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

[blackcat23]

The Vermont Towers, this afternoon by me. The western building is done with it's 29th and final floor now.

They're also polishing up the exteriors of the parking podium. Still not attractive, but a lot better than before.

http://i.imgur.com/pT5Q8fz.jpg?1

[LA21st]

Hey guys,

I've been in Chicago for 10 years, but it's time to make the jump and move to LA next January or so. I was thinking about Koreatown, close to Wilshire? I'm an aspiring screenwriter and realize the transition will be a tough one. I would like to be close to the entertainment industry however.

What are some safe, affordable areas? Echo Park? Highland Park? East Hollywood? I know Matt Damon and Ben Affleck moved to Eagle Rock from Boston. Is that still affordable?

I was thinking $800 a month? I'll take a studio, I'm not trying to impress anyone. I just want to get started.

[bobbyv]

Hey guys,

I've been in Chicago for 10 years, but it's time to make the jump and move to LA next January or so. I was thinking about Koreatown, close to Wilshire? I'm an aspiring screenwriter and realize the transition will be a tough one. I would like to be close to the entertainment industry however.

What are some safe, affordable areas? Echo Park? Highland Park? East Hollywood? I know Matt Damon and Ben Affleck moved to Eagle Rock from Boston. Is that still affordable?

I was thinking $800 a month? I'll take a studio, I'm not trying to impress anyone. I just want to get started.

I think you will get better feedback on city data for this question.

[Easy]

it's time to make the jump and move to LA

An early welcome back! Weren't you the OP on the original downtown LA construction thread?

[Illithid Dude]

I think you will get better feedback on city data for this question.

Anything is better then City Data.

And I'd say that Eagle Rock is still affordable, though obviously less so than in the 90s. Koreatown is also a good bet,

[LA21st]

An early welcome back! Weren't you the OP on the original downtown LA construction thread?

Ha. Forgot about that. Yea, I was more active on these forums and skyscapercity until I found the writing thing.

Btw, I was born and rasised in the DC area. Reston, VA to be exact. I've never lived in LA yet. I just always considered it to be a future home. I've visited at least a dozen times though.

[Quixote]

Was just thinking about BLVD 6200 and stumbled upon their website by accident. I don't think this has been posted, but there's a webcam set up to monitor the construction progress:

http://earthcam.com/clients/BLVD6200/

[blackcat23]

That Blvd 6200 webcam is a nice find. Surprised I haven't seen anything about it before.

In some news that has flown a bit under the radar, there's a 13 floor/207 foot tall office building proposed across the street from the Page Museum.

http://cityplanning.lacity.org/eir/nops/ENV-2013-194-EIR_InitialStudy.pdf

http://i.imgur.com/6slQC0A.png

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

http://i.imgur.com/kc6AsuD.png

The developer is J. H. Snyder and the architect is Jerde. Same combination behind the Vermont Towers, although this proposal thankfully does not feature a 7 story parking podium.

http://parklabreanewsbeverlypress.com/news/2013/06/office-building-proposed-for-museum-square-site/

Tentative groundbreaking date is 2014.

[Illithid Dude]

Well shit. For me, this is one of the more exciting projects, just because it's in an area that, I think, should represent the best of L.A, and has, of late, been lacking in new development. Also, unless I'm reading the PDF wrong, it looks like a 10 story building is being proposed for above The Counter.

[StethJeff]

Holy crap, I love it. Excellent find. Miracle Mile is just aching for tons more development.

[Steve2726]

One more view to add from the article-

http://parklabreanewsbeverlypress.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/MuseumSquareProject.gif

[LA21st]

I was looking at Bing's bird eye view of Miracle Mile. Where is the room for new high rises? I'm guessing it won't all be on Wilshire, correct?
Wilshire has large midrise residential buildings and smaller, historic buildings. What would be torn down?

[blackcat23]

I was looking at Bing's bird eye view of Miracle Mile. Where is the room for new high rises? I'm guessing it won't all be on Wilshire, correct?
Wilshire has large midrise residential buildings and smaller, historic buildings. What would be torn down?

I don't see high rise development in the Miracle Mile stretching beyond Wilshire. I think the homeowners on the adjacent streets have enough wealth/political clout to fight off development.

Very few surface lots left in the neighborhood, but there are some non descript low rise buildings which could probably be demolished without too much of a fight.

[Munchitup]

I was looking at Bing's bird eye view of Miracle Mile. Where is the room for new high rises? I'm guessing it won't all be on Wilshire, correct?
Wilshire has large midrise residential buildings and smaller, historic buildings. What would be torn down?


