LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 3.0

[ladowntowner]

Originally Posted by JDRCRASH

I have confidence that the Broadway theatre and Red Trolley Revitalization proposal being unveiled today will gain a unanimous thumbs up, despite past failed attempts.

BTW, have you read my Private Message yet? You claim to live in Downtown Los Angeles, however, you have yet to explain why you are here and why your continued pessimistic view long-term of the economy at a local level lingers.
This is not direct attack towards you. I'm just speaking out of curiousity.

Yes, JDRCRASH, I've read your Private Message and will respond to you there regarding the specific queries therein as my time permits - I've been quite busy as of late. If I recall correctly, you still "owe" me (only if you care to) a response to a Private Message from over a month ago. I'll forward it to you in case it got lost or deleted.

While, as you stated, not a "direct attack towards" me, I find your post amusingly ironic - that an "outsider" (you ---> West Covina) would question the authenticity of my residency, whilst I've lived downtown for nearly 15 years now - long before it was considered "cool" to do so and almost as long as you've been alive, my little friend.

How many people have actually come forth and explained exactly in detail why they are here? Isn't it self-evident that most people come here because they have an interest (on some level) of development projects proposed and under construction in Downtown Los Angeles? I have a personal stake in the area as a long-time resident and homeowner. Even more, I'm a native Angeleno. But believe what you wish.

I'm not here to somehow influence the momentum of development DT and I'm not naive or deluded enough to believe my personal opinions/ramblings here have any power of persuasion over such matters. They will happen, or not, with or without my comments and regardless of my pessimism or optimism voiced herein. Perhaps this is not the conspiracy theory you seem to be envisioning, but there it is.

As far as my "continued pessimistic view long-term of the economy at a local level" - I'm not sure when/where I've directed my pessimism of the long-term economy solely at the local level (DT). On the contrary, I believe I generally take a regional, and even much more so, global view of the economy. My interest, and more accurately, concern centers on what I see as the long-term bleak prospect for our continued access to reliable energy sources, which are being rapidly depleted. Reliable energy is the foundation for our economic success, everything we have in our modern society is a result of, and exists solely because of energy. Once predictability of the aforementioned falters, the economy stumbles, then fails. I see this as evident and not enough has been done, up to this point in time, to mitigate the impact. This is the basis for my long-term pessimistic view of the economy at the regional, national and global levels. Of course I see and have mentioned special vulnerabilities our region has in light of depleting energy sources, in an effort to be as relevant as possible while discussing such matters here. After all, this is a Downtown L.A. Project thread, isn't it?

Back to making a buck, I go... Laters!

[Echo Park]

have you been outside recently?! in january LA gets to impersonate seattle for a month

[ladowntowner]

Oh, before I leave: I agree that the trolley and Downtown Connector must both be built. The trolley could be a local circulator between the Historic Core/Broadway, South Park, Financial District, Civic Center, Fashion District, etc. The Downtown Connector is envisioned as more of a regional solution to tie the individual light rail lines together and extend the potential routes available. Definitely room and need for both.

I would oppose turning Broadway into "The Grove East." I doubt it will happen as such, but that is just one reason why I feel it should not be closed off to auto traffic, which would serve to isolate it from the rest of the city.

Exciting to see focus on this wonderful "diamond in the rough" of our city.

[Quixote]

Originally Posted by Echo Park

Fuck it.

Malls have ruined cities for me.

Looking at that Broadway drawing I should be excited and thrilled with the renovation of that street, but the whole scene reeks of The Grove down to tacky trolley. Shit I think I'd rather leave Broadway to the flea markets then have greedy white people turn it into The Grove Downtown.

I think it'll be okay as long as they ban big-box retail altogether. Save that for South Park.

And I agree with you in that the trolley looks rather tacky. If they were to bring some sort of "trolley" to Broadway, why not bring back the real thing (Red Cars)? Or a more sleek looking train such as Seattle's streetcar? I think a better idea would be to close off that entire stretch of Broadway from 3rd to 9th.

What would you like to see?

[BrandonJXN]

I doubt Broadway will turn into Grove East. I want to see pretty much what everyone wants to see: restraunts, clubs (both high end and sports bars), bookstores, each and every building on Broadway whitewashed, and like Westside said, the street closed to people from 3rd to 9th. And while I like the idea of a historic style trolley, I would much rather see the DT Connector with a Broadway line. I would like to see a Portland style streetcar.

