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

[SoCalKid]

You realize it doesn't go there now, right? (sorry, that was a response to the first Union Station reference, not to Munchitup)

I do. But spending $1.43 billion on a tunnel that is less than 2 miles really only makes sense to me if it is a true "regional connector." I understand that other connections are made possible by this tunnel, but not connecting the expo line to Union Station and DISCONNECTING the East LA portion of the Gold line from Union Station seem very short sighted. Isn't the plan to make Union Station a true regional transportation hub? This plan completely undermines that.

[cargocultpants]

Access to the core of downtown is a much bigger priority / destination than Union Station; the connector provides that to East LA / Pasadena & SGV riders. Yes in a perfect world they'd all somehow get both, but that wouldn't work from a load / demand balancing perspective.

As a plus, trains on the blue line already come about once every 4 minutes at peak, so if you're an Expo line rider that does need access to Union Station, you can disembark at any of the stations shared between the lines, wait a few minutes for a new train on the exact same platform you're currently standing on, and get there. The fact that you don't even have to change platforms makes this pretty darn acceptable in my book.

I do. But spending $1.43 billion on a tunnel that is less than 2 miles really only makes sense to me if it is a true "regional connector." I understand that other connections are made possible by this tunnel, but not connecting the expo line to Union Station and DISCONNECTING the East LA portion of the Gold line from Union Station seem very short sighted. Isn't the plan to make Union Station a true regional transportation hub? This plan completely undermines that.

[Jaycruz]

^ Exactly. Union Station is meant to be a regional rail station for the city but that doesn't mean we need every metro line running through it, under it and above it. Doesn't work that way. Best example. Grand Central Station. Largest in the world but not nearly half of NYCs subway rail lines even go near it. They don't need to. as long as one or 2 make it there and they can connect to the other rain lines that's all that's needed. Union Station will have 2 rail lines running through it to connect the rest of the basin.

The expo line isn't needed to reach Union station since the red/purple line will handle the west side when the purple finally reaches the santa monica, and the north south route is taken care of with the blue line. as long as both of these connect to the other lines, which they do, than there is no need to connect the expo. use the blue line to get to the expo. transfer and call it a day. that's how all other major transit cities run their lines. Transfer transfer transfer. sounds like a pain in the A$$ but it really isn't, quiet simple unless your lugging bags and luggage from the store or airport.

[blackcat23]

http://urbanize.la/post/proposed-k-town-tower-miraculously-alive

Despite being turned back multiple times by the City Planning Commission, it looks like Mayor Garcetti has approved the requested zone change and general plan amendment for the Catalina Apartments. Somehow this project keeps going.

27 stories (300.5' tall), 269 apartments, 562-car garage, 7,500 sq. ft. of retail.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/catalinaapartments.JPG?itok=ekBl4q4I

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/Capture_13.PNG?itok=xZYC-onW

[colemonkee]

The design - and requisite asshat - is questionable, but man, the views will be pretty amazing from there. And it's close enough to the Wilshire & Normandie Purple Line stop to justify the density (though the parking ratio is way out of whack). This kind of density is just what the City needs: we shouldn't limit highrises to just Wilshire Blvd: they should be allowed within a 1/4 mile radius of those stations.

[brudy]

The black and white rendering combined with the design give it a 50's "Vision of the Future" sci-fi book cover kind of look.

[StethJeff]

The black and white rendering combined with the design give it a 50's "Vision of the Future" sci-fi book cover kind of look.

Looks more like shitty 80s pomo than googie to me. :shrug:

[Docjalby]

I do. But spending $1.43 billion on a tunnel that is less than 2 miles really only makes sense to me if it is a true "regional connector." I understand that other connections are made possible by this tunnel, but not connecting the expo line to Union Station and DISCONNECTING the East LA portion of the Gold line from Union Station seem very short sighted. Isn't the plan to make Union Station a true regional transportation hub? This plan completely undermines that.

Add in another billion and it probably could have been done. Is that worth it to be sure the Pasadena to East LA (and vice versa) have a four minute faster commute??

[brudy]

Looks more like shitty 80s pomo than googie to me. :shrug:

I don't think it looks googie at all, more The Day the Earth Stood still or something like that. A harder edged idea of what the future would look like.

[Munchitup]

Kind of reminds me of the post modern renderings of the Metropolis project that were thankfully scrapped.

Other than the egregious ass hat, I don't think it looks that bad. Might also set a precedent that high-rises can be built on streets not named Wilshire.

[Steve8263]

I think it's a ringer for the Grand Avenue apartments on Bunker Hill-

http://www.southlandarchitecture.com/LegacyImages/G/GrandPromenadeTower-Oct08-002a.jpg

[brudy]

Kind of reminds me of the post modern renderings of the Metropolis project that were thankfully scrapped.

Other than the egregious ass hat, I don't think it looks that bad. Might also set a precedent that high-rises can be built on streets not named Wilshire.

