LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 4.0 - Page 283

StethJeff · #**5641** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 7:07 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalKid

Wouldn't it be awesome if the NFL were to move to Chavez Ravine and the Angels were to move to the AEG site?? South Park would get an even bigger boost, and Chavez Ravine could become a new hub of activity. Also, as LosAngelesDreamin mentioned, it could spur the development of a light rail line along chavez/sunset. I've always thought there needed to be a rail line along that corridor.

When someone first floated this idea several months ago on the radio- of the NFL falling through in South Park and the Angels possibly building an MLB park there instead - I must admit that I also found this to be the ideal hypothetical scenario. Lonely Dodger Stadium with all of that land, no rail, and no retail makes a ton of sense as a place for a new NFL stadium. Meanwhile South Park could use those 80+ days/year during the looooong MLB season of pedestrian activity in and around a much smaller baseball stadium. MLB is full of awesome downtown stadiums as examples.

StethJeff · #**5642** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 7:11 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just-In-Cali

Looking promising. It may have only 70 floors, but that crown and spire easily top 1000'.

Does anyone know how high the top of bunker hill is in relation to the rest of DTLA?

JDRCRASH · #**5643** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 7:19 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by StethJeff

Does anyone know how high the top of bunker hill is in relation to the rest of DTLA?

I didn't even think of that. Maybe that's why they're saying it'll be LA's second tallest?

StethJeff · #**5644** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 7:37 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDRCRASH

I didn't even think of that. Maybe that's why they're saying it'll be LA's second tallest?

I've always wondered how much Wells Fargo and the California Plaza Towers benefit from the skyscraper equivalent of high-heels (or maybe platform shoes?) compared to say the Ritz or ATT. Library Tower only benefits modestly from this change in elevation because the entrance on 5th street is basically where Bunker Hill begins its steady elevation gain.

citywatch · #**5645** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 1:49 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

Some of you guys are forgetting that Farmers Field would double as convention center space and play host to Super Bowls, Final Fours, etc. It would be a multi-purpose venue.

And as a rabid sports fan, I take offense to anyone who suggests that LA doesn't need an NFL team.

moreover, it would result in the removal of the unattractive original wing of the convention ctr.

I notice ppl complain about macy's plaza or certain newer apt bldgs....esp ones with fake euro details....but rarely, if ever, do I ever hear anyone gripe about a bldg that was built in 1971. A large squat bldg that cuz it sits right next to the fwy, is visible to more ppl than almost any other section of dtla. It's probably one of the cheapest looking bldgs in the hood too, with its corrugated steel facade.

actually, now that I think of it, its architect is the same person who designed the much beloved macys plaza, or what originally was the broadway plaza.

and even if ppl aren't into football, they should at least realize how much we've lost.....meaning our economy & a certain type of publicity....by no longer being allowed to host super bowl games. That's why I'm sure other cities....like new orleans & miami.....will be quite happy if LA never lands another NFL team.

RuFFy · #**5646** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 3:05 PM**

Just for clarity. Football is a sport, and I can understand fans across the Southland wanting it. The NFL is a business. The NFL, since 1994, has explored the following locations: Carson (twice), Hollywood Park, Irwindale, Downtown (AEG, twice), Chavez Ravine, Grand Crossing, Platinum Triangle, Rose Bowl, Piggyback Yards and the Coliseum. I don't think I'm missing any but wouldn't be surprised if I am. And every time LA has come "close" to a team, the NFL has sparked a competing proposal in the region (sounding familiar?). Also, repeatedly, studies have shown the NFL would have minimal impact on the LA economy because there are so many other things to do and the world already recognizes LA as a destination. An NFL arrival in LA would shift spending habits slightly, but not increase consumer spending. Lastly, the NFL has replaced or majorly upgraded virtually all NFL stadiums since leaving LA, many with the threat of moving the team to LA.

So, from a business standpoint... LA just doesn't need the NFL... but the NFL needs LA.