If you are talking about this development in particular, I think they are squeezing it into the lot behind The Counter (http://goo.gl/maps/ET2oX) and to the west of the multi-level parking garage. I could be wrong but it looks like the front of the building would be on Curson.

Low rise buildings that could go include the Ralph's, Smart and Final / Rite Aid and Walgreen's. Most of these also have parking lots in the rear that could be developed, and many of the mid-rise offices have fairly large back lots that could be developed. It would be nice to see the Miracle Mile get some more development. Also, is this parking lot (http://goo.gl/maps/rzR52) still there, or was it developed? I don't seem to remember it being there but I haven't been to the MM in a few months so my memory is cloudy.

[LA21st]

I don't see high rise development in the Miracle Mile stretching beyond Wilshire. I think the homeowners on the adjacent streets have enough wealth/political clout to fight off development.

Very few surface lots left in the neighborhood, but there are some non descript low rise buildings which could probably be demolished without too much of a fight.

Wow. That's disappointing to hear. I thought La Brea had some fugly development a few blocks south of Wilshire.

So the purple line wouldn't spur much development?

[blackcat23]

Looking through CRA documents, it appears that this proposal is still alive and kicking at 1800 N. Argyle as of September 2012.

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2009.05.globaleco.jpg

http://www.crala.org/internet-site/Meetings/Board_Agenda_2012/upload/Sep_20_2012_Item_3.pdf

[sbocguy]

Wow. That's disappointing to hear. I thought La Brea had some fugly development a few blocks south of Wilshire.

So the purple line wouldn't spur much development?

The Purple Line will spur a decent amount of development once the construction staging/laydown areas are vacated and become TOD sites. Wilshire/La Brea in particular will have two sizable sites -- about 1.5 acres each -- once construction is finished, as it's being used as the staging location for the tunnel boring machines and thus requires more land acquisition. Another 1.5 acre site will likely become available for development at Wilshire/Fairfax.

There are a few smaller buildings near the station sites that could be demolished without much drama (though they have been growing scarcer over the last 5 years as more mixed-use complexes pop up). La Brea has its share of crappy lowrise commercial, but the lots aren't terribly deep and back up to single family houses and townhomes occupied by fairly affluent and engaged homeowners.

[Quixote]

From SSC (Village at Santa Monica)...

Last week. I circled the two portions, this thing is huge.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55001401/Photos%20LA/SaMo%20The%20Village/IMG_3925%20-%20Copy.JPG

[colemonkee]

Wow, I had completely forgotten about this project, and how transformative it will will be to that stretch of Ocean.

[Harper83]

Hi Guys!

I'm a long time lurker - first time poster. I am a resident of West Hollywood, I love living in Los Angeles, I'm a rendering-junkie and an urbanist at heart.

I stumbled upon a NIMBY website this afternoon for 8555 Santa Monica Blvd, which has revised renderings for the project, which I think looks great. Does anyone know the architect on this one - or where to find better renderings?
http://imageshack.us/a/img96/4994/pjo6.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img571/9274/d6ru.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img196/8373/bff5.jpg

Source: http://8555smb.nationbuilder.com/

Yet another solid mixed-use project for my hood

Thanks guys

[Illithid Dude]

Wow, I had completely forgotten about this project, and how transformative it will will be to that stretch of Ocean.

And next door is a huge, $150 million park. The whole area is going to be completely different.

[JDRCRASH]

And next door is a huge, $150 million park. The whole area is going to be completely different.

That isn't even including the freeway cap park plan. This area of Santa Monica is gonna be incredible.

[blackcat23]

http://cityplanning.lacity.org/eir/nops/ENV-2013-3063_IS.pdf

Some more info on the plans for the Martin Expo Town Center at Olympic and Bundy.

Pretty substantial, especially for that intersection. NIMBYs will be pissed.

The residential portion of the Project would be 125 feet from grade (with the majority at 85 feet), including 11 stories over a podium. The retail and office portion of the Project would be 155 feet, including 10 stories over a podium.

[brudy]

http://cityplanning.lacity.org/eir/nops/ENV-2013-3063_IS.pdf

Some more info on the plans for the Martin Expo Town Center at Olympic and Bundy.

Pretty substantial, especially for that intersection. NIMBYs will be pissed.

Speaking of NIMBYS, a good pro-density/anti-nimby group editorial in the LA Times today.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-thornberg-nimbyism-los-angeles-20130712,0,7243249.story

[Illithid Dude]

Speaking of Santa Monica.

