[citywatch]

Ralphs to Open This Week

"We anticipate the needs of our customers may be different," Hirz said, noting that the company expects high traffic but low average sales - meaning fewer families.

When asked about sales volume, Hirz said he expects the store initially to bring in about half as much as the highest performing Ralphs, which generally have revenue of about $1 million a week. That's based on seven years of exhaustively studying the Downtown area, he noted.
I like that ralph's is going in with eyes wide open. I'd be worried if their marketing ppl & CEO thought the new store would be an overnight goldmine. So if they actually expect the Ralph's to start off modestly, that hopefully will give the store more breathing space til even more potential customers move into the hood.

BTW, I heard an ad on the radio yesterday for the Little Tokyo lofts, which is the first time any of the condo projs already opened in the hood has been that aggressive in promoting their units. That bldg, btw, started selling over a yr & a half ago, so at least some of the new housing isn't moving as fast as in the past.

[citywatch]

Westside: Now that Concerto and Medallion are underway, I reckon citywatch would be giddy.
Hey, don't worry about me, worry about the person described by this SSPer :cool: :


You really are an idiot and make an ass of yourself quite frequently. Good job.
Or worry about ppl like this:

or a 4-5 story North Hollywood cheapo wood frame building in Downtown it makes me wretch.
That's cuz the economics of LA----at least for now & within a reasonable length of time----probably will never allow gaps & deadzones to be replaced by nothing but stellar projs that reach dozens of floors into the sky. If you're going to be disappointed by anything less than that, be prepared to be disappointed well into the future.

Anything may be possible 20, or 30, or 60 yrs from now, and I know the movie Blade Runner predicted an LA of the future that would be jammed with huge skyscrapers & Times Sq type of message boards----some of that may actually pop up in the LA Live proj. But for the here & now, it's a lot more realistic to expect a lot of new devlpt that will be like Glo or Vero, or Hikari. For me, that's perfectly fine. And, as I said awhile back, there are a lot of lowrise wood framed bldgs in SF & lowrise brownstones in NYC, and the last time I checked those 2 cities still get a lot of hurrahs from many urbanists.

[edluva]

You really are an idiot and make an ass of yourself quite frequently. Good job.

yup, i try to keep things in line with the spirit of our la forum. great work guys.
:banana: :banana: :cheers: :cheers:

on a seperate note, I'm really glad that CONCERTO IS BREAKING GROUND!!! did you hear!??

[WonderlandPark]

Hey, don't worry about me, worry about the person described by this SSPer :cool: :
And, as I said awhile back, there are a lot of lowrise wood framed bldgs in SF & lowrise brownstones in NYC, and the last time I checked those 2 cities still get a lot of hurrahs from many urbanists.

But not in the financial district, look at what San Francisco is building in their dead zones. I would be happy with Pearl District density, a mix a 6 story to 20 story buildings with great street life. The difference in the Pearl is design guidelines and use of quality materials. There are only 1 or 2 wood frame buildings in the mix, most are of quality construction. Trust me, these stucco boxes are going to look like crap in 5-10 years and by then there will be nothing we can do about them. I would rather wait until to see quality buildings (don't have to be tall) like the Luma/Elleven block or the Ralphs building than the cheap stuff. It really does make a difference, quality in and quality out.

As I said, I would rather wait, and quality go in, and the density doesn't have to be 50 story towers, but high enough to make sense, considering the concentration of jobs and transit in the area. I don't want sprawl-ish North Hollywood in downtown. I have one of these 5 story wood frame jobs right down the street from me, it is 5 years old and is shabby already.

[StethJeff]

The walk on Wilshire over the 110 from downtown to City West is dreadful. To make things worse, (even though I realize it's temporary) all the blocked sidewalks from the 1010 Wilshire and Glo projects force you to cross the street, walk around and cross back over again. I always walk the extra block to the 7th Street bridge just to avoid that nightmare.

City West has huge potential and can easily become one of the most desirable neighborhoods of downtown. If all the projects get built (including 1027 Wilshire) it will be there in only 2-3 years. But the 110 remains a huge mental and physical block from the Financial District, and I'm glad the activist developers in City West realize the pedestrian needs.

Several months ago when that Hollywood park to be built above the 101 was announced, I thought how perfect that idea would work over the 110 to connect City West to the rest of downtown. The 110 is currently under grade through downtown and it would be an excellent way to bring more green space. Now that I'm thinking about it, this could work for the 101 in downtown ALSO! What a great way to connect the dots in downtown.

I remember someone mentioning capping the 101 to connect Olvera/Chinatown to the financial center a while back. I liked that idea a lot. However, I'm not so sure that I feel the same about the 110. Although freeways are generally an eyesore in most cases, I sort of like the way the 110 cuts through downtown. The new space would be nice, but the dramatic views would be gone - in fact, one of the reasons why I've always wanted a convertible was so that I could sit in 110 traffic. Must be awesome.

[citywatch]

But not in the financial district, look at what San Francisco is building in their dead zones.

As I said, I would rather wait, and quality go in, and the density doesn't have to be 50 story towers, but high enough to make sense, considering the concentration of jobs and transit in the area. I don't want sprawl-ish North Hollywood in downtown. I have one of these 5 story wood frame jobs right down the street from me, it is 5 years old and is shabby already.
But most of the wood framed apt or condo projs in DT are being built in the periphery of the hood, not in the "financial district", or near where the Concerto tower is rising.

And the reason any bldg under around 6 floors or less almost always is made of wood is because of cost & bldg codes. IOW, I understand that once a structure goes over something like 7 floors, it no longer is allowed to be built of wood, but must contain steel & concrete, & that's more $$$.

Whatever the case, I bet a lot more ppl diss DT, & will continue to do so, not because of projs like Glo or hikari, but because of all the deadzones you say you'd rather tolerate til something bigger & more $$$ comes along. Your POV would make sense if there was not much space or land left in DT that needed fixing up. But between all the old bldgs in the OBD that still desperately require TLC, & the still huge number of parking lots & rundown small warehouse type bldgs that need to be axed, there remains a million opportunities out there for the type of bigger highrise projs you'd prefer.

BTW, just as ppl are setting themselves up for disappointment if they think DT can be improved only by putting up very big, high dollar type bldgs, ppl who believe transit in LA is the primary key to fixing up our hoods also are setting themselves up for dissapointment. IOW, be prepared to see your dreams come true when you're a lot, lot, lot older than you are today. :gaah:

This is why I sidestep most discussions about transit in LA, cuz I feel like it's an even bigger act of futility than waiting for the day when DT's skyline is as solid as NYC's or Hong kong's. Getting too much into the specifics & details of rail lines is like setting myself up for way too much exasperation, now & well into the future.


'Subway to the Sea' Plan Still Adrift

Despite some hopeful signs, a Wilshire line remains hung up on the question of who will foot the $5-billion price tag.

By Ari B. Bloomekatz and Steve Hymon, Times Staff Writers
July 14, 2007

The "Subway to the Sea" has long been seen by transportation leaders as a key to easing L.A.'s notorious traffic congestion — but its $5-billion price tag has long been a stumbling block. Over the last year, the subway has been the subject of much discussion. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called the "Subway to the Sea" crucial to the city's future and made it a top priority. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles), who two decades earlier had pushed through legislation effectively banning tunneling under Wilshire, had a change of heart, and bills moved forward in Congress this week to reverse course. But although political opposition has eased, money remains a seemingly unmovable obstacle.

Villaraigosa's office over the last year has been quietly gauging whether the public would agree to foot the bill. In one of the many private polls it has commissioned on a variety of subjects, the mayor's office asked residents if they would support some type of tax increase to pay for the subway and other transit improvement. The results have not been released. But City Hall sources have said gaining the needed two-thirds majority for either a bond measure or a sales tax hike for the subway looks daunting.

Midway through 2007 — with high turnouts expected for next year's presidential primary and general election — Villaraigosa has yet to produce a proposal to take to voters to help pay for the project. His aides say they are studying all possible scenarios. These include "benefit assessment districts" that would levy extra taxes on residents within half a mile of the subway line. Another idea is to find a private firm that could build and possibly operate the subway.

"The project is possible, but it is not a done deal," said Deputy Mayor Jaime De la Vega. "What needs to change is that we need to grow the funding pie."

One vocal supporter of the subway is Jane Usher, president of the Los Angeles Planning Commission. Yet, Usher believes that the Westside line was closer to getting built when she worked as general counsel for Mayor Tom Bradley in the early '90s than now, when there is no consensus or funding plan in place. "I thought it was going to happen back then and then I watched the dismantling of consensus in the 1990s and replaced with so much less than was promised," Usher said. "Building a rail line takes a consensus and that consensus is bigger than the mayor, though I believe he can lead us in that direction — and I believe he is."

