LOS ANGELES | METRO Project Rundown 2.0 (non-downtown) [Archive] - Page 63

ConstructDTLA

Sep 18, 2015, 2:46 AM

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/649/21490816282_f9b313a611_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yK53Xd)May Company / Future Oscar Museum (https://flic.kr/p/yK53Xd) by Hunter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunterkerhart/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5620/20879141334_748b998c19_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xP24iq)Petersen Automotive Museum at Wilshire & Fairfax (https://flic.kr/p/xP24iq) by Hunter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunterkerhart/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5723/21475648476_050e55aa54_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yHJj6j)Petersen Automotive Museum at Wilshire & Fairfax (https://flic.kr/p/yHJj6j) by Hunter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunterkerhart/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/572/21313816040_86e3e5e43f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ytqSWU)Petersen Automotive Museum at Wilshire & Fairfax (https://flic.kr/p/ytqSWU) by Hunter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunterkerhart/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/591/21501868715_6ef126b7bc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yL3Gsp)Petersen Automotive Museum at Wilshire & Fairfax (https://flic.kr/p/yL3Gsp) by Hunter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunterkerhart/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/669/20880722493_b9b5131302_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xPaajM)Petersen Automotive Museum at Wilshire & Fairfax (https://flic.kr/p/xPaajM) by Hunter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunterkerhart/), on Flickr

Bikemike

Sep 18, 2015, 3:40 AM

hughfb3

Sep 18, 2015, 3:41 AM

I emailed them to let them know how we feel about their bs.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPI88dSU8AAu9Tl.png

Great. Thank you. Just by the info I receive on this site, I use it and email my thoughts and suggestions to things.

One group of people I would like to give a piece of my mind is Silverstein and La Mirada now that we have an empty target and soon to be empty tower on Disney within 5 blocks of each other

Illithid Dude

Sep 18, 2015, 5:42 AM

Count me skeptical of the Petersen design. It's definitely flashy, I'll give it that much. But underneath all that aesthetic fluff is a red box. There's nothing functional about the dramatic exterior, and no further substance to the façade beyond the one-dimensional purpose that it serves. It's drama far in excess of the building's means and purpose.

In that sense it's a bit like a Calatrava, only with the latter some redemption can be found in the integration of form and structural necessity. Some purpose. Think bridge or viaduct on aesthetic steroids. With Petersen on the other hand, there's no such redemption and the shell is unabashedly for looks and looks alone. Even worse, no attempt is made to hide the rather uninspired plain-daylight truth underneath the façade. The building is a shameless cheap trick IMHO. Boldness without substance. A good metaphor for the worst LA has to offer culturally. I'm not impressed. There's something to be said for the types who fall for this kind of gimmick. Birds of a feather, or something like that.

I agree. It's just the same building as before with a metal pattern on the front. They didn't even bother to wrap the building completely - when you look at the side you can still see the stucco. A literal representation of lipstick on a pig.

For the record though, I don't necessarily mind pigs, and don't think the building is "bad", per se. I just see no improvement over what was there before, as it was a box then, and it's a box now. I'm totally ambivalent towards it.

IMBY

Sep 18, 2015, 8:38 AM

It pisses me off so much that it takes so long to build these projects. Why is it in china and japan they can fund and complete new rail lines in 1/8 the time it takes us?

Oh shush!

Wouldn't you be maddeningly frustrated if you were to wait interminably for even the first light rail line to appear on the drawing boards here in Las Vegas!!!:hell:

And then the extreme anger/frustration at the powerful, mob-like taxi unions in this city, who wouldn't even allow the monorail go that short distance from the MGM to the Airport!

But there may be a teeny little light at the end of the tunnel!

I know, that to get this ultra-conservative, backwards, car-centric, 1960's-flavored city in gear, it would take a potential threat to our convention business. Business conventioneers have started to complain, it takes too long to get to the convention center. from the Airport, and there's threats to take their business to our chief competitor: Orlando.

So the head of RTC and a gang of others put their heads together and came up with, no, not a monorail connection from the MGM to the Airport, but, fasten your seatbelt! A very expensive subway system! But it would take 10 years for completion!

But first, coming up with the funding in a city that breaks out in hives at the idea of raising taxes, except for more cops!

One reason for the subway, is the casino moguls don't want light rail, they prefer it being hidden!

So we shall see! My hopes for this is a high as the highest hill in Florida!:D

bobcat

Sep 18, 2015, 3:26 PM

For the record though, I don't necessarily mind pigs, and don't think the building is "bad", per se. I just see no improvement over what was there before, as it was a box then, and it's a box now. I'm totally ambivalent towards it.

It may still be a box but the new facade has gained the museum a lot of visibility. People are talking about it and it won't even be open for months. For the price they paid ($20 million) I think it was a good investment.

blackcat23

Sep 18, 2015, 5:16 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/valley-village-car-wash-going-mixed-use

Some Valley Action. Five-story development with 70 apartments and 1,250 sq. ft. of retail planned adjacent to the Orange Line.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/1_6.JPG?itok=8YlcJkmP

SCG8364

Sep 18, 2015, 5:58 PM

It may still be a box but the new facade has gained the museum a lot of visibility. People are talking about it and it won't even be open for months. For the price they paid ($20 million) I think it was a good investment.