OMA is building a huge project there! Holy shit! OMA is one of my favorite architectural studious in the world, and to have them building a major mixed use project in my neighborhood is crazy, crazy exciting. The project, called Plaza at Santa Monica, will be 148 feet tall, 12 stories, and over 400,000 square feet. To say I'm excited would be an understatement.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/rem_koolhaas_designing_huge_multiuse_project_in_samo.php

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/07.13MPC.jpg

[Eightball]

^^^Love love love it!

[RST500]

What is there now?

[LA21st]

Great news on both. Love watching LA change.

[Illithid Dude]

What is there now?

The last big parking lot in downtown Santa Monica.

[colemonkee]

^ There's a Bank of America on that corner, but yes, the bank sits on the corner and is surrounded by a sizeable surface lot. I drove by it last night. If you look at the rendering, you can see the sliver of a red building that looks like part of a cross. That's the TJ Maxx on the northeast corner.

[WonderlandPark]

Update from Hollywood (yesterday afternoon)

Emerson College:
http://i40.tinypic.com/10zqp9v.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/hs9fnq.jpg

with Old Spaghetti Factory, looks to be starting onf 12th floor
http://i39.tinypic.com/2mm5zdt.jpg

Old Spaghetti Factory tower
http://i43.tinypic.com/9v9u6o.jpg

La Brea & Santa Monica
no cladding yet, so hard to tell final product
http://i39.tinypic.com/j8mao9.jpg

South Formosa, 5 story office, never heard of this one before
http://i43.tinypic.com/2eoiao3.jpg

facade details
http://i43.tinypic.com/29zbkm.jpg

[Quixote]

^ Great stuff. Speaking of Santa Monica/La Brea, here's Koning Eizenberg's design for a proposal at the northeast corner of the intersection. I don't know how real this project is.

http://www.kearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/koningeizenberg_santamonica_labrea_b_2.jpg

http://www.kearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/koningeizenberg_santamonica_labrea_c_1.jpg

http://www.kearch.com/work/santa-monica-la-brea-mixed-use/

[blackcat23]

This is the project that WonderlandPark photographed on Formosa.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2012/12/mixeduse_fakeout_with_formosa_south_at_the_lot_offices.php

http://www.studio-111.com/files/9913/4195/4669/5_Formosa_South.jpg

[WonderlandPark]

that other La Brea/Santa Monica tower is a big version of Sunrose in Portland

http://blog.buildllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Sunrose-Condominium.jpg
photo: http://blog.buildllc.com/2011/05/the-modern-list-portland/

[Illithid Dude]

I've talked to representatives from Koening Eizenberg about their proposal for La Brea and Santa Monica, and it isn't going to happen.

Also, it's great that L.A. is starting to get quality architecture again. Things are truly looking up.

[Quixote]

^ Bummer, although I sort of suspected that.

Yeah, Hollywood is getting some nice projects... nicer than DTLA (minus Wilshire Grand). Hollywood isn't even a nice neighborhood.

[Illithid Dude]

^ Bummer, although I sort of suspected that.

Yeah, Hollywood is getting some nice projects... nicer than DTLA (minus Wilshire Grand). Hollywood isn't even a nice neighborhood.

Well, you have to start somewhere.

[mousquet]

#3426 <- That looks hot. I noticed some firms from the Netherlands were well inspired lately, sometimes extending some German quality stuff. I'm just wondering what surrounds the project, which looks lovely on that rendering, no doubt, but I would greet more solid, well aligned uninterrupted walls in LA's metro area, so it increases a strong urban feeling in their streets.

[Harper83]

I've talked to representatives from Koening Eizenberg about their proposal for La Brea and Santa Monica, and it isn't going to happen.

Also, it's great that L.A. is starting to get quality architecture again. Things are truly looking up.

Is it just their design that won't happen? or the redevelopment of that hideous strip mall that won't be happening? I'd love to see that corner turned into a mixed-use project, and with La Brea being a very hot street right now the timing seems right.

[Munchitup]

^ Bummer, although I sort of suspected that.

Yeah, Hollywood is getting some nice projects... nicer than DTLA (minus Wilshire Grand). Hollywood isn't even a nice neighborhood.

You know you are just jealous of our multiple grocery stores. :cool:

[blackcat23]

Here's something interesting. This is a couple blocks south of the under construction Vermont Towers.

http://cityplanning.lacity.org/CNCRpts/dsp_viewFileDetail.cfm?filename=266

864 S VERMONT AVE 90005

NEW MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT WITH 187
RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND 18,000 SF. GROUND
RETAIL ON THE NORTH SITE, AND A MIXED-USE
BUILDING WITH 224 UNITS AND 25,800 SF. GROUND
RETAIL ON THE SOUTH SITE.

