LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 4.0

[bobcat]

Possible major developments along Broadway?
http://www.ladowntownnews.com/news/huiza...1b66988-0bf8-11e1-9552-001cc4c002e0.html

About 500 people attended the forum on Wednesday, Nov. 9, organized by 14th District City Councilman José Huizar. Although much of the evening was dedicated to reviewing the accomplishments of Huizar's nearly 4-year-old Bringing Back Broadway initiative and the $125 million L.A. Streetcar project, there were indications of two large developments coming to the street.

"One of them is a major department store," Huizar told Los Angeles Downtown News after the session. The second new element, he said, has been seen in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and some revitalized parts of New York City.

"It's a very unique use, out of a lot of available space in the upper floors," he said.
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When asked if the nine-story Broadway Trades Center could once again house a department store, property owner Shahram Afshani said he had no comment, but added that he would be announcing a "very large deal" by the end of the year.

[Illithid Dude]

Originally Posted by bobcat

Possible major developments along Broadway?
http://www.ladowntownnews.com/news/huiza...1b66988-0bf8-11e1-9552-001cc4c002e0.html

Wow! A department store would be great! But what would it be? We already have a Macy's, so that is out of the picture. Downtown has been starting to get really high end. Maybe a Nordstroms? Nordstroms is a great bridge between high-end and medium-end, as it has merchandise from both ends of the scale. I hope its not it's not something like a JC Pennies, though. I don't know how much a store at the current income level of most of the stores in the area would do for the revitalization effort.

[alki]

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

Speaking of the Civic Park, here's a long-overdue photo update:

http://civicpark.lacounty.gov/c/11092011/constructionphotos2.html

Thanks for all the photos.

Its an exciting project although I agree with All of the Trash......palm trees? The ultimate irony......if I remember correctly, palm trees are not native to S. CA. Nonetheless, there are some nice design elements to the park. It should become a big draw.

[Quixote]

Originally Posted by Illithid Dude

Wow! A department store would be great! But what would it be? We already have a Macy's, so that is out of the picture. Downtown has been starting to get really high end. Maybe a Nordstroms? Nordstroms is a great bridge between high-end and medium-end, as it has merchandise from both ends of the scale. I hope its not it's not something like a JC Pennies, though. I don't know how much a store at the current income level of most of the stores in the area would do for the revitalization effort.

I put $5 on it being a Ross Dress for Less.

[pesto]

Originally Posted by Illithid Dude

I've been to many different cities in the world. In my opinion, I've been to a few cities that I can safely say are as close to perfect as they come (Copenhagen, Tokyo, New York). I've seen the best of what the world has to offer in terms of not only architecture, but Urban Design as a whole. Frankly, it seems that 7 stories is about as low as these thriving urban areas get ergo I am fine with anything 7 stories and above. However, I have also seen how great architecture is far greater a boon to an area, and a draw for residents, then mediocre architecture. I hate the building going where the Libeskind building is going because it is ugly. If it was attractive, then I would have no issues with it.

Also, Mission/Deco architecture today? That would be atrocious, especially next to something as beautiful as Union Station. Architecture that tries to replicate the past never turns out well as a rule. Stick with what you know, AKA todays modern architecture, and try to make that as good as possible. Luckily, if Norman Foster is chosen, then it would seem that my hope for quality architecture would be realized.

NY as close to prefect as they come? I can only assume that is a horrible joke. And Tokyo? Probably worse.

I don't have any problem with 7 story and up if they are going to sell/rent; but this is an industrial area and I wonder how much demand there is. It would seem doubtful that it has more demand than the toy/arts district, which is entirely less than 7. If somebody wants to put private funds in a 20 story plus tower, so much the better.

Union Station is itself a borrowing from mission and deco (which was already on the way out) so your comment is very peculiar. Postmodern idioms make historic references and I hardly need to mention the enormous number of Greek and Gothic revivals that are among the most beautiful buildings all over the world. Anonymous modern is one of the real banes of contemporary LA.

[pesto]

Originally Posted by bobcat

Possible major developments along Broadway?
http://www.ladowntownnews.com/news/huiza...1b66988-0bf8-11e1-9552-001cc4c002e0.html

This sounds exciting but also has some potential for disappointment. A good tease is only appropriate when there is a good follow-through.

[pesto]

For the use of deco in the context of an influence on a pre-existing style, check out pictures of the Heckesche Hofe in Berlin. This is a group of mid-19th century retail/residential buildings with interconnecting courtyards and easy street access which were re-done with deco themes. One of the nicest residential, retail, restaurant, bar areas in the city.