I am hereby pledging to use "egregious asshat" at least one more time today.

[Easy]

Add in another billion and it probably could have been done. Is that worth it to be sure the Pasadena to East LA (and vice versa) have a four minute faster commute??

It can be done without adding any money. That's not the point. The reality is that the predominant commuting pattern is east/west. The idea is to get people where they need to go and that's not union station.

[brudy]

Judge halts the Millennium Hollywood project, basically because of traffic:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-millennium-hollywood-20150430-story.html

Giant wtf and another victory for local slime ball Silverstein.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Judge halts the Millennium Hollywood project, basically because of traffic:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-millennium-hollywood-20150430-story.html

Giant wtf and another victory for local slime ball Silverstein.

its really remarkable. If high rise, dense development shouldnt be built on or near hollywood blvd and a subway station, then where? These Nimbys, judges and that fuck face Silverstein are really holding Hollywood back

[DistrictDirt]

its really remarkable. If high rise, dense development shouldnt be built on or near hollywood blvd and a subway station, then where? These Nimbys, judges and that fuck face Silverstein are really holding Hollywood back

Yup. Good thing Los Angeles isn't in the middle of a historic housing shortage or anything.

[colemonkee]

brudy, I'm pretty sure Silverstein is the obvious choice for making good on that pledge. He is, after all, an egregious asshat.

That being said, you have to hand it to the guy: he's effective at what he does. The judge's logic is sound in this case. The City didn't follow the guidelines of Caltrans' request for a traffic study, so they're kind of the ones at fault here. Though I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Millennium was the driver behind that condensed traffic study. I would wager that even a traffic study at Caltrans' standards would not show a significant backup on freeway on and off-ramps in the area, as these are mostly residential towers, and they don't produce the kind of concentrated traffic that office towers do. So I think this would ultimately pass Caltrans' test. It just needs to go through the process again.

[Illithid Dude]

brudy, I'm pretty sure Silverstein is the obvious choice for making good on that pledge. He is, after all, an egregious asshat.

That being said, you have to hand it to the guy: he's effective at what he does. The judge's logic is sound in this case. The City didn't follow the guidelines of Caltrans' request for a traffic study, so they're kind of the ones at fault here. Though I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Millennium was the driver behind that condensed traffic study. I would wager that even a traffic study at Caltrans' standards would not show a significant backup on freeway on and off-ramps in the area, as these are mostly residential towers, and they don't produce the kind of concentrated traffic that office towers do. So I think this would ultimately pass Caltrans' test. It just needs to go through the process again.

Yeah, this doesn't seem to bad, and is ultimately the fault of the city and developer for trying to cut corners. It'll just be delayed a little longer.

[brudy]

brudy, I'm pretty sure Silverstein is the obvious choice for making good on that pledge. He is, after all, an egregious asshat.

That being said, you have to hand it to the guy: he's effective at what he does. The judge's logic is sound in this case. The City didn't follow the guidelines of Caltrans' request for a traffic study, so they're kind of the ones at fault here. Though I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Millennium was the driver behind that condensed traffic study. I would wager that even a traffic study at Caltrans' standards would not show a significant backup on freeway on and off-ramps in the area, as these are mostly residential towers, and they don't produce the kind of concentrated traffic that office towers do. So I think this would ultimately pass Caltrans' test. It just needs to go through the process again.

He is good at what he does, that's for sure. And yeah, the city shouldn't cut corners on the studies, if only because of egregious asshats like Silverstein.

[colemonkee]

I see what you did, there brudy. ;)

[Munchitup]

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

Playhouse Plaza, last Thursday.

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

I walked past the Playhouse Plaza on Wednesday headed to Vromans - as good as the building looks from this shot, the exterior details such as tiling on steps and the little brick buildings on El Molino (which would be to the right side of this picture above) are what really make this maybe one of the best new buildings I have seen in the LA area since I moved here. Additionally, there is a big pedestrian crosswalk between the rear area of the Plaza and the actual Playhouse (kind of like a mini version of the crossing between the Paseo Colorado and the Pasadena Civic Center) and the road has been given traffic-calming measures.

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

The smaller buildings are brick-clad and I believe will house retail or restaurants. They have some great art-deco inspired tile work.

I'll be walking up that block in the next week, I'll take some photos when I do. It seems like it could be open by the end of the summer.

Quietly, El Molino Avenue in Pasadena is one of the LA area's most constructed-on streets, with another mixed user going up behind Vromans and a third building at El Molino and Walnut.

[Kingofthehill]

He is good at what he does, that's for sure. And yeah, the city shouldn't cut corners on the studies, if only because of egregious asshats like Silverstein.

incredible - in a bad way - that this guy is seemingly able to wield so much power and influence. unfortunate.

[ChelseaFC]

Quietly, El Molino Avenue in Pasadena is one of the LA area's most constructed-on streets, with another mixed user going up behind Vromans and a third building at El Molino and Walnut.