That said, IF the NFL were to return to LA, I'd peg it's arrival at Grand Crossing because that would be closer to the center of population of the region (again, business decision), has plenty of space.. and a Metrolink Station. An Angel's move to downtown I'm not sure about. I could see the potential, but where would that leave Anaheim? Surely the Angels would benefit greatly from having an Avenue of the "Angels" outside their front door, but how would that affect the visibility of a major LA node? IDK, we'll see.

LosAngelesSportsFan · #**5647** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 7:02 PM**

got a little hint from a well placed source that the broadway trade center may be headed for an upgrade... Stay tuned. Its a massive building that can really turn that area of Broadway / Hill totally around. ill report back if i hear anything else.

Just-In-Cali · #**5648** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 7:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by StethJeff

I've always wondered how much Wells Fargo and the California Plaza Towers benefit from the skyscraper equivalent of high-heels (or maybe platform shoes?) compared to say the Ritz or ATT. Library Tower only benefits modestly from this change in elevation because the entrance on 5th street is basically where Bunker Hill begins its steady elevation gain.

Very True. The US Bank sits at the southern edge of Bunker Hill, and benifits little from the gain in terrain. The towers up on top gain nearly 100' in elevation on the skyline, appearing almost even with the Aon Tower, which is 108' taller than the next tallest, Two Cali Plaza.

As far as the Wilshire Grand, judging by the render (which of course is not factual yet) it looks like they are designing it being about half again taller than the nearby Fig at Wilshire, which is 717' tall. I'd estimate the height of the WG to between 1075'-1100' (from lowest street level entrance to top of spire)
Id say the roof is about 900', and the angled crown and spire are the remaining 175'-200'. So it could very well still steal the tallest title.
Thats my humble observation.

As far as the stadium, it seems that Ruffy is correct, they are playing games. Frankly Im ready to just say the hell with it and figure something else out with the convention center. Id like to see it develop there, but it seems too many aspects are now in question for me to feel hopeful.
I dont see how a football stadium would ever pass the stress test in Chavez Ravine, especially since the local residents are already complaining about traffic. As far as Industry, thats probably where it will go , though Id never see a game there. Just call the team the "Southern California ******'s", ie..the New England Patriots, and let it be.

LA/OCman · #**5649** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 8:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LosAngelesSportsFan

got a little hint from a well placed source that the broadway trade center may be headed for an upgrade... Stay tuned. Its a massive building that can really turn that area of Broadway / Hill totally around. ill report back if i hear anything else.

I sure hope this building is going to come back to life. It is one of the most beautiful structures Downtown and once housed both the May Company Dept Store and Hamburgers Dept. Store. Some great old postcard images here on the Plummer and Assoc. Blog.

http://www.plummersearch.com/blog/?p=169

ConstructDTLA · #**5650** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 9:09 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LosAngelesSportsFan

got a little hint from a well placed source that the broadway trade center may be headed for an upgrade... Stay tuned. Its a massive building that can really turn that area of Broadway / Hill totally around. ill report back if i hear anything else.

Please give us something good!

For that block to be 1/2 decent they'll have to boot all the current tenants. If May Co Building got an upgrade, broadway between 8th & 9th would basically be back. (Pending Urban Outfitters at the Rialto, and the Tower restoration).

blackcat23 · #**5651** Posted **Oct 24, 2012, 9:37 PM**

8th and Hope, today.

Quixote · #**5652** Posted **Oct 25, 2012, 12:25 AM**

Guggenheim, the new Dodgers ownership group, has made it clear to their fans that they have no intention of moving to a new ballpark. Thank goodness is all I have to say. Baseball may be an urban sport, but Dodger Stadium has a unique 1950's/1960's retro character that is emblematic of the franchise's golden age. No it's not Fenway or Wrigley, but it has history and nostalgia in its own right. Every other stadium being built these days is more or less the same sterile theme park. I don't want that for my team.

PS, the Angels aren't moving to DT or anywhere in LA County. Since their WS win in 2002, they've carved up their own niche fanbase down in OC. Moving to LA would never fly with the fans.

Next.

LosAngelesSportsFan · #**5653** Posted **Oct 25, 2012, 3:24 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterK

Please give us something good!