The design of this building is something you might see in Europe (London, Paris, Munich or Milan). It demands attention as you walk or drive by, I like the its bold, in your face, unbalanced design. :yes:

Eightball

Sep 19, 2015, 3:33 PM

Access Culver City

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5801/21527227435_f9db89521d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yNhEHH)Access Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/yNhEHH) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

warehouse conversion (I noticed several others have also begun construction, there's gotta be at least 5 happening right now and that's just whats visible on the Expo Line from the 3 Culver City stops). i'll try to get photos of them...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/680/20906088813_923d26d68a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xRpaR8)Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/xRpaR8) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/638/21516082562_ddf7dd672e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yMixJJ)Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/yMixJJ) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

random small apt bldg (or maybe townhouses) going up along the 96 bus route to the zoo. i believe its in Silver Lake... sorry for the quality was on the bus

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5660/21516134242_b99c8b4eaa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yMiP6L)On the way to the zoo (https://flic.kr/p/yMiP6L) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/654/20904532324_842ab68671_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xRgca7)On the way to the zoo (https://flic.kr/p/xRgca7) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

Century City mall expansion/renovation whatever

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5692/21339455608_25fcae08ba_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yvGhGq)Westfield Century City Mal expansion LA (https://flic.kr/p/yvGhGq) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/572/21536002411_51d910c482_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yP4Ddp)Westfield Century City Mal expansion LA (https://flic.kr/p/yP4Ddp) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/663/21339463428_be360ed117_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yvGk2f)Westfield Century City Mal expansion LA (https://flic.kr/p/yvGk2f) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

random mid rise nearby not sure if office or residential

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/780/21340424459_b23af9fc35_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yvMfGK)Westfield Century City Mal expansion LA (https://flic.kr/p/yvMfGK) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/725/21527369895_9a2fe297a0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yNip4V)Westfield Century City Mal expansion LA (https://flic.kr/p/yNip4V) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

oh, and on the 'private school parent economic indicator' the area (well at least the Westside) is booming right now. was at a parent's event yesterday and several people were stating they can't even get contractors to call them back right now for home renovation work because there is so much construction going on. and contractors are raising prices... lots of people doing additions etc. take it with a grain of salt but i believe 'em yo!

202_Cyclist

Sep 19, 2015, 3:59 PM

What? Huh? Rain in LA? I hope more is on the way.

Illithid Dude

Sep 19, 2015, 4:29 PM

oh, and on the 'private school parent economic indicator' the area (well at least the Westside) is booming right now. was at a parent's event yesterday and several people were stating they can't even get contractors to call them back right now for home renovation work because there is so much construction going on. and contractors are raising prices... lots of people doing additions etc. take it with a grain of salt but i believe 'em yo!

Just curious, what private school were you at? If you were in Culver City, were you possibly looking at Wildwood?

Eightball

Sep 19, 2015, 4:41 PM

Nah it is a school in Culver City. I don't claim to know much about schools in this area but we are very happy with it.

@202 that was day this week that it rained a ton. It was great!

Bikemike

Sep 19, 2015, 8:16 PM

It may still be a box but the new facade has gained the museum a lot of visibility. People are talking about it and it won't even be open for months. For the price they paid ($20 million) I think it was a good investment.

I guess I'm just tired of facades trying to masquerade as genuine architecture here in LA. As though there's a shortage of thought and consideration in design here (as there clearly is)

Whatever the cheap visual stimulation created by the Petersen renovation, $20 million could still have been more deftly spent. Thoughtful, honest design has never been limited by money, and cost is no justification for poor design choice. This museum will age as badly as the loads of oversized stucco faux-greco mouldings that LA seems so enamored with using. They have the exact same design-DNA.

And IMHO the gimmickry of this renovation is worsened by the fact that museums in general always come with higher expectations. I find it a bit insulting to think that image-obsessed LA may actually "deserve" such a stereotypically befitting treatment lacking any sophistication. It only fuels the LA-detractors with even more legitimate cultural fodder.

bobcat

Sep 19, 2015, 9:30 PM

Whatever the cheap visual stimulation created by the Petersen renovation, $20 million could still have been more deftly spent.

I might agree with you if the museum's collection were weak but it's in fact very strong. What the museum has always needed was a way to stand out in the region's crowded cultural landscape.

Considering that even the simplest museum refurbs can cost more than $20M nowadays I'm not sure what else they could have spent that money on architecturally that would have given it as much publicity.

And I think it looks pretty good.:shrug:

Wally West

Sep 19, 2015, 9:53 PM

I might agree with you if the museum's collection were weak but it's in fact very strong. What the museum has always needed was a way to stand out in the region's crowded cultural landscape.

This is exactly why I like the new makeover. Most people I talk to were unaware of Los Angeles having a car museum. This flashy design is sure to change that.

bobbyv

Sep 19, 2015, 10:58 PM

Don't give scummy articles/writers clicks. That'll encourage biased reporting. Whenever I link to an article/website that I don't wish to provide more traffic, I copy and paste the article onto a post.

BTW does any think the LA TIMES has the tendency to pander to NIMBYs with fear mongering articles and statements like "When city officials come snooping around your neighborhood with plans for a road diet, don't assume they're going to do their homework. Get involved. Ask questions. Work out your own compromises."?