Officials at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates L.A.'s other rail projects, have in recent months stressed that the project is far from a top priority. "We're just really starting and any project of this magnitude is a long-haul program because we have to do the planning studies, preliminary engineering, [receive] environmental clearance, get our funding partners in place. This is not something that we can do quickly," said MTA Chief Executive Officer Roger Snoble.

A telling moment will come later this year when the agency's board approves a long-range plan that prioritizes future projects. Villaraigosa and his appointees to the board are pushing for the subway to be at or near the top of the list.

The MTA is now working to complete two new rail lines — to Culver City and to East L.A. Moreover, the Wilshire subway faces tough competition for funds from other regional rail proposals, including a less expensive line that would connect Pasadena with the Inland Empire. The MTA board approved a $5-million "alternatives" study of the Wilshire subway last month, a necessary step that requires the agency to justify why the line should be built. But several board members who approved the study pointedly raised questions about the project's viability.

"When we speak in terms of competing for federal funds, there's also other projects we're looking at for federal funds," said board member and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. "I want to be clear that this action, although a first step, is not in any way, shape or form approving a 'Subway to the Sea.' "

In the end, local taxpayers will probably have to contribute heavily to the subway effort, as they do in most large mass transit projects being constructed around the country. Art Guzzetti, vice president of policy for the American Public Transportation Assn., said the federal government rarely, if ever, pays 100% of big capital improvements, such as a new light-rail or subway line. Instead, the federal government usually chips in about half — and only after local agencies show they can provide the rest.

Some subway backers are not giving up on a sales tax increase. Former Santa Monica Mayor Denny Zane is organizing a nonprofit group tentatively called Subway to the Sea, and said that raising the sales tax could possibly provide enough money for construction. One key question is who should be taxed. Transportation experts believe a countywide sales tax measure faces an uphill battle because the subway would run through only one part of the county — on the Westside. Moreover, other regions like the San Gabriel Valley are competing for rail lines in their areas.

"Everybody is banging their head against the wall and saying 'how can we pay for this?' " said Bart Reed, executive director of the nonprofit Transit Coalition. "How can we take an electorate that doesn't completely understand the project and get them to go for this?"

The idea of a subway down L.A.'s premier boulevard has been talked about for decades. Wilshire runs through several of the area's biggest hubs, including the Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills, Westwood and Santa Monica — and passes near Century City. Officials in the early 1980s planned for the subway to run from downtown to the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax Avenue. But in 1985, an underground methane gas explosion a mile north at a Ross Dress for Less store raised concerns about the safety of a tunnel. The gas threat was emphasized by longtime subway critics and homeowner groups who feared their residences would explode. Still other residents worried about crime if the line opened Westside neighborhoods to so-called outsiders.

Rep. Waxman responded to the 1985 blast by pushing through legislation prohibiting federal funding for any tunneling projects in the area. Improvements in underground digging technology and a favorable 2005 safety study from several tunneling experts across the country changed Waxman's mind. The appropriations bills in the House and Senate that would allow federal funding are expected to be voted on this fall.

And then the hard work begins.

It remains to be seen if Villaraigosa has the political muscle or even the willingness to push a tax increase, although he raised garbage pickup fees in his first year in office. The mayor is widely expected to run for governor in 2010, and few believe that he will be judged by voters solely on one mass transit project, particularly if he can claim that he got the subway moving forward in the planning process.

"Even back in the olden days when Mayor Tom Bradley was promoting some kind of coordinated mass transit system, it still took years before there was even a hole in the ground for a subway," said Councilman Herb Wesson, whose district includes the Koreatown terminus for the subway. "But no one can take away from him that he initiated it."

Some advocates for bus riders are among those fighting the subway, saying money would be more efficiently spent on more buses. "We think it is a grotesquely expensive project," said Francisca Porchas, lead organizer of the Bus Riders Union, based in Los Angeles. :eviltongue:

These realities don't stop some from dreaming. Pedro Nava, 33, lives on the Westside and commutes about 45 minutes each way to his job as an education reformer near Vermont Avenue and Washington Boulevard. One Friday morning last month, Nava walked out of a bagel shop with a coffee in hand, ready to tackle that day's tough commute. If a subway was available, Nava said he would hop right on. "If you have a bad day on the road, you're likely to have a bad day at work," Nava said. "The commute is stressful … stress really affects your health."



^ The one good thing about having such a crappy transit setup in LA, or having to wait so long for it to really improve, is that it hopefully will encourage more ppl to get out of the burbs & move to DT.

[LosAngelesBeauty]

^ Just because the expansion of transit in LA will take a long time, doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about it in our discussions on here on SSP or even in real day discussions. Sticking our heads in the sand won't solve our problems. Cities evolve because of the people that build them. If enough people change their minds about something, things change.

Also, I believe that SSP can be a great place to bring people together who are like-minded and eager to get involved. Since we all believe LA should have a Purple Line extended to the ocean, we should ACT on that!

I don't mean to sound all preachy, but I recommend that people on here get involved if they want change. Coming on here to discuss ideas is great, but it would be even better if you wrote a letter to your rep., attend meetings, etc.

[colemonkee]

So that Glo article made me curious about the mention of Holland Partners developing a 40 story tower at 1111 Wilshire. I did a little digging and found this:

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/449/1111wilshiredi8.jpg

A NEW LA STORY

1111 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California

By mid-2009, the most desirable residential district in downtown Los Angeles will include a 52-story high-rise mixed-use tower with 420 residential units, as well as parking and retail space.

The project includes 740 subterranean and above grade parking spaces, a boutique hotel, ground level retail and 420 residential units. The total floor area is approximately 700,000 square feet on this one-acre site.

Our structural solution incorporates a dual frame system - reinforced concrete shear walls coupled with ductile special concrete moment frames - to resist the seismic and gravity forces. Post-tensioned flat plate construction is utilized throughout the tower to achieve optimum constructability and floor height/aspect ratio.

The property lies within the Central City West Specific Plan Area, on a hill at the west side of Downtown Los Angeles.

Source: Walter P. Moore (http://www.walterpmoore.com/projects/hospitality/projectsHospitalityWilshire.php) Engineering


I wonder how serious this proposal is, and if it's 52 stories or 40 stories. Downtown News is notorious for getting numbers and facts wrong (they claim that Ralph's will open next Friday, June 20th on the front page of this week's edition :rolleyes:), so it could very well be 52 stories.

Another search (http://ethics.lacity.org/efs2003/index.cfm?fuseaction=lobreports.qtrreport&lob_qtr_rpt_id=4460) reveals that a company called 1111 Wilshire, LLC - with the same address as Holland Partners - made a political donation in Q1 2007 in the interest of a "proposed residential project @ 1111 Wilshire" (btw, Sonni Astani is on this list, as well as several other developers).

So this may be pretty serious, but I can't find any info on who the architect is. If it is built, it would go directly across the street from 1100 Wilshire, at the NW corner of Wilshire and Bixel. With 1027 Wilshire just a few hundred feet away, this would make this part of City West one of the densest areas in the downtown skyline. That being said, I think I'll add this to the first page under the proposed projects.

[cava]

citywatch,

Yes it frustrating to read an article like the LA times one you posted that makes you realize that some of the key powerbrokers still still still still still -lack the understanding of the need for efficient rail transit here, - and lack the vision and commitment to making it happen. To most here on SSP, it (rail transit) is a simple no-brainer, and to see the reality of its political past and present is stressful no doubt.

But, i couldnt agree with LAB more. "if enough people change their minds about something, things change". Ive been incredibly impressed with the knowledge and understaning of the people here on SSP - of LAs history, and urban and transit issues in general. Sharing your knowledge and opinions here on SSP is involvement, and many here are further involved with LA, and urban and transit issues. Much of that involvement does help to "change minds". I will again be writing to the board of the MTA, and to the LA supervisors to express my continued support of the purple line, and all rail in LA. Its just my one voice in a crowd of others includling all those influenced by the BRU, but its what i can do. It again seems we are at a critical juncture re rail support.

[fridayinla]

Regarding the 1111 Wilshire tower, unbelievable how much attention this end of downtown is getting. Also, I'm glad this stretch of Wilshire is getting proposals for ultra dense towers instead of more projects like Piero and Glo. Although I think they'll be assets to the neighborhood when complete. Now if we can just do something about that block bounded by Ingraham, 7th, Bixel and Lucas, City West will be very high-end. That block is a junky collection of surface lots and run-down hourly motels - the last block in the hood to be redeveloped. Lucas One (at Lucas and 7th) is supposed to break ground in early 2008 which will account for about one fourth of the block. I'm counting the days b/c once those motels are gone, so should a lot of the drug dealers and prostitutes I see lurking around them.

