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

King Kill 'em
Mar 25, 2016, 12:08 AM
^ it's address is 115 N. Screenland. It's in the Media District where there's a few other sizeable buildings.

NativeOrange
Mar 25, 2016, 2:57 AM
Can't get a pic uploaded, but scaffolding came down on part of Sunset La Cienega. Facade looks really good!

King Kill 'em
Mar 25, 2016, 3:15 AM
Silver Lake

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1447/25392226543_5bd2c084da_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFPNin)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/EFPNin) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

Silver Lake Resevoir construction

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1617/25900723542_bebcc7a96f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsKYK1)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FsKYK1) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1584/25900727432_b57aace614_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsKZU5)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FsKZU5) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1657/25900731932_75aaca73a3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsL2eE)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FsL2eE) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

Koreatown. Can anyone tell where this was taken from?

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1497/25721986020_c3b52c4bba_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FbXUiA)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FbXUiA) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

Very old and interesting Victorian

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1580/25901944682_c33390af3b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsSeK9)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FsSeK9) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

New 8-unit SLS near Echo Park. Looks great and only replaced one home.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1626/25927927811_3a1cb0f8a5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FvapC8)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FvapC8) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

Retail finally leased in a Palmer building.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1523/25389932594_1413b482f0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFC3ow)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/EFC3ow) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

Doctorboffin
Mar 25, 2016, 3:35 PM
I can't wait for the Silver Lake reservoir to become a park. It is such a prime location and in one of LA's nicest if not nicest neighborhood.

blackcat23
Mar 25, 2016, 4:27 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/revised-look-proposed-westchester-development

Updated design for apartment complex near Howard Hughes Center in Westchester. 176 residential units, designed by Johnson Fain.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/sepulveda1.png?itok=j-7CAA12

King Kill 'em
Mar 25, 2016, 9:36 PM
I can't wait for the Silver Lake reservoir to become a park. It is such a prime location and in one of LA's nicest if not nicest neighborhood.

There's a new looking park on it's eastside. It's pretty nice and doesn't have any gimmicky bullshit.

blackcat23
Mar 27, 2016, 10:23 PM
1601 Vine (http://urbanize.la/post/hollywood-office-building-goes-vertical) Street Progress

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/12801572_856383274505431_7787597821221388618_n.jpg?oh=e51e7100c503cb97c0096b0784694f57&oe=578CDC3E

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12439275_856383344505424_7152841277316062502_n.jpg?oh=269a74085c1139d41afcc36db7ea41fd&oe=579304AD

And Icon at Sunset Bronson Studios (http://urbanize.la/post/icon-rises-sunset-bronson-studios)

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12931018_856450184498740_8206312471445947193_n.jpg?oh=f3aade6b6963aad102913874e66b9a45&oe=57782327

blackcat23
Mar 29, 2016, 3:44 PM
New Renderings for Caruso's Palisades Village Development (http://urbanize.la/post/fresh-renderings-palisades-village)

Perhaps not everyone's favorite developer, but the man knows how to make a successful product.

116,000 square feet of programmed space, including stores, restaurants, a new park, a specialty grocer and a restored five-screen movie theater.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/5_11.jpg?itok=lXhsCNdn

blackcat23
Mar 29, 2016, 5:39 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/second-culver-city-tod-unwraps-itself

The wrapping comes off at Access Culver City, right next to Culver City Station. 116 apartments and 30,000 square feet of retail space from Greystar. Designed by Togawa Smith Martin.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20160326_115501.jpg?itok=67RPXREg

blackcat23
Mar 30, 2016, 3:36 PM
Hampton Inn & Suites to rise in Koreatown (http://urbanize.la/post/hampton-inn-suites-rise-koreatown)

Six-story building on 3rd Street between Kingsley and Harvard. 171 guest rooms + ground-floor restaurant space.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/ktown%20hampton.jpg?itok=AE31sot9

blackcat23
Mar 30, 2016, 5:27 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/apartments-rise-long-vacant-echo-park-lot

Four-story mixed-use development underway in Echo Park. 69 apartments, 1,110 square feet of ground-floor restaurant space. Designed by PSL Architects.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950wb/public/field/image/20160327_104839.jpg?itok=5COk6UW0

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/templeunion.jpg?itok=65y1-KJD

colemonkee
Mar 30, 2016, 5:38 PM
I like the Silver Lake project! Access Culver City is underwhelming to me. Not sure how long this corrugated metal architecture phase will last, but it can be done well. This case doesn't appear to be one of those examples.

LosAngelesSportsFan
Mar 30, 2016, 6:53 PM
Hampton Inn & Suites to rise in Koreatown (http://urbanize.la/post/hampton-inn-suites-rise-koreatown)

Six-story building on 3rd Street between Kingsley and Harvard. 171 guest rooms + ground-floor restaurant space.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/ktown%20hampton.jpg?itok=AE31sot9

Dare i say this is borderline good, other than the atrocious sign of course

LosAngelesSportsFan
Mar 30, 2016, 6:56 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/apartments-rise-long-vacant-echo-park-lot

Four-story mixed-use development underway in Echo Park. 69 apartments, 1,110 square feet of ground-floor restaurant space. Designed by PSL Architects.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950wb/public/field/image/20160327_104839.jpg?itok=5COk6UW0

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/templeunion.jpg?itok=65y1-KJD

Interesting project. The only aspect i dont like is the "chain link like" metal they used. That ages really quickly

Wilcal
Mar 30, 2016, 9:44 PM
I like the Silver Lake project! Access Culver City is underwhelming to me. Not sure how long this corrugated metal architecture phase will last, but it can be done well. This case doesn't appear to be one of those examples.