Here's the counter to Steve Lopez's anti pedestrian article:tup:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-ca-cm-hawthorne-notebook-20150920-column.html

Jaycruz

Sep 19, 2015, 11:09 PM

Its Museum is fine. The remodel does exactly what its suppose to do and that's draw attention to it and to get people to ask what it is. Like Wally West just stated, I used to drive down Wilshire when I first moved here a few years ago and never knew that that building was a car museum, I thought it was some gimmicky BS tourist trap like you see in Hollywood based off of its façade back then ( if I remember it had 2 randomly placed fake cars on the corner, odd).

LAs architecture isn't nearly as bad as people like to whine about it being. If other people around the world can admire the architecture here and flock here in millions every year to vacation and snap pictures of the city, why cant people here cut their own city some slack. Yeah TCA shit boxes are disgusting but everything else being built here really truly honestly isn't that bad.

Look at the front page of this thread and look at what's to come. Pretty amazing. If you don't believe me, spend some time in other cities to better appreciate what we're getting here.

D.T.L.A.

Sep 21, 2015, 12:29 AM

"LAs architecture isn't nearly as bad as people like to whine about it being. If other people around the world can admire the architecture here and flock here in millions every year to vacation and snap pictures of the city, why cant people here cut their own city some slack. Yeah TCA shit boxes are disgusting but everything else being built here really truly honestly isn't that bad."

I agree that the architecture in LA isnt bad but i do think a lot of modern buildings like this suffer from their surroundings. I think this one especially(plus the Disney Concert Hall if facing away from downtown) would work better in a dense neighborhood than they do with nothing in the background. I actually think if anything it draws away from the urbanity of its surroundings by having a rounded edge at the corner of a big intersection. I definitely think the neighborhood will grow around it and itll look more flush with the area in the next 20ish yrs but for now it just looks out of place imo.
Maybe Im wrong on this but it seems like a lot of modern architecture was created specifically to contrast with and stand out from the long urban valleys of cities like NY, London, Paris, etc, but that effect is completely lost when it has no background to stand out from

blackcat23

Sep 21, 2015, 2:30 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/striking-residential-complex-rising-pico-union

Five-story, 32-unit development in Pico Union/Koreatown. Designed by LOHA.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20150919_080333.jpg?itok=0QOAEjDn

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/1_4.jpg?itok=aPUCdvPb

DistrictDirt

Sep 21, 2015, 2:43 PM

It may still be a box but the new facade has gained the museum a lot of visibility. People are talking about it and it won't even be open for months. For the price they paid ($20 million) I think it was a good investment.

My sentiments exactly. For $20 million I think its a great transformation (and unlike the $140 million built-from-scratch Broad, this museum actually resembles the renderings.)

Not sure what the other forumers would have done differently with the "red box". Thats the envelop of the old museum...so...that's going to be envelope of the renovated museum too.

DistrictDirt

Sep 21, 2015, 2:48 PM

I emailed them to let them know how we feel about their bs.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPI88dSU8AAu9Tl.png

Dude. Don't stoop to their level.

Eightball

Sep 21, 2015, 3:16 PM

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/1_4.jpg?itok=aPUCdvPb

That rendering looks great!

don't stoop to their level

agreed, you smarter than that fam

NSMP

Sep 21, 2015, 3:43 PM

Very interested in that Pico-Union project. We hardly ever have a reason to discuss the neighborhood around here, but it would be awesome to see more development in this classic urban residential neighborhood. The stretch of pico surrounding Vermont I think has some of the best urban design in Los Angeles. That was always striking to me when I'd bike through there. Anyway nice looking project, interesting location

Muji

Sep 21, 2015, 7:05 PM

I agree, NSMP. That stretch of Pico is probably one of the city's best-preserved historic neighborhood commercial districts. Putting aside how poorly maintained many of them are, the continuous street wall of 1-2 story commercial buildings is pretty hard to find elsewhere in LA.

Speaking of LOHA projects coming up, they're now working on a 26-unit supportive housing complex near Exposition Park: http://loharchitects.com/work/mlk-supportive-housing

King Kill 'em

Sep 22, 2015, 1:57 AM

Dude. Don't stoop to their level.

Yeah I kind of realized after I sent it if I was going to email them I should've been more creative and funny. Oh well too late now

King Kill 'em

Sep 22, 2015, 2:02 AM

On the 5 story. Wouldn't that be Koreatown and not Pico Union. Pico Union ends at either Hoover or Vermont and the complex is past both of those.

Anyway it's good looking and could serve as a model of what could be made in other neighborhoods which are well connected to transit and need to add density. Still I think there should've been a bit more than 32 units. maybe like 45?

Illithid Dude

Sep 22, 2015, 2:52 AM

blackcat23

Sep 22, 2015, 2:59 AM

Yeah I kind of realized after I sent it if I was going to email them I should've been more creative and funny. Oh well too late now

I think what DD was referring to was the name calling and foul language.

As for the LOHA project, it falls under the Pico Union neighborhood council. With a few exceptions, I generally use the official council boundaries for Urbanize.

Bikemike

Sep 22, 2015, 6:17 AM

LOHA doin god's work in LA. Check out their new student housing project in Westwood too, incredible stuff.

EDIT:

Curbed LA is reporting that the Peterson Museum renovation cost $120 million, not $20 million.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/09/petersen_automotive_museum_facade_review.php

That's quite the difference.