[BrandonJXN]

So it begins...

[JDRCRASH]

^ ^ ^

Let's hope it works this time.....

Originally Posted by RuFFy

They Should Put The Electricity In The Tracks.. That Way People Get Shocked When Its Raining.. : )

That's just what I was thinking!
But isn't that expensive as heck?

[JDRCRASH]

Originally Posted by ladowntowner

Yes, JDRCRASH, I've read your Private Message and will respond to you there regarding the specific queries therein as my time permits - I've been quite busy as of late. If I recall correctly, you still "owe" me (only if you care to) a response to a Private Message from over a month ago. I'll forward it to you in case it got lost or deleted.

While, as you stated, not a "direct attack towards" me, I find your post amusingly ironic - that an "outsider" (you ---> West Covina) would question the authenticity of my residency, whilst I've lived downtown for nearly 15 years now - long before it was considered "cool" to do so and almost as long as you've been alive, my little friend.

How many people have actually come forth and explained exactly in detail why they are here? Isn't it self-evident that most people come here because they have an interest (on some level) of development projects proposed and under construction in Downtown Los Angeles? I have a personal stake in the area as a long-time resident and homeowner. Even more, I'm a native Angelino. But believe what you wish.

I'm not here to somehow influence the momentum of development DT and I'm not naive or deluded enough to believe my personal opinions/ramblings here have any power of persuasion over such matters. They will happen, or not, with or without my comments and regardless of my pessimism or optimism voiced herein. Perhaps this is not the conspiracy theory you seem to be envisioning, but there it is.

As far as my "continued pessimistic view long-term of the economy at a local level" - I'm not sure when/where I've directed my pessimism of the long-term economy solely at the local level (DT). On the contrary, I believe I generally take a regional, and even much more so, global view of the economy. My interest, and more accurately, concern centers on what I see as the long-term bleak prospect for our continued access to reliable energy sources, which are being rapidly depleted. Reliable energy is the foundation for our economic success, everything we have in our modern society is a result of, and exists solely because of energy. Once predictability of the aforementioned falters, the economy stumbles, then fails. I see this as evident and not enough has been done, up to this point in time, to mitigate the impact. This is the basis for my long-term pessimistic view of the economy at the regional, national and global levels. Of course I see and have mentioned special vulnerabilities our region has in light of depleting energy sources, in an effort to be as relevant as possible while discussing such matters here. After all, this is a Downtown L.A. Project thread, isn't it?

Back to making a buck, I go... Laters!

Sorry, your right; this forum is for projects, but somewhat also about the economy.
Unfortunately, when a situation such as this, many developers make excuses not to follow through with projects to in order to prevent putting their own employees in financial crisis.

I have always tried to remain positive no matter what, in general. That's part of life, right?

But I guess when I get older, and the economy is in it's next downturn, I suppose my insight may change. I was 12 when the recession following September 11 occured, so obviously I didn't see the effect it would have on my allowance mostly used buying videogames.(ironic, because my birthday is on 9/11, )

[Just-In-Cali]

Please kids...no racial wars on here. Echo was being a bit of an ass with the comment, and it is known that he has certain feelings about "white america"...or anyone not latino for that matter, but lets not get into this. He can have his opinion.
As far as Broadway...I dont see the problem with the cable car design. The vision is wonderful. And yes, I like to see modernization and progress, even in historic neighborhoods. This notion that "Americanizing" and American city is somewhat funny. Apparently in those terms, leaving it run down and deralict is ethnically cultural?

[BrandonJXN]

Originally Posted by Just-In-Cali

As far as Broadway...I dont see the problem with the cable car design. The vision is wonderful. And yes, I like to see modernization and progress, even in historic neighborhoods. This notion that "Americanizing" and American city is somewhat funny. Apparently in those terms, leaving it run down and deralict is ethnically cultural?

This is a really great post because of your last sentence.

[Just-In-Cali]

Originally Posted by ThreeHundred

This is a really great post because of your last sentence.

Thanks Much,

Wow..I was sure the very first post would be some kind of "scathing" attack on me. Unless you went the sarcastic route to trip me up and are making fun of me anyway!