It seems though that anything is better than stucco. Among the usual complaints, I cringe when I see stucco which is unevenly applied and looks "wavy" Or it cracks due to poor application, uneven drying or settling (repairs, if not done expertly look awful), and don't forget staining from metal flashing or metal inserts. And to beat all it looks cheap (because it is).

losangelesnative
Mar 31, 2016, 6:01 PM
Condolences to Zaha Hadid as she apparently suffered a heart attack and has passed away in Miami this morning :(

http://www.curbed.com/2016/3/31/11337600/zaha-hadid-architect-death?_ga=1.181545703.1125928770.1444242786

Eightball
Mar 31, 2016, 10:09 PM
Re access Culver City the photo only shows the front of the building, which is ok. The sides are worse

blackcat23
Apr 1, 2016, 2:39 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/another-hampton-inn-underway-el-segundo

Hampton Inn going up at 888 N. Sepulveda Boulevard in El Segundo.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20160327_142709.jpg?itok=-tiS5wvw

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/elsegundo.jpg?itok=PQSgS-qd

LAsam
Apr 1, 2016, 4:39 PM
Hampton Inn going up at 888 N. Sepulveda Boulevard in El Segundo.

I love that you cover the Westchester/PdR/MdR area as well as the South Bay. Much appreciated!!! :cheers:

blackcat23
Apr 1, 2016, 5:35 PM
Playa Vista Office Campus Adding New Building

(http://urbanize.la/post/first-look-playa-jeffersons-expansion)

Three-story, 49,000-square foot buildign designed by Gensler. Flythrough video in the article.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/playa4_1.jpg?itok=Exvm0eMJ

colemonkee
Apr 1, 2016, 6:25 PM
Love the cantilever and the skylights, but I think they missed the mark in two ways:

1. They promise plenty of light, but have pretty large expanses of corrugated metal walls that actually block a lot of light. Why not make the entire envelope of the building in floor to ceiling glass with glazing that accounts for solar gain? That would let in more light and create a much cleaner design, which would only help to accentuate that cantilever
2. They have a 5-story parking garage. Why the hell do they need a surface lot? Site the building closer to the street, and utilize the interior courtyard for landscaped gathering space or even recreational space (tennis courts, etc) for employees. This could easily be done very tastefully with drought resistant plants, and would be more desirable to these tech firms, who can certainly pay the increased money for those upgrades.

To me this feels like a design with a lot of potential that is only half-baked in it's current form.

a9l8e7n
Apr 1, 2016, 9:24 PM
"The Brickyard" Playa Vista

https://c8.staticflickr.com/2/1632/26176541615_0c4483cb36_h.jpg

colemonkee
Apr 2, 2016, 12:22 AM
Whoa! Didn't realize that was that far along!

King Kill 'em
Apr 2, 2016, 1:28 AM
I want to go on a bike ride to the beach this weekend. What would be the best route to take from Hollywood?

Kenchiku desu
Apr 2, 2016, 3:12 AM
King, I would recommend picking up Hauser near Park La Brea and taking it down to Venice Blvd; turn left for 7-mile straight run to the beach bike path -- or continuing down Hauser (nice, calm way to get under I-10 Freeway) to Jefferson and getting down to the Ballona Creek dedicated bike path Where Expo Line crosses Ballona channel and taking it all the way to the beach bike path south of the Marina jetties. On the way back there is a possible detour to see Playa Vista development south of Jefferson or lunch in Culver City's downtown.

King Kill 'em
Apr 2, 2016, 5:29 AM
King, I would recommend picking up Hauser near Park La Brea and taking it down to Venice Blvd; turn left for 7-mile straight run to the beach bike path -- or continuing down Hauser (nice, calm way to get under I-10 Freeway) to Jefferson and getting down to the Ballona Creek dedicated bike path Where Expo Line crosses Ballona channel and taking it all the way to the beach bike path south of the Marina jetties. On the way back there is a possible detour to see Playa Vista development south of Jefferson or lunch in Culver City's downtown.

thanks. great advice. Santa Monica seems like a fast route but it's very anti bike/pedestrian. I heard Venice was good but I had not thought about taking Hauser to there.

colemonkee
Apr 3, 2016, 1:22 AM
I don't recall this one being mentioned here before, but this is decent looking low-rise proposed in Hollywood near a bunch of projects currently under construction.

Article source: http://laist.com/2016/03/30/anita_may_rosenstein_campus_hollywood.php

http://laist.com/attachments/la_djensen/lgbt_center2.jpg

Both LGBT Seniors And Young Adults Will Live In This New Hollywood Housing Complex
by Danny Jensen in News on Mar 30, 2016 11:38 am

A housing campus for LGBT seniors and young adults to be built in Hollywood starting this year will be the first of its kind in the country.

The new complex, known as the Anita May Rosenstein Campus, will house over 200 seniors and youth, according to KPCC. The campus will also serve as the new headquarters for the Los Angeles LGBT Center—the organization behind the $100 million project—which has provided services to the community since 1969. The building is expected to be completed in 2019 at 1116 N. McCadden Place near Santa Monica Blvd., just around the corner from the soon-to-be-demolished Circus Disco, which long served as another hub for the LGBT community.

Read the rest of the article here: http://laist.com/2016/03/30/anita_may_rosenstein_campus_hollywood.php

hughfb3
Apr 3, 2016, 3:27 AM
Not sure if I missed it being mentioned on the forum here, but the Century Plaza hotel is closed in preparation for the new project with the twin towers behind it. Do we know the date of the ground breaking on this project?

By the way, Century City looks great right now with 10000 Santa Monica and the Waldorf. 10000 is an amazing looking building from every angle... One of my favorite buildings in LA right now...

colemonkee
Apr 3, 2016, 5:46 PM
^ I work across the street from the Century Plaza Hotel and it has indeed been closed since the beginning of March. But the Equinox right behind it - which is presumably part of the project - is still open, so I think it may be a few months off from starting serious construction.