I am not looking for slavish copying of deco or mission, but some attempt to create a style other than "slap it up modern". LA Live missed the opprtunity to make something beautiful or distinctive or with reference to LA as a time and place. I hope it doesn't happen on the next very large, controlled development that is likely to get developed.

[a9l8e7n]

Any news on the new Marriot that is to be built in La Live? Last I heard they were planning on breaking ground early in 2012. Are the plans still on track?

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by Illithid Dude

Wow! A department store would be great! But what would it be? We already have a Macy's, so that is out of the picture. Downtown has been starting to get really high end. Maybe a Nordstroms? Nordstroms is a great bridge between high-end and medium-end, as it has merchandise from both ends of the scale.

illithid, I like your optimism, but if any major store moves into that bldg, it probably will be something like walmart or kmart, at best. the reason is how can the hood support a new large $$ type of store when that requires thousands & thousands of ppl with $$ either living, working or visiting dt on a daily basis, much less those willing to schelpp over to broadway?

I say that as someone who shops at walmart on occasion. So my main concern is not to sound like a snobby shopper, but cuz adding a major discounter to broadway will keep intact the low budget history of the street. iow, I can see all the rundown swapmeet stores & their shoppers getting happy at news of a walmart opening up on broadway & becoming more committed to staying on or visiting the street.

I do admit to wanting to see those swapmeets & their customers go elsewhere. I also don't want the slumlords to keep leeching off of those swapmeets & the desperate ppl who keep them in business. since broadway lost ppl to the burbs over 50 yrs ago----when it first began its long downhill slide----I'm hoping for another version of that to occur today.

btw, the bldg that's being referred to is shown in the 2 pics that are right above the last pic keyed into this thread I posted several months ago....

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5338729&postcount=1370

[alki]

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

I put $5 on it being a Ross Dress for Less.

LOL. Cynical you? Naaahhhhhh!

[Illithid Dude]

Originally Posted by citywatch

illithid, I like your optimism, but if any major store moves into that bldg, it probably will be something like walmart or kmart, at best. the reason is how can the hood support a new large $$ type of store when that requires thousands & thousands of ppl with $$ either living, working or visiting dt on a daily basis, much less those willing to schelpp over to broadway?

I say that as someone who shops at walmart on occasion. So my main concern is not to sound like a snobby shopper, but cuz adding a major discounter to broadway will keep intact the low budget history of the street. iow, I can see all the rundown swapmeet stores & their shoppers getting happy at news of a walmart opening up on broadway & becoming more committed to staying on or visiting the street.

Thousand of people with, as you would say, '$$' do live in DTLA. Don't forget, DTLA has a population of 50,000 with a median income of $83,000. Moreover, high end botique stores are starting to move in to the Historic Core. Nordstroms is a natural progression. And having to shlep over to Broadway? It's like a three block walk from anywhere in DTLA. People can manage.

[alki]

Originally Posted by pesto

For the use of deco in the context of an influence on a pre-existing style, check out pictures of the Heckesche Hofe in Berlin. This is a group of mid-19th century retail/residential buildings with interconnecting courtyards and easy street access which were re-done with deco themes. One of the nicest residential, retail, restaurant, bar areas in the city.

I am not looking for slavish copying of deco or mission, but some attempt to create a style other than "slap it up modern". LA Live missed the opprtunity to make something beautiful or distinctive or with reference to LA as a time and place. I hope it doesn't happen on the next very large, controlled development that is likely to get developed.

I agree with you. I think ignoring and turning one's back on the architecture of Union Station would be a mistake. Union Station has become an important anchor for DTLA. New development surrounding it should emphasize that premise rather than ignore it. And what better way to emphasize than to develop structures that are sympathetic architecturally.

[LosAngelesDreamin]

Originally Posted by LA/OCman

I am not sure I would say that palm trees are not classy. Having lived in the South and Midwest...coming back to Calif was especially nice seeing all of the palms. It looks like there are a lot of trees...Olive, Tipu, Jacarandas and various species of Palms. As long as the palms are integrated with beautiful landscaping, I am all for it. It does appear there will be a lot of shade trees....and no Ficus thank God. I always loved the fountain so I am glad that it is being restored. Also look forward to concerts by the LA Phil and tenants of the Music Center.