Also...I had mentioned that large crane north of the 101 near Grand Ave. Someone, mentioned the new high school, but it looked taller than what I imagine the HS being, unless there is some structural component that is for show.
Also the diagrams section here now is listing the Ritz at 653 ft tall, and LA Central's first tower as 575 ft. Where did those stats come from?

[PerfectlyPresentable]

Broadway needs it! This will be so cool

[ladowntowner]

Originally Posted by Just-In-Cali

Thanks Much,

Wow..I was sure the very first post would be some kind of "scathing" attack on me. Unless you went the sarcastic route to trip me up and are making fun of me anyway!

Also...I had mentioned that large crane north of the 101 near Grand Ave. Someone, mentioned the new high school, but it looked taller than what I imagine the HS being, unless there is some structural component that is for show.
Also the diagrams section here now is listing the Ritz at 653 ft tall, and LA Central's first tower as 575 ft. Where did those stats come from?

Check out this link:

http://www.angelenic.com/central-la-high-school-9-shows-some-skin/

I'm pretty sure you will recognize what you saw to be the school after all. Be sure to click on the images, especially the last one at the bottom of that page.

[LA311]

playing around w/my camera this weekend...

[k3d]

I have a new view these days, not as close to Meurelo or Astani as before but good for LA Central and Ritz/Marriott. I'll use the good camera next time.

[RAlossi]

Yikes, it looks like Stephen and I have to head over to the new high school to do a new construction update soon. A lot has changed there...

[Just-In-Cali]

Great pictures guys! And thanks downtowner...I can see it now. When I drove by at nit in the rain on Sat..I just saw a tall crane and a tall looming frame in shadow! I was like "Really?"

[LAofAnaheim]

Is anybody concerned about the future of Hill Street? Don't you think it may become parking garage alley for Broadway?

One big annoying thing about the Bring Back Broadway plan...no mention of the Pershing Square Red/Purple Line station? Watsupwitdat!

[DJM19]

Well its on the map and it will always be there...

[yeah215]

Marriott to be partner in boutique hotels
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The chain will have downtown L.A. and Hollywood locations. They will be designed by Ian Schrager.
By Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
January 29, 2008
Marriott is expected to announce plans today for new so-called boutique hotels in downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood as part of a joint venture with hotelier Ian Schrager.

The hotels would be two of nine to be built by the unusual partnership of staid industry stalwart Marriott International Inc. and the flamboyant Schrager, one of the founders of the infamous Studio 54 disco in New York in the 1970s.

After serving a jail term for failing to pay income taxes on his celebrity-magnet nightclubs, Schrager entered the hospitality business in the 1980s and pioneered the boutique hotel concept characterized by unique architecture, clubby atmosphere and edgy bars. The Mondrian hotel in West Hollywood was one of his earlier projects.

Marriott and Schrager declined to say exactly where in downtown and Hollywood the hotels would be, but they are expected to open in about three years and have about 200 rooms apiece.

They would be part of the new Edition chain -- as in, the Los Angeles Edition. Other Editions are planned in Paris, Madrid, Costa Rica, Miami, Washington, Chicago and Scottsdale, Ariz.

"We're going to use a lot of different designers and each one will be totally different," Schrager said.

The hotels will be built and owned by third-party developers and operated by Marriott. Schrager will create each hotel's concept and theme. "I'll try to give it its ethos and lively bars and restaurants."

Schrager is "sort of the founder of the hip hotel movement that other people are emulating right now," said hotel consultant Alan Reay of Atlas Hospitality Group.

The Internet has helped boutique hoteliers such as Schrager and competitor Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group thrive because its convenience reduces the advantages big hotel chains have with their vast room reservation systems, he said.

Los Angeles has room for more full-service hotels, said consultant Bruce Baltin of PKF Consulting.

Room occupancy in Hollywood has improved from 65% in 2002 to 75% while downtown occupancy has jumped from 50% to about 75% in the same period, he said. "The downtown market has gotten exceedingly healthy over the past two years."

Schrager said he was undaunted by threats of a recession: "The best way to deal with the vagaries of the economy is to have a unique product. The cycle doesn't matter to me."

He and Marriott are "actively pursuing" 20 more locations for Edition hotels.

Schrager also sought to redevelop the Miramar Hotel in Santa Barbara but sold it in 2005. It is now owned by Los Angeles developer Rick Caruso, who plans to turn it into an upscale resort.