King Kill 'em
Apr 3, 2016, 11:36 PM
Cool buildings on La Brea

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1488/25614397223_7a5a0b645b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F2stUk)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/F2stUk) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1494/26124617952_3d1bb7bc18_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FNxuKs)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FNxuKs) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1713/26124619342_777aed3a0d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FNxvaq)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FNxvaq) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1672/25614416143_e4af0db962_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F2szwx)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/F2szwx) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

New SLS

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1609/26217079165_a413e501d3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FWHofi)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FWHofi) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

Construction of the new academy museum or whatever

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1496/26217080565_089d681e66_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FWHoEr)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FWHoEr) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

Future site of Purple Line Fairfax/Wilshire station

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1636/26191221526_f031b603bb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FUqREW)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FUqREW) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

I like the garage door of this complex. we need more of those.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1602/26217146315_8aeac0e75b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FWHJd4)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FWHJd4) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

This should've been bigger since it's a block from a future transit station.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1546/25614489283_0448a28e65_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F2sXgz)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/F2sXgz) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1688/25612388164_a10d443cbf_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F2hbFo)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/F2hbFo) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

10000 SM

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1660/26124692782_db1219bb37_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FNxSZC)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FNxSZC) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

I found out about this project last week and it really pisses me off. A site equivalent to the size of about two downtown blocks, wasted on 60 Inland Empire style McMansions. Fuck DR Horton.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1706/26124696862_a5695984e1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FNxUcY)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FNxUcY) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

Nice infill by La Cienega/Jefferson station

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1606/26191230066_9da2213115_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FUqUdb)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FUqUdb) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

That new Sony building in Culver City

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1590/25614494503_f745108436_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F2sYPz)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/F2sYPz) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1593/26217687945_418e69d8e0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FWLvdv)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FWLvdv) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1472/25615029733_59f2cd0ff3_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F2vHVF)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/F2vHVF) by Oscar Gake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135818526@N06/), on Flickr

blackcat23
Apr 4, 2016, 3:40 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/new-renderings-anaheims-lt-platinum-center

Anaheim's LT Platinum Center gets a new look

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/platinum.jpg?itok=zSwnqdUf

blackcat23
Apr 4, 2016, 6:13 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/five-story-development-rising-west-la

Five-story building with 71 apartments and 3,700 sq. ft. of retail space underway in West L.A.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20160403_105805.jpg?itok=8yvdTv3J

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/hampstead2.JPG?itok=BZVLoNIV

LosAngelesSportsFan
Apr 4, 2016, 10:47 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/new-renderings-anaheims-lt-platinum-center

Anaheim's LT Platinum Center gets a new look

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/platinum.jpg?itok=zSwnqdUf

Looks very very 1990's. :???:

Busy Bee
Apr 4, 2016, 11:09 PM
^Yeah, at the very least it looks like it should be titled "Pre-recession proposal"...

caligrad
Apr 5, 2016, 2:25 AM
http://www.presstelegram.com/government-and-politics/20160305/old-long-beach-courthouse-to-be-demolished-monday

Some news out of Long Beach. The old court house building (which took up prime real estate on ocean blvd. in the heart of downtown) is currently being torn down (half way done and ahead of schedule, the article is a month old) and is being replaced by a new civic center since apparently our current 14 story 250 foot tall city hall ( which can be seen in the background in the picture in the article) is on the verge of collapse with the next moderate sized earthquake according to architects and city engineer, I believe it, I was down there last week and the foundation around it is noticeably sinking oddly. .

Long Beach new tower(s) project "The Current" is pretty much done with phase one, the 19 story tower, Phase 2 (31 floors I believe) still hasn't broken ground yet but the dirt plot next door where its going has been cleared so I'm guessing foundation work will be starting soon.
heres the new website.

http://thecurrentliving.com/

blackcat23
Apr 5, 2016, 3:50 PM
New renderings for the Academy (http://urbanize.la/post/new-look-hollywoods-academy-development)

$300-million development from Kilroy Realty includes a 23-story/261-foot tall tower with 250 residential units, plus 235,000 square feet of offices and over 40,000 square feet of retail space.

Scheduled for a Q3 2016 groundbreaking.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/3_14.JPG?itok=D48i1Eog

caligrad
Apr 5, 2016, 6:12 PM
^^^ Looks like they added some floors to the smaller buildings. They kept the layout/footprint but changed the designs all the way.

The tower looks ok but the smaller buildings look like a public high school or city college or something. Not horrible but they should've just went with the all glass look if that's the case.

hughfb3
Apr 5, 2016, 6:50 PM
New renderings for the Academy (http://urbanize.la/post/new-look-hollywoods-academy-development)

$300-million development from Kilroy Realty includes a 23-story/261-foot tall tower with 250 residential units, plus 235,000 square feet of offices and over 40,000 square feet of retail space.

Scheduled for a Q3 2016 groundbreaking.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/3_14.JPG?itok=D48i1Eog

This is exciting!! A Q3 groundbreaking... Awesome. I wish the palladium towers had a groundbreaking as soon as Q3.

By the way, for as whelming as Eastown aka blvd 6200's design is from the upper levels; their retail game is hitting HARD!!! To add to the already impressive list of tenants; Just revealed, a Shake Shack is under construction. They just put up the construction banner/advertisement. Can't wait to see what phase 2 brings to the neighborhood.

King Kill 'em
Apr 5, 2016, 11:40 PM
^It looks like they made it less colorful which I don't exactly like. That seems to be the trend right now, which can be both good and bad I guess. Still very exciting project. Can't wait to see how mad NIMBYs get when it breaks ground

colemonkee
Apr 6, 2016, 12:28 AM
I think this is a step down design-wise for the low-rise buildings (when will this corrugated metal fad end?!?!), but it's not a huge step down. And the tower is really just making lateral moves: it was okay before and it's just okay now. Nothing to write home about. I really do like the programming of this, however, and hope it gets off the ground.

King Kill 'em
Apr 6, 2016, 4:23 AM
^anything is better than stucco

ChargerCarl
Apr 6, 2016, 5:50 AM
long live the stucco shitbox

IMBY
Apr 6, 2016, 9:29 AM
Dare i say this is borderline good, other than the atrocious sign of course

Not one balcony at the Koreatown Hampton Inn, even for those that would pay more to have one, but at least the Hampton Inn in El Segundo has a few balcony areas.

I won't stay in any hotel/motel room without a balcony, I insist upon it, and sometimes that leaves me staying at a Motel 6, with the 2nd floor alley ways that wind around the entire building.