[DistrictDirt]

Here's something interesting. This is a couple blocks south of the under construction Vermont Towers.

http://cityplanning.lacity.org/CNCRpts/dsp_viewFileDetail.cfm?filename=266

Very interesting. This is an intersection that needs help. Its currently pretty bad both in terms of aesthetics and in public safety (whenever I hear about someone getting shot in Ktown, it tends to be near 9th and Vermont).

North site current conditions:

http://i.imgur.com/SReAbAh.png
Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/8lzD6)

South site current conditions:

http://i.imgur.com/TI0vOe5.png
Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/8lzD6)

[blackcat23]

I wonder what the footprint will be. 400+ units seems like a lot to cram into those two parcels.

[Muji]

According to Curbed, a 308-unit apartment building called the Hesby has just opened in North Hollywood, right off of Lankershim. The architects were Killefer Flammang. I guess this one flew completely under the radar since it's the first time I've heard of it.

Pictures by Elizabeth Daniels for Curbed LA (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/touring_super_social_and_pricey_the_hesby_in_north_hollywood.php)

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/51e72991f92ea1673902c7f7/07_2013_THE_HESBY-85.JPG

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/51e72993f92ea1673902c7fe/07_2013_THE_HESBY-94.JPG

[StethJeff]

It's probably more the fact that North Hollywood in general flies under the radar. The only projects that ever really get discussed here are in the basin or Glendale/Pasadena.

[brudy]

It's probably more the fact that North Hollywood in general flies under the radar. The only projects that ever really get discussed here are in the basin or Glendale/Pasadena.

There's a North Hollywood? :cheers:

EDIT: After reading the description on curbed I'm almost ready to put on my Indiana Jones hat, grab a horse, and go find this legendary place called North Hollywood. Units come with an mp3-programmable doorbell for pete's sake.

[Valyrian Steel]

Mixed-Use Apartments Proposed For Busy Fairfax Intersection (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/mixeduse_apartments_proposed_for_busy_fairfax_intersection.php)
Thursday, July 18, 2013, by Eve Bachrach

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/07.13fairfax.gif

Next week, the Mid-City West Neighborhood Council's land use committee will weigh plans for up to 150 apartments and 4,000 square feet of groundfloor retail at the intersection of Fairfax and San Vicente. The site is currently owned by Shalhevet, a small Jewish high school, which also owns the property north of the proposed building location, up to the recently-shuttered Tom Bergin's. According to Park La Brea News, under the plan, Shalhevet would demolish their current facility and move into a building on the southern portion of the property while a new school building is constructed on the northern part. Once the school moves, developer Alliance Residential (which just opened The Hesby in North Hollywood), would get to work on its proposed mixed-user. Their plans include a mix of one- and two-story units with the retail near the San Vicente/Fairfax intersection. There is no affordable housing planned, but there is talk of traffic-improving measures like a bus turnout lane. If all is approved, work could start later this year.

[WonderlandPark]

^^^

http://i41.tinypic.com/t0g66e.jpg

and this is what the above will look like after it gets value engineered and otherwise wrung through the planning and approval process....

[Illithid Dude]

^^^

http://i41.tinypic.com/t0g66e.jpg

and this is what the above will look like after it gets value engineered and otherwise wrung through the planning and approval process....

Uhh... do you realize what that building you used as an example is?

[WonderlandPark]

its supposed to be a joke, looks like public housing of some sort.

[Kingofthehill]

^^^

http://i41.tinypic.com/t0g66e.jpg

and this is what the above will look like after it gets value engineered and otherwise wrung through the planning and approval process....

Pretty sure those are Lord Richard Neutra's Jardinette Apartments (1927), in EHO....

[WonderlandPark]

hmm, could be I guess, not in the best of shape, then

[blackcat23]

Pretty sure those are Lord Richard Neutra's Jardinette Apartments (1927), in EHO....

Bingo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardinette_Apartments

[Illithid Dude]

Yeah, I saw the picture and thought to myself, "I hope the building turns out like that!"

[SimonLA]

Does anyone know the status of the Sunset/Western Target? I heard preliminary work began. Can anyone confirm what's going on at the site?

[StethJeff]

^^ That was hilarious. In Wondeland's defense, I'd think the same thing if I saw that picture or apartment building in real life. I'm not an architect nor do I know about the historical significance of that building. So to me, it also looks like the same low-rise apartment shit bricks scattered throughhout LA. :shrug:

As for the proposal, it looks sexy. On the one hand it's at the intersection of 3 of the most important streets in all of LA (how often does that happen!), a stones throw from Wilshire, and ought to be about 30 stories higher. On the other hand, it'll face SFHs on the other side of the street. I guess this is about as big as we'll get in this neighborhood.

