PDA

View Full Version : LOS ANGELES | METRO Project Rundown 2.0 (non-downtown)


Pages : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 [12] 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114

Kingofthehill
May 27, 2010, 11:32 PM
Ok, so here is the infill project that I spoke about earlier:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4644443773_d04b9c5600_b.jpg

...and literally across the street from it:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4645061492_a705f885fb_b.jpg

202_Cyclist
May 28, 2010, 1:14 AM
District Dirt--

I'll have to find before/after photos of the Social Safeway in Georgetown to use as an example of what can be done with a large surface parking lot.

pesto
May 28, 2010, 4:49 PM
Great problems yield great opportunities. For 80 years money has been going out of E. Hollywood, Westlake, Echo Park and much of Hollywood and Ktown. This may have cut the NIMBY factor down since very few would argue that the new development is destroying the neighborhood or much of anything else.

Having said this, I notice in Curbed that the Thom Mayne Emerson College building at Sunset and Gordon is being criticized because its construction will cause noise and vibration. Well, yeah, I suppose.

sopas ej
May 28, 2010, 6:29 PM
Your idea reminds me of the Urban Sprawl Repair Kit (http://www.re-burbia.com/2009/08/04/sprawl-building-types-repair-toolkit/) that was published a couple years back. We need to be doing this in LA:

http://www.re-burbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2932/SprawRepairToolkitBuildingTypes_Page_2-670x867.jpg

http://www.re-burbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2932/SprawRepairToolkitBuildingTypes_Page_3-670x867.jpg

http://www.re-burbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/UrbanSprawlRepairKIT.jpg

What's really lame and ironic is that having the parking "in back" is nothing new in LA; the 1929 Bullock's Wilshire building was built with the parking in the back, and also had a pedestrian entrance on Wilshire Boulevard itself; it still engaged the street. Other pre-WWII developments also had parking in the back and allowed pedestrian-friendly access at the front. It's as if architects/developers have no long-term memory; "PARKING IN REAR" is not a new concept.

On a personal note, if something HAS to have a parking lot, I'm an advocate of underground parking, with the entrances/exits in the back; I think parking lots are ugly and need to be hidden.

DistrictDirt
May 28, 2010, 8:52 PM
District Dirt--

I'll have to find before/after photos of the Social Safeway in Georgetown to use as an example of what can be done with a large surface parking lot.

Great idea. I actually haven't seen the finished project yet- I moved here in January while it was still under construction. I lived at 10th and M, so I'd usually go to the Sexy Safeway (5th and K) or the occasionally the Soviet Safeway (17th and R)

LosAngelesBeauty
May 28, 2010, 9:56 PM
That Urban Sprawl Repair Kit could come in handy in many parts of LA - including here in Pasadena...

:hmmm:

JDRCRASH
May 28, 2010, 10:16 PM
Planning Commission OKs Thom Mayne Hollywood Building

Thursday, May 27, 2010, by Dakota

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2010.05.mayneok.jpg

Clearing its first hurdle in terms of city approvals, the Morphosis-designed Emerson College building proposed for the corner of Sunset and Gordon was approved today by the Planning Commission. Not unexpectedly, attorney Robert Silverstein aka Mr. McSue, showed up at the hearing to express his dismay about the project. Silverstein, who has also represented other local Hollywood clients in their fight against certain developments, including the Gerding Edlen Spaghetti Factory project, showed up on behalf of East/West Studios, a local music studio that's unhappy about the noise and vibrations expected to come from construction of the proposed 10-story building, which would house Emerson College seniors studying in Los Angeles.

Source: http://la.curbed.com/archives/2010/05/planning_commission_oks_thom_mayne_hollywood_building.php

pesto
May 28, 2010, 10:43 PM
If you ban noise and vibrations in building you would do a pretty good job of stopping everything. May you could use scotch tape. My guess is that the studio is going broke and is looking for a quick payoff.

JDRCRASH
Jun 3, 2010, 10:01 PM
DP- edited

JDRCRASH
Jun 3, 2010, 10:05 PM
Burger Shack Threatened by Purple-Hued Office Project

June 2, 2010, by Dakota

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2010.06.mollysdown.jpg

Molly's Charbroiler, a popular Hollywood diner currently sits at 1601 Vine Street, the same address where an eight-story, glass-sided office building called Vine Street Tower is planned. And at a City Council meeting today, there was some emotional testimony from the owners of the diner, who asked the council members for help in terms of relocation. The owners are represented by--who else?--popular land use attorney Robert Silverstein, who cleverly noted that even the city has admitted this building may be worth saving: The Community Redevelopment Agency released a report in February, indicating that Molly's may be eligible for listing as a historical cultural monument. But let's get on to the important information. How tasty is the food?

Yelpers seemed mixed in terms of reviews, but they generally sway positive: "I recommend the chili cheese burger and bbq ribs..."So, 4 stars for the hamburger, 2 for fries"..."Molly's is a throwback burger, hot dog, and random Korean food counter..."And there's this bold claim: "Not the best burger in L.A., in my opinion, but probably the best burger in Hollywood."