[fridayinla]

By the way, nice sleuthing Colemonkee. I hope to see that project in the DT News' project quarterly report coming out soon.

Speaking of the DT News, they really need to get there act together regarding dates and numbers. Dropped by 4th & Main to see a green construction fence... well, here's the Medallion site as of 2:30pm today:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1119/822117043_f4a08f7b9e_b.jpg

[RAlossi]

^ I thought I had come too early (around noon), but I realized that if there were cars parked there, there ain't gonna be no groundbreakin' today.

When did fact checking go out of style?

[Easy]

I didn't believe for a second that the Medallion would be breaking ground today. Everyone should know that ground breaking never occurs until the entire area has been fenced off and left with a single piece of earth moving equipment sitting in the middle of the property for at least 1-2 weeks! ;)

[LAMetroGuy]

I wonder how serious this proposal is, and if it's 52 stories or 40 stories. Downtown News is notorious for getting numbers and facts wrong (they claim that Ralph's will open next Friday, June 20th on the front page of this week's edition :rolleyes:), so it could very well be 52 stories.

Another search (http://ethics.lacity.org/efs2003/index.cfm?fuseaction=lobreports.qtrreport&lob_qtr_rpt_id=4460) reveals that a company called 1111 Wilshire, LLC - with the same address as Holland Partners - made a political donation in Q1 2007 in the interest of a "proposed residential project @ 1111 Wilshire" (btw, Sonni Astani is on this list, as well as several other developers).

So this may be pretty serious, but I can't find any info on who the architect is. If it is built, it would go directly across the street from 1100 Wilshire, at the NW corner of Wilshire and Bixel. With 1027 Wilshire just a few hundred feet away, this would make this part of City West one of the densest areas in the downtown skyline. That being said, I think I'll add this to the first page under the proposed projects.

Great find cole!!! This will be a nice addition to the skyline, at 52 stories and being located on higher ground of the rest of downtown, this will really add some density of the skyline. It upsets me about the downtown news, they really have to get their shit together... it makes them less and less reliable as a news source. This tower looks a lot like 1027... not sure if that is a good thing... I hope this gets built!

[citywatch]

Speaking of the DT News, they really need to get there act together regarding dates and numbers.
the DT News is like a mom & pop operation, except a family run business probably will manage things with more accuracy. As mentioned by colemonkee, the DT news even listed, in 2 places (in the headline & in the opening paragraph!), that the opening of Ralphs occurs on JUNE 20. The ppl working for that paper must have all come straight from a crack house on skid row!

Your photo of that parking lot shows the owner hasnt even started preparing for new devlpt by at least removing the billboard along 4th St, or ripping down all the light fixtures. :gaah:

When I see a big deadzone like that, I'm reminded all over again how bad they are. That's why I find it so ridiculous that some ppl will nitpick over a new condo bldg being too short, or too this or that, or whatever, &, at the same time, say nothing about the fugliness of 4th & Main, or the sleazy motels near your condo in the Vero bldg.

[citywatch]

Just because the expansion of transit in LA will take a long time, doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about it in our discussions on here on SSP or even in real day discussions.It's the pie in the sky ideas & discussions, where ppl talk about how we should build subways all over the place, & monorails & flyways, & trolleys & trains, & flying cars or whatever, that makes me think ppl are living in an alternative reality. And if they don't realize that, they're setting themselves up for major dissapointment. I say that cuz until I read the article yesterday about the current status of extending the red line, I didn't realize the prognosis for it was so bad. For instance, when someone says things actually were further along back when Tom Bradley was alive.


Yes it frustrating to read an article like the LA times one you posted that makes you realize that some of the key powerbrokers still still still still still -lack the understanding of the need for efficient rail transit hereI don't think it's so much a lack of understanding by many local leaders & pols of the need for more transit, as much as it's the huge obstacle of how we're going to fund projs like the extension of the red line. Talking about revenue sources may not be fun for most ppl, inc those here at SSP, but it's really at the core of whether everyone's dreams for subways or trains, or anything else, will become reality.

[fridayinla]

Took these photos today, thought I should post them:

717 Ninth
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1315/825006825_abda759ecb_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1216/825008069_dffa7a3836_b.jpg

El Dorado Lofts Building - Anyone else notice the "El Dorado" sign is gone! I hope it's being restored and will be reinstalled.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/825004791_603d973854_b.jpg

[citywatch]

I wonder how serious this proposal is, and if it's 52 stories or 40 stories.
How serious are projs like that? Two words: Glass Tower! IOW, even when a proj sounds like its groundbreaking is almost guaranteed, when the devlpr makes it sound like it's a certainty his proj will begin in april (of 2007, not 2008!), & then when at the last minute someone says they've heard the Glass Tower proj no longer pencils out, that speaks volumes.

Also, the South group said their 4th tower, originally known as Jardin, would break ground by the first qtr of this yr. We're now in the THIRD qtr of the yr, and nothing. The only thing I've noticed about the South Gps proposed tower is that on their web site the bldg now is called "south Fig". And some SSPer said he was told by a South Gp salesperson that funding now is hard to come by for Jardin/south Fig.

I hope I'm being too skeptical, & I hope I'm wrong, but I still predict that the only new proj that may breakground between now & the end of 2007 is work on the Grand Ave proj, when the tinker toy parking lot is torn down.

[Westsidelife]

^Don't believe everything you read. By now, you should notice the recurring theme. These projects never follow their set timeline and the Glass Tower is no exception. I think it will eventually break ground, most likely later this year. According to their website, it should break ground in the Fall. I won't believe it until I actually set it. :yes:

[citywatch]

El Dorado Lofts Building - Anyone else notice the "El Dorado" sign is gone! I hope it's being restored and will be reinstalled.
Nice pic! A good example of how the classic old bldgs in DT have long deserved, & have long needed, a lot of TLC. It's great seeing the before & after of those type of projs.

[ksep]

l.a. live
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/823476064_53ee0d3332_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1014/823476016_6f99400031_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1372/823475214_0579daf8fe_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1280/823474984_3b8d29f6c7_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1357/822544121_e6d1eac509_b.jpg

concerto crane
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1189/825216827_a28e9d3c0e_b.jpg

[Patrick]

I just find it amazing how fast the Hanouver popped up! Very sexy building.

Are they still going to redo 1100 Wilshire!? I hope not, I've always loved the tower's design and history.

[funhaus]

From the angelenic blog (http://www.angelenic.com/downtown-general/whole-foods-confirmed-for-la-central-project/) comes the posting of a new rendering for Monian's LA Central, along with the (almost) confirmation of the Whole Foods slated for that location.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/11jp/dtla/new_lacentral.jpg (http://www.angelenic.com/downtown-general/whole-foods-confirmed-for-la-central-project/)

I miss the diagonal swath that used to exist in the old Fig Central plan. (It suggested a potentially nice pedestrian concourse within the block.)

At any rate, a Whole Foods will be a more than welcome addition.

[Easy]

It's hard to say because it's all covered up, but from what I can see the Hanover Tower looks a little plain. The one bright spot seems to be that the windows have some sort of bright blue tint in them. Unless that was just a reflection from the tarp or maybe my imagination.

[Easy]

Does that colorful red/yellow banner represent that there will be some sort of flashy advertising there? It's not gonna really look like that is it?

[Westsidelife]

Too much space left underdeveloped. Realistically, you could have three high-rise towers sitting on that site. That's prime real estate!

[Easy]

Too much space left underdeveloped. Realistically, you could have three high-rise towers sitting on that site. That's prime real estate!

I agree. It looks like 3 easy just from the rendering showing the planned orientation. When you walk around the lot - it's basically an entire block - it looks like even 4 can fit easily.

[ThreeHundred]

From the angelenic blog (http://www.angelenic.com/downtown-general/whole-foods-confirmed-for-la-central-project/) comes the posting of a new rendering for Monian's LA Central, along with the (almost) confirmation of the Whole Foods slated for that location.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/11jp/dtla/new_lacentral.jpg (http://www.angelenic.com/downtown-general/whole-foods-confirmed-for-la-central-project/)

I miss the diagonal swath that used to exist in the old Fig Central plan. (It suggested a potentially nice pedestrian concourse within the block.)

At any rate, a Whole Foods will be a more than welcome addition.

While I do like the added height and overall size of LA Central, I would have liked to have seen the diagnal corridor that would've cut through to LA Live. My biggest hope is that there will be retail on the rear of LA Central. Nice way to hide the parking structure though.

