LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 4.0 - Page 377

BrandonJXN · #**7521** Posted **Mar 20, 2013, 4:50 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmfarley

Revitalization of the Washington corridor can begin with a simple project... trim-up the palm trees. They look like crap. Someone call a council member to get on that ASAP.

Or replace them with actual trees. I love palm trees but they provide next to nothing in terms of shade or oxygen.

LAofAnaheim · #**7522** Posted **Mar 20, 2013, 7:33 PM**

It's the parking, duh, that prevents downtown LA from building good affordable housing projects. This is the single key reason why we have either a high rise luxury building (i.e. Apex, Watermarke, 717 Olympic), or Stucco buildings (i.e. Ava, Market Lofts, etc..). We're not getting nice in-between architecture because the parking minimums is killing development potential in LA. So when people wonder why we don't have more under construction..............blame the parking minimum. And here's the study for proof:

http://www.alexblock.net/blog/?p=2750

Ironically, the reason downtown LA flourished was Adaptive Reuse which required no more car parking on site for developments. We need a significant expansion of that law to all parts of downtown LA and reduction of parking minimums. Not everybody needs to drive. And if they want to, there's plenty of private garages that can start opening up and charging market rates.

Mojeda101 · #**7523** Posted **Mar 20, 2013, 7:42 PM**

Heading to Downtown in a sec for one of my updates. Should be posted by 5 PST. Expect updates from the usual. I'm going to head into the Historic core and see if I can picture a few renovations underway as well. Have a good Wednesday everyone.

Munchitup · #**7524** Posted **Mar 20, 2013, 7:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAofAnaheim

It's the parking, duh, that prevents downtown LA from building good affordable housing projects. This is the single key reason why we have either a high rise luxury building (i.e. Apex, Watermarke, 717 Olympic), or Stucco buildings (i.e. Ava, Market Lofts, etc..). We're not getting nice in-between architecture because the parking minimums is killing development potential in LA. So when people wonder why we don't have more under construction..............blame the parking minimum. And here's the study for proof:

http://www.alexblock.net/blog/?p=2750

Ironically, the reason downtown LA flourished was Adaptive Reuse which required no more car parking on site for developments. We need a significant expansion of that law to all parts of downtown LA and reduction of parking minimums. Not everybody needs to drive. And if they want to, there's plenty of private garages that can start opening up and charging market rates.

Does the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance have geographic constraints? I feel like I have heard of the ARO being used in Hollywood. Maybe I am just making that up though

Illithid Dude · #**7525** Posted **Mar 20, 2013, 8:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munchitup

Does the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance have geographic constraints? I feel like I have heard of the ARO being used in Hollywood. Maybe I am just making that up though

I don't believe so.

Mojeda101 · #**7526** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 1:05 AM**

Just got back. A hell of a lot of traffic on the 60. Took me more than an hour to get back home. I got a few good pictures of 8th and Grand, and 8th and Hope, along with the Courtyard Marriott. I was in a hurry and couldn't get a shot of 9th and Olive, but I might be going back Friday.

Mojeda101 · #**7527** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 2:11 AM**

Welcome everyone! I have just returned from my venture into a rapidly changing sector of Los Angeles..Downtown! I have in store for you updates on a few of the structures under construction in the city of angels. Grab a coke, sit back and enjoy!

Chinatown Gateway: Jia Apartments

8th and Grand

8th and Hope

Courtyard Marriott

Misc

Have a good day guys =]
*Sorry, I couldn't get a shot of 9th and Olive due to time. Along with the Broad*

Just-In-Cali · #**7528** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 4:19 AM**

Awesome shots Mojeda. You set a good example of what posts in here SHOULD look like. Thank You.

blackcat23 · #**7529** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 4:28 AM**

Great update, Mojeda.

Been a while since I've actually taken a close up look at the double Marriott tower. Lots of progress that isn't apparent from a few blocks away.

brudy · #**7530** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 5:16 AM**

From the "Well I'll be damned desk" - exterior work is being done on the Hotel Clark. I'll take a pic tomorrow. Also the crane is going up at the Related Grand Ave tower...

SoCalKid · #**7531** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 5:30 AM**

Thanks Mojeda, awesome update! I think Chinatown Gateway could really add some vibrancy to that neighborhood. It would be nice to see some of the money that has been flowing from China into SoCal real estate redirected into Chinatown.

Kingofthehill · #**7532** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 6:04 AM**

Thanks for the update! On the food-related front: I took my gf to Bestia this evening for her birthday. My god. What a life-changer. Definitely a must-try!

LosAngelesSportsFan · #**7533** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 6:43 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by brudy

From the "Well I'll be damned desk" - exterior work is being done on the Hotel Clark. I'll take a pic tomorrow. Also the crane is going up at the Related Grand Ave tower...

no shit? fantastic. they even had workers at the Embassy again over the weekend. what a weird company.

Yup, the crane is up other than the head. looks kinda weird

KOTH... second time ive heard that. Bestia, here i come

NYC2ATX · #**7534** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 7:27 AM**

The speed and magnitude of the infill projects in Downtown Los Angeles right now is downright inspiring. Looking at the imagery on Google Earth (from March 2011), and seeing what was a sweeping blacktop parking at 8th/Grand...now being dug up and built on, that especially almost made me get emotional.

gerryberry · #**7535** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 8:28 AM**

TRG is investing in housing in Downtown...
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-property-report-20130321,0,7796562.story

Mojeda101 · #**7536** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 8:48 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by StatenIslander237

The speed and magnitude of the infill projects in Downtown Los Angeles right now is downright inspiring. Looking at the imagery on Google Earth (from March 2011), and seeing what was a sweeping blacktop parking at 8th/Grand...now being dug up and built on, that especially almost made me get emotional.

Just wait until they're all done. Los Angeles of 2020 will look noticeably different. Wilshire grand being the most stunning, along with 9th and Olive, 8th and Hope and several other 20+ floor buildings going up to give it a difference and infill. Who knows what projects could arise and be completed by 2020. Give me a Delorean time machine and I'll tell you all about it!

My father visited downtown for the first time since the 80s and he told me of the times when there were gangs roaming the streets and how it was completely dead after work hours and it had little to no night life. Now with the rapid change, he says the changes from the 80s and now is what could be seen between now and 2020. I hope so. I hope by the time downtown reaches 100k population we will have a downtown skyline comparable to the dense San Francisco. With streetcars roaming all around, haha.

Illithid Dude · #**7537** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 8:51 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by brudy

From the "Well I'll be damned desk" - exterior work is being done on the Hotel Clark. I'll take a pic tomorrow. Also the crane is going up at the Related Grand Ave tower...

Well huh. Now all we need is Park Fifth, and that area will be golden.

BrandonJXN · #**7538** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 12:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by brudy

From the "Well I'll be damned desk" - exterior work is being done on the Hotel Clark. I'll take a pic tomorrow. Also the crane is going up at the Related Grand Ave tower...

Citywatch is going to have a heart attack.

sings twin · #**7539** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 12:35 PM**

Great update Mojeda.

I really look forward to your photos, gives me a real feeling as to what progress is being made.

Like others have said the Courtyard seems to be moving pretty quickly.

I am hopeful of getting a first hand look next month although your photos make me feel like i have already visited

blackcat23 · #**7540** Posted **Mar 21, 2013, 1:29 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by brudy

From the "Well I'll be damned desk" - exterior work is being done on the Hotel Clark.

http://brighamyen.com/2013/03/21/hotel-c...ntown-la-facade-refurbishment/#more-9835

Hopefully they grey primer is just the undercoat.