And back to the CRA report mentioned by Silverstein. If you click on this link, you can see it under "Hollywood Historic Survey Update." Here's an excerpt from the report, which talks about the explosion of roadside diners during the 1920-1940s, and why, perhaps this one should be saved:

"The diners cropped up quickly due to a number of factors, including the expansion of the railroad system, and industrialization and rapid growth of urban areas initially created the demand for quick meals for travelers, workers, and busy families." According to the report "the number of restaurants in the United States grew by 40% from 1910-1927."

And the part that mentions Molly's: "Three roadside eateries are extant in Hollywood. One appears eligible for local listing. Located at 1601 Vine Street, Molly's Charbroiler was constructed in 1953."

In addition to the appearance of the owners and attorney Silverstein, a handful of neighborhood activists also spoke during the public comment period. There was a lot of talk about both protecting small business and about preservation (and a mention of the now neutered Brown Derby restaurant). And in the end, the City Council delayed ultimately deciding on what would happen to the diner, which may end up being moved elsewhere in Hollywood or may end up going in the nearby under-construction parking lot in Hollywood. The City Council is expected to take up the matter again next week. Meanwhile, the office tower is a CRA project that's being done in conjunction with local developer Pacifica Ventures.


Source: http://la.curbed.com/archives/2010/06/_the.php

BrandonJXN
Jun 3, 2010, 10:10 PM
I actually love that place. Their Philly Cheese Steak is the best.

JDRCRASH
Jun 3, 2010, 10:11 PM
Hey, is that you on Curbed, Pesto?

pesto
Jun 3, 2010, 11:22 PM
JDR: That was quick. Those were my first two posts on curbed in years.

For some reason I am becoming the Emerson College and East Hollywood development spokesman. Most at Curbed think its ugly and inappropriate to the area.

Also, Molly's Burgers struck me as entirely replicable on some other parking lot DT or in Hollywood or as part of the retail at the new Vine parking lot.

JDRCRASH
Jun 4, 2010, 8:58 PM
Source:http://archpaper.com/e-board_rev.asp?News_ID=4580

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2010.06.morph23.jpg
Courtesy Morphosis



http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2010.06.morph2.jpg
Courtesy Morphosis

LosAngelesBeauty
Jun 4, 2010, 9:17 PM
Oh I like it! :)

dktshb
Jun 4, 2010, 9:27 PM
Sorry but Molly's needs to go. That lot is an eyesore and should be utilized given its location. The city is building a city parking structure 20 yards up the street and they can incorporate the hamburger joint into it. This is just like that damn luggage shop that held up the W for a decade.

BrandonJXN
Jun 4, 2010, 9:29 PM
Reminds me of Le Grande Arche in Paris. Only uglier.

http://www.blachford.info/gallery/pics3/S_ArchTall.jpg
http://www.blachford.info/gallery/pics3/S_ArchTall.jpg

LosAngelesBeauty
Jun 4, 2010, 10:07 PM
Sorry but Molly's needs to go. That lot is an eyesore and should be utilized given its location. The city is building a city parking structure 20 yards up the street and they can incorporate the hamburger joint into it. This is just like that damn luggage shop that held up the W for a decade.

Yeah, LA City Councilmembers need to recognize what is legitimate and what is not when it comes to these frivolous claims about historic designations and the rights of these crappy businesses that do absolutely nothing for the area.

pesto
Jun 4, 2010, 11:41 PM
Similar to the Arche, but meant for offices, school rooms, labs, etc.

Is the top of the cube going to be open? The decks and terraces on the building within appear to be sunlit and quite nice. They also seem to plan considerable street presence (they're on the shady side of Sunset).

And remember: right now it's a parking lot surrounded by decayed housing.

llamaorama
Jun 5, 2010, 12:53 AM
I think its really cool. I'm reminded of that funky building on stilts in Toronto that was criticized but remains a unique landmark

JDRCRASH
Jun 5, 2010, 4:43 AM
Now that I look closer, parts of the facade remind me of Aqua in Chicago.

Yeah, LA City Councilmembers need to recognize what is legitimate and what is not when it comes to these frivolous claims about historic designations and the rights of these crappy businesses that do absolutely nothing for the area.

I suppose a positive in designating many areas is that this puts even more pressure to build up.

DJJohns
Jun 17, 2010, 6:16 AM
Just wanted to give a few updates on some new places in my area. Below is a new apartment building in Venice that was finished at the end of 2009 located at 1107 Venice Blvd near the busy intersection of Lincoln Blvd and Venice Blvd. I am hoping more new properties are developed along this stretch as the current housing stock is outdated and has become a bit run down.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4707832951_5d641da9ac_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4707833145_00d8cdc66e_b.jpg

Here is a new condo/townhome tower located near the Venice Pier in Marina del Rey at the intersection of Washington Blvd and Via Dolce. It sat vacant for much of 2009 with the exterior mostly finished but interior unfinished. Finally, at the end of 2009 a new owner came along and they have been finishing the interior and repainting the exterior. Hopefully they fill the 1st floor with some retail or restaurants.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4708475850_4610c115f0_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4708476188_8cb93d31c1_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1278/4708476444_5dace09545_b.jpg

dktshb
Jun 19, 2010, 8:52 PM
^ Nice updates and welcome to the forum! :tup:

colemonkee
Jun 19, 2010, 10:11 PM
Welcome to the forum DJJohns. I remember seeing that Latidude 33 building looking almost finished over a year ago during a bar crawl. Hard to believe it's still not finished.