That glass-skinned hotel tower rising in downtown L.A.? Need I say?

bobbyv
Apr 6, 2016, 3:03 PM
Not one balcony at the Koreatown Hampton Inn, even for those that would pay more to have one, but at least the Hampton Inn in El Segundo has a few balcony areas.

I won't stay in any hotel/motel room without a balcony, I insist upon it, and sometimes that leaves me staying at a Motel 6, with the 2nd floor alley ways that wind around the entire building.

That glass-skinned hotel tower rising in downtown L.A.? Need I say?

No offense but I find most hotels and or condos with balconies a bit tasteless, Miami? Las Vegas? No thanks.

Wilcal
Apr 6, 2016, 6:18 PM
New renderings for the Academy (http://urbanize.la/post/new-look-hollywoods-academy-development)

$300-million development from Kilroy Realty includes a 23-story/261-foot tall tower with 250 residential units, plus 235,000 square feet of offices and over 40,000 square feet of retail space.

Scheduled for a Q3 2016 groundbreaking.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/3_14.JPG?itok=D48i1Eog


I think this is a step down design-wise for the low-rise buildings (when will this corrugated metal fad end?!?!), but it's not a huge step down. And the tower is really just making lateral moves: it was okay before and it's just okay now. Nothing to write home about. I really do like the programming of this, however, and hope it gets off the ground.

The small retail space with the pitched roof looks aesthetically so out of place. It reminds me of a "House of Pies" or a "Stuckey's." Oh, what a terrible flash back!

Bikemike
Apr 6, 2016, 7:00 PM
The small retail space with the pitched roof looks aesthetically so out of place. It reminds me of a "House of Pies" or a "Stuckey's." Oh, what a terrible flash back!

Another shining example of LA's backwards tendency toward placemaking the hell out of a single development. Why can developments just try to fulfill a basic need for housing and retail like in any other city, and just integrate into a greater urban fabric, rather than trying (and failing) to become a singular destination? Why do we have so many vain private plazas but so few large public spaces.

Oh, yeah, cars.

scania
Apr 6, 2016, 7:07 PM
No offense but I find most hotels and or condos with balconies a bit tasteless, Miami? Las Vegas? No thanks.

Ignorance is bliss...you do realize even in NYC, the condos and high rise condos with balconies are usually more. Btw, there are a plethora of condos with balconies in NY. It's definitely not a Vegas or Miami thing.

bobbyv
Apr 6, 2016, 7:16 PM
Ignorance is bliss...you do realize even in NYC, the condos and high rise condos with balconies are usually more. Btw, there are a plethora of condos with balconies in NY. It's definitely not a Vegas or Miami thing.

Yes I know this Einstein, but I mentioned Miami and Las Vegas as examples I do not want for LA, particularly because those 2 cities go more for a resort look.

caligrad
Apr 6, 2016, 7:35 PM
^^^ I agree with you. Sadly though, I think that developers view LA as a resort city as well oddly and unfortunately. Solely based off of what's currently in the construction pipelines city wide.

Not one balcony at the Koreatown Hampton Inn, even for those that would pay more to have one, but at least the Hampton Inn in El Segundo has a few balcony areas.

I won't stay in any hotel/motel room without a balcony, I insist upon it, and sometimes that leaves me staying at a Motel 6, with the 2nd floor alley ways that wind around the entire building.

That glass-skinned hotel tower rising in downtown L.A.? Need I say?

I get what you're saying too, but I rather see balconies located where the natural environment fits for it (Miami, San Diego, Santa Monica/Venice beach, Lake Tahoe even etc.)

In the middle of Korea Town or Downtown where the balcony is facing a street wall or gives you a view of just traffic and etc just doesn't make sense or seem worth it.

Balconies are just an added and unnecessary cost... Even though you say you would pay more for a room with a balcony, the truth is, that cost is still passed down to everyone in the building whether its housing or hospitality.

caligrad
Apr 6, 2016, 8:31 PM
Ignorance is bliss...you do realize even in NYC, the condos and high rise condos with balconies are usually more. Btw, there are a plethora of condos with balconies in NY. It's definitely not a Vegas or Miami thing.

Yikes, Not sure where that kind of response came from, nor if it were even warranted...:shrug:

I lived in NYC for 3 years. You're right, there are SOME buildings/towers with balconies and they do attract a higher dollar but that wasn't the topic of discussion.

. Someone wanted a balcony (understandably)

. Someone thinks they are tasteless ( also understandably)

Now saying NYC has a "plethora of balconies" is stretching it a bit. The percentage of buildings in NYC with actual balconies barely even breaks the 10% mark (solely based off of what I saw living there for 3 years) compared to LA or Miami where that number easily hits passed 50% (tall and short buildings combined).

If anyone needs proof, just google street view the hell outta NYC. Balconies aren't THAT common.

IMBY
Apr 7, 2016, 5:43 AM
^^^ I agree with you. Sadly though, I think that developers view LA as a resort city as well oddly and unfortunately. Solely based off of what's currently in the construction pipelines city wide.



I get what you're saying too, but I rather see balconies located where the natural environment fits for it (Miami, San Diego, Santa Monica/Venice beach, Lake Tahoe even etc.)

In the middle of Korea Town or Downtown where the balcony is facing a street wall or gives you a view of just traffic and etc just doesn't make sense or seem worth it.

Balconies are just an added and unnecessary cost... Even though you say you would pay more for a room with a balcony, the truth is, that cost is still passed down to everyone in the building whether its housing or hospitality.
I'm one of the "Last of the Mohicans" who still smokes, but refuses to smoke in his motel/hotel room, and I don't smoke much anymore, I just smoke half cigarettes, occasionally, and given all the hotel chains that have banned smoking, I like to step outside my room, have a beer, have a half-cigarette.

I don't want to hassle with taking an elevator ride down to the Lobby, going outside, and face restrictions there, can't smoke within 40-50 feet of the lobby.

Get the picture?

And yes, I'm painfully aware of the fact, that in some motels/hotels, you can't even smoke on the balcony, like the balconied Signature Towers at MGM here in Las Vegas.