[colemonkee]

I say send them back to the drawing board on LA Central. The retail fronting Figueroa is way too far back from the street, creating little plazas. LA doesn't need anymore plazas. And the towers themselves look like something Donald Sterling would draw up while drunk. For something so prominent in the skyline, I'd like to see a little more thought go into the facade.

[colemonkee]

Here's a couple more photo updates to supplement friday's fine work from earlier today.

LAPD Headquarters

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5283/lapd20070716is8.jpg


San Pedro Apartments - (Block 8)

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2452/block820070716gp5.jpg


Imaginastion Center (formerly the Linda Lea Theater)

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6094/lindalea20070716mc3.jpg

[ladowntowner]

Too much space left underdeveloped. Realistically, you could have three high-rise towers sitting on that site. That's prime real estate!

I think the density at the LA Central development is just about right on, with the recently added height factored in. Nice camouflaging of the parking structure with retail fronting Fig and complimenting LA Live catercorner to it, but I too would like to see the originally conceived diagonal pathway cutting through what is an otherwise long block. Also, the design of the towers is a little ho-hum in this render, IMHO. Hopefully they spice it up a bit on the final iteration.

The density is light years beyond any of the suburban type developments popping up like mushrooms after a spring rain around the DT periphery, as well as many other somewhat larger scale proposed projects. Should anyone really be harping on the perceived lack of density of this project? I just can't see the justification. One tower will be nearly 600 ft, for crying out loud. In DTLA, of late, that's pretty phenomenal. Besides, consider how poor light and views would be in many of the units with 3-4 towers on that lot - notice how rather narrow from east to west it is? This layout provides optimum light and view corridors in nearly every unit. Would you honestly purchase a unit in such a development and pay a premium for it just so you can stare across at a glass/concrete wall and nothing else? Factor in, also, that there will likely be more towers to the south and east eventually.

[JDRCRASH]

^ ^ ^
90 new skyscrapers including L.A. Central may be just the beginning....after almost a half-century of suburban sprawl, Los Angeles has finally begun to mature into an urban megalopolis with the potential to rival any city on earth.

It looks like construction has NOT started on the Medallion....
Groundbreaking was supposed to commence yesterday....
The false scheduling of LA Downtown News is riduculously inconvient.

[Westsidelife]

I think the density at the LA Central development is just about right on, with the recently added height factored in. Nice camouflaging of the parking structure with retail fronting Fig and complimenting LA Live catercorner to it, but I too would like to see the originally conceived diagonal pathway cutting through what is an otherwise long block. Also, the design of the towers is a little ho-hum in this render, IMHO. Hopefully they spice it up a bit on the final iteration.

The density is light years beyond any of the suburban type developments popping up like mushrooms after a spring rain around the DT periphery, as well as many other somewhat larger scale proposed projects. Should anyone really be harping on the perceived lack of density of this project? I just can't see the justification. One tower will be nearly 600 ft, for crying out loud. In DTLA, of late, that's pretty phenomenal. Besides, consider how poor light and views would be in many of the units with 3-4 towers on that lot - notice how rather narrow from east to west it is? This layout provides optimum light and view corridors in nearly every unit. Would you honestly purchase a unit in such a development and pay a premium for it just so you can stare across at a glass/concrete wall and nothing else? Factor in, also, that there will likely be more towers to the south and east eventually.

Personally, I prefer density ten times to height. I would much rather have three 345 ft. towers than two towers of 575 ft. and 455 ft., both combinations producing a total height of about 1,030 ft. But if you're suggesting that I'd rather have 3-4 story towers as opposed to the current proposal, hell I'll take the current proposal in a heartbeat! I just think that the Moinian Group, a company with deep pockets and lots of experience developing in NYC, could do so much more with that parcel of land right across from LA Live and Staples Center. Something along the lines of the Cityfront Plaza proposal in Chicago was what I was hoping for:

http://www.bryce-hanna.com/img/Cityfront-Plaza-Chicago.jpg

[RAlossi]

Some parts of the Medallion lot were taped off today; still no sign of groundbreaking as of ~6:00 PM today.

[JDRCRASH]

I agree with you WestSideLife, density of several mid-rises IS better than having only a couple of high-rises.

[kazpmk]

concerto crane
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1189/825216827_a28e9d3c0e_b.jpg

Has that foundation work always been there since the tower was put on hold (unofficially) a few months ago or is that new work that just started?

[citywatch]

Some parts of the Medallion lot were taped off today; still no sign of groundbreaking as of ~6:00 PM today.
The fact everyone has to wait forever, always wondering & guessing, to see even rather modest projs like this under actual construction is what I take into consideration when dealing with far bigger, far more $$$ projs like LA central. It all comes down to demand, & if condos & apts can be sold or rented fast enough, everything else will fall into place.

The LA central towers look kind of bland, & it appears a large above ground parking structure is going to take up part of the block of land. I'd guess unlike Concerto's underground garage, the parking spaces for Monian's proj will go from the 1st level upward to save $$$. I can't take that lightly cuz the higher the cost of building the condos, the harder it will be to sell them.

As for another grocery store just a few blocks away from the new Ralphs!? I know Whole Foods' format is different from Ralphs, with WF being for the more health conscious shopper, & with higher prices to match. If LA Central is built within the next 3 or so yrs, & it does contain a WF, I hope it & the ralphs don't cannibilize each other.

I still remember the Barnes & Noble up on Bunker Hill several yrs ago, & it not doing enough business to stay open even a few yrs after it was first built. Don't want to see a repeat of that ever again, for bookstores or supermkts, or any serious retailer that otherwise will give credibility to the hood.

[citywatch]

Has that foundation work always been there since the tower was put on hold (unofficially) a few months ago or is that new work that just started?
That's totally new work. Until about 2 wks ago, the bottom of the construction site was empty, nothing but dirt & maybe one bulldozer that had been left sitting around for a few months.

[k3d]

This was in my mailbox tonight so friday July 20th it is.
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/6061/freshfare01yj8.jpg

[ladowntowner]

Personally, I prefer density ten times to height. I would much rather have three 345 ft. towers than two towers of 575 ft. and 455 ft., both combinations producing a total height of about 1,030 ft. But if you're suggesting that I'd rather have 3-4 story towers as opposed to the current proposal, hell I'll take the current proposal in a heartbeat! I just think that the Moinian Group, a company with deep pockets and lots of experience developing in NYC, could do so much more with that parcel of land right across from LA Live and Staples Center. Something along the lines of the Cityfront Plaza proposal in Chicago was what I was hoping for:

The Cityfront Plaza proposal in Chicago that you posted sure looks sweet. I really like the layout, with the heights and positions staggered such to maximize views and light. It does help me visualize how up to 3 towers could fit nicely on the Fig Central plot with more careful planning, however I still stand by what I said about 4 towers - that really would be excessive. Chicago does get a lot of exceptional projects and architecture in general - seems like a waste, what with the climate there.

One thing to consider, and I may be wrong about this, but I'm guessing that 3 shorter towers of same total height as opposed to two individually taller towers like you mentioned would probably be more expensive to build. That on top of the fact that you would not get any net gain in saleable square footage/units by constructing the three towers would push it into the economically impractical/infeasible. Deep pockets or no, at the end of the day the project has to "pencil out".

[edluva]

like i always say, unless la's parking req'ts change, we're going to continue to get disappointments like this. huge lowrise podium developments with enormous garages taking up acres of land, and still costing a lot of money. and our parking requirements won't change until transit does. south park's going to look like sporadic gaptoothed skyline poking out of a giant podium

[ladowntowner]

The LA central towers look kind of bland, & it appears a large above ground parking structure is going to take up part of the block of land. I'd guess unlike Concerto's underground garage, the parking spaces for Monian's proj will go from the 1st level upward to save $$$. I can't take that lightly cuz the higher the cost of building the condos, the harder it will be to sell them.

I like the taller, slimmer tower better, but they are both admittedly plain Janes. Hopefully with added details and further render iterations they'll improve. In every case I prefer the parking to be underground, but these guys did a pretty good job of obscuring the parking structure within the project, with retail fronting it and a minimum of it visible externally. Since they made that effort, and it helps make the project economically viable, I can accept the fact that it isn't underground.

As for another grocery store just a few blocks away from the new Ralphs!? I know Whole Foods' format is different from Ralphs, with WF being for the more health conscious shopper, & with higher prices to match. If LA Central is built within the next 3 or so yrs, & it does contain a WF, I hope it & the ralphs don't cannibilize each other.

As long as a lot of the other proposed/approved projects in South Park come online before or at about the same time as LA Central (and sell/lease well), I think the hood should be able support both. That's a lot of new residents, not to mention all the office workers who can shop to kill time while waiting for traffic to die down before departing on their nasty commutes. Better that than suffering through traffic just to go shopping in the 'burbs near home.

