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View Full Version : Downtown Los Angeles - South Group; Elleven, Luma, Evo and Future Projects


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LosAngelesSportsFan
May 2, 2007, 1:37 AM
Hopefully the Roosevelt will be right up there with those two...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a278/Imyurdada/37b.jpg

logandankr
May 7, 2007, 6:51 PM
Per the http://attcenter-la.com/office.htm
Interior:The modernized, state of the art lobby with glass walls, elegant paneling, brushed stainless steel accents, sandblasted granite walls and honed terrazzo floors welcomes the viewer and sets the tone for this revitalized complex. The 500-seat auditorium will feature corporate, civic and other event activities on a regular basis, a renovated 40,000 square foot on-site athletic club and retail amenities will set AT&T Center apart as a full service work/entertainment destination.
Did there used to be a gym in this building? If so, was it private or managed by a national gym operator? In any case, I wonder if they could be looking for a national gym chain to come into this space...

Also, not sure if this has been posted, but it shows the restaurant and bank space planned for the ground floor. Guess this gym's not on the ground floor.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9577/clipimage002fw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

colemonkee
May 7, 2007, 10:51 PM
Bah, there's no way the retail in that food court will be open on weekends. Let's hope the future restaurant is, though.

Lumagirl
May 14, 2007, 7:21 AM
Hi everyone! any new updates on Luma? anyone moving in soon? lets keep this thread going for the South group....:)

funhaus
May 18, 2007, 9:00 PM
Sometimes it's not just the buildings, but also how they meet the ground. The streetscaping around Luma and Elleven has made notable progress this past month.

Here are pictures along Grand Avenue, in front of Elleven.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/11jp/dtla/IMG_1815.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/11jp/dtla/IMG_1814.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/11jp/dtla/IMG_1813.jpg

Additional small plantings, benches and street lamps are to come later this month or next.

Quixote
May 18, 2007, 9:35 PM
^Why right smack dab in the middle of the sidewalk?

And I'm not so sure that I like those planters boxes. It's too suburban.

LosAngelesSportsFan
May 18, 2007, 9:56 PM
i like it! i hope they picked trees that are colorful when they bloom.

DJM19
May 19, 2007, 12:13 AM
I dont mind the trees in the middle of the street so much as I do the planter boxes. It seems set backs, even in small forms, have to rear their ugly head. Are people that revolted by a building hitting the sidewalk at a 90 degree angle?

funhaus
May 20, 2007, 6:49 PM
^ Agreed. Not to be crass, but it is the landscaping equivalent of pubes.

Still, more trees and wider sidewalks are a nice improvement for the area.

RAlossi
May 20, 2007, 6:53 PM
I assume they'll put something like horsetail in the planters (bleh). It doesn't look right to me with the planters -- and could pose a hazard if they're not planted asap.

Doesn't WeHo have sidewalks with trees in the middle as well as the outside?

LOL, funhaus, @ the "pubes" comment

logandankr
May 23, 2007, 2:12 AM
per ladowntowncondos.com:

Luma in South Park offers impressive views that span the surrounding city and skyline. In the premier area of Downtown LA, you are walking distance from Staples Center and 7th & Fig as well as the upcoming LA LIVE development and Ralphs grocery store. Inside the loft homes at Luma you will find beautiful hardwood floors, ice stone countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Trendy European inspired restaurant with authentic Danish pastry bakery is due to go in, in ground floor corner retail space in the Winter of 2007. Luma homes are available for move-in June 2007.

Interesting...Is this the first anyone's heard of this? It looks like this information is pretty current because it lists move-ins for June.

LosAngelesBeauty
May 23, 2007, 6:23 PM
^Why right smack dab in the middle of the sidewalk?

And I'm not so sure that I like those planters boxes. It's too suburban.