Yea when i went to Chicago for bootcamp in june 2010... the place felt dead to me... or just cold and boring... the terrain was flat, trees look the same, it was gloomy, and the air was thick and musty. Came back to California october 2010 in and when i saw sunshine, mountains and the palm trees i just felt at ease and sort of calmness and warmth... something beautiful about perfect weather, sunshine, hilly terrain and palm trees in california

[LosAngelesDreamin]

Originally Posted by Illithid Dude

Wow! A department store would be great! But what would it be? We already have a Macy's, so that is out of the picture. Downtown has been starting to get really high end. Maybe a Nordstroms? Nordstroms is a great bridge between high-end and medium-end, as it has merchandise from both ends of the scale. I hope its not it's not something like a JC Pennies, though. I don't know how much a store at the current income level of most of the stores in the area would do for the revitalization effort.

I think Nordstroms would be perfect.. if not then maybe Bloomingdales

[bobcat]

Not too sure about Nordstrom's moving downtown, but maybe a Nordstrom Rack? As long as the retailer meets needs that aren't currently being met I'll be satisfied.

[LosAngelesDreamin]

Originally Posted by citywatch

illithid, I like your optimism, but if any major store moves into that bldg, it probably will be something like walmart or kmart, at best. the reason is how can the hood support a new large $$ type of store when that requires thousands & thousands of ppl with $$ either living, working or visiting dt on a daily basis, much less those willing to schelpp over to broadway?

I say that as someone who shops at walmart on occasion. So my main concern is not to sound like a snobby shopper, but cuz adding a major discounter to broadway will keep intact the low budget history of the street. iow, I can see all the rundown swapmeet stores & their shoppers getting happy at news of a walmart opening up on broadway & becoming more committed to staying on or visiting the street.

I do admit to wanting to see those swapmeets & their customers go elsewhere. I also don't want the slumlords to keep leeching off of those swapmeets & the desperate ppl who keep them in business. since broadway lost ppl to the burbs over 50 yrs ago----when it first began its long downhill slide----I'm hoping for another version of that to occur today.

btw, the bldg that's being referred to is shown in the 2 pics that are right above the last pic keyed into this thread I posted several months ago....

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5338729&postcount=1370

well they did say department store... which really means something like Saks 5th ave, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus etc... walmart and kmart are discount stores

[LosAngelesDreamin]

Originally Posted by alki

I agree with you. I think ignoring and turning one's back on the architecture of Union Station would be a mistake. Union Station has become an important anchor for DTLA. New development surrounding it should emphasize that premise rather than ignore it. And what better way to emphasize than to develop structures that are sympathetic architecturally.

I think they should build something modern and sleek that compliments to the architecture of union station... it doesn't have to keep with the mission/deco to keep its history... sometimes building something totally opposite, modern and "the now" next to something like beaux arts, art deco, mission, or churrigueresque will only emphasize the beauty of both styles all together rather than completely ignore them. for example New York's hearst tower or the shard and that bullet looking building in London.

[Illithid Dude]

Originally Posted by LosAngelesDreamin

I think they should build something modern and sleek that compliments to the architecture of union station... it doesn't have to keep with the mission/deco to keep its history... sometimes building something totally opposite, modern and "the now" next to something like beaux arts, art deco, mission, or churrigueresque will only emphasize the beauty of both styles all together rather than completely ignore them. for example New York's hearst tower or the shard and that bullet looking building in London.

Exactly. And actually Norman Foster is really good about doing sleek modern buildings that use ques from surrounding historic architectural styles. Masdar City, for example, does this really well.

[tommaso]

Originally Posted by LosAngelesDreamin

Yea when i went to Chicago for bootcamp in june 2010... the place felt dead to me... or just cold and boring... the terrain was flat, trees look the same, it was gloomy, and the air was thick and musty. Came back to California october 2010 in and when i saw sunshine, mountains and the palm trees i just felt at ease and sort of calmness and warmth... something beautiful about perfect weather, sunshine, hilly terrain and palm trees in california

These preferences are personal. I understand your viewpoint. My hope for DTLA is that it gains city parks in the true sense of the term. I love vibrant urban culture coupled with splendid greenery. We are blessed to say that this is possible because of the vacant lots in this area. Go LA!

[tommaso]

Originally Posted by Illithid Dude

Thousand of people with, as you would say, '$$' do live in DTLA. Don't forget, DTLA has a population of 50,000 with a median income of $83,000. Moreover, high end botique stores are starting to move in to the Historic Core. Nordstroms is a natural progression. And having to shlep over to Broadway? It's like a three block walk from anywhere in DTLA. People can manage.

Believe the movement. Macy's is good & a 2nd department store for DTLA flips the switch & watch us mature here. Beverly Hills is schnazzy & DT will get a piece of the pie! Angelenos united for a wealthier downtown. God bless America!