Which drives my point even further. $120 million assuredly could have been MUCH better spent. If their goal was to grab the attention of passersby, well then goal achieved. It sucks that architecture in LA has to play this game.

bobcat

Sep 22, 2015, 8:08 AM

Curbed LA is reporting that the Peterson Museum renovation cost $120 million, not $20 million.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/09/petersen_automotive_museum_facade_review.php

That's quite the difference.

I got my number from the original 2013 LA Times article
http://articles.latimes.com/2013/aug/18/autos/la-fi-hy-petersen-auto-museum-remodel-plans-20130818

A more recent article says the fundraising effort is for $125 million, of which $80 million would go towards the remodel.
http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-petersen-auto-museum-fundraising-20141019-story.html

Even at a total cost of $80 million I would imagine only a fraction of that money would go towards the facade.

blackcat23

Sep 22, 2015, 2:28 PM

DistrictDirt

Sep 22, 2015, 2:32 PM

LOHA doin god's work in LA. Check out their new student housing project in Westwood too, incredible stuff.

EDIT:

Curbed LA is reporting that the Peterson Museum renovation cost $120 million, not $20 million.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/09/petersen_automotive_museum_facade_review.php

That's quite the difference.

Whoops..yes with $120 mil perhaps they could have done better. Reserving full judgement until I see what they've done with the interior though.

Bikemike

Sep 22, 2015, 7:04 PM

I might agree with you if the museum's collection were weak but it's in fact very strong. What the museum has always needed was a way to stand out in the region's crowded cultural landscape.

Considering that even the simplest museum refurbs can cost more than $20M nowadays I'm not sure what else they could have spent that money on architecturally that would have given it as much publicity.

And I think it looks pretty good.:shrug:

I fail to see what the strength of the museum's collection has to do with it's new façade. You could put this façade on the National Gallery and it would still be a cynical architectural gimmick. A bad façade is still bad regardless of the building's collection. In this case, the façade has nothing architecturally to do with the building (which is an inert rectangular box). And $125M is a lot of money. I hope the flooring inside Petersen is totally covered in gold-leaf. This would not have been approved in NY, Paris, London, Tokyo, Chicago, SF, Berlin, etc because architectural standards are actually respectable (eg. "world class") those cities.

King Kill 'em

Sep 22, 2015, 10:42 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/new-developments-transforming-sawtelle

Quick trip through some of the stuff going up on Sawtelle Boulevard.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20150816_151920.jpg?itok=6E7IDCQ2

Sawtelle can serve as an example of what the rest of the west side could be like since it'll be transit acessible once the expo line phase 2 opens. Kind of like how koreatown could serve as an example for central la, north Hollywood could serve as an example for the valley, and culver city could serve as an example for the independent cities immeasurably sourounding la.

bobbyv

Sep 23, 2015, 7:45 PM

I remember some years back there was a rendering of I believe was the pantages theatre with added floors to the venue, does anyone know what happened to that redevelopment?

NSMP

Sep 23, 2015, 8:36 PM

I remember some years back there was a rendering of I believe was the pantages theatre with added floors to the venue, does anyone know what happened to that redevelopment?

This was in the immediate run up to the 2008 crash. Just an assumption, but it probably was shelved indefinitely, like so many of the proposals of that era. Considering the proposal was planning on preserving the historic structure, that might have avoided the typical hollywood anti-development firestorm too.

Muji

Sep 23, 2015, 11:34 PM

I don't think we've seen this one here recently. It looks like the 4-story creative office building at 6600 Sunset Blvd is finishing up. The architects here are Corsini Stark, also behind the recently completed Southwestern Law School housing.

Image credit: Corsini Stark Architects (http://corsinistark.com/#/6600-sunset)
http://corsinistark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/20150912_110548_web.jpg

bobbyv

Sep 24, 2015, 2:04 AM

This was in the immediate run up to the 2008 crash. Just an assumption, but it probably was shelved indefinitely, like so many of the proposals of that era. Considering the proposal was planning on preserving the historic structure, that might have avoided the typical hollywood anti-development firestorm too.

I figured that would be the case, too bad I remember the rendering looking really good, do you remember which theatre it was for sure?

colemonkee

Sep 24, 2015, 1:42 PM

Corsini Stark does decent work, and seem to be just starting out. Would love to see more of their work, and see it evolve. They have a very clean, modern style.

timpdx

Sep 24, 2015, 2:57 PM

Gold Line Extension is complete, now we wait 6 months for testing. Also, there is apparently a shortage of trainsets/cars that may affect the line when it opens, reducing frequency.

http://i.imgur.com/ZLk9IVs.jpg
photo from KPCC

Construction on the Gold Line Extension from Pasadena to Azusa has been completed, but you still can't take the light rail to get your dumpling fix in Arcadia. The line won't open to the public for about six months as the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority conducts testing on the tracks.

The new stretch of the Gold Line includes six new stops beyond its current terminus at Sierra Madre Villa in Pasadena:

Arcadia
Monrovia
Duarte/City of Hope
Irwindale
Azusa Downtown
Azusa Pacific University/Citrus College

http://www.scpr.org/news/2015/09/23/54597/foothill-gold-line-construction-from-pasadena-to-a/

blackcat23

Sep 24, 2015, 4:10 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/construction-kicks-koreatown-apartments

Five-story, 40-unit apartment complex underway at 105 Mariposa Avenue in K-Town. Designed by Corbel Architects.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/mariposa.jpg?itok=w9AZcUaS

NSMP

Sep 24, 2015, 4:40 PM

Nice. And visually it's similar to a lot of the developments that have gone in along ktown's normandie corridor. This northern section of the neighborhood has some exceptional blocks of residential, but it is also the most heavily tagged by gangs.

