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

[plinko]

I don’t see Arq in your list over on La Cienega. It’s 31 floors so should make the list. The other two Warmer Center buildings also look to be over 300ft. 11770 is also 34 floors but is fairly new so may not show up. It’s the tallest in the Barrington Plaza area. Sorry I’m too lazy to do any more research.

[craigs]

I don’t see Arq in your list over on La Cienega. It’s 31 floors so should make the list. The other two Warmer Center buildings also look to be over 300ft. 11770 is also 34 floors but is fairly new so may not show up. It’s the tallest in the Barrington Plaza area. Sorry I’m too lazy to do any more research.
Awesome!

Emporis lists the other Warner Center towers under 300', but they have an entry for Arq, so that's good to go. Is it within Culver City limits? I don't know what neighborhood to assign it.

As for West LA/Brentwood, I used to be able to see the cluster of buildings in and around Barrington Plaza from my kitchen window--I'd love to add the new tower, Landmark II. I found a CTBUH (https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/landmark-two/30784) 'interim' page for it, and that's good enough for me.

[craigs]

571 ft. 44 floors, Century Plaza Tower I, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
571 ft. 44 floors, Century Plaza Tower II, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
537 ft. 46 floors, Century Plaza North Tower, Res., Century City (Los Angeles)
537 ft. 46 floors, Century Plaza South Tower, Res., Century City (Los Angeles)
533 ft. 39 floors, SunAmerica Center, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
506 ft. 36 floors, 10 Universal City Plaza, Ofc., Universal City (Los Angeles)
492 ft. 34 floors, Fox Plaza, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
491 ft. 35 floors, MGM Tower, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
483 ft. 40 floors, 10000 Santa Monica, Res., Century City (Los Angeles)
478 ft. 41 floors, The Century, Res., Century City (Los Angeles)
460 ft. 36 floors, The Tower, Ofc., Burbank
454 ft. 34 floors, Equitable Life Bldg., Ofc., Koreatown (Los Angeles)
433 ft. 32 floors, 5900 Wilshire, Ofc., Miracle Mile (Los Angeles)
427 ft. 29 floors, The Gayley at Wilshire, Res., Westwood (Los Angeles)
417 ft. 35 floors, Shoreline Gateway, Res., Long Beach
413 ft. 25 floors, Warner Center III, Ofc., Woodland Hills (Los Angeles)
398 ft. 28 floors, 1900 Avenue of the Stars, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
397 ft. 30 floors, One World Trade Center, Ofc., Long Beach
395 ft. 32 floors, Sierra Towers, Res., West Hollywood
364 ft. 26 floors, 10100 Santa Monica, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
363 ft. 28 floors, California Federal Savings & Loan Building, Ofc., Miracle Mile (Los Angeles)
363 ft. 28 floors, Blair House, Res., Westwood (Los Angeles)
363 ft. 21 floors, Center West, Ofc., Westwood (Los Angeles)
363 ft. 31 floors, The Evian, Res., Westwood (Los Angeles)
363 ft. 24 floors, Oppenheimer Tower, Ofc., Westwood (Los Angeles)
360 ft. 24 floors, 222 North Sepulveda, Ofc., El Segundo
354 ft. 28 floors, Hilton Universal City & Towers, Hotel, Universal City (Los Angeles)
353 ft. 25 floors, Glendale Plaza, Ofc., Glendale
349 ft. 34 floors, Landmark II, Res., West Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
348 ft. 23 floors, Watt Plaza North Tower, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
348 ft. 23 floors, Watt Plaza South Tower, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
347 ft. 24 floors, 10960 Wilshire, Ofcl, Westwood (Los Angeles)
345 ft. 21 floors, West Ocean Condominiums I, Res., Long Beach
334 ft. 24 floors, Wilshire Landmark I, Ofc, West Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
328 ft. 21 floors, Eighteen Eighty Eight Building, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
328 ft. 22 floors, The Lexington, Ofc., Glendale
328 ft. 27 floors, The Wilshire, Res., Westwood (Los Angeles)
327 ft. 23 floors, The Tower, Ofc., Westwood (Los Angeles)
323 ft. 21 floors, 200 Spectrum Center, Ofc., Irvine
323 ft. 21 floors, 400 Spectrum Center, Ofc., Irvine
320 ft. 31 floors, ARQ, Res., West Adams (Los Angeles)
315 ft. 20 floors, 520 Newport Center Drive, Ofc., Newport Beach
314 ft. 20 floors, 6500 Wilshire, Ofc., Miracle Mile (Los Angeles)
312 ft. 24 floors, Landmark Square, Ofc., Long Beach
312 ft. 22 floors, Mercury, Res., Koreatown (Los Angeles)
309 ft. 21 floors, Valley Executive Tower, Ofc., Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles)
307 ft. 28 floors, 2222 Avenue of the Stars, Res., Century City (Los Angeles)
307 ft. 21 floors, 6300 Wilshire, Ofc., Miracle Mile (Los Angeles)
307 ft. 29 floors, The Vermont I, Res., Koreatown (Los Angeles)
305 ft. 28 floors, 2220 Avenue of the Stars, Res., Century City (Los Angeles)
305 ft. 21 floors, Century Park Plaza, Ofc., Century City (Los Angeles)
305 ft. 20 floors, Sunset Vine Tower, Hollywood (Los Angeles)
303 ft. 24 floors, Wilshire and Barrington Condominiums, Res., West Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
302 ft. 20 floors, Galaxy Towers, Res., Long Beach
300 ft. 20 floors, 100 North Sepulveda, Ofc., El Segundo
300 ft. 20 floors, 200 North Sepulveda, Ofc., El Segundo
300 ft. 21 floors, 1000 Wilshire, Ofc., Santa Monica
300 ft. 25 floors, Barrington Plaza A, Res., West Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
300 ft. 21 floors, Nestle Building, Ofc., Glendale
300 ft. 24 floors, World Savings Center, Ofc., West Los Angeles (Los Angeles)

[CaliNative]

It seems to me that San Pedro would be an ideal location for residential and office towers. Busy port, affluent areas to the west on the Palos Verdes penninsula, etc. Curious that San Pedro hasn't developed like nearby Long Beach has. Maybe the fact that LB is a bit removed from the port area helped development, but more important perhaps is that LB was (is) an independent city, whereas SP is part of distant Los Angeles, connected by a long narrow shoestring means it gets forgotten. It doesn't even have a light rail line connecting it to the rest of the urban area. San Pedro could be L.A.'s cosmopolitan Valparaiso. Attractive location with the tall hills behind the city and the port and ocean. Prevailing westerly winds carry most of the port and refinery pollution away from the city, towards the east. Large Italian American population (45,000 out of 85,000 total), and also substantial Croatian, Portuguese, Greek, Irish, Norwegian, Asian, and Mexican presense. If I were a billionaire I'd be buying up properties in San Pedro. The place has potential.

[Kenchiku desu]

Craigs, thank you for the fine list. It points up the fact that the SkyscraperPage Database for Los Angeles has a hole that you no doubt noticed: The actual Page 2 buildings 101-200 are missing from the Database. It ends at 1900 Avenue of the Stars (28 floors / 398') and picks up again with Beverly West Residences (21 floors / 295') -- a 103-foot gap! I posted a request to have the editors fix this; I hope they can correct it soon.

[JerellO]

It seems to me that San Pedro would be an ideal location for residential and office towers. Busy port, affluent areas to the west on the Palos Verdes penninsula, etc. Curious that San Pedro hasn't developed much like nearby Long Beach. Maybe the fact that it is just a tiny part of L.A. connected by a long narrow shoestring means it gets forgotten. It doesn't even have a light rail line connecting it to the rest of the urban area. San Pedro could be L.A.'s cosmopolitan Valparaiso. Attractive location with the tall hills behind the city and the port and ocean. Prevailing westerly winds carry most of the port and refinery pollution away from the city, towards the east. Large Italian American population (45,000 out of 85,000 total), and also substantial Croatian, Portuguese, Greek, Irish, Norwegian, Asian, and Mexican presense. If I were a billionaire I'd be buying up properties in San Pedro. The place has potential.

