a 400-unit residential tower which could rise up to 300 feet in height.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/tca.JPG?itok=tazQWAju

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/asdf.JPG?itok=bAGNyQqk

colemonkee
Mar 12, 2015, 2:28 PM
That's excellent news, though I threw up in my mouth a little bit when I read the TCA part.

brudy
Mar 12, 2015, 4:57 PM
That hotel looks really great, a very nice addition.

I'm sure we'll get no surprises with that TCA 7-storey. It will be another hacked together piece of junk, which is extra sad given the proximity to the Hayden tract.

202_Cyclist
Mar 12, 2015, 5:36 PM
Have there been any studies quantifying the number of new residential units and the amount of economic development next to the Expo line stations that has been completed or is planned/under construction? That would be useful info to have when a successor to Measure R is on the ballot.

brudy
Mar 12, 2015, 6:50 PM
Looks like Metro has hired a new general manager, from Denver.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-new-metro-ceo-20150312-story.html

ChelseaFC
Mar 12, 2015, 8:41 PM
Interesting news about the TCA development at La Cienega/Jefferson. Have to wonder if Metro will have to impose tighter restrictions at the station’s parking garage, because as of right now, I believe anyone can park there free of charge.

Eightball
Mar 13, 2015, 7:41 PM
Access Culver City a few days ago

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8752/16607982208_8106d28797_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/riAfuQ)Access Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/riAfuQ) by thaeisahtbizall (https://www.flickr.com/people/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7639/16175632503_0377113d6d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qDokZz)Access Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/qDokZz) by thaeisahtbizall (https://www.flickr.com/people/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7608/16588267767_aa66230a12_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rgRd5F)Access Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/rgRd5F) by thaeisahtbizall (https://www.flickr.com/people/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

blackcat23
Mar 16, 2015, 12:34 AM
3033 Wilshire Boulevard, today.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CALbXJ2UYAA1CX8.jpg:large
https://twitter.com/UrbanizeLA/status/577264895126700032

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/3033wilshire2_0.jpg?itok=qevvrAwM
http://urbanize.la/post/shiny-new-renderings-3033-wilshire-boulevard-updated

blackcat23
Mar 16, 2015, 1:19 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/five-story-office-building-takes-form-pasadena

Playhouse Plaza, last Thursday.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04143.JPG?itok=ZPVY9Sx_

colemonkee
Mar 16, 2015, 1:50 PM
Is that new construction or restoration/reuse?

BrandonJXN
Mar 16, 2015, 2:04 PM
If it's new, then I can see where it got it's inspiration from.

http://www.tenover6.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bw2.jpg
http://www.tenover6.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bw2.jpg

Kingofthehill
Mar 16, 2015, 2:06 PM
Looks good! Neo-Art Déco can be quite nice if the materials are of a high enough quality.

Is that new construction or restoration/reuse?

http://urbanize.la/post/five-story-office-building-takes-form-pasadena ;)

blackcat23
Mar 16, 2015, 3:00 PM
New construction, and very much inspired by Bullocks Wilshire.

brudy
Mar 16, 2015, 5:19 PM
Yeah, I think the Playhouse is pretty great and it looks just as good in real life as it does in pics. It's such a fine line in terms of historicity vs cheesy and fortunately this one came down on the good side. It helps that they're doing a style that translates well to contemporary tastes, as opposed to Palmer's buildings which just looks like Disneyfied crap.

colemonkee
Mar 16, 2015, 7:14 PM
More of this, please!

blackcat23
Mar 17, 2015, 2:03 PM
urbanize.la/post/apartments-galore-playa-vista

Irvine Company is building 1,500 rental units in Playa Vista. Not pretty, but seeing them all together at the same time is impressive.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/villas2.jpg?itok=9L6h3GhE

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04166.JPG?itok=JZj8VT7k

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/overhead.JPG?itok=_fBqXXJD

Every dirt lot in that image is under construction at this point.

Busy Bee
Mar 17, 2015, 3:21 PM
As depicted these don't look that bad to me. They could be a hell of a lot worse. I'd rather them be sorta cheesy but well done traditional than cheap basketcase modern.

ceonwuka
Mar 17, 2015, 6:18 PM
Some sort of transit down Jefferson definitely needs to be included in the next round of Metro plans.


Either follow Jefferson up to La Cienega and continue toward WeHo or go from Jefferson onto Centinela and use the BNSF right of way to get to downtown.

Playa Vista is a pain in the ass to get to from anywhere other than Culver City/Venice/Westchester. Tying it to the region via transit will make a lot of sense very soon.

caligrad
Mar 17, 2015, 8:34 PM
^^^ Agreed. That area specifically is seriously lacking transit. Surprised it hasn't happened sooner. Venice/marina del rey/ playa vista/culver....Not the densest area of the county but dense in some regards. it really is a pain in the ass to get to. Metro needs to jump on that extension quick. either an east west route that heads to downtown somehow or a north south route linking all of them via santa monica southward to Torrance or long beach even.

ceonwuka
Mar 17, 2015, 11:17 PM
The political nature of Metro's decision making makes any transit here unlikely to happen for a LONG time. Whether Playa Vista is considered part of the Westside or the LAX area, this part of the county likely won't get new transit funding until The Valley, SGV, Gateway Cities, and South Bay get theirs first.