I actually like BOTH the trees in the middle of the sidewalk AND the planters. I don't feel any of these make the South Group projects any less urban. I DO agree with RAlossi that horsetail will not be appropriate. I can actually see very nicely planted flowers, like carnations or daisies. However, the upkeep would be high, so I assume they're going to go with something very low maintenance like horsetail...Either way, it's not too bad. Gives this area a very residential feel in a very urban environment. Think of the small, cute "gardens" they have in front of some brownstones:


http://www.rachelleb.com/images/park_slope_brownstones.jpg


http://www.headhunterforpathologists.com/Brooklyn/BH%20Row%20Brownstones.jpg

edkao
May 24, 2007, 9:12 AM
I think the planters serves 2 purposes. A little greenery never hurts. The planter serves as a buffer to potential vandals. So the windows won't get scratched.

funhaus
May 24, 2007, 4:04 PM
I suppose we'll soon see what's intended for those planters. In the meantime, two park benches arrived yesterday and the remaining ones along Grand Ave are being placed today. :tup:

LosAngelesBeauty
May 25, 2007, 4:30 AM
^ Pictures please! :)

funhaus
May 25, 2007, 4:57 PM
^ I took these this morning. The last garbage can was being anchored to the sidewalk, and all benches are in.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/11jp/dtla/IMG_2159.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/11jp/dtla/IMG_2156.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/11jp/dtla/IMG_2158.jpg

There is additional street lighting that is planned to be installed by the city, but I believe it may depend on the homeowners agreeing/voting to cover the maintenance of that lighting (the developer is covering installation costs).

fridayinla
May 25, 2007, 10:09 PM
^^Nice photos... those sidewalks look lovely. This city needs more developers like South Group and CIM (thinking of Hollywood projects) who invest more than required by the city to enhance the area.

Easy
May 26, 2007, 3:09 AM
IIRC the South Group was originally going to be required to make improvements to the street, but they convinced the city to let them spend the money on wider, landscaped sidewalks. We should hopefully be seeing much more of this with the upcoming downtown projects.

funhaus
Jun 2, 2007, 1:26 AM
Any Lumanites have any pictures of their walk-through to post? From the outside, things are looking good!

Any Ellevenites on the west side of the building have any pictures of the pool deck to post? I can see some sort of a trellis structure poking out over 11th street -- can't wait to see more.

Lumagirl
Jun 2, 2007, 6:13 AM
Great pictures and thread.It keeps me in the loop..hehe

katfam
Jun 4, 2007, 4:46 PM
Any Lumanites have any pictures of their walk-through to post? From the outside, things are looking good!

Any Ellevenites on the west side of the building have any pictures of the pool deck to post? I can see some sort of a trellis structure poking out over 11th street -- can't wait to see more.



The pool deck is looking really great. They have started putting the plants in. I'll try to get a few pictures up for you.

ALSO...anybody know more info on this: Got a statement in the mail from LA City about a meeting to discuss a 43 story condo/retail tower across the street from Evo (in that empty parking lot east of Evo). That is definitely worth a banana...:banana:

fridayinla
Jun 4, 2007, 4:53 PM
Katfam, those are the Grand Towers... which now actually looks like just the Grand Tower from the description:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2876496&postcount=258

LosAngelesSportsFan
Jun 4, 2007, 6:06 PM
maybe thats just phase 1?

Kerry Marsico
Jun 4, 2007, 10:32 PM
Does anybody here have any info on future development (confirmed or proposed) directly across the street from Luma (SW corner of Hope and 11th)? ...which may replace the current Palm/Flower St. parking structure, and also any info on the parking lots south of that structure all the way to 12th (just east of Flower St. Lofts.) Also, the parcel just South of Luma....on the East side of Hope, i.e. the NE corner of Hope and 12th? (which then also is directly West of Evo)

funhaus
Jun 5, 2007, 1:56 AM
The pool deck is looking really great. They have started putting the plants in. I'll try to get a few pictures up for you.

Can't wait to see them, thanks Katfam!

Easy
Jun 5, 2007, 5:45 AM
I noticed the new crosswalks outside Luma. Is this the new design or something temporary? I noticed the same pattern at a crosswalk at Broadway and maybe 5th or so. Or maybe it was Hill? I don't recall.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u157/Blueline_express/IMG_0932-upload.jpg

fridayinla
Jun 5, 2007, 6:09 AM
^5th & Broadway. I like the design... creates a nice sense of space and seems more pedestrian friendly.