Great stuff going on in Pasadena. Hyatt Place will be a great addition to Paseo Colorado, but the redevelopment of the huge Parsons property, approved this week, is going to be a gamechanger. 1 MILLION sq ft.

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/government-and-politics/20150428/council-backs-development-that-expands-old-pasadena

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/LD/20150428/NEWS/150429374/EP/1/1/EP-150429374.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667

[blackcat23]

http://urbanize.la/post/checking-culver-citys-expo-adjacent-tods

We see a fair bit of these two projects already, but here are the current Expo TODs at Culver City Station, as of last week.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04339.JPG?itok=0xTYMpvY

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04347.JPG?itok=rPU2C7EY

[circuitfiend]

Cladding going up on 10000 SaMo.

[brudy]

I love the stacked container look of that Culver City project. Very cool.

[blackcat23]

I walked past the Playhouse Plaza on Wednesday headed to Vromans - as good as the building looks from this shot, the exterior details such as tiling on steps and the little brick buildings on El Molino (which would be to the right side of this picture above) are what really make this maybe one of the best new buildings I have seen in the LA area since I moved here. Additionally, there is a big pedestrian crosswalk between the rear area of the Plaza and the actual Playhouse (kind of like a mini version of the crossing between the Paseo Colorado and the Pasadena Civic Center) and the road has been given traffic-calming measures.

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

Alibaba is supposedly taking 20,000 square feet in the building, according to Bisnow (https://www.bisnow.com/los-angeles/news/office/breaking-news-alibaba-is-coming-to-la-45444).

[blackcat23]

http://urbanize.la/post/luxury-residential-tower-rises-century-city

10000 SaMo Blvd as of this weekend.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04353.JPG?itok=QXMmniBb

[losangelesnative]

Saw what might be soil testing at the rocketdyne site in woodland hills

[timpdx]

Our "Good Friend" Robert Silverstein (La Mirada Homeowners NIMBYs, ect) was interviewed in KCRW Which Way LA Today.

http://www.kcrw.com/news-culture/shows/which-way-la/density-development-and-the-battle-for-hollywood

[DistrictDirt]

Our "Good Friend" Robert Silverstein (La Mirada Homeowners NIMBYs, ect) was interviewed in KCRW Which Way LA Today.

http://www.kcrw.com/news-culture/shows/which-way-la/density-development-and-the-battle-for-hollywood

I nearly threw up in my mouth listening to that. Hate that weasel so much.

[Kingofthehill]

what a crook!

[blackcat23]

http://urbanize.la/post/apartments-and-retail-headed-macarthur-park

Six-story development planned in MacArthur Park at 2940 W. 7th Street. 180 apartments, 15,000 sq. ft. of retail.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/29407th.JPG?itok=hSs8q0Ce

[brudy]

I nearly threw up in my mouth listening to that. Hate that weasel so much.

Yeah, I know I can't even listen to that. I'm trying to cut back on my rage.

[cargocultpants]

Some interesting new towers proposed for Anaheim - http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-property-report-anaheim-20150508-story.html

[timpdx]

Hyatt House Hotel proposed near the County USC Medical Plaza

http://www.theeastsiderla.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/012dab1b048741d8a2730281fb8c9eb9.jpg
Image from The Eastsider

And was on the 710 the other day and noticed the Bicycle Hotel Casino is well under way, this is the only rendering I can find

https://tribktla.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/brown-bicycle-casino-hotel.jpg
Image from KTLA

[blackcat23]

http://urbanize.la/post/crane-action-hits-koreatown

3033 Wilshire, seen from a few blocks away:

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04378.JPG?itok=Su4Q_UFg

[blackcat23]

urbanize.la/post/big-mixed-use-complex-planned-warner-center

Big development planned at Oxnard/De Soto in Warner Center.

Seven-story apartment building w/ 170 units and 5,700 square feet of retail, plus a 19-story/166,000 sq. ft. office tower with an extra 9,900 sq. ft. of retail.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/oxnard.JPG?itok=UHN7s3Vy

[Munchitup]

urbanize.la/post/big-mixed-use-complex-planned-warner-center

Big development planned at Oxnard/De Soto in Warner Center.

Seven-story apartment building w/ 170 units and 5,700 square feet of retail, plus a 19-story/166,000 sq. ft. office tower with an extra 9,900 sq. ft. of retail.



If the Warner Center is able to increase density and "Urbanize" in a meaningful way, think of the increase in ridership the Orange Line would see - it could really pave the way for the busway to converted to rail or just build more Orange Line-style routes throughout the rest of the Valley. It is impressive the support these projects have been receiving in the West Valley. Give them more rail/busways and skip the Gold Line going out to Cucamonga.