[petescafe]

Look what's happening this morning. Bye, bye parking lot.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b340/TheGhostlyGreatDunn/DSC_0384web.jpg


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b340/TheGhostlyGreatDunn/DSC_0385web.jpg

[citywatch]

^ The breaking news scoop goes to you, petescafe!

Getting rid of that deadzone is even more important not only because all that asphalt is junk, but so are all the fugly billboards & cheap parking lot lights with wires hanging between them.

I guess the DT News saying groundbreaking would be on sunday isn't quite as off as their saying Ralphs would be opening on Friday, June 20th.

:dancing:

[citywatch]

That's a lot of new residents, not to mention all the office workers who can shop to kill time while waiting for traffic to die down before departing on their nasty commutes. Better that than suffering through traffic just to go shopping in the 'burbs near home.
One of the odd things about DT & the fwys around there is that often the fwys will be jammed with cars while many of the streets of the hood itself are quiet. I've also seen lines of cars headed out of DT, while the hood the ppl in those cars are leaving behind looks empty. Certainly several yrs ago it was easy to say those ppl were abandoning a hood at the end of the day that wasn't worth hanging around for. Now the burbs most of those ppl are driving out to seem to deserve even less all the drive time & aggravation from clogged roads.

[Steve2726]

I believe there is an updated render for the St. Vibiana residential project. I did a search but only came up with the original photo on the first page. Go to www.nadelarc.com> portfolio> commercial and residential> multifamily residential > The residences at St. Vibiana. I need help posting the flash photo. Sorry if this is already mentioned.

[petescafe]

Two more photos, got to head to work now.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b340/TheGhostlyGreatDunn/DSC_0387web.jpg



http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b340/TheGhostlyGreatDunn/DSC_0388web.jpg

[colemonkee]

^ That looks like a good sign to me. Looks like they're still milking every second of parking revenue, though.

Steve, here's the updated info on the St. Vibiana tower from Nadel's web site. Looks like it's 35 stories now, instead of the original 41. Still a very good size for that area. I'll update the front page later tonight.

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/3915/stvibiana072007wt8.jpg

The Residences at St. Vibiana
Los Angeles, CA

This 35-story condominium tower is located adjacent to the historic St. Vibiana Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles. Its 350 luxury loft-style units will be the residential component of an overall larger mixed-use cultural and entertainment center. The tower will be serviced by an 800-stall parking structure. Decomissioned in 2002, the church will be used as a venue for special events, concerts, exhibits, and lectures. Ground floor public spaces between the church and the condominium tower will be designed as a continuous experience. When all buildings are completed and renovated, the site will be a cultural campus including a versatile events hall, a boutique hotel, restaurants and cafes, retail amenities, and the Residences.

[Steve2726]

:previous: Awesome, thanks.

[fridayinla]

Two more photos, got to head to work now.

Woo hoo! Dirt has never looked so beautiful :cheers:

Hopefully by the end of this week that parking lot will be completely dozed. They're cracking me up with the last minute parking revenue. Give it up already!

[LAMetroGuy]

According to Morley Builders:

New York developer, The Moinian Group, is bringing a new entertainment and residential corridor to the corner of 11th and Figueroa in downtown Los Angeles. L.A. Central will feature two towers (54 and 40 stories), a hotel, and 11 parking levels for residents and visitors.

http://www.morleybuilders.com/building_blocks/current_bb.pdf

[SD_Phil]

[/b]

As for another grocery store just a few blocks away from the new Ralphs!? I know Whole Foods' format is different from Ralphs, with WF being for the more health conscious shopper, & with higher prices to match. If LA Central is built within the next 3 or so yrs, & it does contain a WF, I hope it & the ralphs don't cannibilize each other.


Don't know if these two cases are exactly the same but here in San Diego (UTC area) a WF and Ralphs have sat across the street from one another for years. I shop at Ralphs for 70% of the things I need, at a Trader Joe's (right next door to the Ralphs) for 20% and WF for the remaining 10%. Seems like they can all live in harmony, at least here.

[fridayinla]

Don't know if these two cases are exactly the same but here in San Diego (UTC area) a WF and Ralphs have sat across the street from one another for years. I shop at Ralphs for 70% of the things I need, at a Trader Joe's (right next door to the Ralphs) for 20% and WF for the remaining 10%. Seems like they can all live in harmony, at least here.

Agreed. Also, 3 years down the road downtown will have many more residents. Just in South Park alone - Concerto, Evo, 717 Ninth, Residences at Ritz Carlton, Hanover and LA Central will all be open by then. Possibly even Jardin.

[Steve2726]

I am on a bit of a roll, here is an updated render of the Zen tower from Kawada:

http://www.buildingtradesnews.com/latest/kawada-company-to-bring-zen-to-los-angeles-4.html

http://www.buildingtradesnews.com/images/stories/07news/07-03.jpg


Tuesday, 19 June 2007

The Kawada Company of America is planning on making downtown Los Angeles a little more “Zen.” This particular “Zen” will take the form of a 330-unit condo tower rising 50 stories at the northeast corner of Third and Hill streets.

These “soft-loft” and penthouse condominium units will range from 495 to 2,765 square feet in area, with 66 units being dedicated to workforce housing. A parking garage with approximately 700 parking spaces will occupy 10 floors above grade, and will be topped by a two-story, 57,000-square-foot fitness center and indoor pool.

About 10,000 square feet of retail is planned including a high-end convenience store. A slender, Asian-inspired glass-tower structure will feature condos with an outdoor garden or sunroom. A large roof garden or balcony will overlook downtown. When completed, the project will be one of the tallest residential building in downtown. The outdoor garden, pool, and health club will be open to the public.

“This project will be the first great redevelopment project of this caliber in the 14th District,” said Ziegler.
The Kawada Company’s principal, Natsuo “Nat” Kawada, is a long-time property owner in Los Angeles has been active in the downtown business community for many years. Kawada’s companies own or control several successful downtown properties, including the nearby Kawada Hotel.

“Mr. Kawada retains his properties. He is not going to build this project and then sell it as some developers do,” said Ziegler.

The 26,400-square-foot site of the development is currently at Joe’s Parking Lot; it neighbors Grand Central Market and the senior housing complex Angelus Plaza. The project, being touted by Kawada as the first new mixed-use high-rise in the district, is currently under review by the city. The project has received widespread community support including the Central City Association, downtown Neighborhood Council, Weingart Center Association, along with numerous businesses and trade associations.

The project has also received support from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and City Council Members Jose Huizar--whose District the project will be built in--and Jan Perry.
The project is currently in the entitlement process, according to Ziegler. If all goes according to plan, the project will break ground in January of 2008.

[LAMetroGuy]

So the Zen beast lives...great find! Hopefully the January '08 date pans out!

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

wow, what a nice 10 hours worth of information. Great job with all the new renders. Zen looks very nice as does Vibiana's. I just wish that Fig Central will be altered a bit.

[WonderlandPark]

The project, being touted by Kawada as the first new mixed-use high-rise in the district, is currently under review by the city.


Still under review? A the 50 story Zen has been floating around for like 3 years now, probably longer.

[ThreeHundred]

At least it's alive. Zen has been the one tower I've been hoping would rise since I heard of it.

[citywatch]

^ I hate to be the yang to the yin, but cuz I don't like being fooled more than I have to be, & end up being the sucker, I can't get too excited about the Zen tower til I know who's funding it, how solid that funder is, & til I have more current sales figures for existing condo projs in the hood in general.

All I know is that right now it's taking several months for projs like the skylofts, market lofts & 1100 wilshire to sell a fair portion of their units. And I have a suspicion that even the South group's 3rd tower, Evo, is showing more resistance from potential buyers than what elleven & Luma were greeted with. That may be why their 4th tower, originally called Jardin, has been delayed & is supposed to be having problems in getting funding.

I'll say it again, but it's at least as important knowing how sales or leasing in existing condo & apt projs is doing as it is in keeping track of a proposed proj's latest design, number of floors, amt of parking, whether it will be made of wood or steel, & so on & so forth.

[DJM19]

Zen looks great, hope its built!

[fridayinla]

Petescafe, you should set up a webcam in your window for us. :D Looks like you have a front seat view of the Medallion site from the San Fernando Building.

The Zen Tower looks promising. Skidmore Owings & Merrill does awesome work! Early 2008 ground-breaking sounds ambitious. Also, Park Fifth has swept that "tallest residential" title right out from under them.

[RAlossi]

I thought Nadel was the original architects of Vibiana and they changed? Are these the newest renderings?