JDRCRASH
Jun 24, 2010, 6:30 AM
From Curbed LA

Johnson Fain-Designed Columbia Square Coming Back Around

Wednesday, June 23, 2010, by Dakota


http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2010.06.hotelhollywarea.jpg


That Johnson Fain-designed condo/hotel/office development proposed on the old CBS Studios complex near Gower and Sunset was approved by the Planning Commission last December, but then... it just disappeared. Now, the project will be heard before the Planning and Land Use Management Committee next month. Neighbors are hearing rumors that developer New York-based AREA Property Partners was looking to sell off part of the project, but a rep for AREA disputes that, stating the project is going forward. There's no timeframe for ground-breaking and AREA is currently looking for tenants for the project (old Loopnet listing), according to the rep, who adds that it will be easier for the company to get financing if tenants are in place.

Source: http://la.curbed.com/archives/2010/06/johnson_faindesigned_columbia_square_coming_back_around.php

LosAngelesBeauty
Jun 24, 2010, 6:55 AM
^ Once that and BLVD6200 are completed (in like 5 years), Hollywood will be MUCH MORE 3-dimensional and the area of interest to pedestrians will be expanded! Build it!

pesto
Jun 24, 2010, 5:01 PM
This whole neighborhood presents great opportunities since the housing is mostly outdated and in transition to apartments anyway. Getting the parking out of the strip malls and behind the buildings should be possible, given the number of apartment units and lower-rise in-fill commercial that should be coming along. Some reasonable effort at planning could make this area look like Wilshire in Ktown or along museum row.

But let's see if any of this really happens.

mdiederi
Jul 2, 2010, 3:29 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/CableStay.jpg
By me.

BrandonJXN
Jul 2, 2010, 3:51 PM
What/where is that?

dktshb
Jul 10, 2010, 4:53 PM
Maybe the orange line extension or expo line... that would be my guess :shrug:

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 12, 2010, 11:20 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/CableStay.jpg
By me.

Care to share where that was taken? :)

RAlossi
Jul 12, 2010, 11:48 PM
Wow, way to leave everybody hangin.

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 13, 2010, 12:17 AM
Not that his location would be definitive about where that pic was taken, but I'm going to take a wild stab at it and jump to the conclusion that since his location is Topanga, he may have taken it in the SFV, and that dkt was right about it being the Orange Line extension...

mdiederi
Jul 13, 2010, 3:02 AM
It's a cable-stayed bridge in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, near the Port, about a mile north of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Not sure what it is for, but it's part of a whole new elevated road or track they're building parallel to Harry Bridges Blvd. Looks like it crosses Wilmington Blvd., but not sure about that. I can't find any info on the project. Not sure why they need such a dramatic structure for such a short span?

RAlossi
Jul 13, 2010, 5:45 AM
Oh, it's part of the elevated park project. http://la.curbed.com/archives/2010/06/wilmington_getting_elevated_park_just_like_all_the_cool_cities.php

mdiederi
Jul 13, 2010, 6:57 AM
So, I guess it's a pedestrian bridge.

pesto
Jul 13, 2010, 11:11 PM
I notice there's a proposal for a block-sized Ralph's and Target (parking on the roof) at Rodeo and Crenshaw, which is about 1 block from the Expo Line. It replaces an old Ralph's with massive parking lots.

I don't follow this carefully, but it seems that there has been a ton of proposed development along the Expo Line (both the under construction and proposed parts). From DT, to USC to Culver City to SM, there seems to be a strong beginning to building around the line. Hopefully, this will be reflected in good rideship numbers. Gives Leimert Park and nearby areas convenient connections to DT and SM.

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 14, 2010, 2:21 AM
^ Yes, you are seeing the slow, yet consistent and insidious (to NIMBYs) urbanization of LA. The Aqua Line will finally put metro in many people's minds as it finally connects part of the the salient Westside with DTLA and the rest of the region.

My only concern is that there are so many other areas of the Westside that are filled with culture, character, and beautiful architecture that are not on the drawing board for rail connection. We're talking 3rd St, Beverly, and Melrose (and all the residential streets that branch off of those major thoroughfares).

I also think it is a HUGE mistake that Metro has not included Robertson Blvd./Wilshire Blvd. for its planned stations for the Purple Line. Robertson is a major intersection with access to a lot more "stuff" north of the Wilshire.

AndrewK
Jul 15, 2010, 5:57 AM
^ Yes, you are seeing the slow, yet consistent and insidious (to NIMBYs) urbanization of LA. The Aqua Line will finally put metro in many people's minds as it finally connects part of the the salient Westside with DTLA and the rest of the region.