[blackcat23]

http://urbanize.la/post/apartments-break-ground-condo-canyon

Low-rise apartment building starting construction in Westwood.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/wilshire.jpg?itok=2c8NYQ15

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/unnamed_0.jpg?itok=wd-D0r8t

[colemonkee]

^ That's not half bad!

[Kingofthehill]

a bit short for that area, but otherwise not half bad!

[blackcat23]

http://urbanize.la/post/more-apartments-pushing-dirt-k-town

Permits are in place and heavy equipment is on site for the big development at 6th & Virgil in Koreatown. Seven stories, 398 apartments, 20,000 sq. ft. of retail. Developer is Century West Partners, architect is Killefer Flammang.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/6th-and-Virgil.jpg?itok=63vESHuy

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04415.JPG?itok=Y8n7ZeXw

[Muji]

Great to see work starting at 6th and Virgil! It's not the greatest rendering, but Killefer Flammang usually makes things work out in the end.

Speaking of Century West, here is the new K2LA building going up on Berendo. The picture's over a week old. It looks like most of the top floor has been framed out since then.
https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/img_3550-e1431581267503.jpg

In other Koreatown news, the new supermarket at 5th and Western is finally starting to wrap up.
https://urbandiachrony.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/img_3561-e1431581278585.jpg

[Kingofthehill]

while i don't think all of the pieces of the puzzle are quite there just yet, that grocery store/shopping center definitely looked alot better in renderings:

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2011/06/g_shopping_center.php
http://www.gajumarketplace.net/

[bzcat]

http://urbanize.la/post/apartments-break-ground-condo-canyon

Low-rise apartment building starting construction in Westwood.



3 parking space per unit... I don't even know if I should laugh or cry :koko:

[caligrad]

3 parking space per unit... I don't even know if I should laugh or cry :koko:

LOL if this were anywhere else I would agree with you and say WTF! that's crazy !

BUT. to be fair and honest. Its to be expected. Its in westwood and stated as being a "Luxury Condo Building"..... for all of us who live in this great city we all know to well how the rich and famous LOVE their cars. My boss currently has 6 cars and he is a single male with no kids !

And currently there is no Subway going through there at the moment but being realistic even if there were. Do we really expect the super rich and entitled to ride on the subways like the rest of us. When they do its just for publicity.

[Steve8263]

The glass curtain wall is going up on 10000 Santa Monica. I took one photo I can email someone that is willing to host, send me a pm.

Also scaffolding is going up around the old Scandia building at 9040 Sunset at Doheny for what is presumably imminent demolition. Is this property part of the proposed Ian Schrager Edition hotel project with the open lot next door?

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/10/whoa_ian_schrager_designing_lush_sunset_strip_marriott_hotel.php

[Illithid Dude]

Also scaffolding is going up around the old Scandia building at 9040 Sunset at Doheny for what is presumably imminent demolition. Is this property part of the proposed Ian Schrager Edition hotel project with the open lot next door?

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/10/whoa_ian_schrager_designing_lush_sunset_strip_marriott_hotel.php

I hope so. One of my favorite designs proposed for L.A. It's great to see this increasing trend of high density, high designs proposals breaking ground in the Mid City / Hollywood area.

[blackcat23]

The glass curtain wall is going up on 10000 Santa Monica. I took one photo I can email someone that is willing to host, send me a pm.

Also scaffolding is going up around the old Scandia building at 9040 Sunset at Doheny for what is presumably imminent demolition. Is this property part of the proposed Ian Schrager Edition hotel project with the open lot next door?

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/10/whoa_ian_schrager_designing_lush_sunset_strip_marriott_hotel.php

Taken by an Urbanize reader:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFP_XDdUMAADB5c.jpg
https://twitter.com/UrbanizeLA/status/600103952160456704

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFP_XVTUsAAiBTB.jpg
https://twitter.com/UrbanizeLA/status/600103952160456704

[blackcat23]

http://www.sawtellejapantown.com/ymca/

California Landmark is working on a five-story residential-retail development at 1947 Sawtelle Boulevard. Architect is Rios Clementi Hale Studios. 73 apartments and 7,700 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail space.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/sawtelle.JPG?itok=rbu5ovu5
http://urbanize.la/post/upcoming-sawtelle-development-revealed

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/sawtelle.PNG?itok=WwyLF-Yt
http://urbanize.la/post/upcoming-sawtelle-development-revealed

[colemonkee]

I like it! And it works with the area, as long as those retail spaces are filled with Japanese restaurants.

As for 10000 Santa Monica, it almost looks like a stitch pattern on the glass. Should be interesting watching this one go up. That'll be a unique feature if it does to the top.

[brudy]

The sawtelle design is very nice. Elegant but contemporary.

I'm unsure about those color panels in the 6th and Virgil rendering, but the rest of it I like enough. The panels seem to dumb down the rest of the design.