When in L.A., I've happily stayed at the Red Pagoda Inn in China town and American's Best Value Inn on Alavardo Street, where you can roam the alleyways on the 2nd floor. Absolute heaven!

ChargerCarl
Apr 7, 2016, 5:57 AM
Another shining example of LA's backwards tendency toward placemaking the hell out of a single development. Why can developments just try to fulfill a basic need for housing and retail like in any other city, and just integrate into a greater urban fabric, rather than trying (and failing) to become a singular destination? Why do we have so many vain private plazas but so few large public spaces.

Oh, yeah, cars.

Or building codes/zoning

scania
Apr 7, 2016, 3:05 PM
In the middle of Korea Town or Downtown where the balcony is facing a street wall or gives you a view of just traffic and etc just doesn't make sense or seem worth it.


I'm not sure which buildings/towers you've been in Downtown...but there are plenty of nice views from just the skyscrapers in Downtown, to the Hollywood hills. It's definitely more than just looking at the traffic beneath.

blackcat23
Apr 7, 2016, 3:30 PM
First Look at Newport Beach's Museum House Tower (http://urbanize.la/post/newport-beach-planning-commission-review-tower-proposal)

26-story, 315-foot building from Related Cos. to replace current OCMA building. 100 luxury condos.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/museumhouse4.jpg?itok=W5NegPA0

mbb
Apr 7, 2016, 4:19 PM
First Look at Newport Beach's Museum House Tower (http://urbanize.la/post/newport-beach-planning-commission-review-tower-proposal)

26-story, 315-foot building from Related Cos. to replace current OCMA building. 100 luxury condos.


Several observations:
1) So many parking lots in the immediate vicinity of this location that wouldn't require replacing the museum.
2) Some kind of transit from Tustin Metrolink to Newport Center via Jamboree/Macarthur with reasonable frequencies would get crazy high ridership. Put in a people mover / monorail / whatever from UC Irvine to South Coast Plaza with stops at aforesaid transit, Von Karman, and John Wayne Airport and you've solved a huge fraction of the transit shortage in Irvine and surrounding areas. Cost per rider should be very low compared to other projects being considered, distances aren't that long and there's such a wealth of destinations along these corridors.

202_Cyclist
Apr 7, 2016, 4:35 PM
Good to see Orange Co. growing up. This Newport Beach proposal is very similar (admittedly much taller) to a series of residential buildings Robert Stern Architects is building in DC.

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/breaking_ground/2015/03/republic-shaves-two-floors-off-portals-residential.html

blackcat23
Apr 7, 2016, 7:51 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/construction-continues-kaiser-permanente-medical-building

100,000-square-foot Kaiser Permanente outpatient facility underway in Baldwin Hills, near the future Crenshaw/MLK Station.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/kp.png?itok=RYBqLd44

cesar90
Apr 7, 2016, 8:20 PM
about the new extension to the Metro gold line.

Really worth the $1.75dls trip + a bike with you.

MIVXYeHxYdY

Irvine

http://i.imgur.com/8VDoywg.jpg?1

LosAngelesSportsFan
Apr 7, 2016, 9:41 PM
http://urbanize.la/post/construction-continues-kaiser-permanente-medical-building

100,000-square-foot Kaiser Permanente outpatient facility underway in Baldwin Hills, near the future Crenshaw/MLK Station.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/kp.png?itok=RYBqLd44

That is a good looking building!

caligrad
Apr 7, 2016, 10:26 PM
^^^ It really is, I was surprised.

I'm not sure which buildings/towers you've been in Downtown...but there are plenty of nice views from just the skyscrapers in Downtown, to the Hollywood hills. It's definitely more than just looking at the traffic beneath.

Seeing how you're grasping at straws for some type of argument to prove some type of point ( I honestly can care less), i'd rather not, I just don't feel like It.

But for the record, just as I told IMBY, I'm not against balconies, like I said, its all about location (beach, hills, etc.). What I'm against is the added costs (Labor/Time/Materials) that comes with them, especially with the 7 story buildings, in the middle of the densest parts of the city, where we are finding out a one bedroom will easily cost you 2k+ just to have a balcony with a view of the seven story/street wall across the street :tup:.

IMBY.

I get what you're saying. Never said I didn't. I used to smoke as well. These days its such a hassle to smoke anywhere, I stopped cold turkey December last year after my second citation (the laws are so weird). Not to mention the HOA in my building recently voted to ban smoking on balconies. The one tenant that opposed it has filed a lawsuit.

King Kill 'em
Apr 8, 2016, 2:21 AM
about the new extension to the Metro gold line.

Really worth the $1.75dls trip + a bike with you.

MIVXYeHxYdY



I'm really digging those new townhomes in Azusa

scania
Apr 8, 2016, 6:27 AM
^^^ It really is, I was surprised.



Seeing how you're grasping at straws for some type of argument to prove some type of point ( I honestly can care less), i'd rather not, I just don't feel like It.

But for the record, just as I told IMBY, I'm not against balconies, like I said, its all about location (beach, hills, etc.). What I'm against is the added costs (Labor/Time/Materials) that comes with them, especially with the 7 story buildings, in the middle of the densest parts of the city, where we are finding out a one bedroom will easily cost you 2k+ just to have a balcony with a view of the seven story/street wall across the street :tup:.

IMBY.

I get what you're saying. Never said I didn't. I used to smoke as well. These days its such a hassle to smoke anywhere, I stopped cold turkey December last year after my second citation (the laws are so weird). Not to mention the HOA in my building recently voted to ban smoking on balconies. The one tenant that opposed it has filed a lawsuit.

Not trying by any means to stir an argument...sometimes I feel that some people don't always see the big picture on here. So I just state my .02 cents. :)

chris08876
Apr 8, 2016, 7:20 PM
Just some info on some prime homes for sale in the LA metro. Some have probably been sold.

tZFgaO8vz28

I follow this guy on social media, Christophe Choo, who is a real estate broker for the region. Call it a role model in a way.