My only concern is that there are so many other areas of the Westside that are filled with culture, character, and beautiful architecture that are not on the drawing board for rail connection. We're talking 3rd St, Beverly, and Melrose (and all the residential streets that branch off of those major thoroughfares).

I also think it is a HUGE mistake that Metro has not included Robertson Blvd./Wilshire Blvd. for its planned stations for the Purple Line. Robertson is a major intersection with access to a lot more "stuff" north of the Wilshire.

i guess the idea is that the weho red line extension will cover those areas to some extent by putting stops along san vicente (ie a beverly center stop), and thus also make a robertson stop not that necessary.

Quixote
Jul 15, 2010, 7:25 AM
Exterior renovation of this building in Koreatown. Note the new retail space planned along 7th Street.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1049/4604562959_50cd87c13e_z.jpg
From Flickr, by urbanone

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1267/4605172426_e683b514a0_b.jpg
From Flickr, by urbanone

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1061/4604557687_ac1a962f6e_b.jpg
From Flickr, by urbanone

pesto
Jul 15, 2010, 6:51 PM
Very nice. As I recall, 7th currently has no retail along that area. A nice outdoorsy cafe on a relatively quiet street is a real plus to the hood.

Bit by bit.

pesto
Jul 15, 2010, 6:58 PM
To me, Pink Line heals many problems. It generally helps move traffic east and west between naturally connected areas (E. Hollywood/Silver Lake to Weho/BH) but also connects north and south within the Westside (half way between DT and 405/Sepulveda).

A Robertson stop on Purple would have been nice, but as Andrew notes, most of the active Robertson business district is further north and Pink Line helps out.

Steve2726
Jul 15, 2010, 8:14 PM
Exterior renovation of this building in Koreatown.

Looks like lipstick on a pig there but it should be a worthwhile improvement.

RAlossi
Jul 15, 2010, 10:13 PM
I work in Paramount Plaza (the building across the street that faces Wilshire) every so often, and I have to say that it actually looks like a decent renovation job. Really excited for the retail component. That little neighborhood has some potential.

pesto
Jul 16, 2010, 12:34 AM
and about 2 blocks to the Purple Line.

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 16, 2010, 8:51 AM
Yes, I agree that a Pink Line would do a lot, but having a Robertson station just seems logical to me because it has a lot of potential for growth near the intersection. I guess its moot if Metro is leaving it out.

mdiederi
Jul 20, 2010, 3:38 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/laskyline.jpg
©me

dl3000
Jul 20, 2010, 9:03 PM
Yeah Westwood is cool

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 20, 2010, 9:20 PM
That's a shot that never gets old! I wish it was a bit clearer!

JDRCRASH
Jul 20, 2010, 11:47 PM
I agree there should be either a Roberston station, or a Doheny station. there's a relatively big gap between the Rodeo and La Cienega stations that could be used.

BTW, has metro chosen the alternative for La Cienega so that the Pink Line can connect to it?

pesto
Jul 21, 2010, 6:05 PM
It strikes me that Option C has the most advantages re connectivity. It also effectively lowers the gap between La Cienega and Rodeo stations, since the La Cienega stop moves west (and the Rodeo stop is actually east of Beverly Dr.).

The CC/Westwood picture is great even though it cuts off some of Westwood to the right. And I don't think Pauley even shows up.

AndrewK
Jul 23, 2010, 6:08 AM
The CC/Westwood picture is great even though it cuts off some of Westwood to the right. And I don't think Pauley even shows up.

pauley is too far down in the valley to be captured from that angle. even it were otherwise visible its blocked by the highrise dorms.

Razqal
Jul 23, 2010, 8:02 AM
Yes, I agree that a Pink Line would do a lot, but having a Robertson station just seems logical to me because it has a lot of potential for growth near the intersection. I guess its moot if Metro is leaving it out.

THAT'S SOOOOOO GAAAAAY!!!!! SO YOU BEEN TO ABBY LATELY??? :rolleyes:

sopas ej
Jul 24, 2010, 3:02 AM
From the Los Angeles Times:

Luxury condo tower in Century City is completed (http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-century-condos-20100724,0,6833124.story)
Deluxe high-rise living is relatively new in Los Angeles, but more projects are targeting buyers in the top financial strata.
By Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times
July 24, 2010

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2010-07/55136882.jpg

The Art Deco-inspired Century City condominium tower expected to be the home of wealthy widow Candy Spelling and many other moneyed residents has been completed after nearly six years of planning, demolition and construction.

With high-rise living still rarer in Los Angeles than in other international cities, the dramatic 41-story Century on Avenue of the Stars is targeted at a sliver of home buyers willing to spend as much for a condo as they would for a sumptuous home in an exclusive neighborhood such as Beverly Hills or Malibu.

The Century is further challenged by hitting the market after one of the most painful housing slumps in history, which depressed prices at all levels including the top end. In recognition that times have changed, developer Related Cos. reduced prices as much as 25% on the building's 140 units.

A handful of other deluxe condominium projects have opened in recent months, chasing the same plump wallets.

"These kind of service-rich condos and townhouses have been around in New York and Chicago, but they're relatively new in L.A.," said real estate consultant Larry Kosmont, president of Kosmont Cos. "It's really hotel-quality five-star living."