[RaymondChandlerLives]

There's sidewalk scaffolding around the May Company building on Wilshire and Fairfax. Does that mean the Academy is prepping for construction? They just cleared their environmental revew:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-academy-museum-approval-20150515-story.html

[blackcat23]

There's sidewalk scaffolding around the May Company building on Wilshire and Fairfax. Does that mean the Academy is prepping for construction? They just cleared their environmental revew:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-academy-museum-approval-20150515-story.html

Not yet. The Park La Brea News (http://beverlypress.com/2015/03/scaffolding-goes-up-around-academy-museum-site/) says they scaffolding is to ensure safety while they inspect the building's facade.

Meanwhile, in Van Nuys...

http://urbanize.la/post/orange-line-getting-another-mixed-use-neighbor

New mixed-use development planned next to the Orange Line's Van Nuys Blvd station. Former Keyes Chevrolet dealership. 324 residential units, 17,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.

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

[SimonLA]

What is going on with Hollywood Target? The appeal was fully briefed two months ago and nothing since then. Do you legal eagles know when a decision should be rendered?

http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/dockets.cfm?dist=2&doc_id=2084287&doc_no=B258033

[StethJeff]

Not yet. The Park La Brea News (http://beverlypress.com/2015/03/scaffolding-goes-up-around-academy-museum-site/) says they scaffolding is to ensure safety while they inspect the building's facade.

Meanwhile, in Van Nuys...

http://urbanize.la/post/orange-line-getting-another-mixed-use-neighbor

New mixed-use development planned next to the Orange Line's Van Nuys Blvd station. Former Keyes Chevrolet dealership. 324 residential units, 17,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.

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

Next to The Orange Line, on Van Nuys, and disrupting the seemingly endless number of car dealerships on that stretch - it's perfect. Other dealership-dominant streets like Fig need this kind of development too.

[SimonLA]

Over a year ago, Santa Monica Blvd. in West L.A. shuttered an enormous Ford dealership that takes up two blocks. Though promised mixed-users from CIM, nothing has happened and both giant parcels are covered with makeshift walls and several cars still fill the space.

I really don't understand why the developer doesn't bulldoze at least? Doesn't it cost them more money to make sure no one steals the cars? (The image below from Blackcat's fab site only highlights one of the parcels--there are actually two closed car dealerships right next to each other).

http://urbanize.la/post/west-la-car-dealership-making-way-mixed-user

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/11800samo.PNG?itok=oiq7Nf2v

[LAsam]

^Santa Monica Blvd between the Santa Monica city line and the 405 continues to be pretty dismal. The old Vons that was demolished has no activity on it either. Surprising that there's not more mixed-use given the disposable income of the area.

[bzcat]

Over a year ago, Santa Monica Blvd. in West L.A. shuttered an enormous Ford dealership that takes up two blocks. Though promised mixed-users from CIM, nothing has happened and both giant parcels are covered with makeshift walls and several cars still fill the space.

I really don't understand why the developer doesn't bulldoze at least? Doesn't it cost them more money to make sure no one steals the cars? (The image below from Blackcat's fab site only highlights one of the parcels--there are actually two closed car dealerships right next to each other).



They are two separate parcels... with different development plans.

One was Buerge Ford dealer (the one you linked to), and the other one was Buerge Chrysler-Jeep dealer. They were owned by the same family but the parcels went to different developers.

[SimonLA]

^Santa Monica Blvd between the Santa Monica city line and the 405 continues to be pretty dismal. The old Vons that was demolished has no activity on it either. Surprising that there's not more mixed-use given the disposable income of the area.

There are mixed-use plans for the former Vons, but I'm told we're at least a year and a half away from work starting. :shrug: It's still better to have it closed than the huge parking-lot fronted grocery store, which attracted vagrants and garbage like you wouldn't believe. The area is actually MUCH cleaner now.

@bzcat: I realize the dealerships are two parcels, but I thought both went to CIM. Frustratingly, no one seems to be in much of a hurry. And LASam is right; it's crazy because there is so much money here (and the Expo Bundy station is not very far). At least, nearby Sawtelle is exploding with development, and much of it mixed-use.

[colemonkee]

Speaking of cars, I just now found the web cam for the Peterson Museum renovation. It's coming along pretty nicely.

https://www.workzonecam.com/projects/petersenmuseum/petersenmuseum/workzonecam

[San Frangelino]

Snapped this on my way to the dentist today.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smWTRc2P4pI/VV5ugbhvZpI/AAAAAAAABmM/fM8aikTrZfY/s1600/IMG_4771.JPG

[sopas ej]

^^^
Just out of curiosity, is your dentist on Fairfax?

[San Frangelino]

^^^
Just out of curiosity, is your dentist on Fairfax?

He's in the 6200 Wilshire Blvd. Building. Dr Tamura, DDS. There's the best panoramic view of L.A. from the 12th floor in his Dentist Chair.