NSMP

Sep 24, 2015, 4:47 PM

Gold Line Extension is complete, now we wait 6 months for testing. Also, there is apparently a shortage of trainsets/cars that may affect the line when it opens, reducing frequency.

The new stretch of the Gold Line includes six new stops beyond its current terminus at Sierra Madre Villa in Pasadena:

Arcadia
Monrovia
Duarte/City of Hope
Irwindale
Azusa Downtown
Azusa Pacific University/Citrus College

http://www.scpr.org/news/2015/09/23/54597/foothill-gold-line-construction-from-pasadena-to-a/

Despite being the least exciting of the under construction projects, this is still awesome news! Some of these stops seem destined to be low ridership (Irwindale's station in particular seems to be in the middle of nowhere) but overall this will have important connectivity benefits especially within the sgv region. A run-time from Azusa to Pasadena in 20 minutes is a big time improvement especially for commuters.

SimonLA

Sep 24, 2015, 5:32 PM

Quixote

Sep 24, 2015, 7:45 PM

The GLFE is a necessary piece of the transit puzzle, regardless of the ridership it will generate. It's basically a high-frequency commuter rail line, so low ridership should be expected.

King Kill 'em

Sep 24, 2015, 9:57 PM

The GLFE is a necessary piece of the transit puzzle, regardless of the ridership it will generate. It's basically a high-frequency commuter rail line, so low ridership should be expected.

Ridership would increase if they converted the orange line to rail and extended it to pasadena where it would connect and follow the extension.
just sayin

NSMP

Sep 24, 2015, 11:22 PM

@NSMP: Actually, it's a 17 minute ride time. And the line services numerous colleges, and even the out of the way stations like Irwindale come with parking, so they will serve as park and rides for those working in Pasadena or DTLA; we all know the 210 is a nightmare. The GLFE is a great addition to Metro, especially since it was built on the cheap (compared to, say, the exorbitant Crenshaw Line).

The GLFE is a necessary piece of the transit puzzle, regardless of the ridership it will generate. It's basically a high-frequency commuter rail line, so low ridership should be expected.

Agreed with both of you. Simon, I was just using 20 minutes as a ballpark figure to include the more central pasadena stations. It's quasi-commuter now, but who knows what it will look like in 2040. It is better to let the SGV grow around the A line than to wait and try and put it in later, as the Westside can attest

blackcat23

Sep 25, 2015, 2:37 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/more-multi-family-north-hollywood

144-unit apartment complex planned in North Hollywood.

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

Steve8263

Sep 25, 2015, 5:24 PM

Here's a fairly recent aerial of the action in Beverly Hills. The Waldorf and 10000 S.M. in progress with the yet to start 9900/ Richard Meier lot to the right-

http://www.mattconstruction.com/images/news/Aerial_August2015_WaldorfBLOG.jpg

http://www.mattconstruction.com/news/waldorf-astoria-beverly-hills-underway

brudy

Sep 25, 2015, 6:00 PM

Here's a takedown of the Peterson redo.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/miranda/la-et-cam-petersen-automotive-museum-gloriously-bad-20150923-column.html

N. Fred

Sep 25, 2015, 6:37 PM

Chinese developer behind mixed use project at the old Deluxe film lab in East Hollywood:

LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hollywood-development-20150925-story.html

Curbed: http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/09/chinese_firm_planning_254unit_mixeduser_near_hollywoodwestern.php

Wally West

Sep 25, 2015, 8:01 PM

Here's a takedown of the Peterson redo.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/miranda/la-et-cam-petersen-automotive-museum-gloriously-bad-20150923-column.html

"I spoke with Frances Anderton of KCRW's Design and Architecture podcast about this very topic -- and why this exuberant piece of architectural insanity is so Southern California."

Ugh.

Chinese developer behind mixed use project at the old Deluxe film lab in East Hollywood:

LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hollywood-development-20150925-story.html

Anyone has a rendering of the project? Sounds like a good shot in the arm for that stretch of Western since that stalled Target is becoming an eyesore.

bobbyv

Sep 27, 2015, 2:32 AM

Somebody posted this on CD, it's the new renderings for LAFC MLS:
http://m.mlssoccer.com/sites/league/files/image_nodes/2015/09/LAFC_plaza%28FORMATTED%29.jpg
http://m.mlssoccer.com/sites/league/files/image_nodes/2015/09/LAFC_bowl%28FORMATTED%29.jpg
http://m.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/09/25/lafc-unveil-latest-stadium-renderings-ahead-supporters-workshop-saturday

colemonkee

Sep 27, 2015, 4:56 PM

The stadium looks great! I really hope this comes to fruition. That would be great for the area!