Long Beach kind of feels like San Diego, surprised it didn’t develop early on.. same with San Pedro

[craigs]

Long Beach kind of feels like San Diego, surprised it didn’t develop early on.. same with San Pedro
Long Beach did develop early on, as the following photos show. It was definitely one of the more built up areas in the Southland in the first decades of the 20th century. However, Long Beach suffered a major earthquake in 1933, so a lot of the city's oldest buildings were either destroyed or had to be pulled down because they were so badly damaged. Also, Long Beach's downtown and waterfront were extensively redeveloped over the decades and a lot of the older structures were replaced with newer buildings. That said, there are still some really great historic buildings left, both downtown and in the neighborhoods.

1920s
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GVlZeIEdT0M/TOwDzgIErMI/AAAAAAAAD_s/9dpVkKJ2IVg/s1600/longBeachBBW1_hslb.jpg
source (http://www.legendarysurfers.com/2010/11/1930s-long-beach-1910-1927.html)

1920s
https://www.pierfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Long.Beach_.-Sailors_1915.jpg
source (https://www.pierfishing.com/shoreline-aquatic-park-piers-long-beach/)

https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/24232011_1535121686568454_6495457847509409896_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=Sx_LhfAvNuIAX-IGPdU&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AT-Q503rzbbJwiO2mjvZA4BGNhWyQgjSwHTd88LSZk9WxA&oe=61EE8D96
source (https://www.facebook.com/HAUNTEDEMPIRE.CA/photos/waterline-view-of-villa-riviera-and-pacific-coast-club-long-beach-ca-both-multi-/1535121686568454/)

The Pike rollercoaster and downtown Long Beach with the oil derricks of Signal Hill in the backdrop, circa 1940:
https://waterandpower.org/Historical_DWP_Photo_Collection_LA_Public_Library/Pike_1940.jpg
source (https://waterandpower.org/museum/Early_City_Views%20(1925%20+)_Page_1.html)

1946:
https://socalstairclimbers.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/1946-dtlb-waterfront-rainbow-pier-kcet-article-photo.jpeg?w=1200
source (https://socalstairclimbers.com/historical-info-for-selected-areas/long-beach/)

And I can't fail to post a pic that includes both the Breakers Hotel (on the right) as well as the Villa Riviera residences (far down Ocean Boulevard in this pic), the latter being the best 1920s tower still standing in Long Beach:
https://www.presstelegram.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/0114_nws_lpt-l-col-grobaty-0114.jpg?w=561
source (https://www.presstelegram.com/2018/01/14/the-roller-coaster-history-of-long-beachs-breakers-hotel/)

According to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Riviera), at 277 ft. tall and 16 floors, Villa Riviera was the second-tallest building in Southern California from 1929 until the mid-1950s:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Villa_Riviera.jpg/719px-Villa_Riviera.jpg
source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Riviera)

As for San Pedro, I've only passed through a couple times on my way from Palos Verdes to Long Beach, but it seems to have its own downtown area and there's a waterfront park as well.

[JerellO]

Long Beach did develop early on, as the following photos show. It was definitely one of the more built up areas in the Southland in the first decades of the 20th century. However, Long Beach suffered a major earthquake in 1933, so a lot of the city's oldest buildings were either destroyed or had to be pulled down because they were so badly damaged. Also, Long Beach's downtown and waterfront were extensively redeveloped over the decades and a lot of the older structures were replaced with newer buildings. That said, there are still some really great historic buildings left, both downtown and in the neighborhoods.

1920s
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GVlZeIEdT0M/TOwDzgIErMI/AAAAAAAAD_s/9dpVkKJ2IVg/s1600/longBeachBBW1_hslb.jpg
source (http://www.legendarysurfers.com/2010/11/1930s-long-beach-1910-1927.html)

1920s
https://www.pierfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Long.Beach_.-Sailors_1915.jpg
source (https://www.pierfishing.com/shoreline-aquatic-park-piers-long-beach/)

https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/24232011_1535121686568454_6495457847509409896_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=Sx_LhfAvNuIAX-IGPdU&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AT-Q503rzbbJwiO2mjvZA4BGNhWyQgjSwHTd88LSZk9WxA&oe=61EE8D96
source (https://www.facebook.com/HAUNTEDEMPIRE.CA/photos/waterline-view-of-villa-riviera-and-pacific-coast-club-long-beach-ca-both-multi-/1535121686568454/)

The Pike rollercoaster and downtown Long Beach with the oil derricks of Signal Hill in the backdrop, circa 1940:
https://waterandpower.org/Historical_DWP_Photo_Collection_LA_Public_Library/Pike_1940.jpg
source (https://waterandpower.org/museum/Early_City_Views%20(1925%20+)_Page_1.html)

1946:
https://socalstairclimbers.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/1946-dtlb-waterfront-rainbow-pier-kcet-article-photo.jpeg?w=1200
source (https://socalstairclimbers.com/historical-info-for-selected-areas/long-beach/)

And I can't fail to post a pic that includes both the Breakers Hotel (on the right) as well as the Villa Riviera residences (far down Ocean Boulevard in this pic), the latter being the best 1920s tower still standing in Long Beach:
https://www.presstelegram.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/0114_nws_lpt-l-col-grobaty-0114.jpg?w=561
source (https://www.presstelegram.com/2018/01/14/the-roller-coaster-history-of-long-beachs-breakers-hotel/)

According to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Riviera), at 277 ft. tall and 16 floors, Villa Riviera was the second-tallest building in Southern California from 1929 until the mid-1950s:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Villa_Riviera.jpg/719px-Villa_Riviera.jpg
source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Riviera)

As for San Pedro, I've only passed through a couple times on my way from Palos Verdes to Long Beach, but it seems to have its own downtown area and there's a waterfront park as well.

Wow very cool! I like that semicircular road into the water

[CaliNative]

Long Beach did develop early on, as the following photos show. It was definitely one of the more built up areas in the Southland in the first decades of the 20th century. However, Long Beach suffered a major earthquake in 1933, so a lot of the city's oldest buildings were either destroyed or had to be pulled down because they were so badly damaged. Also, Long Beach's downtown and waterfront were extensively redeveloped over the decades and a lot of the older structures were replaced with newer buildings. That said, there are still some really great historic buildings left, both downtown and in the neighborhoods.

1920s
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GVlZeIEdT0M/TOwDzgIErMI/AAAAAAAAD_s/9dpVkKJ2IVg/s1600/longBeachBBW1_hslb.jpg
source (http://www.legendarysurfers.com/2010/11/1930s-long-beach-1910-1927.html)

1920s
https://www.pierfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Long.Beach_.-Sailors_1915.jpg
source (https://www.pierfishing.com/shoreline-aquatic-park-piers-long-beach/)

https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/24232011_1535121686568454_6495457847509409896_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=Sx_LhfAvNuIAX-IGPdU&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AT-Q503rzbbJwiO2mjvZA4BGNhWyQgjSwHTd88LSZk9WxA&oe=61EE8D96
source (https://www.facebook.com/HAUNTEDEMPIRE.CA/photos/waterline-view-of-villa-riviera-and-pacific-coast-club-long-beach-ca-both-multi-/1535121686568454/)

The Pike rollercoaster and downtown Long Beach with the oil derricks of Signal Hill in the backdrop, circa 1940:
https://waterandpower.org/Historical_DWP_Photo_Collection_LA_Public_Library/Pike_1940.jpg
source (https://waterandpower.org/museum/Early_City_Views%20(1925%20+)_Page_1.html)

1946:
https://socalstairclimbers.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/1946-dtlb-waterfront-rainbow-pier-kcet-article-photo.jpeg?w=1200
source (https://socalstairclimbers.com/historical-info-for-selected-areas/long-beach/)

And I can't fail to post a pic that includes both the Breakers Hotel (on the right) as well as the Villa Riviera residences (far down Ocean Boulevard in this pic), the latter being the best 1920s tower still standing in Long Beach:
https://www.presstelegram.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/0114_nws_lpt-l-col-grobaty-0114.jpg?w=561
source (https://www.presstelegram.com/2018/01/14/the-roller-coaster-history-of-long-beachs-breakers-hotel/)

According to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Riviera), at 277 ft. tall and 16 floors, Villa Riviera was the second-tallest building in Southern California from 1929 until the mid-1950s:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Villa_Riviera.jpg/719px-Villa_Riviera.jpg
source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Riviera)

As for San Pedro, I've only passed through a couple times on my way from Palos Verdes to Long Beach, but it seems to have its own downtown area and there's a waterfront park as well.