The developer stopped marketing the Century as the recession took hold, said Susan de Franca, president of sales for New York-based Related. In 2008, before the worst of the housing downturn, the company sold an upper unit for $15 million and the top two floors to Spelling for $47 million.

The prices, exceeding $2,700 per square foot, were a record high for Los Angeles-area condos. Related has since lowered prices for buyers, including Spelling, who committed to the building before the market turned, de Franca said. The reduced figures have not been disclosed.

[...]

Click here for the rest of the story:
Luxury condo tower in Century City is completed (http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-century-condos-20100724,0,6833124.story)

Quixote
Jul 24, 2010, 4:18 PM
The Movietown Plaza project on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood will break ground in September. Nothing better than having a large strip mall converted into a dense housing complex. Even better when you consider it's only 0.3 miles from a potential subway station at Santa Monica/La Brea. Lots of density is planned for the area, which will only make a stronger case for the Pink Line to get built.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2010/07/tenants_out_groundbreaking_set_for_west_hollywoods_movietown_plaza.php

colemonkee
Jul 24, 2010, 5:53 PM
That's great news. I'm having a tough time picturing what's there now. But this is near the West Hollywood Gateway shopping center, no?

sopas ej
Jul 24, 2010, 7:15 PM
Is this the shopping center where the Yukon Mining Co. was?

Quixote
Jul 24, 2010, 9:40 PM
Yes to both of you.

sopas ej
Jul 25, 2010, 3:25 PM
^^^
Ah OK; another landmark from my youth is biting the dust, then. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that site is being redeveloped; but I guess I do hold a little bit of nostalgia for the Yukon Mining Co., with its mix of club-goers, rent boys and drug addicts, back in the 90s... but I guess the restaurant has been closed for a while now anyway. It's funny, but I feel like LA used to have more of "an edge" back then; I'm hoping LA doesn't become too "safe and sane" and populated with the type of people who shop at Pottery Barn and get excited about Cheesecake Factory.

pesto
Jul 26, 2010, 5:25 PM
Movietown is about as good as you can hope for: 10 stories, retail, housing, open space, underground parking. I figured it was another "approved, no start date" for the foreseeable future. Now for 100 more of these.

sopas: I don't think you need to worry too much yet. I think the "medical pot and tattoo" crowd and the "Target and McDonalds" crowd still dominate in many areas.

sopas ej
Jul 26, 2010, 5:53 PM
:previous:
Hehe well the Target and McDonald's crowd will always be around; those two businesses have become the bread and butter of our society, haven't they. Nothing "edgy" about them. ;)

Which brings up a point; I had a co-worker who lived south of the Miracle Mile and he thought it was awesome when that Target on La Cienega south of the 10 opened up in the late 90s or early 2000s, where the old FEDCO was (this of course was before the Target in WeHo opened). Prior to that, there was no Target in LA proper south of the Valley; he would've had to have gone to the suburbs (or the Valley). It's been my experience that most people don't see Target as being a trashy store (like how many see Walmart or Kmart to be) but more akin to a mainstream supermarket or drugstore in the sense that EVERYONE shops there for necessary items.

pesto
Jul 26, 2010, 6:04 PM
Agreed; Target is the new Penney's or Woolworths; economical but not pure junk.

You friend should be happy. Just on the Westside, there are now Targets in the works for Sunset and Western; Pico and San Vicente; Rodeo and Crenshaw; and in Westwood Village. Mostly urban versions with integrated Ralph's markets and parking on the roof.

Busy Bee
Jul 26, 2010, 6:12 PM
Speaking of Kmart, maybe they should jump on the 'everything old is new again' bandwagon and rebrand their stores as S. S. Kresge. That would be very full circle cool.

Kingofthehill
Jul 26, 2010, 6:15 PM
Agreed; Target is the new Penney's or Woolworths; economical but not pure junk.

You friend should be happy. Just on the Westside, there are now Targets in the works for Sunset and Western; Pico and San Vicente; Rodeo and Crenshaw; and in Westwood Village. Mostly urban versions with integrated Ralph's markets and parking on the roof.

Save for Westwood Village, none of those are on the Westside.

LAsam
Jul 26, 2010, 6:52 PM
You friend should be happy. Just on the Westside, there are now Targets in the works for Sunset and Western; Pico and San Vicente; Rodeo and Crenshaw; and in Westwood Village.

Target in Westwood Village? Are they taking over the old EXPO space?

pesto
Jul 26, 2010, 8:36 PM
KOTH: probably true, but I meant anything west of DT.

LAsam: yes they are. But interestingly, the result turns out to be similar to the others: building to the streetline; market; Target; parking off street level.

Bootstrap Bill
Jul 28, 2010, 1:17 AM
Why isn't there a section for projects in Orange County?

sopas ej
Jul 28, 2010, 2:08 AM
:previous:

My guess is because Orange County isn't a city.

There's an OC thread in the Regional Pacific West section.