Christophe Choo of the Christophe Choo Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills takes you on a very special helicopter tour of the some of the most expensive homes in the world located here in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, & Holmby Hills including:
Candy' & Aaron Spellings "The Manor" on Mapleton Drive which was listed for $150,000,000 and recently sold to Petra Ecclestone for $85,000,000 according to Forbes.

Iris Cantor's "La Belle Vie" in Bel Air on St. Cloud Road which recently SOLD for $40,000,000

Fleur de Lys on Carolwood Drive in Holmby Hills which was recently on the market for $125,000,000

The Weber, Hilton, Murdoch Estate on Bellagio Road in Bel Air

The Atkinson, Kirkeby Estate on Bel Air Road in Bel Air, famous for being the home of the Clampett Family on the sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies"

The Marion Davies, William Randolph Hurst Estate on Beverly Drive in the City of Beverly Hills, California 90210

Easy
Apr 9, 2016, 3:44 PM
But for the record, just as I told IMBY, I'm not against balconies, like I said, its all about location (beach, hills, etc.). What I'm against is the added costs (Labor/Time/Materials) that comes with them, especially with the 7 story buildings, in the middle of the densest parts of the city, where we are finding out a one bedroom will easily cost you 2k+ just to have a balcony with a view of the seven story/street wall across the street :tup:.

Most everything that's new or in good shape in the densest parts of the city is $2k and up balcony or not. Personally I love sitting on my balcony watching and listening to the city. It's one of my favorite things to do and I would absolutely pay extra for it. I can't imagine not having it. As a matter of fact I'm sitting on my balcony while typing this post. :cheers:

black_crow
Apr 9, 2016, 9:58 PM
I was in Century City today and took a few pictures (co-driver).


Here two pictures of 10000 Santa Monica Blvd..



http://i.imgur.com/yE2R74E.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/yd1jKbb.jpg


Here a shot of the construction site next to the Century Plaza Development..



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

colemonkee
Apr 10, 2016, 2:29 AM
^ That construction site is the Westfield Mall redevelopment. It's pretty huge.

black_crow
Apr 10, 2016, 5:30 AM
^ That construction site is the Westfield Mall redevelopment. It's pretty huge.
Thank you, I was not sure about that.

But a mall would have been my first guess. The picture doesn't show the whole site, but yes, it's huge. My wife thought it's the Century Plaza Development, but I was like .... nahh, the two tower are right behind that building there.


I have to admit, I don't know every single construction site in Centuy City, but the area is great, that's why I have an office there. I also had an apartment with roof-top jacuzzi not too far away (1512 Amherst Ave, 90025), the Century City view was just amazing. I might move back soon. :P

King Kill 'em
Apr 10, 2016, 7:16 PM
This is pretty cool. It shows all new housing units permitted since Garcetti took office. https://data.lacity.org/A-Prosperous-City/New-Housing-Units-Permitted/5u9x-y4iz

cesar90
Apr 11, 2016, 2:44 AM
HFFWnmWkYeY

nGLavu1gAco

blackcat23
Apr 11, 2016, 2:44 PM
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12985615_867365393407219_5161489463840538878_n.jpg?oh=7aca0f4b04608ebc8ae2c07ea410a00a&oe=57853035
https://www.facebook.com/urbanizela

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/5550hollywood.jpg?itok=zrI_qlmZ
http://urbanize.la/post/residential-retail-complex-rising-hollywood-and-western

mdiederi
Apr 11, 2016, 3:06 PM
Cool shot of one of the main towers' pile cap pours last October.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5720/22166140893_115bc2b694_o.jpg
newgdbridge on flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/104037813@N04/


You can see progress on the main towers in the distance of this approach shot taken 1-30-16.
Eventually the towers will be 515 feet tall and be the second tallest cable-stayed bridge towers in the US, more than twice as tall as the current arch, providing 50 more feet of clearance below the roadway for the new larger class of cargo ships. It will be the largest cable-stayed bridge in California.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1720/24795782256_84a162df68_h.jpg
newgdbridge on flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/104037813@N04/

colemonkee
Apr 11, 2016, 4:38 PM
Wow, I completely forgot about that!

blackcat23
Apr 11, 2016, 5:08 PM
Vacant Building demolished for future Thompson Hotel (http://urbanize.la/post/site-cleared-future-hollywood-hotel)

10-story building with 200 guest rooms and restaurant space.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20160410_111640.jpg?itok=eQHKXuAv

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/thompson_0.jpg?itok=HF0chAaD

Eightball
Apr 11, 2016, 5:15 PM
^^^ It's biting Hadid (RIP) with square lines instead of circular ones, but I like it.

Eagle rock
Apr 11, 2016, 5:57 PM
Drove past the Lexington project on Santa Monica Blvd this weekend. The site is in the process of being demolished. Looks like the buildings should be rising soon.

This project, combined with a few others should transform that stretch of Santa Monica from light industrial to mixed use residential.

http://urbanize.la/post/hollywoods-lexington-development-redesigned-and-downsized

blackcat23
Apr 12, 2016, 2:37 PM
Renderings for Hollywood's Tommie Hotel (http://urbanize.la/post/first-glimpse-hollywoods-tommie-hotel)

Seven-story building with 175 guest rooms and 5,600 square feet of retail space. Designed by the Rockwell Group.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/tommie2.jpg?itok=juAabKye

WestCoastSupertall
Apr 13, 2016, 11:47 PM
Construction fencing is up at Crescent Heights and Wilshire. SO excited to see this project move forward and this stretch of Wilshire develop.

King Kill 'em
Apr 14, 2016, 12:41 AM
Hollywood is getting 3 similar yet unique looking midrise hotels. cool

blackcat23
Apr 14, 2016, 3:47 PM
Proposed Sunset Boulevard Tower Shrinks (http://urbanize.la/post/proposed-hollywood-office-tower-takes-haircut)

5901 Sunset Blvd goes from 18 stories/260-feet to 15 stories/230-feet, by cutting down from seven floors of above-grade parking to two (1,118 spaces to 830).