LosAngelesSportsFan
Jun 5, 2007, 8:07 AM
nice, i like all these little changes. when they are put together, they make a big difference.

DJM19
Jun 5, 2007, 8:57 AM
I like it a lot better than the red crosswalks. Change em all!

RAlossi
Jun 5, 2007, 1:56 PM
I like them too. I'm sure they'll fade a bit in time, but it was overly bright to look at them with the sun hitting the street. Honestly, it was like walking past Disney Hall in the summer.

Tanster
Jun 5, 2007, 8:50 PM
I think it will be painted red Inside the white lines

DJM19
Jun 5, 2007, 10:51 PM
Well, Ill have to wait and see what that looks like. I honestly dont understand the facination with making the crosswalks red. White is a perfectly good, urban color.

tujunga
Jun 6, 2007, 3:20 AM
That will be all black in about two months. I thinks that's why brighter colors are more commonly used.

4Bviper
Jun 6, 2007, 4:13 AM
I think it will be painted red Inside the white lines

Actually, it's going to be just the white lines. I believe it's a new design standard mandated by the city.

Personally I'm not a big fan of it and thought it was an eye sore when I first saw it. Hopefully I'll learn to live with it.

edkao
Jun 6, 2007, 5:23 AM
Got an email today from our building's General Manager.

"South Group has received their Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for Luma. They will be scheduling the first homeowner move-ins at the end of this week."

With that our traffic pattern in the garage will change.

"According to requirements imposed by the City of Los Angeles, Elleven’s 11th St. gate will become the EXIT gate, and Luma’s 11th St. gate will become the ENTRY gate"

What requirement is that? Would it not make more sense to have Elleven's 11th St gate be the Entry, and Luma's gate the exit?

This way there will be less interference, and also when you exit the building, you can see the oncoming traffic better (no parked cars). We will have to live with this for a year or so, until Evo is completed, after that we all will be entering from Hope street.

Just my 2 cents.

logandankr
Jun 8, 2007, 2:21 AM
The pool deck is looking really great. They have started putting the plants in. I'll try to get a few pictures up for you...

Katfam you're killing me! Been checking every 10 minutes for the last week for these pool pics. :breakcomp:

Pllllllleeeeeaaaasssse.

DJM19
Jun 8, 2007, 3:36 AM
Would it kill LA to get some zebra stripes for cross walks?

katfam
Jun 8, 2007, 7:49 PM
Katfam you're killing me! Been checking every 10 minutes for the last week for these pool pics. :breakcomp:

Pllllllleeeeeaaaasssse.

Sorry...i haven't forgotten...its been one of those weeks, lol... i promise i will get them up by this weekend. Also LUMA HAS STARTED MOVE IN's. I came home last night and had 3 new neighbors staring back at me. Needless to say this weekend i'm delving into getting blinds. But its great to see Luma finally open. WELCOME to the Neighborhood!!!! :cheers:

RAlossi
Jun 8, 2007, 8:14 PM
Would it kill LA to get some zebra stripes for cross walks?

There are multi-colored "zebra" stripes on the crosswalks in HiFi. None in Downtown though.

katfam
Jun 9, 2007, 6:09 PM
Sorry for the delay guys. Here are a few. I hope to get better pics of the pool area this weekend.

http://www.banyantreeproductions.com/11/IMG_2446.jpg

http://www.banyantreeproductions.com/11/IMG_2447.jpg


The pool and jacuzzi are the holes where all the foam pieces are tossed around
http://www.banyantreeproductions.com/11/IMG_2448.jpg

This is where the fireplace will be
http://www.banyantreeproductions.com/11/IMG_2449.jpg

LosAngelesSportsFan
Jun 9, 2007, 11:06 PM
nice. its gonna look great!

LosAngelesBeauty
Jun 10, 2007, 8:25 AM
^ Yeah, I concur! And nice mention in the DTLA News of the South Group's progressive and vehement stance on implementing pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and other features in an otherwise hostile/car-oriented-LA (I'm looking at you LADOT). I am just damn excited about all of Downtown LA eventually following the South Group's lead on widening sidewalks and adding benches and trees! I'm almost too scared to believe this is happening. Can LA become pedestrian-oriented in the city's core? I'm shaking!!!

