LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 6.0

[caligrad]

Originally Posted by ChargerCarl

If transit isn't actually useful as transit, then what good is it for?

And sorry, I don't buy the development angle. Alon Levy has pointed out on his blog why this doesn't hold for western cities.

Trust me. I agree with you 100%.

Originally Posted by Wally West

I lost interest in the streetcar when I found out it's a one way system. Doesn't seem quite practical if it's going to be severely limited.

And I like bobcat's comparison to Related's Grand Avenue Project. Both project appear to have lost their relevance considering DTLA has entered an unprecedented development boom without their help. The streetcar seems like a nice project but it really doesn't seem like a must have for DTLA anymore.

Pretty much sums up my way of thinking. I'm not against the Street car. I just feel it should be a two way system and that the route needs to be changed dramatically. Maybe push it further east near the arts district and south along the old abandoned factories near the American Apparel so that it can truly spur development.

The current route is whatever. Peoples argument that "it will spur development along its route, that's why its needed" is void since it took so long to become a reality that fig, 7th street, Broadway and south park is booming without it.

Originally Posted by SD_Phil

I think this sounds about right to me. The current streetcar layout isn't really needed, though a new route (which is not happening) might help speed along development in the arts and warehouse districts. I think I'd be much more positive about a streetcar that headed thaddaway.

LOL I just saw this. You read my mind. I think if they stretched the eastern route through the arts district and comes out through the old warehouses, it might make more sense. Even though I'm not against the Broadway plan. Maybe have that be the "central" line through downtown. like a loop with a transfer line down the center.

[bobcat]

Originally Posted by Mojeda101

I

Just the presence of it alone would be a tremendous boost to the vibrancy and theme. Besides, the residents approved of a tax on themselves for the streetcar. It's not like those funds can be put towards other projects.

It's one thing if those taxes were sufficient to fund the project, but there's still a significant funding gap. And maybe someone who is more familiar with it than I am can tell me, where will the funds to operate the streetcar come from?

[Jun]

Originally Posted by bobcat

It's one thing if those taxes were sufficient to fund the project, but there's still a significant funding gap. And maybe someone who is more familiar with it than I am can tell me, where will the funds to operate the streetcar come from?

I believe metro is adding it to the next transportation tax proposition. You're right though local taxes fall way short of funding currently.

[Mojeda101]

So for the streetcar speed limit, there was a bit of confusion. Here's the quote from John Swartz.

This article is so aweful! It takes the worst thing and highlights it, causing a commotion for no reason...the fact is that the Streetcar will run just as fast as the busses or faster...

that's only during peak periods, when everything is grid locked. it will go up to 30 mph (the speed limit) during the rest of the day.

The average cycle speed during non peak periods is much faster fyi... I'm not permitted to say what it is, but I guarantee is it will be the fastest and most efficient way to get around town.

[caligrad]

^^^ I still think they are a bit ambitious with those speeds. Will be interesting though.

LA drivers have a hard time coexisting with our current LRTs (blue/expo/gold), it will be interesting seeing how the drivers, especially downtown, interact with a street car.

Its bad enough it seems we have an accident every other month with our other light rail systems. But ill wait and nag about the system when its finally done. (if it ever happens, circa 2030? lol)

[ChelseaFC]

Details emerge on the new "Main Museum" in the Old Bank District

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/art...eum-lacy-bowers-20160629-snap-story.html

[ConstructDTLA]

Originally Posted by caligrad

^^^ I still think they are a bit ambitious with those speeds. Will be interesting though.

LA drivers have a hard time coexisting with our current LRTs (blue/expo/gold), it will be interesting seeing how the drivers, especially downtown, interact with a street car.

Its bad enough it seems we have an accident every other month with our other light rail systems. But ill wait and nag about the system when its finally done. (if it ever happens, circa 2030? lol)

It's going to happen just after the 101 Freeway Cap, just before the Broadway sidewalk widening, not too long after the Pershing Square redo, and a while before DTLA's air is clean and filled with rainbows. The Fantasy Project Timeline Project is really something I should draw out.

[King Kill 'em]

I'm willing to bet money that if we get the Olympics (which is looking pretty good in favor considering the Rio Olympics will be a complete disaster.) we'll receive lots of money, not only to speed up some rail projects but also for new parks. Both 101 caps and some more river parks could happen I imagine.

[Resident]

Originally Posted by ConstructDTLA

It's going to happen just after the 101 Freeway Cap, just before the Broadway sidewalk widening, not too long after the Pershing Square redo, and a while before DTLA's air is clean and filled with rainbows. The Fantasy Project Timeline Project is really something I should draw out.

We are now at 11 months since you made the prediction that all buildings will stop and development will die the next day.

[ConstructDTLA]

Originally Posted by Resident

We are now at 11 months since you made the prediction that all buildings will stop and development will die the next day.

I hate having to clarify myself, but for the record I predicted beginning May 2015 that the cycle was coming to a close and we wouldnt be seeing more tower groundbreakings. Up until then we had pretty consistent groundbreakings.

Since then we have had Frankentower & Onni 50-Story break ground, 2 towers openly cancel (2 secretly - 5-OH & Lizard Hotel), and nearly 20 push back. I underestimated Onni & Holland Partners foolishness, time will tell if they are the exceptions to the trend or if towers can really keep breaking ground as those not well versed in real estate believe.

