LOS ANGELES | Central City Project Rundown 5.0

[blackcat23]

At the very least, some landscaping and architectural lighting to make the place more inviting.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Originally Posted by blackcat23

I think the biggest issue is the next-door neighbor:

Exactly. They should have considered moving it out of downtown. Land prices are cheaper and it should be build somewhere away from civilization.

[brudy]

Originally Posted by LosAngelesSportsFan

Exactly. They should have considered moving it out of downtown. Land prices are cheaper and it should be build somewhere away from civilization.

I guess the argument is that it is so close to the courthouse?

In other news, Huizar says they have $2 million to fix up Pershing Sq so far and are going to do a design competition and more fundraising. For god's sake, just let a park be a park for once and don't try to overthink and outdo everything. While there's a strong local sentiment to bring the park to its former park grandeur, I have my doubts that the people in charge see it that way.

[LA/OCman]

Originally Posted by brudy

I guess the argument is that it is so close to the courthouse?

In other news, Huizar says they have $2 million to fix up Pershing Sq so far and are going to do a design competition and more fundraising. For god's sake, just let a park be a park for once and don't try to overthink and outdo everything. While there's a strong local sentiment to bring the park to its former park grandeur, I have my doubts that the people in charge see it that way.

I remember in 1984 when they redesigned the park...they did so to prevent the problem that was there for years…vagrants laying all over the lawn passed out. It was really disgusting….but as we know now, the revised park strategy did not work. But…I will say nobody seemed to use the park prior to the "renovation". At least now they have good programming. Hopefully we have learned our lessons for the new Pershing Square.

[alki]

Originally Posted by blackcat23

I think the biggest issue is the next-door neighbor:

Oh yeah.......I forgot about the prison. Thanks blackcat. Prisons do tend to dampen enthusiasm for moving into a neighborhood.

Thanks Brian and Brudy for the clarification.

And yes, Brudy, even inmates want a Starbucks and a Walgreens.

[alki]

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[Dariusb]

Just wondering how many highrises does the city of Los Angeles have in total?

[SC_00_05]

Originally Posted by StethJeff

I remember there were a lot of haters when the initial images were released several months back but I think it looks terrific and will be a stunner. I appreciate the fact that the campus tries to maintain a uniform feel.

I think it looks great...million times better than the garbage it's replacing.

Also, HUGE NEWS, looks like a Trader Joes is going to be one of the main tenants.

http://news.usc.edu/68661/usc-village-signs-up-a-big-name-in-groceries-trader-joes/

[alki]

Originally Posted by Dariusb

Just wondering how many highrises does the city of Los Angeles have in total?

Here's a source:

http://www.emporis.com/city/losangeles-ca-usa/all-buildings/highrise

[caldor120la]

Latest LA Downtown Development list of 94. missing from earlier summaries are:
Singer Sewing Machine Building conversion to condos
The Chelsea ghost bldg. conversion 216 W. 5th
eye sore #1 Broadway Mall cor. 4th/Broadway Maybe waiting for resale due to expected activity at that intersection?
Still a lot of activity. Always nice to look over that update,with the LA Development map handy. That's been a priceless resource I'm sure for many.

[blackcat23]

http://thesource.metro.net/2014/09/17/me...er-plan-from-planning-to-implementation/

Metro seeks OK to move Union Station Master Plan from planning to implementation


New plaza to replace the parking lot at the front of the station.


Sitting at a new plaza overlooking the historic patios – the view is looking north.


Walking west over a new pedestrian bridge that spans the railroad tracks and platforms and connects the east and west sides of the Union Station property.


Looking north, with the relocated Patsaouras Bus Plaza to the east and the historic station to the west.


A rendering of the new east entrance to the station, looking toward Vignes Street.


[IMG]The western end of the new expanded concourse, showing one of the sunken areas, and views to the trains above.[/IMG]


An aerial view of Union Station with potential future development and strong connections to neighboring communities and amenities.


A ground floor site plan of the Master Plan. The big changes: a relocated Patsaouras Bus Plaza would be elevated and be located between the rear of the historic concourse and the existing railroad tracks. The current pedestrian tunnel under the tracks and platforms would be replaced by a widened multi-modal concourse, with two sunken areas offering seating and amenities.