[Easy]

like i always say, unless la's parking req'ts change, we're going to continue to get disappointments like this. huge lowrise podium developments with enormous garages taking up acres of land, and still costing a lot of money. and our parking requirements won't change until transit does. south park's going to look like sporadic gaptoothed skyline poking out of a giant podium

We're a long way from having a transit infrastructure that can even come close to competing with the automobile on most trips so having lots of parking is gonna make sense for at least the next couple of decades.

At least these new projects are incorporating retail and pedestrian friendly designs into the podiums. That is much better than many cities are doing right now. And much better than we did in the past.

[colemonkee]

Wow, great find on Zen tower. Looks like I have a lot of updating to do on the front page tonight.

I thought Nadel was the original architects of Vibiana and they changed? Are these the newest renderings?
They were the original architects, and these renders are different than the ones we were shown by Tom Gilmore last year. When he presented them, he said that he had Nadel go back for some changes. You can see the old render on the first page. There are discernable differences.

[LongBeachUrbanist]

We're a long way from having a transit infrastructure that can even come close to competing with the automobile on most trips so having lots of parking is gonna make sense for at least the next couple of decades.

At least these new projects are incorporating retail and pedestrian friendly designs into the podiums. That is much better than many cities are doing right now. And much better than we did in the past.

IMO, the amount of parking is cause for big concern. And not just from an aesthetic perspective.

Because these projects are designed (by law) with so much parking, it won't be long before Downtown streets are flooded with cars and traffic. (I mean, more than currently). This could result in a backlash against ped-friendly policies: some local businesses may call for wider streets, longer lights, and other car-friendly (ped-hostile) measures.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Very True LBU. wasn't there legislation being talked about by the city council that would address this very situation? also, do the new planning departments guidelines address this?

[ocman]

what's going on with the Thom Mayne towers. Was that project shelved?

[DTLA]

are there any significant new buildings planned for the century city area?

[colemonkee]

^ Yes, there's one under construction (40 stories) and two more ~40 story condo towers planned. But that's for the non-downtown thread.

As for the downtown thread, I updated renders for Zen and Vibiana, as well as moving Vibiana down due to the reduction in floor count. I'll move Medallion to "under construction" when I see more than just part of the lot removed.

[LAMetroGuy]

Cole... nice update on the first page. The only one I saw missing was the updated rendering for LA Central and added floor height:

L.A. Central will feature two towers (54 and 40 stories), a hotel, and 11 parking levels for residents and visitors.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/11jp/dtla/new_lacentral.jpg

[colemonkee]

^ You're right. I'll update that later tonight. Image Shack is acting up right now.

[Sodha]

Ralphs is most definitly opening this Friday. There's signs outside of Ralph's noting the grand opening at 11 am on July 20th.

[JDRCRASH]

Hollywood's Biggest Real Estate Project Unanimously Approved


HOLLYWOOD, Calif., July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved Blvd6200. Located in Hollywood, adjacent to the historic Pantages Theatre, the 1.1 million square foot development will feature a broad-array of community benefits that address numerous goals and objectives of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Los Angeles City Council. Developed by The Clarett Group, a New York-based firm, the $400 million mixed-use project will be environmentally sustainable (LEED qualified), and will serve as a model for an interactive lifestyle.

"I am pleased the Los Angeles City Council gave its full approval for Blvd6200," said Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Council president. "This project is Hollywood's most ambitious privately-funded, large-scale redevelopment project to date."

Designed by Santa Monica-based Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh (VTBS Architects), Blvd6200 is situated on a seven-acre site that spans both sides of Hollywood Boulevard at Argyle Avenue east of Vine Street. The project will feature a diversity of architectural styles that will combine to create a dynamic urban streetscape. The high-density development will include more than 1,000 residential units of new, market-rate rental-housing of which 10 percent will be affordable; 40,000 square feet of live/work/office space; 175,000 square feet of retail/restaurant uses; 12,000 square of open, public plazas; and adequate underground parking for all uses, including the Pantages Theatre.

"Blvd6200 will transform parking lots into new-housing opportunities, retail and restaurant destinations that will revitalize Hollywood Boulevard, while ensuring the continued success of the Pantages Theatre for generations to come," said Veronica Hackett, managing partner for The Clarett Group. "We are especially proud of our voluntary inclusion of affordable housing and the green building characteristics of Blvd6200."

Blvd6200's retail/restaurant component has been designed as urban street-front retail that will activate the Boulevard to create an inherent sense of security that comes with a thriving community.

"By casting the legendary Pantages Theater as the centerpiece of this major project, Blvd6200 will bring a dynamic mixed-use community into Hollywood while respecting the area's heritage. The addition of new retail and dining opportunities will be pivotal in the transformation of Hollywood Boulevard. Moreover, the developer's commitment to adhering to the City's green-building initiatives will serve as a model for other projects that follow," said Antonio Villaraigosa, mayor for the City of Los Angeles.

Adjacent to the Hollywood/Vine Metro Rail Red Line Station, Blvd6200 will also offer MTA promotional plans to its tenants, as well as include parking for 10 Flex Cars, which will allow for the sharing of cars among numerous residents. Tenants who own hybrid vehicles will receive preferential parking.

The seven acre development site for Blvd6200 is owned by The Nederlander Organization, headed by James Nederlander, Sr. The land assemblage was completed without eminent domain or displacement of any residential tenants. Nederlander also owns the Pantages Theatre and recently completed a full-restoration of the cultural and historical landmark that is Los Angeles' version of "Broadway."

"Winning unanimous approval from the City Council is a tremendous victory, but it also reflects the unprecedented level of community support that has been generated from more than a dozen civic and neighborhood associations," said Frank Stephan, senior managing director for The Clarett Group.

About The Clarett Group

Headquartered in New York City with offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., The Clarett Group is a nationally-recognized real estate development company. Comprised of a highly-focused team with a unique depth of experience in all aspects of real estate development, Clarett is known for producing high-quality residential and mixed-use projects in major metropolitan areas. In addition to the firm's extensive ground-up development portfolio, Clarett is also focused on the acquisition of existing real estate in high-growth markets.

In 2002, the firm joined forces with Prudential Real Estate Investors and formed Clarett Capital, LLC to undertake its development and investing activities. The joint venture company brings in institutional co-investors on an individual project-by-project basis.

Media Contact: Kathleen Flood MWW Group Tel. (213)486-6560 Cell (562)833-6033 kflood@mww.com The Clarett Group

CONTACT: Kathleen Flood of MWW Group, +1-213-486-6560, Cell,
+1-562-833-6033, kflood@mww.com, for The Clarett Group

Copyright © 2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.

[LosAngelesBeauty]

^ Not that I haven't been guilty of posting a tangent in this thread before, but that should have gone in the LA Metro Project section. :)

[JDRCRASH]

^ ^ ^
I had a feeling somebody would respond to that......
Well you should know also that the project in Century City mentioned earlier isn't part of Downtown either, so what am I supposed to think when you don't say anything about THAT post made by DTLA earlier?;)

[ladowntowner]

^ ^ ^
I had a feeling somebody would respond to that......
Well you should know also that the project in Century City mentioned earlier isn't part of Downtown either, so what am I supposed to think when you don't say anything about THAT post made by DTLA earlier?;)

Hi JDRCRASH,

I'm merely speculating here, but LosAngelesBeauty probably didn't feel the need to comment since colemonkee already did so:

^ Yes, there's one under construction (40 stories) and two more ~40 story condo towers planned. But that's for the non-downtown thread.

So... uhm... yeah.

[ladowntowner]

I was traveling northbound on the 110 last evening when I spied a refrigerated Ralphs 18-wheeler and thought to myself, "I bet that one's headed for the new store". Then I saw it exiting the 9th street off ramp... so, almost with 100% certainty that's where it was going. Must've been full of produce and other perishables. Now, in the mail this evening I receive full letter sized envelope with a bunch of marketing materials on the new Fresh Fare store. Also, I believe I overheard that the grocery strike had been averted, so no danger from that happening to delay or put a damper on the new store.

This is really cool - our little neighborhood has really, truly arrived! It's been a long time coming, but it's all up from here on out. :tup:

[Affrojuice]

i walked by the ralph's store today, and looked in the windows and saw that the whole store is almost entirely stocked now. It was full of busy workers inside, and even some guys were outside doing last minute work on welding hand rails, paint, and some other last minute touch ups. I had a short conversation with a worker outside having a cigarette and he said that everyone has been working like mad to get the place read for friday. So yeah, friday at 11am is going to be it. very exciting :banana:

[citywatch]

Don't know if these two cases are exactly the same but here in San Diego (UTC area) a WF and Ralphs have sat across the street from one another for years.
I don't know if by "utc" you're referring to a part of DTSD or a burb to SD. If you do have 2 major markets that close together in DT, & they're both managing to do well, that's darn good.