-------
Here is a good video/slideshow from YouTube on the 1920s buildings of Long Beach, also posted on my 1920s thread on "Found City Photos":

ynq2WQsqNk4

The famous Villa Riviera is discussed starting right before minute 9; cool pictures of the "fierce" gargoyles at the top.

San Pedro has nothing to rival these 1920s masterpieces. It has a standard 1920s era municipal building and a couple of others, one for port administration. Great potential there. Hopefully it will be realized.

[BaldwinDPB]

Wow very cool! I like that semicircular road into the water

When I googled this building, the Villa Riviera, I found an article stating that this building as originally 447 feet tall. Either it must be a misprint, or this building was either built firmly into the side of the beach cliff that it has floors (foundation) that go well under the ground that we just can't see. Anyway, your 277 feet sounds a lot more accurate for this building. Earlier photo shots of Long Beach show that the beach cliff was once much closer inland to Ocean Blvd.

[craigs]

When I googled this building, the Villa Riviera, I found an article stating that this building as originally 447 feet tall. Either it must be a misprint, or this building was either built firmly into the side of the beach cliff that it has floors (foundation) that go well under the ground that we just can't see. Anyway, your 277 feet sounds a lot more accurate for this building. Earlier photo shots of Long Beach show that the beach cliff was once much closer inland to Ocean Blvd.
Villa Riviera could not have ever been 447 ft. tall, even if we chose to measure its height from the (previous) beachfront façade. And organizations that measure tower heights do so from the upper side of any slope in any case.

Compare Villa Riviera's 277 ft. peak with the new residential tower just built across Ocean Boulevard, the Shoreline Gateway East Tower, which is 417 ft. tall. Not even close:

https://images1.loopnet.com/i2/QndwUQq3Lg_QJct1nuq8tseKTvwkQhWiL2kYd4xrq9o/110/777-E-Ocean-Blvd-Long-Beach-CA-777-E-Ocean-Blvd-Long-Beach-CA-90802-USA-126-1-Large.jpg
source (https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/777-E-Ocean-Blvd-Long-Beach-CA/21696439/)

[hughfb3]

While we are on Long Beach...

Onni's project is coming along nicely. Should be topped out soon. They value engineered the ish outta this one

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51789314570_88bb690f77_c.jpg

Not sure what this one on Ocean Ave is but it's topped out

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51787626717_11cb8b5c7b_c.jpg

And in the opposite side of construction is De-construction... and that's what's happening with the old Long Beach City Hall building. It's coming down.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51788692268_1d54f5e11b_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51788709753_0a7ffb32d0_c.jpg

[craigs]

Does anyone know how tall will the Onni project be, and what will become of the old city hall property?

[ChrisLA]

Not sure what this one on Ocean Ave is but it's topped out

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51787626717_11cb8b5c7b_c.jpg

Are you sure this is a new building? It looks like the former GTE/Verizon office building and now being renovated. I used to live in Long Beach and briefly worked in the Verizon office. I could be wrong as a lot has changed down there in the 8 years since I moved.





And in the opposite side of construction is De-construction... and that's what's happening with the old Long Beach City Hall building. It's coming down.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51788692268_1d54f5e11b_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51788709753_0a7ffb32d0_c.jpg

For some strange reason I always felt like the former Long Beach City Hall had a kinship with the Boston City Hall. More so the Plaza surrounding the building.

[BaldwinDPB]

While we are on Long Beach...

Onni's project is coming along nicely. Should be topped out soon. They value engineered the ish outta this one

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51789314570_88bb690f77_c.jpg

Not sure what this one on Ocean Ave is but it's topped out

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51787626717_11cb8b5c7b_c.jpg

And in the opposite side of construction is De-construction... and that's what's happening with the old Long Beach City Hall building. It's coming down.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51788692268_1d54f5e11b_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51788709753_0a7ffb32d0_c.jpg

Is this kind of demolition on Long Beach City Hall the same way they took down the 31 story St Regis Hotel Tower in Century City? are there any pictures of that one?

[pwright1]

Love the old Long Beach photos.

[pwright1]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51796463814_7220d98260_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51796208498_1ee302f920_b.jpg

[LAnative61]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51796463814_7220d98260_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51796208498_1ee302f920_b.jpg

Nice Pictures! According to list above, the new Century plaza twin towers are 537" and the Sun America building in 533". I don't think so!!

[BrandonJXN]

Century City is so weirdly unique. It's skyline rivals that of a lot of major US cities.

[craigs]

Nice pics, pwright! The temple sure has a great vantage of the Westside.

Nice Pictures! According to list above, the new Century plaza twin towers are 537" and the Sun America building in 533". I don't think so!!
I agree that it seems they are taller than the 'official' height given. I wish we could get some sort of official audit, but there's really no such thing.

[craigs]

Century City is so weirdly unique. It's skyline rivals that of a lot of major US cities.
True that. Century City doesn't have dozens and dozens of tall buildings like most major US cities' downtowns do, but what Century City does have is a collection of fairly tall towers, relative to many downtown skylines--it has five 500+ foot towers, four 400-500 footers, and eight 300-400 footers.

[LA21st]

Had a chance to go around Echo Park today. That area is booming with new infill. Not giant buildings, but it seems the small ones are adding up.

Temple St, City West, Chinatown, same thing.

Everything seems denser than the last time I was there.

[Zapatan]

Nice Pictures! According to list above, the new Century plaza twin towers are 537" and the Sun America building in 533". I don't think so!!

Yea I think they are 600' indeed, the other twins are 571' and CPTT look taller :cheers:

[DCReid]

True that. Century City doesn't have dozens and dozens of tall buildings like most major US cities' downtowns do, but what Century City does have is a collection of fairly tall towers, relative to many downtown skylines--it has five 500+ foot towers, four 400-500 footers, and eight 300-400 footers.

I don't see any new towers under construction in Century City. I would think it would be a favorable location especially for new residential. Is it due to lack of land or land use restrictions?

[LA21st]

I don't see any new towers under construction in Century City. I would think it would be a favorable location especially for new residential. Is it due to lack of land or land use restrictions?

Nothing u/c but there's a couple of proposals and the Fox Studios expansion. There's the Beverly Hilton development (2 30 story buildings) that's Century City adjacent as well.

It just built 3 40 story residential buildings. It's not hurting for new construction, there's just nothing at the moment.

[BaldwinDPB]

Nothing u/c but there's a couple of proposals and the Fox Studios expansion. There's the Beverly Hilton development (2 30 story buildings) that's Century City adjacent as well.

It just built 3 40 story residential buildings. It's not hurting for new construction, there's just nothing at the moment.

Any information on the Wilshire Gayley in Westwood? I heard that they might be getting started soon on the 426 foot 29 story building that will resemble the Flatiron Building in New York.

[CaliNative]

The L.A. Times on Monday had a big front page story on the "non profit" HIV foundation trying to block new development and housing all over the city, but especially in the Hollywood area. Strange that a "non profit" HIV foundation would use its funds to block badly needed housing, especially around transit ststions. Since when is restricting new housing going to help people who can't find or afford housing? Less supply = higher prices and rents. Shouldn't it be focused on HIV issues rather than being A big "Nimby" advocate? Maybe somebody could link the article.

[LA21st]

The L.A. Times on Monday had a big front page story on the "non profit" HIV foundation trying to block new development and housing all over the city, but especially in the Hollywood area. Strange that a "non profit" HIV foundation would use its funds to block badly needed housing, especially around transit ststions. Since when is restricting new housing going to help people who can't find or afford housing? Less supply = higher prices and rents. Shouldn't it be focused on HIV issues rather than being A big "Nimby" advocate? Maybe somebody could link the article.