[WonderlandPark]

If you google ugly LA apartments that photo comes up. And it looks like a typical shitbox, if that is a Neutra than its in despicable condition.

[Illithid Dude]

If you google ugly LA apartments that photo comes up. And it looks like a typical shitbox, if that is a Neutra than its in despicable condition.

I dunno. Just the lines and windows alone are better then a 'typical' L.A. apartment.

[StethJeff]

I dunno. Just the lines and windows alone are better then a 'typical' L.A. apartment.

Maybe to the trained eye. Still looks like ass to me. :shrug:

[Illithid Dude]

Maybe to the trained eye. Still looks like ass to me. :shrug:

Also, don't forget, this building was built in the 20s Think how ahead of its time it was.

[blackcat23]

More renderings of the 12 story project announced for 5th and Arizona in Santa Monica.

http://www.dezeen.com/2013/07/19/oma-selected-for-downtown-santa-monica-project/

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica_5th-Street-Plaza.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica-sq-The-Plaza-at-Santa-Monica-copyright-OMA.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica-Concept.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica_Public-Terrace.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica_Office-Terrace.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica_Hotel-Terrace.jpg

[Eightball]

As I said before, love it! :slob:

[202_Cyclist]

How far is this development from the future Expo Line station in Santa Monica?

[Muji]

How far is this development from the future Expo Line station in Santa Monica?

It's not adjacent but it's in short walking distance, about 3-4 blocks.

[blackcat23]

Architects Newspaper has some additional renderings.

http://www.archpaper.com/news/articles.asp?id=6754

http://www.archpaper.com/uploads/oma_santa_monica_10.jpg

http://www.archpaper.com/uploads/oma_santa_monica_02.jpg

http://www.archpaper.com/uploads/oma_santa_monica_12.jpg

[Wilcal]

Yeah, I saw the picture and thought to myself, "I hope the building turns out like that!"
I too, could only hope. That building is considered a classic of Neutra's multi-housing designs. He, along with Rudolf Schindler, was considered instrumental in bringing "modernist" design to Los Angeles. I'm always in awe of the starkness and purity of his designs. For being 87 years old, it has held up not only structurally, but also in design--still a handsome building. Ironically, the "ding-bat" stucco "shit-boxes" of the 50's, 60's and so on, that proliferate Los Angeles today modeled themselves (ripped-off ?) on this initial modernism. But honestly do you think that the crap they are building today will either be in style (or even standing) 87 years from now. Thank God no.

[Wilcal]

Also, don't forget, this building was built in the 20s Think how ahead of its time it was.

Hear, hear. Bravo!

[Wilcal]

More renderings of the 12 story project announced for 5th and Arizona in Santa Monica.

http://www.dezeen.com/2013/07/19/oma-selected-for-downtown-santa-monica-project/

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica_5th-Street-Plaza.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica-sq-The-Plaza-at-Santa-Monica-copyright-OMA.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica-Concept.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica_Public-Terrace.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica_Office-Terrace.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/07/OMA-Santa-Monica_Hotel-Terrace.jpg

The tiered arrangement is playful--like teetering children's blocks

[SD_Phil]

That's a great design. I look forward to seeing it in movies.

[Quixote]

The only thing I don't like about what I see are the palm trees. I would prefer something more leafy/busy. But this is LA...

[colemonkee]

^ I like it! Let's hope it's built as proposed and not downsized by the usual SaMo NIMBYs.

Here's The Vermont from yesterday. Glass looks pretty good, and they were still working at 7:30 p.m.

http://imageshack.us/a/img844/6274/y1nc.jpg
Image by me and my phone

[Wally West]

Passed by USC and saw this. It'll be pretty visible from Exposition. Red light was so long, I decided to get a quick shot of it. And no, I wasn't driving.

http://i.imgur.com/E5Vm1pK.jpg?1
Taken by me.



Not sure at the moment what this project is.

[colemonkee]

^ That's actually a different building than the Annenberg Building in that rendering you posted. The Annenberg Building is being put up in the center of campus just west of the old bookstore, and would not be nearly as visible from Exposition, if at all. So it looks like USC has two projects under construction at the moment.

[Wally West]

Thanks for telling me. Mixed up the Annenberg building location.

[brudy]

I went to the Schindler house a few weekends ago and I was just blown away for how far ahead of its time it was. 1922. Just amazing work. The lines are just so clean.

Anyway, here's an older shot of the Jardinette Apartments from better days:
http://media.archinform.net/m/00002962.jpg

[StethJeff]

Also, don't forget, this building was built in the 20s Think how ahead of its time it was.