THERE IS HOPE FOR LA YET!

logandankr
Jun 11, 2007, 2:56 AM
Sorry for the delay guys. Here are a few. I hope to get better pics of the pool area this weekend...

Looking good. Also looks like the pool deck is a ways away from being completed.

Luma can be moved to "completed" in the construction thread- saw a moving truck outside and a couple units lit up this weekend.

colemonkee
Jun 11, 2007, 4:49 PM
Luma can be moved to "completed" in the construction thread- saw a moving truck outside and a couple units lit up this weekend.
Done.

katfam
Jun 11, 2007, 7:33 PM
Luma can be moved to "completed" in the construction thread- saw a moving truck outside and a couple units lit up this weekend.

They started moving in last Thursday. They have people moving in up to the 9th floor and from my unit I can see that at least 10 units have been moved into.

funhaus
Jun 13, 2007, 1:07 AM
^ Thanks for the pix of the deck, Katfam! I'm pleasantly surprised by how many plants have been introduced. Now that I've seen the preview, can't wait for July...

6th&12thDweller
Jun 13, 2007, 11:50 PM
...now I heard it's mid August

funhaus
Jun 14, 2007, 2:01 AM
^ Aacck. Okay, well I suppose I can't wait for mid-August. Will have to make other 4th of July plans this year I suppose.

luckyeight
Jun 15, 2007, 4:18 AM
Check it out, a map of Downtown which shows you where the film
productions are expected
and where they have been:

http://downtown-filming-maps.eecue.com

Many thanks to Dave Bullock of the DLANC Public Safety and Health
Committee for his
volunteer services which respect to this on-going project. Well done
Dave!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

danparker276
Jun 15, 2007, 7:06 PM
Mid August. Damn... Oh well.
Tickets for 1100 4th of July pool party just went up. $20 GA $50 for roof top view of the fireworks.

4Bviper
Jun 24, 2007, 12:24 AM
A different view of the pool progress:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/4Bviper/IMG_0093.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/4Bviper/IMG_0094.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/4Bviper/IMG_0095.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/4Bviper/IMG_0096.jpg

citywatch
Jun 25, 2007, 2:42 AM
(unsticking this thread so I can see 4Bviper's pic. SSP's software still has a few glitches in it!)

katfam
Jun 28, 2007, 1:00 AM
Got an invite to this event and thought i'd post it here since its open to anybody. Looks fun. Has anybody been to this before?

--


777 @ 2121 Lofts – Art, Music and Film Scenes Mix for One Momentous Night in L.A.’s Arts District

LOS ANGELES – June 26, 2007 – Looking for a hot date this summer? Look no further than July 7, when the L.A. art scene will converge under one roof for “777 @ 2121” – one of the most unconventional art shows in Southern California.

The aptly named show at 2121 Lofts, a creative new loft community in downtown’s Arts District (2121 E. 7th Place), in conjunction with Telos Designs Foundation of the arts, will draw together over 21 of the finest artists in Los Angeles; combining art, live music, dance, poetry/spoken word performances and film.

Every year since 2001, this cutting edge collection of artists has convened on the same day of the same month of the same year at various L.A. venues to celebrate the arts, as well as inspire and entertain art connoisseurs, music fans and film buffs from every corner of the city.

Each year the show takes on a different name to reflect the alignment of the date: The premier event was “111” for January 1, 2001 and the second year was dubbed “222” for February 2, 2002. Now in its seventh year, the show has grown considerably and the creative naming tradition continues; “777” is set to shake up the art world on July 7, 2007.

Organizers expect this year’s “777” to be the largest to date; nearly 400 people attended last year’s event.

2121 Lofts’ Concerto Development fully supports the local arts scene, always keeping its finger on the pulse of the community. “We’re fortunate to be in the heart of the Arts District and have a raw, but refined industrial space that can cater to this crowd. The lofts and courtyard are spacious enough for hundreds to mix and mingle, while showcasing a diverse mix of visual and performing arts,” said Michael Shannon, principal of Concerto Development

Artwork will be displayed in two of 2121 Lofts’ expansive main studios. The outdoor courtyard will serve as the backdrop for live music and spoken word performances, while a few of the other lofts will be transformed into swanky lounges for complimentary drinks and refreshments.