That guy has been around for 7 or 8 years. He usually fails.

[LAisthePlace]

Any information on the Wilshire Gayley in Westwood? I heard that they might be getting started soon on the 426 foot 29 story building that will resemble the Flatiron Building in New York.

That would be an incredible groundbreaking. I love Robert AM Stern's work by and large and love this project in particular.

https://urbanize.city/la/post/developer-files-permits-flatiron-inspired-westwood-tower

https://urbanize.city/la/sites/urbanize.city.la/files/styles/2018_article_gallery_image_2000w/public/field/image/gaylehy.jpg?itok=7sySr1uQ

[Zapatan]

Nothing u/c but there's a couple of proposals and the Fox Studios expansion. There's the Beverly Hilton development (2 30 story buildings) that's Century City adjacent as well.

It just built 3 40 story residential buildings. It's not hurting for new construction, there's just nothing at the moment.

Are those still active proposals? Very excited if they are...

[202_Cyclist]

Robert Stern designed a residential development in Newport Beach with a similar design.

https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/tn-dpt-me-nbcouncil-preview-20161126-story.html

Robert Stern also designed 1331 Maryland Ave, SW in DC.

https://cdnassets.hw.net/dims4/GG/9ea2527/2147483647/thumbnail/876x580%3E/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdnassets.hw.net%2Fdb%2F07%2F7e694f674913ad1668ea56a41242%2F2018-06-13-1331-robertamstern-3.jpg
Image courtesy of Architect Magazine (https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/1331_o).

[CaliNative]

That guy has been around for 7 or 8 years. He usually fails.

Usually fails, but it delays badly needed housing projects for months or years. Has anyone tried to challenge the non profit status when funds are used for purposes unrelated to the purpose of the foundation, like blocking real estate developments?

[CaliNative]

That would be an incredible groundbreaking. I love Robert AM Stern's work by and large and love this project in particular.

https://urbanize.city/la/post/developer-files-permits-flatiron-inspired-westwood-tower

https://urbanize.city/la/sites/urbanize.city.la/files/styles/2018_article_gallery_image_2000w/public/field/image/gaylehy.jpg?itok=7sySr1uQ

One of my fave projects also. Love the flatiron bldg. in NYC. There's a triangular parcel in DTLA where Broadway and Spring come together that would also be good for a flat iron type building.

[LA21st]

Are those still active proposals? Very excited if they are...

Yes, the Beverly Hills Hilton one had updates a few months ago. Approved, I believe.

The Fox expansion is more long term, but has a bunch of 20-30 story buildings included.

[LA21st]

Any information on the Wilshire Gayley in Westwood? I heard that they might be getting started soon on the 426 foot 29 story building that will resemble the Flatiron Building in New York.

Where did you hear about that one?

[Zapatan]

Yes, the Beverly Hills Hilton one had updates a few months ago. Approved, I believe.

The Fox expansion is more long term, but has a bunch of 20-30 story buildings included.

That's this one right? (Beverly, not Fox)

https://cdn2.lamag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/06/One-Beverly-Hills-Aerial-View-1-1068x733.jpg

[Radio5]

Nothing u/c but there's a couple of proposals and the Fox Studios expansion. There's the Beverly Hilton development (2 30 story buildings) that's Century City adjacent as well.

It just built 3 40 story residential buildings. It's not hurting for new construction, there's just nothing at the moment.

If only Los Angeles Country Club would sell the south side of Wilshire to developers...:slob:

[LA21st]

That's this one right? (Beverly, not Fox)

https://cdn2.lamag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/06/One-Beverly-Hills-Aerial-View-1-1068x733.jpg

Yes. It's approved.

[Doctorboffin]

Yea I think they are 600' indeed, the other twins are 571' and CPTT look taller :cheers:

Google Earth was finally updated with the complete towers, so you can finally see their full height using the elevation tool.

They both stand 856 feet above sea-level, so from Avenue of the Stars and the podium they are on, they are roughly 562 feet tall, and from Solar Way they are 589 feet.

[LAisthePlace]

Great progress on the new 120K sq ft office building in Chinatown.

https://i.imgur.com/Vu0vTYfl.jpg

https://urbanize.city/la/sites/urbanize.city.la/files/styles/2018_article_gallery_image_2000w/public/field/image/CT7_02_Corner.jpg?itok=Oc8MfzZ2

https://urbanize.city/la/post/120000sf-office-building-rises-next-chinatown-station

Hope we can they can fill up the re-done Capitol Milling building soon.

[ocman]

Editorial: Not again. AIDS nonprofit wants to block L.A.'s ambitious plan for desperately needed housing

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-01-05/housing-element-lawsuit

BY THE TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD

Last fall, the Los Angeles City Council finally adopted an ambitious plan to help fix the city’s crippling housing shortage by making room in existing neighborhoods for nearly half a million new homes over the next eight years. So, of course, there’s now a lawsuit trying to halt the plan.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit based in Hollywood that often fights development, sued last month, arguing that the city violated state environmental law when it adopted the plan.

That’s the story of L.A. and much of California.

For decades, slow-growth, not-in-my-backyard opposition has obstructed much-needed housing construction, particularly in coastal urban areas, even while local economies and the population have continued to grow. That’s created a shortage that has driven up home prices and rents to levels that are unaffordable to the majority of Californians. With the problem at a crisis point, state and local leaders have started to make it easier to build new housing, but there is still strong pushback at every turn.


Oct. 14, 2021
Just look at Los Angeles, which has committed to one of the most extensive rezoning programs in the nation. Like all cities in California, L.A. is required to produce a voluminous document, called a Housing Element, that demonstrates how it will plan and zone for enough development to house its fair share of the state’s growing population. Cities aren’t required to construct the homes, but they have to adopt laws and policies that make it easier for the private sector to build market-rate and affordable housing.

In past years, many cities have done the bare minimum, adopting housing elements that have no basis in reality and with no intention to make room for more homes. But state lawmakers have added teeth to the “fair-share” housing law and required cities to analyze and try to address housing inequality and segregation.

As part of its new housing element, L.A. identified properties that could be developed for nearly 500,000 new units of housing, including nearly 185,000 units for lower-income residents. About half of the new units could be built under land-use plans and policies that are already underway. For the rest, the city will have to rezone thousands of properties to accommodate more homes over the next three years.

In its court filing, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation argues the city is planning too much housing and making it too easy for developers to build without an obligation to provide affordable housing, which could worsen displacement and homelessness.

That’s a reasonable concern, but the housing element commits the city to study policies that will require or encourage affordable housing in new development. The housing element just sets the targets and the overarching policies — now city leaders have to adopt policies, such as inclusionary zoning or stronger density bonuses. City leaders also have to decide exactly where to rezone properties to accommodate more homes. The plan also commits the city to strengthening tenant protections and the preservation of existing affordable housing. This will be controversial and challenging work.

The last thing L.A. needs is a lawsuit that could put progress on hold. This isn’t the first time the AIDS Healthcare Foundation has attempted to slow housing construction. In 2017, voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot measure backed and funded by the foundation that would have curtailed certain large developments. In response to that effort, labor and housing advocates offered a counterproposal, Measure JJJ, to make it easier to build taller, denser buildings near rail stations and major bus stops if the projects include affordable housing. Voters passed that measure and it has helped add 8,000 units of affordable housing to the development pipeline. (A slow-growth group sued in an attempt to block that program too.)

Los Angeles is on the right track. Let’s hope lawsuits and the inevitable NIMBY opposition that will arise as the city attempts to rezone properties don’t derail the effort to ease the housing crisis.

[Blesha13]

Google Earth was finally updated with the complete towers, so you can finally see their full height using the elevation tool.

They both stand 856 feet above sea-level, so from Avenue of the Stars and the podium they are on, they are roughly 562 feet tall, and from Solar Way they are 589 feet.

How often are Google Maps updated? Once a year, twice a year?