I'm naive on this subject. What makes it ahead of its time, the fact that it got copied a lot afterwards? If that's the case, I'm angry that this thing ever got built. Again, I'm not an architect, so to me it just look likes another nondescript cheap building. Not trying to piss any enthusiasts off or anything, but I just don't get it I guess.

[WonderlandPark]

Well, I studied architecture for 2 yrs in college and never heard of or seen a photo of this Schindler before. I went to school on the East Coast and California modernism was a very lightly covered as I recall. Who knew that was in Hollywood? Of course know the residential work of Schindler, just nothing at all of his multi family housing. At least I learned something new. Will have to go see it IRL and judge for myself, the web pic is far from flattering.

[brudy]

I think we've mixed topics a bit. Neutra did the apartment building pictured above. Somehow we drifted into some Schindler talk.

From wikipedia on the critical reception of the building:
When the Jardinette was completed in 1928, the building drew widespread attention for its radical modern design. The Christian Science Monitor said: "The new garden apartments bridge a gap between the worker's place of business and his home. Light and sunshine flood the apartment house and create a new harmony of family life and contentment, with every room as efficiently planned for service as the most modern business office."[6] The building was published as far as Germany and Russia.[7] The Los Angeles Times featured the Jardinette in a 1929 article on the "New Art" of architecture in Los Angeles.[8] At the Museum of Modern Art's famed 1932 exhibition entitled "Modern Architecture," Neutra's Jardinette Apartments was one of the few American examples included in the exhibition.[9]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardinette_Apartments

[plinko]

Not sure if this is the right place, but the PIMCO Office Tower in Newport Beach is topped out at 295ft and 20 stories. I saw it last week but wasn't able to snap a photo. I think that 295ft makes it the new tallest in the O.C.?

Not sure if Irvine Co.'s 19 story HQ tower at 620 Newport Center Dr is under construction yet.

[202_Cyclist]

Not sure if this is the right place, but the PIMCO Office Tower in Newport Beach is topped out at 295ft and 20 stories. I saw it last week but wasn't able to snap a photo. I think that 295ft makes it the new tallest in the O.C.?

Not sure if Irvine Co.'s 19 story HQ tower at 620 Newport Center Dr is under construction yet.

Thank you for the update. There are some photos of the PIMCO building in the Orange Co. section: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=126118&page=18.

[WonderlandPark]

Toldya I was weak on West Coast modernism and posting at 3 AM, insomnia sucks....anyways, the crane has jumped at the Old Spaghetti Factory tower, gives you a sense of how big this is going to be.

[ChelseaFC]

Fantastic gallery of aerial shots of LA from the Goodyear Blimp

http://dodgersphotog.mlblogs.com/2013/07/21/72113-something-different-goodyear-blimp-flight-over-la-by-jon-soohoola-dodgers/

[DistrictDirt]

New preliminary rendering for the Peterson Museum upgrade has been posted over on Curbed (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/heres_the_fast_and_furious_new_look_for_the_petersen_museum.php).

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/07.13petersen.jpg
Curbed LA (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/heres_the_fast_and_furious_new_look_for_the_petersen_museum.php)

[Muji]

I know that the Peterson design is far from final, but that is truly silly and even vulgar. What makes it so much worse is that they have never appreciated the potential of their Welton Becket-designed building... who in their right mind would have made that Wilshire Boulevard facade into a giant black wall? I think we should hope that this 'makeover' never pans out financially.

[The Illusive Man]

That museum design is pretty cool and unique. I definitely hope it happens. L.A certainly could use more designs like that.

[Illithid Dude]

Not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, it looks like a bunch of random shit, but on the other hand, it's designed by KPF... I'm withholding judgment until I see a more clear render.

[StethJeff]

That would be perfect if it were somehow a new building, but covering an already great building seems idiotic. Why ruin a classic? Reminds me of JDR's Library Tower spire fantasy.

[StethJeff]

THE PETERSEN SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT

July 20, 2013
by Petersen

This week the Los Angeles Times ran two articles about The Petersen Automotive Museum’s de-accession of some cars from its collection, incorrectly stating that the museum has new leadership and misleading readers into thinking we are changing course from our original mission. These stories are based on supposition and disinformation from two former employees - one of whom was an intern many years ago -and are totally inaccurate. We feel it is critical to reach out to you – our visitors, fans and the residents of Los Angeles – in order to clarify the current situation and get out the real story on our plans for the museum’s redesign, the evolving state of the collection and our plans to cement the Petersen’s position as one of the world’s preeminent automotive museums.