Bootstrap Bill
Jul 28, 2010, 2:32 AM
Thanks! I forgot that section existed.

pesto
Jul 28, 2010, 5:38 PM
yeah; it's pretty dead over there but people should take a look.

JDRCRASH
Jul 28, 2010, 8:14 PM
There is a lot of stuff going on in the OC, like the southern portion of the Santa Ana Corridor that will end at the Metrolink Station.

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 29, 2010, 10:14 AM
Totally excited to see this place almost open!

The Bloomingdales will essentially become the new face of Santa Monica since the Aqua Line will be terminating literally across the street from it (catercorner). It's exciting to think about how future transit users will be getting off at this station right across from the new Santa Monica Place. :tup:

I took these all from last night:

Bloomingdales all lit up at night. This view will be the same from transit users getting off the future Aqua Line station terminus in Santa Monica.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3636/img6837o.jpg


This corner is 100 times better than before when it was Macy's and a blank wall.
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/830/img6838v.jpg


Getting ready for opening day
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/897/img6845f.jpg


These metal panels are on the outside of the Bloomingdales
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9599/img6846c.jpg


A view inside the new Santa Monica Place
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/6614/img6849w.jpg


The second CB2 in LA (the other one is at Fairfax/Sunset)
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/5056/img6850m.jpg


Grand opening is on Aug 6, 2010
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4759/img6855u.jpg


Nike Town?
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8228/img6856q.jpg


View from 3rd Street Promenade
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1179/img6857a.jpg


A peek inside
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/2131/img6861q.jpg


A brand new Nordstrom :)
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3360/img6866w.jpg


Another peek inside
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/2438/img6867e.jpg


New designs on the parking structure
http://img807.imageshack.us/img807/6678/img6872.jpg

Quixote
Jul 29, 2010, 1:16 PM
^ Wow, I never knew the extent to which it was being upgraded. Almost all of it is now high-end shopping and dining.

LAsam
Jul 29, 2010, 3:41 PM
So far, Santa Monica Place is looking beautiful! Can't wait to see it in action.

sopas ej
Jul 29, 2010, 4:21 PM
Though the grand opening of the revamped Santa Monica Place is on August 6th, from what I've been reading, it'll only be about 70% opened. What's gotten me excited is that they're supposed to open some kind of artisanal food market along the lines of what's at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. But that doesn't open for another 3 or 4 months, or something. Not sure how big that market is going to be, but I'll totally be there once it's opened to check it out.

pesto
Jul 29, 2010, 4:57 PM
Very nice. Looks classy and urban without the artficiality of the Grove. DT SM is getting some real urban bulk to it.

Beverly Center please take note. A flow into 3rd, Beverly, La Cienega would create a great urban nucleus.

Bloomies is also looking to build directly above the Purple Line in CC (if the Santa Monica Blvd. site is used). Must be their roots in NY that attracts them to subways.

202_Cyclist
Jul 29, 2010, 5:22 PM
Bloomies is also looking to build directly above the Purple Line in CC (if the Santa Monica Blvd. site is used). Must be their roots in NY that attracts them to subways.

They also have a store directly next to the Friendship Heights metro station in DC, along DC's version of Rodeo Drive.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3162461404_56b4e71711.jpg
(photo courtesy of Flickr)

Virtual Urban Vision
Jul 30, 2010, 10:56 PM
I grew up in Santa Monica, I have seen allot of changes. The constant was the Santa Monica Place. Now, even that has gone through a total transformation. There is not allot i can say about the new residences going in but this "mall' is really impressive. It is almost a right of passage for the once seaside community turned urban mecca. The Aqua line, will be the icing on the cake. :notacrook:

StethJeff
Jul 31, 2010, 8:58 PM
They also have a store directly next to the Friendship Heights metro station in DC, along DC's version of Rodeo Drive.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3162461404_56b4e71711.jpg
(photo courtesy of Flickr)

Wow, Talbot's managed to make it onto DC's Rodeo Drive. :haha:

BrandonJXN
Aug 1, 2010, 1:14 AM
^ Why do you have over a billion posts?

Busy Bee
Aug 1, 2010, 2:10 AM
He's a compoooter

DistrictDirt
Aug 2, 2010, 3:57 AM
Miracle Mile and Century City from my office @ Wilshire and Western. Clearly the iPhone camera has issues capturing the setting sun :)

http://i.imgur.com/pPZts.jpg

DistrictDirt
Aug 2, 2010, 4:05 AM
Wow, Talbot's managed to make it onto DC's Rodeo Drive. :haha:

I wouldn't judge DC's shopping based on a Talbots...between Friendship Heights, Georgetown, and Tysons, they have the high end shopping under control.

Remember, as our city goes broke, they just keep getting richer, and richer, and richer...

LosAngelesBeauty
Aug 2, 2010, 6:57 AM
Miracle Mile and Century City from my office @ Wilshire and Western. Clearly the iPhone camera has issues capturing the setting sun :)

http://i.imgur.com/pPZts.jpg


Still came out pretty nice I would say.

Since you work at the corner, do you know if a Famima is opening up there soon? I asked the store manager at the Famima in DTLA and he told me that they are opening up one in K-Town. He said he believed it will be at Wilshire/Western? I can see it in the Solair...