The art show is free and open to the public. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. and continue until the last guests depart, between midnight and 2 a.m.

Featured artists include Yeghia Tchakmakian, Silva Tchakmakian, Lisa Tchakmakian, Alex Nishanian, Alex Zakari, Mher Vahakn, Armen Zeitounian, Paul Marchand, Dan Holm and Nareg Zakari, as well as filmmaker Matthew Yaldezian, and others.

Bands and performers who will take center stage in the courtyard include musicians Still Will, Camarillo Blues Triangle (Shahen Hagobian, Cyrus Melchor, Alfred di Maio), Karen Oller, With Sound (Alex Nisanian) and Chris Daniel; poets James Martin and Yeghia Tchakmakian, and dancer Meline Tovmasian.

The host for the evening’s festivities will be performer Lory Tatoulian.

For more information on 777 @ 2121, visit the News section of http://www.2121lofts.com or log onto http://www.the7thyear.com,

http://www.myspace.com/telosdesigns .

About 2121 Lofts

Formerly composed of warehouses and manufacturing facilities, the Arts District began in the early ‘70s attracting a creative populace who were drawn to the large converted spaces that offered a place to both live and work under one roof. This artist tradition continues today at 2121 Lofts, especially with events such as “777 @ 2121” and the hugely popular Jeffrey Sebelia fashion show earlier this year.

Located at 7th and Santa Fe in the happening downtown L.A. Arts District, 2121 Lofts is comprised of three separate buildings that house 78 unique live/work artist and townhome lofts. Staying true to the original structures, the walls are unchanged and beautiful brickwork remains, as well as other authentic architectural elements such as exposed industrial beams, barreled roof trusses and casement warehouse windows.

The interiors are a major contrast to the raw exteriors, modernized with state-of-the-art amenities and design features creating a highly stylistic live/work space. 2121 Lofts range in size from approximately 750 to 1,950 square feet and feature plenty of natural light, open floor plans, bare brick walls, soaring 18-foot ceilings, two-story gallery walls and sky-lit glass atriums.

2121 extends indoor living outdoors by converting surrounding concrete spaces into 28,000 square feet of landscaped courtyards, patios and gardens, including a chef’s herb garden and an imaginative Martini Grove gathering area sheltered by lemon, olive and pomegranate trees.

Concerto Development is a L.A.-based developer focused on delivering the best design-led development of multifamily, transit-oriented, and mixed use projects in underserved urban areas. The company is partnered with the Phoenix Realty Group, a national real estate firm that invests in urban and infill development of affordable housing targeted toward the middle-income workforce.

The sales gallery is open at 2121 E. 7th Place (at Santa Fe). For more information, visit www.2121lofts.com or call 877-280-2121.

Lumagirl
Jun 29, 2007, 4:30 AM
Anyone from this forum moved into Luma yet? how's the experience like being a Lumonian? is there anything we need to be aware of? i might be selling my rolling island for the kitchen depending on the quote i get to built one.Please let me know if you're interested

katfam
Jun 29, 2007, 7:49 PM
I am sure you've gotten the letter asking to support the zoning of the sale of liqueur in the future restaurant on the corner of Luma. Please, if you haven't already, use this form below to send in your support so we can make this happen.


Date

Office of Zoning Administration
Los Angeles Department of City Planning
200 North Spring Street, Room 763
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Attn: Anik Charron, Zoning Administrator

RE: ZA-2006-9757-CUB
Site Address: 1100 S. Hope Street

Proposed Restaurant with Alcohol in the Luma Building


As the owner of the property located at

_______________________________________________________.

I am aware of the pending application by South Park Phase II, LLC for a Conditional Use for a full line of alcohol with on-site consumption in conjunction with a 6,362 square foot restaurant with outdoor sidewalk dining and with the ability to purchase a bottle of wine or other alcoholic beverage to take home.