[black_crow]

Originally Posted by ConstructDTLA

It's going to happen just after the 101 Freeway Cap, just before the Broadway sidewalk widening, not too long after the Pershing Square redo, and a while before DTLA's air is clean and filled with rainbows. The Fantasy Project Timeline Project is really something I should draw out.

Were you the one who thought the Expo Line Extension wouldn't be a succes? Well the trains are packed and more trains are coming (because people love and need them).

We will see many new public transportation projects.. for sure not all on time, but they will happen like so many other projects before.

Downtown is one of the hottest markets in the US. An exploding housing market is driving buyers to pay exorbitant money for arpartments and there is no end in sight.
Los Angeles' population has surpassed 4 million and will grow.

So what do we need at one point? Correct -> More and better public transportation even so light railway isn't always the proper choice.

We have to provide options for our people and we will have to pay for these options ( half percent tax raise :-/ ).
They are still waisting some of our tax money and Metro has to improve their internal work flow, but they will accomplish their goals.

There was never a better time to be more positive, some people should lighten up (at least once in a while).

Originally Posted by ConstructDTLA

I underestimated Onni & Holland Partners foolishness, time will tell if they are the exceptions to the trend or if towers can really keep breaking ground as those not well versed in real estate believe.

Trust me these people know everything about their business and that's why you underestimated them.

They have whole departments full of well educated professionals that make up to a million and they are not the ones "not well versed".

[ThomJames]

Plus the CIM tower

[Wilcal]

Originally Posted by ConstructDTLA

I hate having to clarify myself, but for the record I predicted beginning May 2015 that the cycle was coming to a close and we wouldnt be seeing more tower groundbreakings. Up until then we had pretty consistent groundbreakings.

Since then we have had Frankentower & Onni 50-Story break ground, 2 towers openly cancel (2 secretly - 5-OH & Lizard Hotel), and nearly 20 push back. I underestimated Onni & Holland Partners foolishness, time will tell if they are the exceptions to the trend or if towers can really keep breaking ground as those not well versed in real estate believe.

Can you refresh my memory? What two towers were openly cancelled? I did not know that the 5-OH and Lizard were both cancelled (I guess I missed those); and which 20 were pushed back? Also, did you not do contract work for Onni? I could have sworn that I saw your watermark on their promotional photos--fools that they are.

Hey,
I have what I think is a good idea. Blackcat, I know that you have a lot on your plate, but if time permits could you possibly find the data which indicates that a project has been cancelled or stalled. That way we don't have to rely upon a doom and gloom "town crier" for information (often which is very questionable).

[Easy]

Originally Posted by Wilcal

Can you refresh my memory? What two towers were openly cancelled?

Hellen's tower and the AEG Marriott expansion?

[Mojeda101]

Originally Posted by ThomJames

Plus the CIM tower

To be fair, CIM has been MASSIVELY delayed. It's not something new. It should've broken ground over a year ago.

[black_crow]

There is no information about a cancellation for these projects.
There is no new information at all since a year so I guess that's why somebody could guess they are "secretly cancelled".

It's hard to prove you wrong without any news, but it's also just a speculation without prove.

[King Kill 'em]

Wasn't Lizard Hotel only announced like 6 months ago? And it seems like most of the start dates we toss around for towers on here are just pure speculation.

[Mojeda101]

Aren't there articles specifically stating the cancelation of the Marrott and Spring tower? That seems like evidence to me.

[black_crow]

Originally Posted by Mojeda101

Aren't there articles specifically stating the cancelation of the Marrott and Spring tower? That seems like evidence to me.

Yes... but he mentioned 5-OH & Lizard Hotel.

That's what we were talking about.


edit

We have also more than one for Spring Street (4 or so?).

Does that look liked cancelled to you guys?

http://www.macfarlanepartners.com/projects/park-fifth-site/

That's my evidence and I doubt he will prove me wrong.

MacFarlane Partners have an investment strategy for gateway cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
They can change their plans like they want, but that's their portfolio.


PS:

I would be glad if they cancel that project.
The previos tower would have been a way more impressive.

But that is the evidence we have to deal with.

I contacted the portfolio management anyway.

[ConstructDTLA]

Originally Posted by black_crow

Yes... but he mentioned 5-OH & Lizard Hotel.

That's what we were talking about.


edit

We have also more than one for Spring Street (4 or so?).

Does that look liked cancelled to you guys?

http://www.macfarlanepartners.com/projects/park-fifth-site/

That's my evidence and I doubt he will prove me wrong.

MacFarlane Partners have an investment strategy for gateway cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
They can change their plans like they want, but that's their portfolio.

Whoa, the evidence is overwhelming^

Wait until you guys see the evidence I'm bringing to the table:

JW Marriott for sure still happening, its still listed on JW Marriotts website!
http://news.marriott.com/p/jw-marriott/

8th & Grand moving forward with original, nicer plans according to Sonny Astani! I assume theyll tear down Whole Foods and build this in its place:
http://astanienterprises.com/8thgrand/

Too much fun

BTW I like how you edited both previous posts to correct your ignorance of Stationers and AEG towers being cancelled. In my post above I mentioned 2 had secretly cancelled, give it some time until you see it in publication. Theres a reason I haven't updated my chart - it only reflects public information.

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