[Lalaland]

Here are a few more of the Peterson from today

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7730/17335146923_0e560b65ff_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/spRaev)Peterson Automotive Museum Construction (https://flic.kr/p/spRaev) by sepbach (https://www.flickr.com/photos/70126718@N00/), on Flickr

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5456/17952549512_87797c5cca_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tmpvvJ)Peterson Automotive Museum Construction (https://flic.kr/p/tmpvvJ) by sepbach (https://www.flickr.com/photos/70126718@N00/), on Flickr

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5327/17335146333_04d44bc5a1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/spRa4k)Peterson Automotive Museum Construction (https://flic.kr/p/spRa4k) by sepbach (https://www.flickr.com/photos/70126718@N00/), on Flickr

This is going to end up looking really cool. Love it.

[Quixote]

Great recent article that talks about Hollywood's creative office boom. For those who want Hollywood to shed its loser "bros, hoes, and crackheads" image, this is encouraging. :cheers:

There's approximately 1 million square feet of quality office space currently under construction and if/when Academy Square breaks ground, that total rises to 1.3 million:

Hollywood 959 (245,000 SF)
Sunset/Bronson (323,000 SF)
Selma/Vine (107,000 SF)
Columbia Square (330,000 SF)
Academy Square (280,000 SF)

LA'S NEXT BIGGEST CREATIVE OFFICE MARKET IS...

By Elliot Golan
May 6, 2015

With Playa Vista running out of room and Santa Monica prices out of control, creative office tenants need an outlet. Hollywood is looking to fill the void.

There's a ton of new creative office space under construction in the surging market, and one project has already signed a big-time tenant. JH Snyder's long-awaited creative office project at 959 Seward has inked a 10-year lease with Broad Green Pictures as its first tenant, grabbing 36k SF. JH Snyder SVP Kacy Keys (here with Kilroy EVP David Simon) says the 245k SF project is attractive to workers who just don't want to deal with Santa Monica traffic unless they live there.

Kacy told the more than 300 attendees at Bisnow's Future of Hollywood last week the $140M project should be complete in August, more than seven years after getting entitlements. Meanwhile, Hudson Pacific also is progressing on its $150M creative office tower at the Sunset Bronson Studios campus. The project will include 323k SF of office space, in addition to a 90k SF production building. The panel was moderated by JLL's Carl Muhlstein, who pointed out that Hudson has become much more of a NorCal landlord after its recent 8.2M SF portfolio buy.

Hudson EVP Chris Barton (here with David) says his firm would love to get its hands on more in the hot market and is actively shopping. He says Class-A vacancy in Hollywood is less than 10%, and there is a ton of pent-up demand to absorb new development.

https://www.bisnow.com/los-angeles/news/commercial-real-estate/las-next-biggest-creative-office-market-is-45491

[blackcat23]

http://urbanize.la/post/mixed-use-complex-proposed-vermont-avenue

Seven-story building with 173 apartments and 12,000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail planned at 621 Vermont Avenue.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/vermont.JPG?itok=oCx5RRwQ

[Muji]

^^^ I can't wait to see that happen. I'm impressed that Century West is single-handedly getting rid of so many underperforming lots around Wilshire/Vermont. It's pretty ridiculous that such prime land at one of the region's biggest transit nodes is still taken up by a Denny's and a used car dealership. Plus, the southbound 204 riders really deserve something better than the currently decrepit conditions around that bus stop.

[Illithid Dude]

Hey guys, I'm taking this bad boy over since DowntownCharlieBrown hasn't logged on since 2013. Front page is now updated.

[bighomey3000]

Hey guys, I'm taking this bad boy over since DowntownCharlieBrown hasn't logged on since 2013. Front page is now updated.



:cheers:

[timpdx]

Cool, thanks

some notes, 1000 is 10000 Santa Monica
and I believe this guy still has a heartbeat for proposals:
http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/13story_tower_headed_for_miracle_miles_museum_square.php

[colemonkee]

7 stories and 173 units is way too small for 627 Vermont. I mean it's literally across the street from a purple line stop. Maybe 2 or 3 blocks away, but right across the street should have a lot more density. Doesn't have to be tall, but it should be more like 300-350 units.

[blackcat23]

Thanks to IllithidDude for taking over front page duties.

One project we could add to the front page: The Current in DT Long Beach (17 stories).

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/current1.jpg?itok=Y9qK1suo

Although I understand why we can't discuss every low-rise development in Los Angeles County, perhaps we could make exceptions for noteworthy projects? I'm thinking things like the USC Village, Blvd 6200, and the new LAFC stadium, which all have $200 million+ price tags.

Also, maybe a section for infrastructure (Crenshaw, Expo, Gold and Purple Lines)?

[Illithid Dude]

Updated the front page. Has phase 2 of Bvd 6200 officially started?

[Lalaland]

Updated the front page. Has phase 2 of Bvd 6200 officially started?

No. It's still s parking lot.

[StethJeff]

Thanks to IllithidDude for taking over front page duties.