NSMP

Sep 28, 2015, 2:57 PM

retina

Sep 28, 2015, 5:13 PM

California is going to pay $25 million towards purchase of Taylor Yards

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-la-river-taylor-yard-de-leon-20150927-story.html#navtype=outfit

http://la.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/08/TaylorYardafterLARRMP.png

http://la.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/08/MNDConceptPlan.png

These pictures are from a streetsblog article about Taylor Yards last year http://la.streetsblog.org/2014/08/25/city-nears-purchase-of-key-parcel-for-l-a-river-revitalization/

Forgive me, but during this terrible housing crisis wouldn't we all benefit from a dense, walkable community here? Perhaps push for a Metrolink stop (don't know if this is possible)? I see 31 acres have not been spoken for. Do we really need another giant open space in between a large city park and a nice part of the LA river?

ozone

Sep 28, 2015, 6:10 PM

^^^^ I agree. But I'm assuming this park is part of the greater plan to make over the Los Angeles River and might be used for seasonal overflow. if they are going to reclaim the river they have to consider this because one of the reasons they built the concrete channel was because of the terrible flooding that occasionally occurred.

NSMP

Sep 28, 2015, 8:36 PM

Forgive me, but during this terrible housing crisis wouldn't we all benefit from a dense, walkable community here? Perhaps push for a Metrolink stop (don't know if this is possible)? I see 31 acres have not been spoken for. Do we really need another giant open space in between a large city park and a nice part of the LA river?

Yes, we do. This is the old sprawl mentality at work, to think that we can alleviate our lack of housing supply by expanding the amount of buildable land available. Frankly, that is how we ended up with the criminal lack of open space that we have today. LA desperately needs housing, it's true, but we can't continue to sacrifice open space so half the city can remain zoned for single family residences. That's what got us to this point to begin with.

King Kill 'em

Sep 29, 2015, 12:04 AM

Yes, we do. This is the old sprawl mentality at work, to think that we can alleviate our lack of housing supply by expanding the amount of buildable land available. Frankly, that is how we ended up with the criminal lack of open space that we have today. LA desperately needs housing, it's true, but we can't continue to sacrifice open space so half the city can remain zoned for single family residences. That's what got us to this point to begin with.

"Build up not out" That's a good motto I think which summarizes this well

blackcat23

Sep 29, 2015, 3:18 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/sleek-apartments-rising-near-hollywood-and-highland

Six-story development with 82 residential units and roughly 1,200 square feet of retail space underway near Hollywood and Highland. Designed by Zoltan Pali.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20150927_135220.jpg?itok=biSasF5Y

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/laspalmas2_0.JPG?itok=GoebUlLz

NSMP

Sep 29, 2015, 3:21 PM

That project looks great!

Steve8263

Sep 29, 2015, 6:01 PM

Interesting proposal for the Hustler Store building on Sunset in WeHo. No clue how serious this is but here you go anyway-

Sorry for the giant size.

http://www.spfa.com/project/8920-sunset-blvd-hotel/

http://www.spfa.com/wp-content/uploads/033.jpg

http://www.spfa.com/wp-content/uploads/015.jpg

DistrictDirt

Sep 29, 2015, 7:02 PM

Interesting proposal for the Hustler Store building on Sunset in WeHo. No clue how serious this is but here you go anyway-

Sorry for the giant size.

http://www.spfa.com/project/8920-sunset-blvd-hotel/

Whoa. Hate the lack of street fronting retail and blank walls, but am kind of digging the weird mid-century throwback design. Looks like something from Brasília.

Illithid Dude

Sep 29, 2015, 7:54 PM

Did SPFA just take down that webpage? Looks like something leaked a little early.

StethJeff

Sep 29, 2015, 9:04 PM

LosAngelesSportsFan

Sep 29, 2015, 9:39 PM

top part is awesome, street interaction and lower portion of the building is an F-. horrible

blackcat23

Sep 30, 2015, 2:45 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/proposed-expocrenshaw-shopping-center-going-mixed-use

If anyone rides the Expo Line frequently, they might have wondered what happened to the proposed District Square development (300,000 s.f. retail center) near Expo/Crenshaw Station. It began construction in 2013, but has clearly shown no progress in well over a year.

As of this summer, the developer has officially cancelled the project in its original form and is now pursuing a mixed-use development on the property with less retail and a 200-unit multi-family residential component.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/Capture_26.JPG?itok=Y2DhCh1O

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/dist.jpg?itok=IIlMe91t

SimonLA

Sep 30, 2015, 3:26 PM

I was wondering about this project, Blackcat. Ultimately, it sounds like a step in the right direction: two rail lines will be at its front door, with easy access to DLTA, Santa Monica, LAX,and maybe someday, Hollywood, or at least Wilshire.

Could you sniff around the West LA projects you've reported on? There has been absolutely no movement, which I really can't believe since the rest of the city is in complete construction mode.

retina

Sep 30, 2015, 6:01 PM

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/Capture_26.JPG?itok=Y2DhCh1O

Shocking how many SFRs are visible in the picture. The nexus of two important rail lines just begs for density. Eminent domain?;)

Wally West

Sep 30, 2015, 7:06 PM

Shocking how many SFRs are visible in the picture. The nexus of two important rail lines just begs for density. Eminent domain?;)

Oh god, I can imagine the sob stories and cries of racism if eminent domain was used in this area. I'd be nice but the media won't want to miss out on that narrative. People in LA already hate development as it is, I mean people were protesting the two empty parking lots in front of Staples Center being converted into skyrises.