As a property owner and as a resident of the South Park area, I believe the proposed restaurant will enhance my neighborhood. Currently there are very few dining choices in South Park and I would like to see more restaurants open close by. Neighborhood-serving restaurants will provide a much needed amenity for both the South Park residents and the business community. I fully support the above referenced case and any other City approvals to use the subject property as a restaurant that serves alcohol and I urge you to approve the request.

Sincerely,

__________________________ _________________________
Signature Name (Printed)

____________________________
Company

_________________________________
Mailing Address

_______________________________________________________
City, State and Zip Code Phone

danparker276
Jun 29, 2007, 9:48 PM
Can anyone who lives in that area send it in? or is it just people in the building?

yoonism49
Jun 29, 2007, 10:24 PM
Hello everyone,

I'm a future Lumonian on the thirteenth floor, and I'm glad that I found a forum just for Southgroup!

Has anyone had their walk-through yet? My walk-through is on late July.

Oh yes, what do you guys think about Luma's lobby? I was a little disappointed by its simplicity. I thought it wasn't as modern as the one in Metloft.



I hope to meet you guys in person! And yes, I will send the letter to the Zoning Administrator to show my support.

Here is a poor quality picture of the lobby from my cell phone:
http://www.beststylish.com/Pic-0037.jpg

6th&12thDweller
Jun 30, 2007, 1:44 AM
there's also a yahoogroup for Southgroup residents. Here's the link:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ellevensouth/

Lumagirl
Jun 30, 2007, 4:56 PM
I hope our lobby will look as nice as the Eleven.

logandankr
Jun 30, 2007, 5:00 PM
I hope our lobby will look as nice as the Eleven.

I'm sure it will...it's clearly not finished yet.

edkao
Jul 3, 2007, 4:42 AM
Hi,

I have a general question about local BIDs.

Are the BIDs part of city government? I assume no, because they are asking for a vote to fund the South Park BID.

From what I read, they provides services the city should be doing. Sidewalk cleaning, graffiti removal, trash removal...etc. My question is, are the BIDs duplicating city services?

They are asking $.30 per square foot annually, with annual increases. I am hesitant to vote yes without asking some questions. Once the increase is on the books, it will be next to impossible to remove it.

So if anyone can educate me on the BIDs is much appreciated.

ed

LA/OCman
Jul 3, 2007, 1:21 PM
I believe the BID is very separate from the city. I would also let you know that here at 9th and Broadway, part of the street is run by the BID and across the street on the Southwest corner, it is not. That part, in front of the Blackstone Buliding is a dumping spot. There is always garbage and litter on the street. Look across the street where the BID operates, and it is generally litter free. I would pay the money for the BID. It is not worth the grief trying to get the city to keep it clean. The Downtown BID is extremely responsive. They clean the sidewalks very frequently, provide security and keep homeless camps from setting up. If you want clean streets, security and litter free zones, go with the BID. It seems crazy, but the difference is night and day.

RAlossi
Jul 3, 2007, 5:27 PM
The general consensus is that the BIDs are an asset to the community. They handle district advertising (tourism), extra safety, cleanup, and other beneficial services depending on the specific BID.

vudogg
Jul 5, 2007, 3:11 PM
greetings, nice to meet you all. I'll be moving into LUMA 16th floor in a couple of months. I know plenty of people have walked through and moved in. Does any one have any pics to share of the interiors and views. look forward to meeting some of you in the near future. vu

yoonism49
Jul 6, 2007, 9:39 PM
Hello all,

My walk-in is in end of July. I will post some picture of west view on the 13th floor.

If you folks don't mind, what was the price of your unit (including the floor and sq feet) and HOA fee?

Here is mine:

13th floor, west view

1012 sq feet

price:$580k

HOA: 600


Thanks!

Lumagirl
Jul 7, 2007, 3:56 AM
Yoon, is yours 1bedroom with no balcony? when did you purchase your loft?

yoonism49
Jul 7, 2007, 7:25 PM
Yes, it's one of those one bed room without a balcony. I actually bought the unit last winter, so I actually bought it after it went up 5% or so. Many of the units in Luma have been going up between 2006-2007 about 2-7%! Some people I've met bought their condos in West LA have dropped 7-13%.