One project we could add to the front page: The Current in DT Long Beach (17 stories).

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/current1.jpg?itok=Y9qK1suo

Although I understand why we can't discuss every low-rise development in Los Angeles County, perhaps we could make exceptions for noteworthy projects? I'm thinking things like the USC Village, Blvd 6200, and the new LAFC stadium, which all have $200 million+ price tags.

Also, maybe a section for infrastructure (Crenshaw, Expo, Gold and Purple Lines)?

Hey Blackcat, what's that ghosted out huge building on the side? Is that some other proposal?

[San Diego-Honolulu]

Thanks to IllithidDude for taking over front page duties.

One project we could add to the front page: The Current in DT Long Beach (17 stories).

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/current1.jpg?itok=Y9qK1suo

Although I understand why we can't discuss every low-rise development in Los Angeles County, perhaps we could make exceptions for noteworthy projects? I'm thinking things like the USC Village, Blvd 6200, and the new LAFC stadium, which all have $200 million+ price tags.

Also, maybe a section for infrastructure (Crenshaw, Expo, Gold and Purple Lines)?

I really like this! Long Beach really needs more density in downtown.

[Illithid Dude]

Hey Blackcat, what's that ghosted out huge building on the side? Is that some other proposal?

Yes, the greyed out building is a 35 floor twin tower to The Current that is expected to break down after The Current has finished up.

I've added the three major museums that are either under construction or proposed. I feel like cultural institutions are important and should be listed on the front page. I'm not going to add the under construction metro lines to the front page because Los Angeles transportation already has a separate thread in the transportation section of the forum. I've also decided not to add "more important" seven story or below buildings to the front page just because of how wishy washy it would be to define one seven story building as more important than another.

Lastly, does anyone who lives in Culver City know if the Samitaur tower has broken ground yet? I've heard that it may have, but haven't found any confirmation.

[Eightball]

What's up with all the towers u/c in Long Beach? I thought Cali Grad was gonna post pics

[blackcat23]

Lastly, does anyone who lives in Culver City know if the Samitaur tower has broken ground yet? I've heard that it may have, but haven't found any confirmation.

I think you mean this one?

http://ericowenmoss.com/wp-content/uploads/JJT_PI_02.jpg

Still a parking lot, as of yesterday. Permits are in the works, though.

[Kenchiku desu]

Not sure if I prefer the parking lot or the Eric Owen Moss tower.

[blackcat23]

http://urbanize.la/post/mixed-use-complex-tops-out-selma-and-vine

Update on the Camden Hollywood.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04620.JPG?itok=GOiQS_hv

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/camden1.jpg?itok=jrZNJm6K

[BuzzBuzzEva]

http://urbanize.la/post/mixed-use-complex-tops-out-selma-and-vine

Update on the Camden Hollywood.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04620.JPG?itok=GOiQS_hv

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/camden1.jpg?itok=jrZNJm6K

They've also posted some (I'm assuming not all) of their floor plans online. You can check them out and stay up to date with the development by following it on BuzzBuzzHome: http://www.buzzbuzzhome.com/the-camden/units

[Kingofthehill]

great job on the front page update!

[brudy]

Sad to see no street level stuff on Selma east of Vine. Selma had some potential to build a nice block after block type of retail situation given what's west of vine on selma, but this development kills that apparently.

[SimonLA]

There is no retail on Selma east of Vine--and that likely won't change because of the existing loading docks and truck entrances for the Trader Joe's. Retail on Selma doesn't really start until Cahuenga; that's the neighborhood that has the potential to explode: Selma from Cahuenga to Highland, thanks to Dream Hotel, that adaptive reuse project catty-corner to it, and tons of cute little shops. There are about a half-dozen (maybe less) parking lots that would need to be filled in, but I think that will happen.

[jgacis]

There is no retail on Selma east of Vine--and that likely won't change because of the existing loading docks and truck entrances for the Trader Joe's.

Hopefully lessons learned for future developments.

[Steve8263]

great job on the front page update!

Agreed, thanks for taking over Illithid Dude.

Has The Wetherly Luxury Residences started construction for sure?

Also there's this troubling article highlighting L.A.'s extremist anti-development lawyer extraordinaire-

http://www.wsj.com/articles/developers-worry-california-ruling-could-dent-building-1432669489

Developers Worry California Ruling Could Dent Building
Judge Says Millenium Hollywood’s Environmental Impact Report Fell Short

Lastly, you could add the following to the first page-

http://www.sunsetlacienega.com/
http://8150sunset.com/

[timpdx]

Given that Hollywood is NIMBY Central, I have serious doubts about this one, but it is certainly a proposal that could be put on the first page:

Hollywood Blvd and La Brea, 24 stories
http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/08/24story_mixeduse_apartments_slated_for_hollywoodla_brea.php

[Illithid Dude]

Agreed, thanks for taking over Illithid Dude.