DistrictDirt
Aug 2, 2010, 7:12 AM
Since you work at the corner, do you know if a Famima is opening up there soon? I asked the store manager at the Famima in DTLA and he told me that they are opening up one in K-Town. He said he believed it will be at Wilshire/Western? I can see it in the Solair...

I haven't heard anything about a Famima there but I'll poke around tomorrow and see what I can see. There are a bunch of retail spots at the Solair that are of yet unoccupied.

202_Cyclist
Aug 11, 2010, 3:24 PM
This looks like a good addition to Century City but it is unfortunate so much of the land immediately around the metro station is devoted to the automobile or open space. There is a finite amount of land within 1/4 to 1/2 mile around this proposed metro station and it looks like a lot of the land is committed to the driveways and turn-arounds surrounding the hotel.


New plan for Century Plaza hotel adds two 46-story towers

The $1.5-billion project by owner Michael Rosenfeld, who had originally planned to raze the Space Age hotel in Century City, would be one of the largest real estate developments on the Westside in decades.

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2010-08/55477250.jpg
The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel, built in 1966, had been in danger of demolition. (Ken Hively, Los Angeles Times / April 24, 2009)

Roger Vincent and Martha Groves
Los Angeles Times
August 11, 2010

After backing down from a contentious proposal to demolish the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel, the owner has unveiled plans to construct a high-rise real estate development next to the Space Age landmark that would transform the tenor of Century City's streets and dramatically alter the skyline.

The $1.5-billion proposal calls for two 46-story skyscrapers holding hundreds of condominiums and offices to be built behind the renowned hotel on Avenue of the Stars. Nearly half of the guest rooms would be replaced by luxury condos as part of a top-to-bottom makeover.

http://www.latimes.com/media/graphic/2010-08/55477249.jpg

A large portion of the lobby would be hollowed out and left open in a move to connect the new buildings, shops and plazas with nearby streets and improve the flow of pedestrians. Planning and construction are slated for completion by 2014.

The proposal represents a turnabout by Los Angeles developer Michael Rosenfeld, who has earned support from preservationists who once opposed him. Rosenfeld has also won a tentative nod from the mayor and a key city councilman for his revised plans...

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-century-plaza-20100811,0,1243030,full.story

JRinSoCal
Aug 11, 2010, 5:20 PM
^^Doesn't CC have enough twins already? And it definitely needs something taller. Is there a height limit in that area?

LosAngelesBeauty
Aug 11, 2010, 7:33 PM
I like the towers. In fact, for some reason, the initial renderings remind me of Pelli-designed ones.

Actually, aren't there really only one set of twins right now?

It would be kind of interesting to see how the existing Century Plaza Towers (twins) interact visually with the new set of twins directly across from them. A reflection of new against the old.

I personally think the Century Plaza Towers are two of the most beautiful/elegant skyscrapers we have in LA (save for a couple of more in DTLA like Library Tower and 777).

LosAngelesBeauty
Aug 11, 2010, 7:55 PM
Here's my response to janjamm on LA Times' comments:


BrighamYen at 12:02 PM August 11, 2010

The two Henry Cobb designed proposed towers look great! What a wonderful way to work around the very pedestrian-DISoriented layout of Century City damaged by auto-oriented public policy.


Mike Eveloff and his minions are ridiculous and borderline insane with their silly asserations that towers encroach on the residents' privacies! If that were the case, all those OTHER skyscapers in Century City would already be peering down on their roofs from high above. These paranoid residents, stuck in the 50s, need to move OUT of LA, the second largest city in country (a county of 11 million people), if they are against new development.

Seems counterintuitive doesn't it? If I were someone who longed for small town ambiance, wouldn't I move to Idaho? Or Nebraska? Why move to the second largest city in the country and demand suburbia? Or if you have "always" lived here, then it's time to move because the force of population growth and the demand for real estate will always trump your neighborhood groups. You may win "battles" but the war will continue.


Move to Helena, Montana.

colemonkee
Aug 12, 2010, 2:15 AM
JRinSoCal, I believe there is a height limit for Century City, somewhere in the 650-700 ft. range. However, when one looks at the Century City North Specific Plan, there no mentions of height limits, only trip limits, which can be transfered if they are never used. But I remember reading somewhere that there was either a Specific Plan or FAA height limit on Century City around the 650-700 ft. range. Can't remember where I saw it exactly.

As for this development, the thing that excites me the most about it is the Metro stop on the corner of Century Park West and Constellation. That is the perfect spot for a Metro portal in CC, right in the thick of things, and very close to the Westfield mall. The other end of the portal should be kitty-corner from there, in the now empty lot, hopefully spurring some development there.

JDRCRASH
Aug 12, 2010, 4:03 AM
As for this development, the thing that excites me the most about it is the Metro stop on the corner of Century Park West and Constellation. That is the perfect spot for a Metro portal in CC, right in the thick of things, and very close to the Westfield mall. The other end of the portal should be kitty-corner from there, in the now empty lot, hopefully spurring some development there.