Has there ever been any push for Los Angeles (City) to have its own transit authority? Although San Francisco has a rickety old system I think the distinction between BART (regional transit) and SFMTA (city transit) makes a lot of sense on a planning/funding level.

cargocultpants
Mar 18, 2015, 4:55 PM
They do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Department_of_Transportation

The political nature of Metro's decision making makes any transit here unlikely to happen for a LONG time. Whether Playa Vista is considered part of the Westside or the LAX area, this part of the county likely won't get new transit funding until The Valley, SGV, Gateway Cities, and South Bay get theirs first.

Has there ever been any push for Los Angeles (City) to have its own transit authority? Although San Francisco has a rickety old system I think the distinction between BART (regional transit) and SFMTA (city transit) makes a lot of sense on a planning/funding level.

bzcat
Mar 18, 2015, 10:54 PM
Phase 1 of Playa Vista EIR required the developer to contribute to transit funding. This materialized in funding to Big Blue Bus and Culver City Bus to each purchase 8 new buses (16 total), and that was how Rapid 3 on Lincoln and Rapid 6 on Sepulveda became reality.

In the short term, phase 2 of Playa Vista EIR includes similar funding mechanism for more buses as well as operating subsidy to both agencies so you will see much more extensive bus service in the area. BBB will extend Line 14 on Centinela to Campus Drive (connecting Playa Vista to Expo line Bundy station), and Culver City will extend Line 4 from Fox Hills Mall Transit Center to Lincoln Blvd via Millennium Drive and Pacific Promenade (connecting Playa Vista to Expo line La Cienega station).

In the long term, Measure R2 should include some sort of rail project for Sepulveda Pass. The line can/should be extended south to LAX. A stop at or near Fox Hills Mall is generally expected to be part of the discussion for that rail line, which will serve Playa Vista, and perhaps Howard Hughes Center.

The Green line extension via Lincoln is a much longer term pipe dream. We would get more meaningful transit sooner if Lincoln Blvd BRT is included in Measure R2 proposal - for example, as part of a comprehensive county-wide BRT package within Measure R2 that converts the highest boarding Rapid routes to BRT (i.e. Lincoln, Venice, Pico, Vermont, Western, Ventura, but excluding Wilshire and Van Nuys which has or will have some type of BRT from the current Measure R).

bzcat
Mar 18, 2015, 10:57 PM
urbanize.la/post/apartments-galore-playa-vista

Irvine Company is building 1,500 rental units in Playa Vista. Not pretty, but seeing them all together at the same time is impressive.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/villas2.jpg?itok=9L6h3GhE



It's interesting that all the phase 2 Playa Vista buildings have above ground parking garages and 6 stories tall, while all the buildings in phase 1 had underground garages and were either 3 or 4 stories tall.

It's obvious that there were some type of height variance being granted but mostly, I guess the developers didn't want to accidentally dig up any more Indian artifacts? :shrug:

blackcat23
Mar 19, 2015, 2:28 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/proposed-boyle-heights-tod-revealed

Soto Station in Boyle Heights getting a 3rd TOD

Six Stories, 50 units of affordable housing, 5,000 sq. ft. retail, 8,500 sq. ft. office for developer (ELACC). Designed by Gonzales Goodale Architects.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/cielitolindo.jpg?itok=64r-TXpw

This is what's planned for the opposite side of the intersection:

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/soto1.PNG?itok=8tcdtN-n
http://urbanize.la/post/metro-planning-new-developments-boyle-heights

and

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/soto2.PNG?itok=nNOre5A9
http://urbanize.la/post/metro-planning-new-developments-boyle-heights

LosAngelesSportsFan
Mar 19, 2015, 5:46 PM
i think that is a very nice looking project. i would like to see iterations of that all over town honestly

bzcat
Mar 19, 2015, 11:46 PM
I was at the Green Line Aviation station today and I notice the parking lot just south of the station is gone and its now a fenced dirt lot and the few bulldozers are in there pushing dirt around. Anyone know what is happening there?

I don't even know which jurisdiction is that parcel located... City of LA, El Segundo, Hawthorne, or unincorporated? :shrug:

Google Map location: https://www.google.com/maps/@33.929216,-118.378095,3a,75y,180h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sRkplutEV2XmAAtFutZG6sw!2e0

SimonLA
Mar 20, 2015, 10:41 PM
Oh. My. F'n. God. They are kicking out the residents of Sunset and Gordon. This city is truly dysfunctional.

http://www.latimes.com/local/cityhall/la-me-0320-apartment-vacate-20150320-story.html

http://www.trbimg.com/img-5441b04f/turbine/la-2022190-me-hollywood-lawsuit2-mam-jpg-20141017/750/750x422

colemonkee
Mar 21, 2015, 12:56 AM
If I'm one of those residents (only 40??), I'm taking CIM to small claims court Monday morning for relocation fees (deposit, moving van, wear and tear to belongings, etc.).

blackcat23
Mar 23, 2015, 1:07 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/hollywood-construction-binge-revisited

Three big Hollywood projects in one shot:

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04194.JPG?itok=fNNWlkhG

Dream Hotel

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04196.JPG?itok=o2LXAwgh