Has The Wetherly Luxury Residences started construction for sure?

Lastly, you could add the following to the first page-

http://www.sunsetlacienega.com/
http://8150sunset.com/

I'm 99% sure the Wetherly has started construction, but if someone who lives in the area wants to check for me that would be greatly appreciated. I'm gonna hold off on adding the Gehry project until renders have been released, and I've added 8150 to the front page.

Given that Hollywood is NIMBY Central, I have serious doubts about this one, but it is certainly a proposal that could be put on the first page:

Hollywood Blvd and La Brea, 24 stories
http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/08/24story_mixeduse_apartments_slated_for_hollywoodla_brea.php

Added, thank you!

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

05/07/2015 ZA-2015-1766-MCUP-VCU-SPR 1341 N VINE
ST
90028
13 Hollywood DEMOLITION OF 3 EXISTING BUILDINGS
AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 498,599
SF. MIXED-USE PROJECT CONSISTING
OF OFFICE AND RETAIL USES WITH 250
DWELLING UNITS OR 200 DWELLING
UNITS WITH 100 HOTEL ROOMS.
MCUP-MASTER
CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT


I believe this is the motion picture academy site, right? This was filed on 5/7

[blackcat23]

I believe this is the motion picture academy site, right? This was filed on 5/7

Correct.

[timpdx]

Its been forever since a photo update, so I had an appointment in the BH area today and took a wandering route so I can get some pics of projects.

Icon Hollywood, parking garage
http://i.imgur.com/I9yAryd.jpg


And foundation for tower, core looks like it is coming along
http://i.imgur.com/PgaBpFU.jpg


Dream hotel, can't wait to see how the cladding looks on this one
http://i.imgur.com/IXCvkC1.jpg

Columbia Square, must be close to topping out

http://i.imgur.com/HZQvz9G.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4yAZ6YB.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/oSIP13L.jpg

No evidence that the parking lot across from 6200 Hollywood is breaking ground really soon.

I have no idea what this one is, but it had offices (concrete portion) and wood framed apartments, La Brea, south of Santa Monica, which is an busy busy area

http://i.imgur.com/hrQY0xF.jpg

The giant lot where TJ's was on Santa Monica:

http://i.imgur.com/VmScJCe.jpg

Sunset and La Cienega moving along:

http://i.imgur.com/HeJrgzU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Z50BRYc.jpg

Waldorf Astoria BH

http://i.imgur.com/NPQYmoT.jpg

10,000 Santa Monica, cladding looks pretty good:

http://i.imgur.com/PEZYCGR.jpg


Came back on Mulholland, so here is a Bonus Shot of Wizard World, quite the structure going up

http://i.imgur.com/lCV8AiX.jpg

[Quixote]

^ Comprehensive update! I love how Columbia Square is shaping up. Very sharp and classy looking.

I have no idea what this one is, but it had offices (concrete portion) and wood framed apartments, La Brea, south of Santa Monica, which is an busy busy area

Concrete structure is this:
http://urbanize.la/post/introducing-925-la-brea-hollywoods-latest-office-development

Wood-framed structure is this:
http://urbanize.la/post/excavation-progress-long-stalled-la-brea-gateway

[SimonLA]

City planners are having a meeting on this project tomorrow. Please please please let this happen for Westwood.
http://urbanize.la/post/westwoods-gayley-wilshire-revived

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/wilshiregayley%27.jpg?itok=hnQsJcmc

[blackcat23]

Really appreciate the update, timpdx. Sunset La Cienega is going to be epic.

Further east...

http://urbanize.la/post/affordable-housing-underway-boyle-heights

This just broke ground in Boyle Heights, on the large vacant lot across the street from Mariachi Plaza.

The Santa Cecilia Apartments: Four stories, 80 units of low-income housing, 4,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail space. Developer is McCormack Baron Salazar, design is from DE Architects.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/santa%20cecilia-rendering1.jpg?itok=Hx81p_Vp

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/DSC04643.JPG?itok=6R6MdIlu

[Steve8263]

City planners are having a meeting on this project tomorrow. Please please please let this happen for Westwood.
http://urbanize.la/post/westwoods-gayley-wilshire-revived

Anyone know how the meeting went? Let's try to stay on top of this one.

Also, I believe the 9900 Wilshire project is still alive, would be good to add to the first page-

http://www.cbrecapitalmarkets.com/EN/PressCentre/Pages/CHINESE-INVESTOR-PURCHASES-ICONIC-BEVERLY-HILLS-RESIDENTIAL-DEVELOPMENT-SITE-AT-9900-WILSHIRE.aspx

http://www.richardmeier.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/R4.9900-TWILIGHT-660x495.jpg

[Wally West]

Fantastic update, timpdx!

[timpdx]

Got a quick glance towards 9900, its clearly marked as Wanda, but there appeared to be no activity, no equipment on site yet, but I did only get a cursory glace at it