[colemonkee]

I hope everyone read that article. AHF is suing to stop the City from a plan that could potentially add an additional 92,500 affordable housing units over the next 8 years through rezoning. That's in addition to 92,500 affordable units that are already eligible within existing policy. AHF's reasoning is the City is not doing enough for affordable housing development, but they won't quantify what that number should be or how the City should do that. Classic Slippery Slope Fallacy that needs to be called out by more publications and groups.

[CaliNative]

I hope everyone read that article. AHF is suing to stop the City from a plan that could potentially add an additional 92,500 affordable housing units over the next 8 years through rezoning. That's in addition to 92,500 affordable units that are already eligible within existing policy. AHF's reasoning is the City is not doing enough for affordable housing development, but they won't quantify what that number should be or how the City should do that. Classic Slippery Slope Fallacy that needs to be called out by more publications and groups.

And according to some posters it is possibly because the guy in charge doesn't want his view blocked by new hi rises, like the Hollywood Palladium residential project (is that project still a go, or is it now stalled?). If true, sounds like a reasonable use for non profit funds (not).

I wish all "NIMBY's" (and their cousins the anti-gentrifiers) would move out of CA. Then we would get the housing we need badly. Since when does limiting supply of new housing, including affordable microunits, lower the price? Violates economic law.

[caligrad]

The Onni tower in Long Beach seemed to have topped out. So far its ok. Needed but typical Onni design with pea soup colored glass.

[LAisthePlace]

I think it is a bit reductive and in most ways mischaracterizes Weinstein's POV to say he just doesn't want his view blocked (that may be a secondary, or tertiary reason).

From what I've read about him it seems that he truly believes that if you build new apartment buildings in anything but the richest neighborhoods, even if you build on parking lots you will be displacing people (i.e. indirect displacement) and that itself is reason enough to not build anything except deeply affordable housing. A debunked theory that causes more harm than good when it blocks much needed housing.

Its sort of a weird, reductive combination of NIMBY and PHIMBY (Public Housing in My Backyard) viewpoints which makes him the most dangerous man in trying to actually fix the housing crisis with more homes as well as build Los Angeles more sustainably and urbanly.

That being said, I think we on this board (and other like minded people who want to see more housing in Los Angeles) do our sides view a disservice when we reduce his viewpoint down to just not wanting his views blocked instead of the much more insidious reason.

I thought the LA Times Board Editorial (great to see them on the "good" side of the fight) put the argument against his POV quite well

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-01-05/housing-element-lawsuit

And according to some posters it is possibly because the guy in charge doesn't want his view blocked by new hi rises, like the Hollywood Palladium residential project (is that project still a go, or is it now stalled?). If true, sounds like a reasonable use for non profit funds (not).

I wish all "NIMBY's" (and their cousins the anti-gentrifiers) would move out of CA. Then we would get the housing we need badly. Since when does limiting supply of new housing, including affordable microunits, lower the price? Violates economic law.

[CaliNative]

I think it is a bit reductive and in most ways mischaracterizes Weinstein's POV to say he just doesn't want his view blocked (that may be a secondary, or tertiary reason).

From what I've read about him it seems that he truly believes that if you build new apartment buildings in anything but the richest neighborhoods, even if you build on parking lots you will be displacing people (i.e. indirect displacement) and that itself is reason enough to not build anything except deeply affordable housing. A debunked theory that causes more harm than good when it blocks much needed housing.

Its sort of a weird, reductive combination of NIMBY and PHIMBY (Public Housing in My Backyard) viewpoints which makes him the most dangerous man in trying to actually fix the housing crisis with more homes as well as build Los Angeles more sustainably and urbanly.

That being said, I think we on this board (and other like minded people who want to see more housing in Los Angeles) do our sides view a disservice when we reduce his viewpoint down to just not wanting his views blocked instead of the much more insidious reason.

I thought the LA Times Board Editorial (great to see them on the "good" side of the fight) put the argument against his POV quite well

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-01-05/housing-element-lawsuit

I was just paraphrasing the opinions of others. If you say getting a view blocked has little or nothing to do with the litigation, I accept your word since you seem very informed about the issue. But in any event, we need more housing, hopefully much of it affordable. We are on the same page with that. Maybe the government can get more involved with housing projects, hopefully better done than the cookie cutter ones built from the 1930s-1970s? Or public/private partnerships and tax incentives. Also, it should be easier to get micro-unit projects (under 500 sq. ft.) approved to reduce costs and rents.

[LAisthePlace]

I was just paraphrasing the opinions of others. If you say getting a view blocked has little or nothing to do with the litigation, I accept your word since you seem very informed about the issue. But in any event, we need more housing, hopefully much of it affordable. We are on the same page with that. Maybe the government can get more involved with housing projects, hopefully better done than the cookie cutter ones built from the 1930s-1970s? Or public/private partnerships and tax incentives. Also, it should be easier to get micro-unit projects (under 500 sq. ft.) approved to reduce costs and rents.

Totally understood, I just see that talking point mentioned so much when Aids Healthcare Foundation/Michael Weinstein comes up I wish more of spotlight got put on the reasons for his anti-housing crusade beyond just not wanting his views being blocked.

Would love to see more housing of all kinds and think the best/"easiest" things the government can do is re-zone swaths of the city so you can actually build new housing, especially around transit which exactly what they are trying to do here (which Weinstein, sadly, is trying to block).

I'd love to see more public housing, but without help from the federal government I'm not sure how that would be feasible.

[ocman]

I think it is a bit reductive and in most ways mischaracterizes Weinstein's POV to say he just doesn't want his view blocked (that may be a secondary, or tertiary reason).

From what I've read about him it seems that he truly believes that if you build new apartment buildings in anything but the richest neighborhoods, even if you build on parking lots you will be displacing people (i.e. indirect displacement) and that itself is reason enough to not build anything except deeply affordable housing. A debunked theory that causes more harm than good when it blocks much needed housing.

Its sort of a weird, reductive combination of NIMBY and PHIMBY (Public Housing in My Backyard) viewpoints which makes him the most dangerous man in trying to actually fix the housing crisis with more homes as well as build Los Angeles more sustainably and urbanly.

That being said, I think we on this board (and other like minded people who want to see more housing in Los Angeles) do our sides view a disservice when we reduce his viewpoint down to just not wanting his views blocked instead of the much more insidious reason.

I thought the LA Times Board Editorial (great to see them on the "good" side of the fight) put the argument against his POV quite well

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-01-05/housing-element-lawsuit

I don't think it is reductive. rom what I read his foundation is controversial for many things not least of which for selling drugs to AIDS patients at market price (non-profits usually take a loss) and spending Medicare aid on politics. Weinstein is a sheister and I wouldn't put anything past him.

Quoted from another LA Times article :
Early in that fight, public affairs consultant Steve Afriat, who was lobbying City Hall on behalf of Crescent Heights, asked for a meeting with Weinstein to hear his concerns. Afriat said that during that meeting, Weinstein complained that the Palladium would block his views of the Hollywood Hills.

[CaliNative]

I don't think it is reductive. rom what I read his foundation is controversial for many things not least of which for selling drugs to AIDS patients at market price (non-profits usually take a loss) and spending Medicare aid on politics. Weinstein is a sheister and I wouldn't put anything past him.

Quoted from another LA Times article :
Early in that fight, public affairs consultant Steve Afriat, who was lobbying City Hall on behalf of Crescent Heights, asked for a meeting with Weinstein to hear his concerns. Afriat said that during that meeting, Weinstein complained that the Palladium would block his views of the Hollywood Hills.

What is the current status of the Palladium project? Stalled? Canceled? Or still a go? I like that project..hope it gets built.

[kittyhawk28]

What is the current status of the Palladium project? Stalled? Canceled? Or still a go? I like that project..hope it gets built.

Due to COVID, alot of projects proposed during 2017-19 have had development timelines delayed by a few years at least. Understandable why they haven't been moving too fast, the economic situation is still somewhat precarious despite the recovery.