This rendering shows the expanded multi-modal concourse, with a direct connection to HSR station below grade on the east side of Vignes. The USMP could support other approaches to a HSR station as well.

[Flavius Josephus]

I see they're including Park 101 in some of the renderings. Are they budgeting anything for that?

Edit: and those skyscrapers - I assume they're expecting private developers will build them? I wonder how much investigation Metro's done of the engineering feasibility of building tall buildings on those particular plots of land.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

i believe the first phase nearest Union Station is paid for by Metro if my memory is correct.

[brudy]

Originally Posted by Flavius Josephus

I see they're including Park 101 in some of the renderings. Are they budgeting anything for that?

Edit: and those skyscrapers - I assume they're expecting private developers will build them? I wonder how much investigation Metro's done of the engineering feasibility of building tall buildings on those particular plots of land.

The towers are just conceptual, not actual designs. Not sure if there's even a ballpark timeline for those. The impression I got was more like 10+ years before some of this even happened.

IIRC, the 101 cap isn't part of the master plan, even though they're showing it.

[alki]

Originally Posted by brudy

The towers are just conceptual, not actual designs. Not sure if there's even a ballpark timeline for those. The impression I got was more like 10+ years before some of this even happened.

IIRC, the 101 cap isn't part of the master plan, even though they're showing it.

Is any of the proposed development funded, or if not funded, do they have possible funding sources lined up?

[StethJeff]

So LADN is reporting that the Pershing redesign is gonna have a couple of playgrounds?! I understand that the hood has more young couples and wants to be able to attract more families but —? When did we decide that Pershing Square was going to cease to be the city's central plaza? Is it that — hard to make a simple square park with a lawn, trees, and big fountain with as few pieces of flair as possible?

[DistrictDirt]

Originally Posted by StethJeff

So LADN is reporting that the Pershing redesign is gonna have a couple of playgrounds?! I understand that the hood has more young couples and wants to be able to attract more families but —? When did we decide that Pershing Square was going to cease to be the city's central plaza? Is it that — hard to make a simple square park with a lawn, trees, and big fountain with as few pieces of flair as possible?

Pershing Square is pretty big. I certainly couldn't care less if they squeeze a playground in the corner.

[LosAngelesDreamin]

Originally Posted by StethJeff

So LADN is reporting that the Pershing redesign is gonna have a couple of playgrounds?! I understand that the hood has more young couples and wants to be able to attract more families but —? When did we decide that Pershing Square was going to cease to be the city's central plaza? Is it that — hard to make a simple square park with a lawn, trees, and big fountain with as few pieces of flair as possible?

I agree... idk why they can't just do something simple like Union Square, SF.. grass, trees, seating areas with tables, a cafe cart thingy, and a monument at the center... i believe theres a stage area for event too. Another example is Washington Square Park, NYC.. circular square with a fountain in the middle and seating areas, grass and trees surrounding it.

LA?? I think tries too hard including too many amenities like freaking playground and stuff and designs are over the top ugly... Maguire Gardens and Angel Knolls are the only parks i consider great in DTLA. Developers are over thinking it.


I honestly think they should just bring back John Parkinson's design... the answer is RIGHT THERE!! just elevate it for the underground parking garage and add steps to the older design.

[sportbiker]

Originally Posted by StethJeff

…When did we decide that Pershing Square was going to cease to be the city's central plaza? Is it that — hard to make a simple square park with a lawn, trees, and big fountain with as few pieces of flair as possible?

Un-clutch your pearls. There are short term improvements and long term improvements coming. The playgrounds are among of the short-term improvements.

To see what's up with the long-term process, go to Pershing Square Renew, although there ain't a lot on the site yet since it was launched this week.

[StethJeff]

Originally Posted by sportbiker

Un-clutch your pearls. There are short term improvements and long term improvements coming. The playgrounds are among of the short-term improvements.

To see what's up with the long-term process, go to Pershing Square Renew, although there ain't a lot on the site yet since it was launched this week.

You have far too much faith in the city's ability to implement long term plans. If they steal a couple of playgrounds from an elementary school in Lake Forrest and plop them down on the corners of Pershing Sq, expect them to be there a loooong time and end up with all sorts of graffiti and bum —.