We believe these articles are a direct misrepresentation of our intentions for the museum. To be clear, we will not detour from our mission statement as laid out by Robert Petersen. Our staff has followed very specific guidelines and protocols when deciding how the collection evolves. There has never been any intention to refocus the museum solely on French cars and motorcycles as depicted in the story. Please note the following key points:

Long Term Board Members:

•The leadership in place at the Petersen is deeply familiar with our founder’s goals and vision. The current Chairman of the board (Peter Mullin) has previously served as Chairman. The Co-Vice Chairman (Bruce Meyer) has also served as Chairman of the board for 10 years. David Sydorick, Co-Vice Chairman has also been on the board since the museum’s inception in 1994. We were all personal friends of Robert and Margie Petersen, and also helped lay out the original concept for the museum with the Natural History Museum.

Expanding our Mission:

• The Petersen is expanding on its mission to showcase both Southern California car culture and the finest vehicles from around the world. Southern California car culture will not be abandoned. Hot Rods and race cars will always be a part of our museum, as will exotics, art deco automobiles and vehicles with Hollywood provenance. We will concentrate on the best, most interesting and most beautiful cars from around the world, and tell the story of Southern California and the automobile. This mission also includes expanding and restoring our collection of vehicles that were built here.

Culling our Collection:

• The collection has now reached over 400 pieces. Not only are we unable to showcase all of the vehicles, but maintaining and keeping that many cars in running order is virtually impossible. We are culling the collection for the first time in nearly 20 years, selling cars that can easily be procured on loan or vehicles that were never intended for exhibition. Just to be clear, the “crown jewels” of the collection are not being sold, only vehicles that we have in multiples or are not in show-worthy condition. The Petersen will continue to have one of the greatest collections of hot rods in the world (including nine America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winners) as well as rare and unique pieces from turn-of-the-century horseless carriages to modern supercars.

Updating our Museum:

• Our plans do include transforming The Petersen—starting with improving the interior that has not changed significantly in 20 years. This building was originally a department store, not a museum and it is time to update the displays and galleries to provide visitors an immersive museum experience. The exhibitions and programs you know and love will continue, but our plan is to take advantage of new technology to provide a more interactive experience for our visitors.

• The focus will remain on cars and car culture, and our award-winning team of curators and designers will continue to offer a constantly revolving selection of special programs and exhibits. The planned changes will allow us to offer even more – expositions, lecture series from automotive luminaries, digital driving experiences, galleries that focus on cars as art and programs that showcase Los Angeles as the epicenter of automotive culture in America.

• We will unveil our vision for the exterior redesign of the museum on August 18th, and we are very proud that world-renowned architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) is working on the project. An example of an early design sketch is shown above. While KPF has provided a variety of renderings for consideration, the final concepts will not be chosen or revealed until August.

• The Board of Directors would also like to officially state that no funds from the sale of collection vehicles will be used for exterior renovations of the museum. Those funds will be used to grow and restore the collection and to enhance the interior displays, galleries and make other improvements. The rebirth of the Petersen from the inside out is a major project that will revitalize both the museum and the Miracle Mile. As such the Petersen Board has already initiated a capital campaign to fund the exterior renovation. More details on this campaign will be released August 18th.

We will host a discussion about our goals for the museum on August 18th at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where we will highlight our plans for The Petersen Automotive Museum and the improvements we hope to make. For those that cannot attend, we will provide a detailed recap of that announcement immediately thereafter on this website and through several media outlets. We speak for the entire Board of Directors when we say that as long-time leaders of this exceptional museum, as friends of the late Robert and Margie Petersen and as lifelong “car guys,” we take our responsibilities very seriously. The Petersen will continue to reflect and showcase our city’s car culture, while the pending changes will transform the museum into a first class destination for people around the world. This is an exciting time; we welcome your questions and appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Peter Mullin – Chairman Bruce Meyer – Co-Vice Chairman

[blackcat23]

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/this_is_pretty_much_the_look_of_the_huge_capitol_records_towers.php#more

So according to Curbed, the supposedly temporary renderings of the Millenium Hollywood towers are not so temporary.

Looks like this is what we're going to get, pending the results of the geological study that's been all over the local news today.

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/07.13newmilhollywood.jpg

Assuming the study finds no active fault underneath the property, construction will start one year from now with the hotel tower at the corner of Ivar and Yucca. Full build out of the proposal is scheduled to take 30 months, so we'd be looking at completion of the entire project somewhere in early 2017. The 3rd tower hasn't been talked about much (if at all), but it looks to be about 12-15 floors tall. Difficult to tell from the renderings we've seen so far, but it looks similar in height to the W Hotel.