Still includes 274,000 square feet of office space and 26,000 square feet of retail.

Rendering below is now outdated.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/5901sunset1_0_0.JPG?itok=skCXr9JZ

Busy Bee
Apr 14, 2016, 3:53 PM
^Not really disappointing considering the old design was a classic parking podium mess.

Jun
Apr 14, 2016, 6:47 PM
That rare moment you're happy a project got downsized.

caligrad
Apr 14, 2016, 7:19 PM
^^^ Agreed.

Proposed Sunset Boulevard Tower Shrinks (http://urbanize.la/post/proposed-hollywood-office-tower-takes-haircut)

5901 Sunset Blvd goes from 18 stories/260-feet to 15 stories/230-feet, by cutting down from seven floors of above-grade parking to two (1,118 spaces to 830).

Still includes 274,000 square feet of office space and 26,000 square feet of retail.

Rendering below is now outdated.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140w/public/field/image/5901sunset1_0_0.JPG?itok=skCXr9JZ

Thank God. That would have been one of the most ridiculous looking buildings in all of LA if it were built like the rendering. That parking podium was enough to give anyone a headache.

EDIT. There's a typo somewhere. The article says the parking podium only shaved off 2 parking floors, so its 5 instead of 7...... SO is the parking podium going to be 2 floors with a couple underground or is it still going to be above ground and 5 floors?

BrianMojo
Apr 14, 2016, 7:35 PM
Construction fencing is up at Crescent Heights and Wilshire. SO excited to see this project move forward and this stretch of Wilshire develop.

Do we have a rendering of what this is going to look like? This stretch of Wilshire is just begging for some classy development.

WestCoastSupertall
Apr 14, 2016, 8:26 PM
Do we have a rendering of what this is going to look like? This stretch of Wilshire is just begging for some classy development.

UrbanizeLA has one, although I thought the developer published newer renderings. Maybe someone can dig them up.

http://urbanize.la/post/stalled-mid-wilshire-towers-getting-active

Eightball
Apr 14, 2016, 9:05 PM
That rare moment you're happy a project got downsized.

Truth! :cheers:

AndrewK
Apr 14, 2016, 10:52 PM
Construction fencing is up at Crescent Heights and Wilshire. SO excited to see this project move forward and this stretch of Wilshire develop.
That is great to hear. Now the long block between Crescent Heights and Fairfax just needs about 6 more developments to fully bring that stretch to life.

Bikemike
Apr 14, 2016, 11:51 PM
^Not really disappointing considering the old design was a classic parking podium mess.

How is it still NOT a parking podium mess? I can't believe how little LA's archaic parking policies and it's bass ackwards attachment to cars doesn't bother most forumers on here. It's a sign of an overarching culture of backwardness that pervades all aspects of urban living here because it defines our expectations (or rather, LACK of expectations) for urban livability. It reinforces the stereotype of self-absorption that makes LA hated by those from other cities that claim a stronger sense of community and stakeholdership. Parking, cars, and their detrimental effect on the public realm.

LA's biggest challenges all come from one thing. Culture. How can you expect our region to become a leader in environmental sustainability, livability and other forms of progress when your average resident doesn't care about/isn't able to comprehend the impact of his/her daily habits on the environment? All this project is is a newer, shinier version of the ubiquitous crap that pervades and kills the city's already horrible urban fabric. Those of us who are impressed by shiny and new with no ability to note the lack of substance only reinforce the somewhat deserved stereotype of shallowness. True, LA is making progress......relative to itself. Though at the pace of change currently it's still being left in the dust.

For anybody interested in battling this persistently bass-ackward culture that is keeping LA FAR behind the global leaders this article lays out the argument quite clearly,

Better Parking Better Cities by Gerhard Mayer
http://www.planetizen.com/node/85584/better-parking-better-cities

colemonkee
Apr 15, 2016, 12:11 AM
^ There's also a ton of opportunity on the blocks between Crescent Heights and San Vicente along Wilshire. There are a litany of surface parking lots surrounded by other high rises that will be less than a mile from a new mass transit stop, so I would hope that area would be a boon for some high rise residential development, creating a walkable neighborhood that will draw in some of the residents from the duplexes and single family homes in the immediate area.

ChargerCarl
Apr 15, 2016, 12:31 AM
I agree that our parking policies are terrible, but we should acknowledge that even if they were eliminated (which I sincerely hope is in our near future) new higher density developments will still likely contain parking podiums. Like it or not, driving is still generally the most efficient mode of transport in LA and will be for some time.

The transition to mass transit will be a slow process.

RaymondChandlerLives
Apr 15, 2016, 6:37 AM
How is it still NOT a parking podium mess? I can't believe how little LA's archaic parking policies and it's bass ackwards attachment to cars doesn't bother most forumers on here. It's a sign of an overarching culture of backwardness that pervades all aspects of urban living here because it defines our expectations (or rather, LACK of expectations) for urban livability. It reinforces the stereotype of self-absorption that makes LA hated by those from other cities that claim a stronger sense of community and stakeholdership. Parking, cars, and their detrimental effect on the public realm.

LA's biggest challenges all come from one thing. Culture. How can you expect our region to become a leader in environmental sustainability, livability and other forms of progress when your average resident doesn't care about/isn't able to comprehend the impact of his/her daily habits on the environment? All this project is is a newer, shinier version of the ubiquitous crap that pervades and kills the city's already horrible urban fabric. Those of us who are impressed by shiny and new with no ability to note the lack of substance only reinforce the somewhat deserved stereotype of shallowness. True, LA is making progress......relative to itself. Though at the pace of change currently it's still being left in the dust.

For anybody interested in battling this persistently bass-ackward culture that is keeping LA FAR behind the global leaders this article lays out the argument quite clearly,

Better Parking Better Cities by Gerhard Mayer
http://www.planetizen.com/node/85584/better-parking-better-cities

Must suck to live in a place where you hate 99.9% of the people.

plutonicpanda
Apr 15, 2016, 11:41 AM
I agree that our parking policies are terrible, but we should acknowledge that even if they were eliminated (which I sincerely hope is in our near future) new higher density developments will still likely contain parking podiums. Like it or not, driving is still generally the most efficient mode of transport in LA and will be for some time.