Do you guys mind sharing your prices? I dont believe it's too inappropriate to share this information, since we all know that these units are expensive. We're all in the same park, but I was curious to know how much the prices vary on each floors.

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 8, 2007, 9:20 PM
I smell a speculator :uhh:

LAmetroman
Jul 9, 2007, 2:52 AM
Hey LAB, jealous much?

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 9, 2007, 10:08 AM
^ Not really. I don't get jealous of people moving into Downtown LA.

4Bviper
Jul 10, 2007, 11:40 AM
As RAlossi stated, the BID is definitely an asset to the community. The problem is that the costs are disproportionately placed on the homeowners while the resources/benefits are mostly taken up by the businesses.

Unfortunately, it doesn't really matter since the businesses have all the votes so even if we all decided against the BID, it will pass anyway. I'm all for the BID, I just think the costs to the homeowners are a little unfair .


Hi,

I have a general question about local BIDs.

Are the BIDs part of city government? I assume no, because they are asking for a vote to fund the South Park BID.

From what I read, they provides services the city should be doing. Sidewalk cleaning, graffiti removal, trash removal...etc. My question is, are the BIDs duplicating city services?

They are asking $.30 per square foot annually, with annual increases. I am hesitant to vote yes without asking some questions. Once the increase is on the books, it will be next to impossible to remove it.

So if anyone can educate me on the BIDs is much appreciated.

ed

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 10, 2007, 8:05 PM
^ It's not unfair because thriving businesses in the district positively affect the residential home values near them. Much of what you see today in Downtown LA was a direct result of the efforts put forth by the BIDs (especially the DCBID) to promote Downtown LA to BOTH businesses and residents. Daily Grill, Roys, Wolfgang Pucks, etc.

Although South Park BID probably will not have a "Housing Bus Tour," the DCBID has FREE housing bus tours every other Saturday (http://www.downtownla.com/lh_bus_tour.asp) to promote downtown living to people who are interested. It takes people around easily by shuttle bus and directly to the front doors of many residential locations. The more people who move downtown, the closer we are to hitting critical mass, the closer we are to benefiting ALL residents of Downtown LA (and the metropolitan region) because that means LA will finally have a thriving Downtown with people walking the streets as more retail/shopping come online. This will inevitably attract more people from the region too.

Also, the BID is charged with cleaning and providing security for their jurisdiction. That directly benefits the residential stock. Who wouldn't want cleaner/safer streets?

No matter how you cut it, it's absolutely fair to residential homeowners, and property values will be helped by the presence of a BID.

LA/OC/London
Jul 11, 2007, 12:13 AM
I agree with LAB - BID's are as much of an asset to homeowners as they are to businesses. The cost incurred by residents to create a BID represent not only an investment into local businesses, but also into the character of the community as a whole. The presence of a BID will aid in the creation of the type of urban environment people are yearning for in downtown L.A.

As previously mentioned BID's can also provide additional safety and sanitation. Although I generally feel safe walking around downtown, I know I feel just a bit more secure when I see the purple patrol making their rounds by bike - all made possible by the DCBID.

4Bviper
Jul 12, 2007, 7:12 AM
^ You guys are completely missing the point of my post. Again, I completely wholeheartedly believe in the merits of the BID. The BID both benefits the businesses and homeowners alike. I think the BID's presence is South Park is both essential and welcomed.

However, the issue I was trying to bring up is that the costs associated with maintaining the BID is disproportionally placed upon the homeowner's shoulders. Do I believe that because of this the BID should go away? No. Do I think that homeowners should pay for the BID? Yes. Do I believe that the homeowners should pay $.30/sq ft. increasing annually while businesses pay $.05-$.065 / sq ft? No. Do I believe it's fair that there are benefits of the BID that are unavailable to residents? No. Is there anything the homeowners can do about it due to the way the voting is structured? No.

That's why it's unfair.