[hughfb3]

While not specifically high-rise development, Onni continues progress on its Hollywood buildings. The Santa Monica blvd mid-rise was stalled for several months during COVID and has picked up pace. Also, the Security Bank Building at Hollywood+Cahuenga continues its adaptive reuse into a new boutique hotel. This precedes the coming 14 story office building to be constructed in the parking lot immediately north. With both of these projects moving forward, that gets us closer to the Vine Street Tower they have proposed


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51799069402_96ffdbc286_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51800745585_39f81d51c4_c.jpg
https://urbanize.city/la/post/onnis-new-hollywood-apartments-start-rise-santa-monica-boulevard

Below, you can see them working inside to clear away the interior. The Sharky's Restaurant in the second picture is what will be demolished for the coming 14 story office building

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51812071542_7d9697509e_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51813138428_be5b8d6104_c.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51813138308_a32d6bef9a_c.jpg

https://urbanize.city/la/post/onni-group-plans-14-story-office-building-hollywood-and-cahuenga

[hughfb3]

Urbanize just posted about the Sunset+Vine tower getting an additional 153 unit mid-rise apartment building on its perimeter.

https://urbanize.city/la/post/153-apartments-retail-planned-sunset-vine

https://urbanize.city/la/sites/urbanize.city.la/files/styles/2018_article_gallery_image_2000w/public/2022-01/6266%20sunset%202.jpg?itok=xldiAeOW

https://urbanize.city/la/sites/urbanize.city.la/files/styles/2018_article_gallery_image_2000w/public/2022-01/6266%20sunset%203.jpg?itok=G8ZC0m96

This is a resurrection from the original 2006 CIM plans that included a mid-rise portion directly attached to the south side as an extension of the existing steel frame building. They later abandoned that portion and renovated the existing single floor commercial space that then became a Chipotle. Remember when the tower looked like this??

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51814717381_58230f47cf_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51813755512_b3d7dd267e_c.jpg

In addition to acquiring the tower, it looks like Saris-Regis may have assembled all of the buildings along the east and south east sharing the property line with the now complete Essex Apartment building (https://urbanize.city/la/post/seven-story-200-unit-development-nears-finish-line-hollywood). What do ya'll think?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51815131944_0b395d8d94_c.jpg

[colemonkee]

Oof. Leave it to TCA to design something not even it's mother could love. I like the added density, especially in that area, but if we're gonna tear down some of those nice retail spaces on Sunset (I realize they are way under-zoned), at least replace them with something that doesn't take the worst design mistakes from Vancouver and amplify them by 11,000.

[hughfb3]

Oof. Leave it to TCA to design something not even it's mother could love. I like the added density, especially in that area, but if we're gonna tear down some of those nice retail spaces on Sunset (I realize they are way under-zoned), at least replace them with something that doesn't take the worst design mistakes from Vancouver and amplify them by 11,000.

Right... I wish Kanner Architects were still around to complete and add on to their original vision for this tower. How did they ever see this building looking like this from what it looked like before.... and who would ever think to put billboards smack in the middle of the tower which double as walls for some of the bedrooms. The Luckman building on the sunset strip is the horizontal office version of this tower and it looks amazing. Mr. Kanner passed in 2010 and their work will live on. That gas station they did on Slauson is beautiful... and its a freakin gas station!

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Oof. Leave it to TCA to design something not even it's mother could love. I like the added density, especially in that area, but if we're gonna tear down some of those nice retail spaces on Sunset (I realize they are way under-zoned), at least replace them with something that doesn't take the worst design mistakes from Vancouver and amplify them by 11,000.
They are extremely good at putting out garbage architecture. It's remarkable how many times they can miss

[homebucket]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51814717381_58230f47cf_c.jpg

What do ya'll think?

https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/392/393/de2bb6f1dc1f2aeb3bcdc0bbc708e21918-robot-doll-squid-game-chat-room-silo.rhorizontal.w700.jpg

[colemonkee]

^ Haha! I actually don't think the tower is that bad, or nearly as scary as the doll.

hughfb3, is that the gas station on LaBrea and Slauson? If yes, I totally agree. One of a handful of gas stations around LA that are actually worth keeping due to being creative in their architecture. The one on Robertson and Olympic comes to mind as well.

LosAngelesSportsFan, even a broken clock is right twice a day. As such, TCA has decent designs once in a blue moon. This is most certainly not one of them.

[BrandonJXN]

Oof. Leave it to TCA to design something not even it's mother could love. I like the added density, especially in that area, but if we're gonna tear down some of those nice retail spaces on Sunset (I realize they are way under-zoned), at least replace them with something that doesn't take the worst design mistakes from Vancouver and amplify them by 11,000.

I mean they didn't even try to incorporate the Sunset and Vine tower. There is a missed opportunity to maybe add a twin Sunset and Vine tower with midrise residences.

I like the Sunset and Vine tower a lot incidentally. It has a lot of local history (as well as being the star in 'Earthquake' which is one of the best disaster movies of all time). I remember when it caught on fire lol.

[plinko]

hughfb3, is that the gas station on LaBrea and Slauson? If yes, I totally agree. One of a handful of gas stations around LA that are actually worth keeping due to being creative in their architecture. The one on Robertson and Olympic comes to mind as well.

Also the 76 Station at Santa Monica and Crescent. That parabolic roof is epic.

[craigs]

First look at the 24-story apartment tower planned in Downtown Glendale (https://urbanize.city/la/post/first-look-24-story-apartment-tower-planned-downtown-glendale)

Plans call for 294 apartments above parking and open space facing Brand Boulevard

Steven Sharp
Urbanize Los Angeles
January 12, 2022

https://urbanize.city/la/sites/urbanize.city.la/files/styles/2018_article_gallery_image_2000w/public/2022-01/lucia%20glendale%201.jpg?itok=4LoWMcLp

A presentation scheduled for the January 13 meeting of the Glendale Design Review Board unveils renderings for Lucia Park, a residential high-rise planned just south of the 134 Freeway.

https://urbanize.city/la/sites/urbanize.city.la/files/styles/1140w/public/2022-01/lucia%20glendale%205.jpg?itok=d70t0_EP

Slated for a property located just east of Brand Boulevard at 625 N. Maryland Avenue, the proposed project calls for the construction of a 24-story tower containing 294 one- and two-bedroom apartments above 373
parking stalls, as well as 129 above-ground spaces which would serve an adjoining bank building.

JFAK Architects is designing Lucia Park, which is split into three distinct volumes, and clad in a series of blue, white, and gray metal panels. Renderings depict a contemporary high-rise with amenity decks located above
a podium structure and at the roof level.

"Unlike most new projects, Lucia Park does not bulge out to all its property lines, but sits approximately 130 feet away from Brand Boulevard behind a new pocket park and the beloved mid-century Chase building, which
was one of the original Home Savings and Laon Buildings punctuating the Southland for many decades," reads a design narrative. "Inspired by the Chase Building, but not mimicking it [the tower] takes a respectful
stance as a background building that actually calls more attention to the significance of its forebear[er]."
....
If completed, the 266-foot-tall tower would be the Type-I construction high-rise built in Glendale since the mid-1990s. But it may have competition for that title.

Just across Brand Boulevard, Vancouver-based developer Onni Group has proposed a two-building hotel complex, while few blocks north at Glenoaks Boulevard, an Arcadia-based firm has proposed its own 25-story hotel tower.

[colemonkee]

I dig the massing and the programming, but man, that facade is pretty bad. If they swap that out with better materials, we've got a winner.

[Steve8263]

Demolition has resumed at 8150 Sunset.
They taking down the main building now, site should be completely cleared in a week or two at current pace.

[WonderlandPark2]

Demolition has resumed at 8150 Sunset.
They taking down the main building now, site should be completely cleared in a week or two at current pace.

Nice to see, I drove past there last week and the gate was open with no evidence of activity-happy to see that mini mall gone!

[pwright1]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51790114050_4096750767_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51796463814_538e497c82_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51829714286_dbe0fe55e2_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51829718816_70923d49ae_b.jpg

[colemonkee]

Great shots, pwright1!! Where was that first one taken from?

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Beautiful!