NSMP

Sep 30, 2015, 7:28 PM

The area should certainly be upzoned, but it probably won't be any moreso than the expo corridor which is unfortunate. Eminent domain won't be necessary, and a big "oof" to the comment above.

DistrictDirt

Sep 30, 2015, 7:30 PM

Shocking how many SFRs are visible in the picture. The nexus of two important rail lines just begs for density. Eminent domain?;)

Are you familiar with the neighborhood? Jefferson Park and West Adams have LA's largest intact stock of Craftsman bungalows. Lets not be hasty.

You could work plenty of additional density into the area without demolishing any homes. Replace the strip malls on the main drags with 7-story mixed users, and update the zoning code to allow for accessory dwelling units (https://www.facebook.com/events/1499615200348759/) in people's back yards. Done. Could be one of LA's denser neighborhoods.

retina

Sep 30, 2015, 9:12 PM

Are you familiar with the neighborhood? Jefferson Park and West Adams have LA's largest intact stock of Craftsman bungalows. Lets not be hasty.

You could work plenty of additional density into the area without demolishing any homes. Replace the strip malls on the main drags with 7-story mixed users, and update the zoning code to allow for accessory dwelling units (https://www.facebook.com/events/1499615200348759/) in people's back yards. Done. Could be one of LA's denser neighborhoods.

I like the thought of the ADUs but aren't most people who own SFRs unlikely to give up their backyards and rent it out to a stranger? Even if it is eventually legal, will it be popular? Investor groups could convert many of these properties but the neighborhood homeowners may not be interested.

King Kill 'em

Sep 30, 2015, 10:32 PM

I like the thought of the ADUs but aren't most people who own SFRs unlikely to give up their backyards and rent it out to a stranger? Even if it is eventually legal, will it be popular? Investor groups could convert many of these properties but the neighborhood homeowners may not be interested.

I think that would be more popular in already gentrified neighborhoods. Also backyards dwelling units would be great places to put those victorians we were all arguing about on the downtown thread.

blackcat23

Oct 1, 2015, 1:46 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/renderings-revealed-west-la-development

New project planned on Pico Boulevard in West Los Angeles, about 1/3 mile from the Expo Line.

Five stories, 100 units, 2,700 s.f. restaurant space. Architect is Killefer Flammang, developer is the Amaroso Companies.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/pico2_0.JPG?itok=loGBDxNS

N. Fred

Oct 1, 2015, 11:55 PM

LA Magazine article has some information on the Sunset/Western Target: http://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/the-hollywood-target-eyesore-has-its-own-hilarious-facebook-page/

bzcat

Oct 2, 2015, 12:32 AM

http://urbanize.la/post/renderings-revealed-west-la-development

New project planned on Pico Boulevard in West Los Angeles, about 1/3 mile from the Expo Line.

Five stories, 100 units, 2,700 s.f. restaurant space. Architect is Killefer Flammang, developer is the Amaroso Companies.

This looks great. I wish the 99 cent store down the street was developed in the same way with underground parking and residential units on top. That was really tragic use of land for such a tiny store and huge surface parking lot.

King Kill 'em

Oct 2, 2015, 12:57 AM

LA Magazine article has some information on the Sunset/Western Target: http://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/the-hollywood-target-eyesore-has-its-own-hilarious-facebook-page/

great news! thank you. made me laugh

Eightball

Oct 2, 2015, 10:55 PM

flickr user Eesomest brings updated photos of 10000 Santa Monica (more if you click on his flickr page). Looking good!

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5791/21705710809_22cb867680_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/z54rBg)10000 Santa Monica Blvd-1386 (https://flic.kr/p/z54rBg) by Eesomest (https://www.flickr.com/photos/planetbrent/), on Flickr

King Kill 'em

Oct 2, 2015, 11:00 PM

Eightball

Oct 2, 2015, 11:05 PM

The Platform, Culver City - earlier today

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5830/21276523383_06960d7453_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yq8K94)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/yq8K94) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/773/21710762559_ab69e88fef_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/z5vkjp)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/z5vkjp) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/737/21276519523_d4210b35f9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yq8HZv)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/yq8HZv) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5741/21710765649_1f98282b28_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/z5vmeF)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/z5vmeF) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5660/21710766349_2992b57bed_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/z5vmrK)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/z5vmrK) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/765/21907309171_95136fa2c0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/znSFM6)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/znSFM6) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5725/21276528463_3eff7981d3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yq8LDD)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/yq8LDD) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5728/21871495286_0542f618b1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/zjH8yj)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/zjH8yj) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

it is unclear to me if this is also part of The Platform or just an adjacent reno/new construction

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5795/21710746369_5cf001216a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/z5vfvg)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/z5vfvg) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5762/21709776208_fb688dd838_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/z5qh7m)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/z5qh7m) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

DistrictDirt

Oct 3, 2015, 2:04 AM

The Platform, Culver City - earlier today

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5741/21710765649_1f98282b28_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/z5vmeF)The Platform Culver City (https://flic.kr/p/z5vmeF) by robb (https://www.flickr.com/photos/73028294@N00/), on Flickr

Its called "The Platform" as the train platform. I get it now...lol I'm an idiot.

Quixote

Oct 3, 2015, 7:11 AM

That's a nice parking structure.