I know Ralph's opened a store in DTSD several yrs ago, & I believe someone from the company says that branch gets pretty good sales.

I've seen a lot of supermkts competing head on in many burbs throughout SoCal, & not only have I rarely seen big crowds of shoppers in them, but they often even have seemed kind of empty. But I guess looks can be deceiving, & those grocery stores are different in that, unlike the new Ralphs at 9th & flower, they're surrounded by thousands & thousands & thousands of households.

I like how the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place right now, from the opening of Ralph's, to work finally starting on a proj like Concerto, to new devlpt taking place on the site of the Medallion (& I hope a lot more than just a small section of asphalt has been removed from the parking lot at 4th, Main & LA Sts)

[BigDan35]

Any new updates on the LA Live Ritz Carlton hotel?

[colemonkee]

Welcome to the forum, Affrojuice. Best forum name ever.

I updated the LA Central render and info on the first page. Good lookin' out LAMG.

[ThreeHundred]

Welcome to the forum, Affrojuice. Best forum name ever.


Methinks he lets his Soul Glo.

[colemonkee]

^ I don't know why, but that comment reminded me of Coming to America. Kind of makes me hungry for McDowell's.

BigDan, you can always look at Camera 2 of the web cam (http://lalive.clarkconstruction.com) for updates. I haven't been down there for a few weeks to peek into the hole myself, but from the camera it looks like just a bunch of Fraggles digging deeper right now.

Okay, that's one too many random references for one post. I'm outta here.

[citywatch]

This article covers ground that everyone here already knows about, & the photographer didn't even include shots of the new Ralphs or the Mktlofts bldg it's located in. Only some of the quotes from new residents makes the story worthwhile.

The reporter, by saying the Titan towers will breakground early next yr (yea, in my dreams), doesn't sound much more on top of things than the writer at the DT News who said the Ralphs would open in June, or the Medallion would start construction last Sunday.


Grocery Store Returns To A Newly Built Downtown Neighborhood

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2007-07/31271184.jpg
Construction workers put the finishing touches on a high-
rise residential building. (Luis Sinco / LAT)

By Cara Mia DiMassa, Times Staff Writer
July 18, 2007

Ralphs Grocery got its start in downtown Los Angeles during the horse-and-buggy days. But the supermarket abandoned the city center in 1950, a symbol of the district's rapid decline in the wake of the post-World War II suburban boom. Now, Ralphs is poised to return to the heart of the city, with a 50,000-square-foot market in the shadow of Staples Center and more than a dozen new condo towers. It is scheduled to open Friday.

The supermarket is a central part of a concerted effort by developers and urban planners to create suburban touches in one corner of downtown, an area known as South Park.

Much of downtown's renaissance so far has been focused on the rehab of buildings in downtown's pre-World War II commercial core, where dozens of once-dilapidated office buildings have been converted into luxury lofts. Residents prize century-old brick facades and lovingly restored grand lobbies — and tolerate the sometimes grimy streets that come with them. But just a mile away, South Park feels different.

Sparkling new steel-and-glass high rises are sprouting on the sites of former parking lots, auto dealerships and warehouses. Developers and city officials have planned wide sidewalks and double rows of street trees, as well as pocket parks in the middle of city blocks. There's even a light-rail platform a short walk away.

This strategy has helped developers attract to South Park businesses that are more often seen in suburbia: a Cold Stone Creamery that is going in next to the Ralphs; a Starbucks at 11th Street and Grand Avenue; and bistros, markets, nail salons and other amenities to serve the well-heeled neighborhood residents. In addition, the first phase of LA Live, a 4-million-square-foot "sports and entertainment hub," is expected to open in September. That development will include chain restaurants such as P.F. Chang's, as well as a 14-screen multiplex.

"This is a modern neighborhood," said Cynthia Heimbold, a furniture designer who moved to South Park six months ago from the historic district. "This is new construction. It's cleaner ... and I knew it was going to grow a lot quicker than the historic core, because they were starting from scratch." Heimbold has opened a furniture store on the ground floor of her building, the Elleven, to cater in part to the growing number of residents in the area. "It feels like we are on the forefront of something really cool that's happening," she said.

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2007-07/31272074.jpg
A Starbucks coffee shop is among the new businesses opening in the South Park neigh-
borhood, adjacent to Staples Center.

The push to integrate suburban touches into urban settings has become a cornerstone of downtown redevelopments across the nation. Cities like San Diego; Portland, Ore.; and Vancouver, Wash.; have pushed for designs and amenities that foster safe and livable city centers.

"If you are a developer today and you are building in an area like that, if you don't think about the streetscaping and the neighborhood, you are nuts," said John McIlwain, a senior fellow at the Urban Land Institute, a land-use planning think tank. "People are buying not just an apartment but a neighborhood. Everything within a quarter mile, a five-minute walk, is as important as the countertops in their kitchens. It's an extension of their environment."

Realtor David Kean, who has represented buyers, sellers and renters of South Park units, said he finds that the upscale nature of the neighborhood appeals to many would-be residents. "A lot of people want an area that's less fringey," Kean said. "They are willing to pay more to buy into an area that is already established and has stuff to do and restaurants nearby."

Still, some question whether the area will have the kind of urban fabric necessary to sustain it as a neighborhood over the long term — especially since housing prices in the area prevent many from moving in. "It might look quite sanitized and manufactured. It's certainly not authentic. But at the same time, it's marketable," said Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, chairwoman of the Department of Urban Planning at UCLA. "Is it a neighborhood in the old sense of the word, where you know your neighbors and can borrow a bottle of milk from them? No, probably not. That doesn't come simply through design and wider sidewalks."

In South Park, more than 3,500 residential units have gone on the market so far, and about 5,400 more are planned to become available over the next three years or so. If all of those units are built, that would mean that almost a quarter of residential units in downtown would be in South Park, according to the Downtown L.A. Business Improvement District. Although most of the new developments have risen on former parking lots, there have been concerns from some housing advocates that downtown's upscale housing could move farther south, potentially pricing out low-income residents who have long called the area home.

For Heimbold, the reasons for moving to South Park were simple. She said she wanted "to be in an area I knew, a place that you knew was growing quickly, and would go up in value."

Rents at the Met Lofts, which developers describe as a boutique residence inspired by Bauhaus design, range from about $1,670 a month for a 687-square-foot space to about $4,500 for a 1,464-square-foot loft. Most new South Park units, though, are condos, with prices starting around $500,000 and climbing steeply from there. "Not rebuilt. Not redesigned. Not re-anything," brags a website for Luma, one of the buildings by a consortium of Portland-based developers known as the South Group that has been at the forefront of the neighborhood's transformation.

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2007-07/31271598.jpg
Young lovers and the homeless converge at Grand Hope Park.

When Jennifer Girsky and her husband, Marc, first decided to move into the area about four years ago, the entire neighborhood was still in the planning stages, and the building they had chosen was just a hole in the ground. But Girsky said that when the couple saw plans for South Park, they loved the sparkling newness of the buildings and felt it was something vastly different for downtown. "Instead of looking old and urban, it's new and urban," said Girsky, a corporate flower designer. The couple, in their 30s, live with their Maltese dog in a spacious 12th-floor unit with two bedrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows in Elleven, a 176-unit structure at 11th and Grand that is L.A.'s first residential high rise in 20 years.

The grand scale of South Park's transformation is due in large part to an abundance of available land, much of it amassed by the AEG Group, the firm owned by billionaire Philip Anschutz that also controls Staples Center. "They had a dream, and they had Mr. Anschutz's money," said Jeff Lee of Lee Homes, which has four projects in the area, including one on land acquired from AEG. "They never gave up, and I am so glad we believed in their dream."

A big part of that dream involves a supermarket. When the downtown residential boom began, many of the new residents complained about the lack of a major supermarket in the city center. Many residents drive several miles away to stock up on groceries. The opening of the Ralphs Fresh Fare is considered a symbolic boost for downtown — the latest sign that big retailers believe the downtown loft and condo community is strong enough to support their stores. Boosters hope that if Ralphs succeeds, other retailers will follow.

The first phase of LA Live, with more chain stores, will open in the fall. Both projects have been eagerly anticipated, and could dramatically increase the amount of car and foot traffic in the area. But others cite a third wave of proposed development, what Lee refers to as "the tower wave," as South Park's ultimate test. (Most of the new residential buildings in South Park today are in the 10- to 15-story range.)