[Steve8263]

Looks like another one will be sprouting soon in that Century City photoscape-

CAA To Move To New Century City Headquarters In 2026

https://deadline.com/2022/01/caa-new-century-city-headquarters-2026-1234915345/

http://johnsonfain.com/projects/architecture/commercial/century-city-center/


http://johnsonfain.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2-Century-City-Center.jpg

[colemonkee]

Whoa. That's an about turn. I was convinced the residential towers would move forward in that space. Three crazy things about this:

1. CAA and ICM will effectively be moving across the street, which will gut the current CAA building (the Darth Vader building at Ave of The Stars, designed by Gensler), and the former MGM Building on Constellation.
2. Johnson-Fain will now have designed 4 out of the 6 trophy office towers in Century City: this building, Fox Plaza, SunAmerica Plaza (across the street) and Constellation Place (also the former MGM Building on Constellation).
3. It looks like the interiors will be designed by BIG. From the article: CAA said today its new headquarters will occupy a “building-within-a-building,” designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and featuring “cutting-edge collaboration, dining, health & wellness, and event spaces.” The agency will have its own entrance, lobby and parking area.

Honestly did not expect to see a large office tower in Los Angeles built in the near or long-term future. That being said, this is the place to build it, where the subway will be in a few years. Now, if they could just clean up said subway...

[pwright1]

Great shots, pwright1!! Where was that first one taken from?

Thanks so much. Above Sunset Plaza on the Sunset Strip. Breathtaking views from up there.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Looks like another one will be sprouting soon in that Century City photoscape-

CAA To Move To New Century City Headquarters In 2026

https://deadline.com/2022/01/caa-new-century-city-headquarters-2026-1234915345/

http://johnsonfain.com/projects/architecture/commercial/century-city-center/


http://johnsonfain.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2-Century-City-Center.jpg

Wow, that is unexpected and awesome news for century city

[colemonkee]

Looking at the rendering, I count 37 stories up to the last setback. So the offset roof element at the top would be in addition to the 37 stories. Assuming 13' per floor plate and 30' of roof element, we're looking at 511 feet for this one. Likely to be a little bit higher as the ground floor will be more than 13' and there appear to be 2 floors with higher heights about 1/3 and 2/3 up. So we're likely looking at something in the 525-535' height range. Not bad!!!

[Steve8263]

I'm curious if JMB can come back later and add a residential tower somewhere in the open space to the east. Sort of a hybrid build of the previous two tower resi plan. Is there a condition prohibiting that as part of the office tower build anyone know?

[LAisthePlace]

Love the inclusion of both a large amount of open space (hoping it will be accessible to the public and not just on a raised podium as an amenity) and retail on top of it being quite a handsome tower.

Should make for an excellent entrance to the neighborhood for those coming out of the future subway stop.

Awesome to see Century City's economy in such strong shape to be seeing an office tower planned to break ground with office space still in such a strange place.

[Illithid Dude]

Urbanized LA has a slightly updated rendering. If I wasn’t on my phone I would post it myself.

[homebucket]

The CAA proposal looks awesome.

Quick question for those more familiar with the area. What is it about Century City that makes office space there more desirable than building such an office building in DTLA? Century City seems to have a very... vertical office park feel to it. Wouldn't a tower like this be more appropriate in a more urban, walkable environment, especially considering the ever growing residential population in DTLA?

[LAisthePlace]

The CAA proposal looks awesome.

Quick question for those more familiar with the area. What is it about Century City that makes office space there more desirable than building such an office building in DTLA? Century City seems to have a very... vertical office park feel to it. Wouldn't a tower like this be more appropriate in a more urban, walkable environment, especially considering the ever growing residential population in DTLA?

From what I know is that it is:
-Close to fancy neighborhoods (Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Westwood, Century City itself) where CEOs + execs actually want to live (I'm sure a ton of mid level staff live in DTLA, but I'm now sure how many execs choose that over a mansion). DTLA isn't really surrounded by the tops of neighborhoods business leaders tend to prefer (maybe a Silver Lake, but that is probably more creative types).
-Sterility= the idea safety. Each of the skyscraper are their own manicured compounds and while there are some nice open spaces in Century City they are meant more for office workers vs. DTLA where parks are meant for community at large
-Westside. Close (ish) to the beach with beach views from the towers. I imagine this doesn't hurt when trying to recruit talent to Los Angeles.

As a DTLA resident, I'm hopefully that DTLA continues to become more appealing as the young, professional and hopefully even the executive population continues to grow.

[Illithid Dude]

The new rendering I was referring to:

https://urbanize.city/la/sites/urbanize.city.la/files/styles/2018_article_gallery_image_2000w/public/2022-01/Century%20City%20Center%20-%20Aerial%20Rendering%20-%20Kilograph.jpg?itok=1wR-vvXZ

Note the refined lobby area, the simplified cladding, and the future Metro station.

I happened to drive by a few westside construction projects today.

https://i.imgur.com/zrbVF9V.jpeg

This is the office and residential project on Bundy and Olympic that replaced the Cadillac dealership. Totally changes the atmosphere of the area, and renders the intersection much more urban than before.

https://i.imgur.com/AXKcYZL.jpeg

A close up of the articulated glass they used. I love this cladding.

This is 500 Broadway in Santa Monica, designed by Koening Eizenberg.

https://i.imgur.com/eiencnJ.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/Yr0quju.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/aW2nSDz.jpeg

I wish more podium style apartment complexes looked this good. There are quite a few similarly scaled projects going up in Santa Monica right now. I'll try to snag a few more photos of some of the other projects later this week. They all look significantly better than almost any other apartment complex going up in Los Angeles proper. A real argument for having an architectural review board.

[pwright1]

The CAA proposal looks awesome.

Quick question for those more familiar with the area. What is it about Century City that makes office space there more desirable than building such an office building in DTLA? Century City seems to have a very... vertical office park feel to it. Wouldn't a tower like this be more appropriate in a more urban, walkable environment, especially considering the ever growing residential population in DTLA?

I will add, not only nice single family home livng but luxury highrise living close by. Major shopping steps away. Tons of parking and easy access by car. Safe, clean. I use to work in Century City and for office workers it's quite easy to walk to restaurants, major shopping, even a nice greenspace area to chill. It's quite easy to get around on foot for office workers.

[craigs]

I missed this detail--Century City Center will, if built, basically sit on top of the Century City subway station currently under construction, according to Urbanize LA (https://urbanize.city/la/post/caa-moving-its-hq-new-century-city-office-tower). That is quite a perk, and really helps the proposal's appealing location, location, location.

[Radio5]

I missed this detail--Century City Center will, if built, basically sit on top of the Century City subway station currently under construction, according to Urbanize LA (https://urbanize.city/la/post/caa-moving-its-hq-new-century-city-office-tower). That is quite a perk, and really helps the proposal's appealing location, location, location.

You know LA has turned the tide when a CAA agent takes the subway. I hope to see it.

[craigs]

You know LA has turned the tide when a CAA agent takes the subway. I hope to see it.
Any development company worth their weight knows that a brand new Class A office tower on top of a subway stop on the Westside is gold! The agents may not take public transit, but the staffers and many visitors will. Century City already has 50,000 office workers, and the subway extension will make it even more appealing as a business district as new office towers come online going forward.

[Doctorboffin]

Looking at the rendering, I count 37 stories up to the last setback. So the offset roof element at the top would be in addition to the 37 stories. Assuming 13' per floor plate and 30' of roof element, we're looking at 511 feet for this one. Likely to be a little bit higher as the ground floor will be more than 13' and there appear to be 2 floors with higher heights about 1/3 and 2/3 up. So we're likely looking at something in the 525-535' height range. Not bad!!!

563' total with its top floor at 491'. That would make it the tallest non-twin tower in Century City, just beating out the AIG building.

https://i.imgur.com/vEAXg63.png

[BrandonJXN]

Looking at the site on Google Maps, there is more than enough room to add a residential component. There is nothing residential in the middle of Century City. The allure of living on top of a subway station in the middle of Century City is absolutely there.