The transition to mass transit will be a slow process.LA is not ever changing to a mass transit city but have believing that.

Steve8263
Apr 15, 2016, 5:32 PM
UrbanizeLA has one, although I thought the developer published newer renderings. Maybe someone can dig them up.

http://urbanize.la/post/stalled-mid-wilshire-towers-getting-active

I believe this is the project altho they don't officially list the address-

http://www.steinberg.us.com/residential/urban-tower/

http://www.steinberg.us.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WilshireTower2-a.jpg

blackcat23
Apr 15, 2016, 5:39 PM
Hollywood's Mark Twain Hotel Undergoing Restoration (http://urbanize.la/post/hollywoods-mark-twain-hotel-undergoing-restoration)

Three-story building, built in 1924, will include 62 guest rooms.

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/1140wb/public/field/image/20160410_110923.jpg?itok=P6AUONTt

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/1622wilcox.jpg?itok=JaODunOF

caligrad
Apr 15, 2016, 6:10 PM
LA is not ever changing to a mass transit city but have believing that.

Well it depends on what you are calling LA. Looking at LA city limits by itself, LA can/will easily become a transit city, its already working in that direction with the Expo line, Purple extension and Crenshaw line to the airport. Its a start ( I just wish we get these projects done quicker).

Now if you're like many outsiders who weren't born and raised here, who like to include everything from Palm Springs to Orange County/Oceanside to Ventura as being "LA" well then you're right. THAT distorted, bounder less, misconception of "LA" will probably take a few centuries to become fully integrated at the pace its taking surrounding counties to jump onboard with transit.

(Barring if the big one hits and slides California into the ocean) :rolleyes:

ChargerCarl
Apr 15, 2016, 6:28 PM
LA is not ever changing to a mass transit city but have believing that.

Depends on whether your outlook is optimistic or pessimistic regarding changes to future land use regulations to facilitate more density.

SimonLA
Apr 15, 2016, 7:40 PM
It will be a big deal for the entire city if they manage to build the Spring Street hotel in DTLA without parking (see below). Austin, Texas is trying to build tall buildings sans parking and they have ZERO light rail or subway lines (I believe all they have is commuter rail, ala Metrolink, out to the 'burbs).

http://urbanize.la/post/rendering-revealed-slim-dtla-hotel-tower

http://urbanize.la/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/21686410673_5dde264775_h_0.jpg?itok=vI-kMNRw

ByTheBay
Apr 15, 2016, 10:37 PM
Well it depends on what you are calling LA. Looking at LA city limits by itself, LA can/will easily become a transit city, its already working in that direction with the Expo line, Purple extension and Crenshaw line to the airport. Its a start ( I just wish we get these projects done quicker).

Now if you're like many outsiders who weren't born and raised here who like to include everything from Palm Springs to Orange County/Oceanside to Ventura as being "LA" well then you're right, THAT distorted, bounder less, misconception of "LA" will probably take a few centuries to become fully integrated at the pace its taking surrounding counties to jump onboard with transit.

(Barring if the big one hits and slides California into the ocean) :rolleyes:

I think also people tend to overlook LA's extensive bus routes and ridership when referring to mass transit. Rail projects and train routes are obviously preferred topics but to exclude the bus system and their riders as part of the mass transit conversation would be unfair.

Looking at the overall map of LA's rail and bus system and how extensively it covers the entire city, I would declare that LA already is a mass transit city, just a different kind when comparing to cities like NY or SF. I would refer to those cities as "mass transit dependent" cities where the built environment has mostly forced mass transit dependency whereas LA is a "mass transit optional" city, where the built environment has given way to choice of personal transportation over mass transit and vice versa, or both.

colemonkee
Apr 16, 2016, 12:42 AM
Metro has won transit awards for our bus system. And from someone who occasionally rides the bus to and from work, I can say that it is very, very well utilized. I only get a seat about half the time.

But from a socio-economic divide standpoint, LA is most certainly an auto-centric city. Meaning, the vast majority of those who have the means choose to use an automobile as their primary means of transit. That is very slowly changing as more and more people with the means to have an automobile - like myself, I pay for two of them - are opting to use public transportation for select, or even regular trips, if not in entirety. But that number as a percentage of the total population is still very small, and growing relatively slowly.

LDVArch
Apr 16, 2016, 12:47 AM
How is it still NOT a parking podium mess? I can't believe how little LA's archaic parking policies and it's bass ackwards attachment to cars doesn't bother most forumers on here. It's a sign of an overarching culture of backwardness that pervades all aspects of urban living here because it defines our expectations (or rather, LACK of expectations) for urban livability.

All cities are messy...

Yes, occasionally, some architect or city planner becomes deluded by some vision of what a perfect city would be, but no one has ever created the perfect city, not even Haussmann. (See Baudelaire and Benjamin on how he destroyed Paris.)

BTW, the idea for these "messy" parking podiums may have originated with Le Corbusier's master plan for the Ville contemporaine. Corbusier used building podiums in his plan to separate the livable parts of the building from the street. As such, he thought it was an ideal solution to a problem of modern life. The irony of history, of course, is that in practice these podiums just made real cities more messy.

SimonLA
Apr 16, 2016, 1:25 AM
Metro has won transit awards for our bus system. And from someone who occasionally rides the bus to and from work, I can say that it is very, very well utilized. I only get a seat about half the time.

But from a socio-economic divide standpoint, LA is most certainly an auto-centric city. Meaning, the vast majority of those who have the means choose to use an automobile as their primary means of transit. That is very slowly changing as more and more people with the means to have an automobile - like myself, I pay for two of them - are opting to use public transportation for select, or even regular trips, if not in entirety. But that number as a percentage of the total population is still very small, and growing relatively slowly.

Don't underestimate the change that Uber is bringing to the city--allowing many to go car-free or car-light. Most couples I know in L.A. have one car.