Santa Monica Blvd never made sense to me as a subway stop location. Besides, if you go to the Transit Coalition forum, the "Direct Connection" is not only more effective, but cheaper.

And this integration of subway stations into future developments needs to continue.

plinko
Aug 12, 2010, 4:15 AM
JRinSoCal, I believe there is a height limit for Century City, somewhere in the 650-700 ft. range. However, when one looks at the Century City North Specific Plan, there no mentions of height limits, only trip limits, which can be transfered if they are never used. But I remember reading somewhere that there was either a Specific Plan or FAA height limit on Century City around the 650-700 ft. range. Can't remember where I saw it exactly.

The approach for Santa Monica Municipal Airport maybe? Depends on the type of aircraft of course, but I could easily see how CC would have a height limit in the range you stated.

sopas ej
Aug 12, 2010, 4:34 PM
^^Doesn't CC have enough twins already?

That was my thought too; even as a child, I felt that twin buildings seemed to be the theme of Century City. There are the aluminum gateway buildings on Ave of the Stars at Santa Monica (which I guess will be knocked down when the shopping center expands, or at least the one will be knocked down?); before they were knocked down, there was the ABC Entertainment Complex in front of the Yamasaki twin towers; there are two sets of twins on Century Park East; though the one set of twins would be a fraternal set, if that makes sense, but the other set is an identical set.

BrandonJXN
Aug 12, 2010, 7:36 PM
JRinSoCal, I believe there is a height limit for Century City, somewhere in the 650-700 ft. range. However, when one looks at the Century City North Specific Plan, there no mentions of height limits, only trip limits, which can be transfered if they are never used. But I remember reading somewhere that there was either a Specific Plan or FAA height limit on Century City around the 650-700 ft. range. Can't remember where I saw it exactly.

As for this development, the thing that excites me the most about it is the Metro stop on the corner of Century Park West and Constellation. That is the perfect spot for a Metro portal in CC, right in the thick of things, and very close to the Westfield mall. The other end of the portal should be kitty-corner from there, in the now empty lot, hopefully spurring some development there.

At least they have thought far enough ahead by placing a subway stop near Century Plaza. Hopefully, this development will spark lots of new development in CC. I love Century City but is totally soulless. It's too pretty. I said before that Century City totally reminds me of La Defense in Paris.

http://www.developpementdurablelejournal.com/UserFiles/Image/imageJourLaDefense.jpg
http://www.developpementdurablelejournal.com/UserFiles/Image/imageJourLaDefense.jpg

I would love to see some sort of variety in terms of architecture in Century City though.

pesto
Aug 12, 2010, 11:56 PM
Overall, this doesn't do much for CC. Two more soulless towers and keep the Century Plaza, which is more anonymous modernism. Converting some of the parking lots to trees and walkways is nice, but this area is not short on greenspace. It's short on streelife. It needs 3-5 story buildings to the street in a dozen areas with a few high-rises mixed in. We are looking for street life and livability, aren't we?

I don't like the stop at Century Park W and Constellation. This is far from Ave. of the Stars, which Westfield was proposing to turn into street retail and cafes (another Grand Ave?). Their proposal was to put the station on the first floor of a 40 story high-rise with a department store on the first 3 levels and direct flow into the shopping center. Self-serving, yes, but also serving the great majority of subway riders, who will be shoppers and employees of the shopping center, movie and restaurant patrons.

JDRCRASH
Aug 13, 2010, 2:38 PM
^ Century Park W? I didn't know there was a proposal for a station at THAT location. No matter. It won't fly, partly because it's just outside the core of Century City and next to homes, which will only feed the NIMBYS.

pesto
Aug 13, 2010, 4:04 PM
I think colemonkee references a stop at CP West in his post. If the stop is really closer to Ave. of the Stars, that's better.

I think the practical height limit in CC is much lower since the NIMBY's have kept it down. As I recall, Westfiled proposed 50 on SM Blvd, but it got approved at 40.

JDRCRASH
Aug 13, 2010, 4:47 PM
But that's not Metro's plan:

http://transittalk.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=521&page=18

sopas ej
Aug 13, 2010, 4:51 PM
Yeah, one of the proposed Metro stations is actually at Constellation and Avenue of the Stars; it's even in the above rendering of the Century Plaza Hotel and proposed towers.

BrandonJXN
Aug 13, 2010, 6:21 PM
Yeah, one of the proposed Metro stations is actually at Constellation and Avenue of the Stars; it's even in the above rendering of the Century Plaza Hotel and proposed towers.

Maybe it's a 2 (or even 3) portal station?

:shrug:

In any event, I rode my bike to Century City yesterday and while as pretty and extremely clean as it is, there is NOTHING to do. It's very hard to get around as the streets are far too wide. The Century looks nice but as I said during construction that it belongs on Wilshire.

Speaking of Wilshire, after trudging up the Wilshire Corridor, 2 of the many condo towers stood out: The Carlyle, and The Wilshire. I know that The Carlyle is fairly new but I love it's shape. The Wilshire however is one of the more stunning towers I've seen. I love all of those condo towers (I love LA architecture from the 1980's).