[edale]

Looking at the site on Google Maps, there is more than enough room to add a residential component. There is nothing residential in the middle of Century City. The allure of living on top of a subway station in the middle of Century City is absolutely there.

The twin towers just built behind the hotel are residential...basically across the street from this development site. But you guys are kidding yourselves if you think the residents of these new luxury towers are going to be taking the subway. People paying millions to live in a vertical gated community (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0566272,-118.4149424,3a,90y,136.72h,117.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scYYFZ66Hj_dt5X9qzVnbCg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) on the Westside aren't going to be transit riders. For that matter, I doubt many of the office workers in CC will be, either. However, at least with those buildings, there are lots of support staff-- retail workers, security, custodial, and more junior employees that will benefit from the purple line stop. I just don't see many agents and lawyers (biggest clusters represented in CC) giving up their cars and easy, in-building parking spots to take the metro. Especially given where most of those people live.

[BrandonJXN]

The twin towers just built behind the hotel are residential...basically across the street from this development site. But you guys are kidding yourselves if you think the residents of these new luxury towers are going to be taking the subway. People paying millions to live in a vertical gated community (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0566272,-118.4149424,3a,90y,136.72h,117.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scYYFZ66Hj_dt5X9qzVnbCg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) on the Westside aren't going to be transit riders. For that matter, I doubt many of the office workers in CC will be, either. However, at least with those buildings, there are lots of support staff-- retail workers, security, custodial, and more junior employees that will benefit from the purple line stop. I just don't see many agents and lawyers (biggest clusters represented in CC) giving up their cars and easy, in-building parking spots to take the metro. Especially given where most of those people live.

OK. But what if I'm not a lawyer but want to live in Century City and have jobs near or on Wilshire Blvd?

[Illithid Dude]

Most people chose mass transit if got them to where they needed to go faster than driving. If an agent at CAA had a meeting downtown, or Hollywood, depending on the time of day, taking the subway would easily be the more expedient choice. So why wouldn't they ride it?

[plinko]

I'd be willing to bet that for every $200k+ professional in Century City, there are 3-5X that in Century City workers making less than $30/hr who would be more than willing to ride the subway if they can get anywhere near their house. Unfortunately I'd bet most of them live in the Valley, which is why the 405 line is so badly needed.

For that matter, I doubt many of the office workers in CC will be, either.

[BrandonJXN]

However, at least with those buildings, there are lots of support staff-- retail workers, security, custodial, and more junior employees that will benefit from the purple line stop. I just don't see many agents and lawyers (biggest clusters represented in CC) giving up their cars and easy, in-building parking spots to take the metro. Especially given where most of those people live.

Lol this comment tho.

[CaliNative]

Most people chose mass transit if got them to where they needed to go faster than driving. If an agent at CAA had a meeting downtown, or Hollywood, depending on the time of day, taking the subway would easily be the more expedient choice. So why wouldn't they ride it?

I' m all for public transit, especially light and heavy rail transit. I advocated for the subway back in the 1980s and 1990s at public meetings. I love the trains. But I think a lot of people are reluctant to ride it not only because of covid, but because all of the sometimes violent crazy people who also ride it. Something has to be done to solve this problem. More security, more treatment and if necessary, commitment of violent people with mental illness, more shelter beds, whatever. Just a few days ago near Union Station, a crazy homeless man punched a nurse waiting for a bus in the head, and she fell on the concrete and fractured her skull, dying a day or two later in the hospital she worked at. Other people waiting for trains have been pushed onto the tracks by crazy people, and some have died. More commonly crazy or crIminal people on trains or in stations bother and threaten riders, or make demands for money. It happens all the time. It has happened to me. Ridership falls as a result.

Are the "Guardian Angels" still around? Some called them vigilantes, but all I saw were people helping others and reporting criminal activity to police. There were white, black, Latino and Asian "angels". They kept things safer as long as the transit police and security are so scarce. Maybe more of these voluntary patrols are needed on the trains, stations and buses, sanctioned by the police as voluntary patrols. Also, more cameras on all the trains and train stations, with people in transit headquarters watching 24/7 and notifying the transit police of problems and illegal activity so they can intervene. Every train station should have several transit police, and there should be some on trains that have problems. This will deter criminal actuvity.

Now, back to cinstruction activity.

[bossabreezes]

^Very true. There is a giant issue with violence, crime and drug use on the LA Subway, mainly revolving homeless people. Incredible, on most LA threads you have a few forumers who will adamantly deny its an issue at all. That’s exactly why this issue continues to escalate- denial of reality.

That’s why I think most people who can afford it will not risk public transport in LA, unless some real changes in security and law enforcement are made. Otherwise, very few will willingly put themselves at hightened risk.

[hughfb3]

By the way... I was talking with a real estate developer and they told me about a "secret gentlemen's agreement" between Beverly Hills, LA, and Metro that may or may not be true... It is that in order for Beverly Hills to give the go ahead to allow the subway to go through their city, Los Angeles would have to commit to cleaning up downtown and MacArthur Park. As many of us know, the original subway was supposed to go down Wilshire but was blocked in part because it was the 1990's and the political climate allowed Beverly Hills to block the plan. Metro then used the money to build the red line to hollywood and a Wilshire stub to western. If any of you have noticed, MacArthur Park was closed earlier this month for "renovations" and has been fenced in, much like Echo Park. With the fencing, LA would be able to kick out people every night and prevent camping. Without the fence, people could camp overnight and then have squatters rights or some "interesting" law/ordinance we've concocted. I also heard that allegedly, the MacArthur Park area is now the most expensive land per square foot in all of LA and a developer owns a grand historic property adjacent to the park with plans for a major high end hotel.... I dont want to name names, but I was shocked at what hotel brand was mentioned

Could we be witnessing a massive upgrade beginning with the park closure??? Not sure but we will see with time if all of the riffraff gets cleaned up prior to the opening of the subway extension

[CaliNative]

The new rendering I was referring to:

https://urbanize.city/la/sites/urbanize.city.la/files/styles/2018_article_gallery_image_2000w/public/2022-01/Century%20City%20Center%20-%20Aerial%20Rendering%20-%20Kilograph.jpg?itok=1wR-vvXZ

Note the refined lobby area, the simplified cladding, and the future Metro station.



This is a great looking office building! Is construction going to start soon? What is the est. completion date? Thanks

[BrandonJXN]

^ If you go back one page, you'll see that the estimated completion date is 2026.

[Easy]

Most people chose mass transit if got them to where they needed to go faster than driving. If an agent at CAA had a meeting downtown, or Hollywood, depending on the time of day, taking the subway would easily be the more expedient choice. So why wouldn't they ride it?

In a theoretical world, I'd agree. In the real world, not unless things change dramatically for the better and I don't see any signs that there is political motivation to make that happen. The opposite really.

I'm a train/subway nerd so I still take it, but no longer daily. And I definitely no longer recommend that others take it.

[citywatch]

^ that really bothers me because the clogged streets & fwys of LA don't cut it....yet I read that more & more ppl, instead of using transit, now drive their own cars...or depend on uber.

I see a hint of that when I try to find parking in low income areas around dtla....you would not believe how many cars are parked bumper to bumper there....finding an open space is a big adventure....& headache. Things like buying a car, gas & insurance, etc, also cost money. But even ppl on fixed incomes are getting around that. That must be a big reason that usage of certainly buses has gone way down in LA....certain transit lines too.

Now ppl with higher incomes are less likely to use transit for the reason you list....& they were already that way even before covid hit & crime stated rising. I think the red line extending further west on wilshire will be increasingly a popular way to travel west to east in LA. but a lot of ppl don't work or live around that subway corridor.

[Zapatan]

If that and Beverly Hilton get built in the near future CC will look amazing

[Illithid Dude]

I can't believe I keep having to say this, but please refrain from personal attacks.

[Busy Bee]

Are the "Guardian Angels" still around?



Still around? The founder and CEO just ran to be mayor of NYC.

[202_Cyclist]

Still around? The founder and CEO just ran to be mayor of NYC.

I would never have voted for him but Curtis Silwa and his 84 cats seemed like a decent person.