Illithid Dude

Oct 3, 2015, 3:08 PM

I love the complete lack of stucco used for The Platform. Even the undersides of the overhangs are metal.

brudy

Oct 3, 2015, 4:41 PM

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/10/atwater_village_morton_la_kretz_townhouses.php#more

Stupid horse nimbys.
They'd rather have a factory than a devlopment that will include a bridge which will benefit them.

Man, that's awful. I get that one of the charms of LA is the rural/urban mashup, but the whole nimby approach here is terrible.

blackcat23

Oct 5, 2015, 2:38 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/more-apartments-over-retail-sunset-boulevard

Hanover Company has filed plans for a mixed-use development at 6200 Sunset Boulevard, across the street from the Hollywood Palladium and Columbia Square.

270 apartments, 12,400 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20151003_080526%280%29.jpg?itok=VGYHMY8R

Steve8263

Oct 5, 2015, 2:57 PM

blackcat23

Oct 5, 2015, 3:43 PM

Also of note is that Aids Healthcare Foundation (one of the groups fighting the Palladium Towers across the street) owns the Out of the Closet store that would be displaced if the existing building gets demolished.

I guess that explains why they were one of the groups opposing the project.

retina

Oct 5, 2015, 3:50 PM

^^^
Finally! That thing is beyond hideous. Been hoping for a proposal to pop up for that lot.

Also of note is that Aids Healthcare Foundation (one of the groups fighting the Palladium Towers across the street) owns the Out of the Closet store that would be displaced if the existing building gets demolished.

Ok, this is great to see Hanover is going to try to build in Hollywood again but what is their game plan to thwart the requisite lawsuits from La Mirada, Silverstein, Fix the City, etc? AHF filed a lawsuit against the proposed towers across the street, they sure as hell won't vacate this property without a lengthy legal battle.

Steve8263

Oct 5, 2015, 4:52 PM

I guess that explains why they were one of the groups opposing the project.

Still seems insane to me. Why would this organization divert funds away from a very important cause, to fight a development that would bring many new potential customers to the immediate area?

NSMP

Oct 5, 2015, 5:09 PM

hughfb3

Oct 5, 2015, 7:14 PM

Ok, this is great to see Hanover is going to try to build in Hollywood again but what is their game plan to thwart the requisite lawsuits from La Mirada, Silverstein, Fix the City, etc? AHF filed a lawsuit against the proposed towers across the street, they sure as hell won't vacate this property without a lengthy legal battle.

Judging the size of the lot and the amount of units, this will most likely be a type III wood frame 6-7 story; not generally suit worthy in this part of Hollywood, but you never know. I would love to know what's going on with Hanover's Hollywood gower tower. Do they still own the property? Are they redoing the EIR? Are they waiting it out until the recode LA is solidified?

Steve8263

Oct 5, 2015, 7:40 PM

^well if the store is demolished then the "potential customers" won't be potential customers for them. Also, I don't think their opposition to the development likely has anything to do with diverting funds. My thought is maybe they're angling for relocation assistance.

I'm referring to their opposition to the big project across the street, photo below-

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/08/hollywood_palladium_appeals.php

From that post-

In their separate appeal, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which both rents and owns property in Hollywood and is headquartered there, says that they've heard from locals "who are concerned that the impact of this massive project on them is not being considered." While they're not against all development, says AHF, they are in favor of slowing down "unbridled" development in Hollywood

Why is any of that the concern of AHF?

http://cdn.cstatic.net/gridnailer/500x/http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/55d61b22f92ea16a2d00868d/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-20%20at%2011.22.18%20AM.png

NSMP

Oct 5, 2015, 8:40 PM

Gotcha, that does seem like a hard line stance for them to take on an issue that doesn't directly concern them

blackcat23

Oct 6, 2015, 2:19 PM

http://urbanize.la/post/another-mixed-use-development-east-hollywood

Mixed-use development designed by TAG Architects going up at 5245 Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood. Five stories, 49 residential units, 45,000 square feet of retail and office space.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20150926_085030.jpg?itok=pK-7Cws7

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

colemonkee

Oct 6, 2015, 2:49 PM

Not bad! I'm interested to see what those brownish panels are made of, though. Still, nice massing, and a great way to break it up.

bobbyv

Oct 6, 2015, 9:41 PM

New Development for Hollywood
http://m.la.curbed.com/archives/2015/10/ava_hollywood_donut_time_gentrification.php

circuitfiend

Oct 6, 2015, 9:48 PM

Spent many a night at Circus & Arena, sad to see them go. Was wondering why Gene hadn't proceeded with his plans.

DistrictDirt

Oct 7, 2015, 2:11 AM

I'm referring to their opposition to the big project across the street, photo below-

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/08/hollywood_palladium_appeals.php

From that post-

In their separate appeal, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which both rents and owns property in Hollywood and is headquartered there, says that they've heard from locals "who are concerned that the impact of this massive project on them is not being considered." While they're not against all development, says AHF, they are in favor of slowing down "unbridled" development in Hollywood

Why is any of that the concern of AHF?]

I heard from a source whom I trust that Kilroy is behind the AIDS Healthcare Foundation's appeal, and this whole thing is about Columbia Square's views being potentially blocked by the Palladium project.

Its bad enough that we have so many NIMBY neighborhood groups in this town, but its straight up depressing that we have NIMBY developers too. And Kilroy isn't the only one, boys and girls.