Just a few years ago, a building that size would have been cause for uproar in Hollywood. I suppose the two larger towers in the proposal have changed the equation for development in the neighborhood.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

it was also revealed that they will have an observation deck on top of the taller tower. i love this project. i hope its smooth sailing

[Kingofthehill]

Yesterday, I sat next to a guy from Capitol Records (who, unsurprisingly, lived in the Valley) on my flight back from Istanbul....let's just say he didn't sound too happy about the project.

[202_Cyclist]

Yesterday, I sat next to a guy from Capitol Records (who, unsurprisingly, lived in the Valley) on my flight back from Istanbul....let's just say he didn't sound too happy about the project.

Who would have thought there are miserable NIMBYs everywhere? Perhaps if there was already more housing options such as this in Hollywood (located right near the subway station) and he can walk to work instead of driving to the Valley, he wouldn't be so bitter.

[Munchitup]

Who would have thought there are miserable NIMBYs everywhere? Perhaps if there was already more housing options such as this in Hollywood (located right near the subway station) and he can walk to work instead of driving to the Valley, he wouldn't be so bitter.

There are plenty of upscale housing options in Hollywood - this is an amazing project and I am really looking forward to it, but it's not like Hollywood needs this development.

[DistrictDirt]

Yesterday, I sat next to a guy from Capitol Records (who, unsurprisingly, lived in the Valley) on my flight back from Istanbul....let's just say he didn't sound too happy about the project.

I keep seeing criticism in comments on Curbed, LAT, etc about how the towers are going to obscure the Capitol Records building. What they're missing is the fact that the project includes a ton of public space and shops surrounding the historic building, giving people a reason to walk up Vine and see it up close. Right now, people have little reason to walk up Vine unless they're headed to Avalon or that pizza place on Yucca.

[Munchitup]

I keep seeing criticism in comments on Curbed, LAT, etc about how the towers are going to obscure the Capitol Records building. What they're missing is the fact that the project includes a ton of public space and shops surrounding the historic building, giving people a reason to walk up Vine and see it up close. Right now, people have little reason to walk up Vine unless they're headed to Avalon or that pizza place on Yucca.

Indeed - that area is along the route my wife and I take for our evening stroll. Tons of people on Yucca near Cahuenga, lots of people on Vine and Hollywood, Sunset and Vine, Sunset and Cahuenga - completely dead at Yucca and Vine. There is that performing arts school on the north side of Yucca, but other than that very little reason for anyone to be in that area - and it shows, other than the occasional homeless person sleeping on a bus bench.

[blackcat23]

I keep seeing criticism in comments on Curbed, LAT, etc about how the towers are going to obscure the Capitol Records building. What they're missing is the fact that the project includes a ton of public space and shops surrounding the historic building, giving people a reason to walk up Vine and see it up close. Right now, people have little reason to walk up Vine unless they're headed to Avalon or that pizza place on Yucca.

Exactly.

The project has done a good job at protecting views of the building from what should be the most important vantage point: street level.

I couldn't possibly care less about preserving the view from the 101 freeway.

I understand why the homeowners up in the hills are unhappy, but the deed to their house doesn't entitle them to a view of the Capitol Records building.

[blackcat23]

http://parklabreanewsbeverlypress.com/news/2013/07/two-new-towers-proposed-in-hollywood/

Park La Brea News has some more information about the recently announced towers next to the Hollywood Palladium.

Each will be 28 stories tall. Two different options for the hotel/residential mix. If they only do residential, the two buidlings will combine to create 731 units. If they decide to include a 250 room hotel, there will be 598 residential units.

13,000 square feet of neighborhood serving retail is planned.

Here's a link to a higher resolution version of the rendering provided by the article.

http://http://parklabreanewsbeverlypress.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/PalladiumResidencesrendering.gif

[112597jorge]

New preliminary rendering for the Peterson Museum upgrade has been posted over on Curbed (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/heres_the_fast_and_furious_new_look_for_the_petersen_museum.php).

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/07.13petersen.jpg
Curbed LA (http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/heres_the_fast_and_furious_new_look_for_the_petersen_museum.php)

I'll take it, much better than what is in place.

[SimonLA]

Does anybody know if there are plans for the parking lot at the northwest corner of Hollywood/Vine? It once held the Basque nightclub that burned down under mysterious circumstances. Either way, to have a surface parking lot at one of the most famous intersections in the world is a CRIME.

[ChelseaFC]

I understand why the homeowners up in the hills are unhappy, but the deed to their house doesn't entitle them to a view of the Capitol Records building.

No, but obstructed views of landmarks natural and otherwise can decrease property values.