Developer Richard Meruelo has begun construction on a 36-story building at 9th Street and Flower Street. The four phases of the Metropolis project, a mixed-use project just east of the 110 Freeway, will each include a tower that is more than 30 stories. And the Titan Organization Inc. plans to break ground early next year on twin towers at Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard — the design of which has led some downtown watchers to nickname them the "Grand Tetons" of downtown.

The plans, indeed, are grandiose. And several of the larger projects have fallen behind schedule. But as land costs in the area continue to rise, "the clock," Lee said, "is ticking."

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2007-07/31271158.jpg
A woman cuts through Grand Hope Park. Friday's opening of a Ralphs in the neighbor-
hood is considered a symbolic boost for downtown.

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2007-07/31271398.jpg
With its proximity to Staples Center, South Park pulls clientele to upscale establishments
like The Palm restaurant on 11th Street. The area also is close to the first phase of L.A.
Live, a 4-million-square-foot sports and entertainment complex.

[ThreeHundred]

I actually hope The Titan Towers don't break ground.

[fridayinla]

[/b]
I like how the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place right now, from the opening of Ralph's, to work finally starting on a proj like Concerto, to new devlpt taking place on the site of the Medallion (& I hope a lot more than just a small section of asphalt has been removed from the parking lot at 4th, Main & LA Sts)

July has been an exciting month for news, and in coming months we have Grand Avenue, Park Fifth and 1027 Wilshire ground-breakings just to name a few. Petescafe, how's Medallion looking? Not that I don't plan to shower you guys with photos of it this weekend anyway... :cool:

[petescafe]

July has been an exciting month for news, and in coming months we have Grand Avenue, Park Fifth and 1027 Wilshire ground-breakings just to name a few. Petescafe, how's Medallion looking? Not that I don't plan to shower you guys with photos of it this weekend anyway... :cool:

Not much else is happening. The asphalt has been hauled away and more of the parking pylons have been removed, but thats about it.

Maybe that section of the parking lot was ripped up for an upcoming ground breaking ceremony?:shrug:

[ladowntowner]

I actually hope The Titan Towers don't break ground.

Why, pray tell? :shrug:

[SD_Phil]

[/b]
I don't know if by "utc" you're referring to a part of DTSD or a burb to SD. If you do have 2 major markets that close together in DT, & they're both managing to do well, that's darn good.

I know Ralph's opened a store in DTSD several yrs ago, & I believe someone from the company says that branch gets pretty good sales.


By UTC I meant the area of the city around the University Town Center, otherwise known as "university city." It's the 2nd densest part of the city (outside of DT) and is just east of La Jolla.

I can understand the concern regarding the supermarkets but I think these markets are compatible more than in competition (I'm including Trader Joe's in there too). They serve different niche's IMO (and in my case). Within a 3 mile radius of my apartment I have a Ralphs, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Gelsons, and a Vons. They've all survived for at least the last few years and all seem to be doing well.

I don't think comparisons with DTLA are that far off the mark but there may be important differences (an established neighborhood vs. one that is establishing itself) but that doesn't make me believe more supermarkets aren't a good thing.

[LosAngelesBeauty]

The concept here is about quality of products and how well companies market themselves to their audience. Every company that succeeds knows very well who their audience is. Concepts that try too hard to cater to the full spectrum usually don't do as well (or they may fail altogether).

For example, 7+FIG shopping center has been a failure not because it doesn't have enough space, but because it doesn't have a target audience in mind. It's trying to market itself as "upscale" but we obviously know it's not. So you have a Godiva, Ann Taylor, and Morton's Steakhouse that appeal to that upscale audience, but then you have fast-food, a cheap leather goods store, and a subpar toy outlet. It contradicts each other and so you never gain the kind of true audience to succeed economically. That's why the mall is empty and sucks. Luckily Brookfield (out of NYC) bought it and is in the process of repositioning it. Hopefully they know what they're doing.

Anyway, regarding how many supermarkets can be downtown and still remain viable, the answer is, of course, 1) critical mass of population, and 2) what audience each market intends to target. Trader Joe's is NOT a competition to Ralphs because it offers products that Ralphs really doesn't have. Vons, OTOH, would be a competition to Ralphs. So having a Trader Joes and Ralphs next door to each other won't hurt each other, but in fact, may help as it creates a stronger destination for people to come shop for what they need.

People don't like driving or walking too far away when they have something specific in mind to buy. If you're looking for groceries, wouldn't it be wonderful to have everything you need close together? If you're looking for clothes, isn't it wonderful to go somewhere that has all the shops in one area instead of spread apart?

In the end, it's about variety of products offered to consumers and competition yields better design and products. More hotels clustered together is a good thing, not a bad thing like how Peter Zen of Westin Bonaventure feels. Think of Las Vegas: What if there was only one hotel/casino there? Do all the hotels there hurt each other competitively? Or do they create a synergistic energy that strengthens their appeal to those who search for entertainment? I think we all know the answer to this one for anyone who has ever been to Las Vegas recently.

[JDRCRASH]

Not to get of the point at hand, but maybe its time that we create a "Southern California Boom Project Rundown" topic.
It would include everything south of San Luis Opispo and Kern Counties.

[fridayinla]

Not to get of the point at hand, but maybe its time that we create a "Southern California Boom Project Rundown" topic.
It would include everything south of San Luis Opispo and Kern Counties.

I don't think it's necessary, and I like the way it's organized now. Some people are interested mostly in downtown projects, and some have varying interest in the non-downtown areas. I think creating a So Cal Project Thread would be a redundant b/c there's a place for everything already.

[colemonkee]

JDR, there's a whole California forum specifically for that. In the City Compilations forum there are threads for LA Downtown and LA Non-downtown, which was requested by the moderators sometime ago. You're welcome to create a big Southern California thread in the Califorum, though.

Not much else is happening. The asphalt has been hauled away and more of the parking pylons have been removed, but thats about it.:shrug:
This is why I was reluctant to move Medallion to "under construction" on the first page. If we follow the procedures of our venerable Chicago forumers - who have a pretty good system, IMO - this project is technically in site prep until they start foundation work, which in this case would involve footings and rebar, not caissons. As soon as I see building materials being installed on site, I'll move it to "under construction". Until then, I'll label it as "in site prep".

[WonderlandPark]

There are also Orange County and Long Beach threads, not very active at the moment. I don't know about a bigger Southern California thread is needed. I like the smaller sub-sections. Only area "missing" would be the Inland Empire.

[fridayinla]

JDR, there's a whole California forum
This is why I was reluctant to move Medallion to "under construction" on the first page. If we follow the procedures of our venerable Chicago forumers - who have a pretty good system, IMO - this project is technically in site prep until they start foundation work, which in this case would involve footings and rebar, not caissons. As soon as I see building materials being installed on site, I'll move it to "under construction". Until then, I'll label it as "in site prep".

That's a good system to follow IMO. Until recently, Concerto would have been the "poster project" for an In Site Prep category. Medallion should proceed right through the ranks though! :fingerscrossed:

[ThreeHundred]

There are also Orange County and Long Beach threads, not very active at the moment. I don't know about a bigger Southern California thread is needed. I like the smaller sub-sections. Only area "missing" would be the Inland Empire.

There is nothing truly significant happening in the IE to warrant it's own thread. Besides, not many people from the IE post on SSP.

ladowntowner: I think that the Titan Towers are too tall for it's location. I think they should be downsided a bit (roughly 40 stories) and moved closer to the Historic Core.

[fridayinla]

ladowntowner: I think that the Titan Towers are too tall for it's location. I think they should be downsided a bit (roughly 40 stories) and moved closer to the Historic Core.

If the Titan Towers were proposed for the Arts District or Chinatown I might agree with you, but South Park is slated for immense density. I say bring them on, the higher the better!

[ThreeHundred]

Any new updates on the LA Live Ritz Carlton hotel?

If you look at camera 2, you can see that at least the hole is taking shape:

http://clarkconstruction.oxblue.com/lalive/

Friday: I'm all for density all over downtown. But I'm also a fan of design. The Titan Towers don't excite me as much as, say, Park Tower or One Santa Fe.

[fridayinla]

Friday: I'm all for density all over downtown. But I'm also a fan of design. The Titan Towers don't excite me as much as, say, Park Tower or One Santa Fe.

Oh, then design is a different argument altogether.

Here's a link to the El Dorado Lofts site: http://eldoradolofts.com/
Eastern Columbia aside, my most favorite historic building in downtown.
http://la.curbed.com/2007.07.downtown1.jpg
http://la.curbed.com/2007.07.downtown2.jpg

[k3d]

I actually hope The Titan Towers don't break ground.

If your talking about City House and Olympic I think they are even more iconic for Los Angeles than US Bank or City Hall. Simular to WTC but not though not as massive or significant.