For that block to be 1/2 decent they'll have to boot all the current tenants. If May Co Building got an upgrade, broadway between 8th & 9th would basically be back. (Pending Urban Outfitters at the Rialto, and the Tower restoration).

also, source could neither confirm nor deny regarding the urban outfitters..

Illithid Dude · #**5654** Posted **Oct 25, 2012, 4:37 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LosAngelesSportsFan

got a little hint from a well placed source that the broadway trade center may be headed for an upgrade... Stay tuned. Its a massive building that can really turn that area of Broadway / Hill totally around. ill report back if i hear anything else.

Thank god. In my opinion, that building is the single greatest detriment to that area of DTLA. I can't wait to see what they announce.

Easy · #**5655** Posted **Oct 25, 2012, 5:13 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

PS, the Angels aren't moving to DT or anywhere in LA County. Since their WS win in 2002, they've carved up their own niche fanbase down in OC. Moving to LA would never fly with the fans.

But since 2002 they also got a new owner that wants the LA market so badly that he changed the team name to "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim". Since then there have been rumors that he wants to move the team to LA.

LosAngelesSportsFan · #**5656** Posted **Oct 25, 2012, 5:28 AM**

i agree with Westsidelife... the Angels arent going anywhere north of Anaheim. they draw 40,000 a game... top 6 in the league. They would have to start over in LA since most of their base is in the OC and they will lose a lot of their season ticket base. Also, they ahve the OC business market cornered. why on earth would they alienate them?

StethJeff · #**5657** Posted **Oct 25, 2012, 5:57 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

PS, the Angels aren't moving to DT or anywhere in LA County. Since their WS win in 2002, they've carved up their own niche fanbase down in OC. Moving to LA would never fly with the fans.

Next.

Despite the fact that they own OC, the Angels have fans throughout the region. The 2002 WS, Torii, Pujols, Trout, etc. have only made them more popular. I love the way you stick your chest out and present your opinion as solid fact. Moreno has met with Tim Leiweke (LA Times even reported it), changed the name of the team the second he bought it, already hates the city of Anaheim, and clearly has no intention of wanting to play little brother to the Dodgers. So, I wouldn't completely dismiss a move to DTLA.

A well-executed stadium in South Park with DTLA views would instantly become one of the showpieces of MLB (like Pitt, SF, Camden). It would play wildly on TV, increase the team's visibility in the LA area, and . . . oh yeah . . . be in DTLA. The Angels don't draw a ton of people just because they carved up a niche in OC, it's partly also because they're in a metro of 18 million and do really well. Again, I don't think it's such a crazy thing to consider.

202_Cyclist · #**5658** Posted **Oct 25, 2012, 6:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by StethJeff

The Angels don't draw a ton of people just because they carved up a niche in OC, it's partly also because they're in a metro of 18 million and do really well. Again, I don't think it's such a crazy thing to consider.

I think another big part of the Angels fan base is from eastern LA County and the Inland Empire as well, which is closer to Anaheim than downtown LA in many places.

colemonkee · #**5659** Posted **Oct 25, 2012, 6:21 PM**

You guys are all veering off topic with this Angels discussions. There are no active plans to bring a baseball stadium downtown. Take it to another thread.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, blackcat23 posted a pretty awesome picture showing that 8th and Hope is indeed starting heavy work by driving shoring piles along two sides of the project (thank you for that, blackcat). But you guys were too busy chatting about the Angel fan base in Orange County to notice.

StethJeff · #**5660** Posted **Oct 25, 2012, 6:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202_Cyclist

I think another big part of the Angels fan base is from eastern LA County and the Inland Empire as well, which is closer to Anaheim than downtown LA in many places.

The Dodgers probably have more fans in both Eastern LA and the IE. Their fans regularly make it to Dodger Stadium. Not sure how that changes the discussion.

The Angels and Dodgers share a metro with 18M people over a vast geographic area. I don't think the Angels would have trouble drawing fans to one of the region's most exciting places, with increasing rail connections, proximity to cultural amenities/bar/restaurants to watch one of the MLB's best teams fielding a roster of some of the biggest stars play a game at a sparkling new stadium with DTLA skyline views. Makes sense to me.