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 12, 2007, 7:29 AM
^ Well, in the end, even though it's viewed as unfair (which I do agree with you that you have a point about it being unfair in cost), once Downtown LA is thriving on a scale larger than Old Town Pasadena/Downtown Santa Monica and becoming one of the premier Downtowns in the country, I hope you'll just enjoy your new loft/home! Is Capitalism fair? haha No, but just enjoy what you got!

funhaus
Jul 14, 2007, 1:41 AM
Very happy that the builders finally completed the concrete pour at the sidewalk intersection of Hope and Grand today!

Hopefully that's a sign that resources might also shift to finishing the pool and deck.

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 14, 2007, 11:12 AM
^ Any pictures of the concrete curing? :)

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 14, 2007, 11:46 AM
Why can't all developers be as forward-thinking as the South Group? They really stand out as the most urban-minded developers in Downtown LA. :)


Downtown Should Bring Back the Streetcar

Portland Success Shows That System Could Spur Development And Reduce Traffic

by Homer Williams and Dike Dame

As the financial and cultural anchor of the West Coast, Los Angeles typically exports creative ideas to communities around the country. Thus, it may seem odd to suggest that America's second-largest city should actually import a transportation concept from Portland, Ore.: a downtown streetcar system.


http://images.townnews.com/ladowntownnews.com/content/articles/2007/07/16/news/news06.jpg
In Portland, more than $2.5 billion in new, diverse development has opened along a seven-mile streetcar line since its 2001 debut. Photo courtesy South Group.



There are numerous reasons to do so: Having a streetcar could stimulate new development, reduce traffic, and bring the neighborhoods of Downtown closer together.

The idea of a streetcar connecting Los Angeles neighborhoods is neither new nor radical. During a 90-year period, Los Angeles developed one of the largest streetcar networks ever constructed. By the 1930s, the system had nearly 600 miles of track, used more than 1,200 cars and was a major factor in shaping the city's development pattern. Yet after World War II, the automobile enabled rapid development of suburban housing and significantly changed the urban landscape. The Los Angeles streetcar system began to decline as public resources were instead invested in highways. By 1963, the streetcar system had been abandoned.

Many cities that abandoned their systems are taking a fresh look at the streetcar's potential to revitalize and energize the urban core. In the late 1990s, we saw the potential for a streetcar revival to connect and energize downtown Portland neighborhoods. A group of business leaders, with encouragement from the city, formed a private non-profit to design and construct a new streetcar line connecting an abandoned rail yard with the core of the city. The proposal from Portland Streetcar Inc. reflected the development plans of each institution and neighborhood that would be affected, thus gaining immediate acceptance. In turn, businesses agreed to support a rate increase at public parking garages in the central business district. The new revenue was then bonded by the city for construction.

Since opening in September 2001, the Portland Streetcar has become an integral part of the central city, providing visitors and residents alike with a convenient option for moving through downtown and accessing the regional light rail system. The streetcar also links the city with its transportation history, which included a wide network of trolleys and streetcars going back more than 100 years. The project is one of the best examples in the Northwest of public and private commitments generating a unique transit and development solution. It has led to new and dense urban neighborhoods within the city core.

Los Angeles has been considering resurrecting its own streetcar system for nearly a decade. If our experience in Portland is any guide, this vision can be realized, but only if city leaders and private developers embrace a common objective, forge a workable partnership and commit to making a joint investment.


The benefits of a local circulator in Downtown Los Angeles are clear. A modern streetcar can be useful, attractive and cost-efficient, especially compared to light rail (the cost in Portland was less than one-fifth the capital cost of a comparable light rail system per track mile). In addition, a modern L.A. streetcar can be designed to fit the flavor of the neighborhoods and provide easy pedestrian access. But perhaps most important, a Los Angeles streetcar system could be an economic engine and a community builder.

Our experience shows that the streetcar can accelerate the pace of private development by 200% to 300%, yielding a high return on public investment. From an initial investment of $57 million, Portland has already seen more than $2.5 billion in new, diverse development spring up along the seven-mile Portland Streetcar line, with enormous potential ahead as the line is extended to the South Waterfront, the largest redevelopment project in Portland history. Keep in mind, this took place in a city that has fewer than 800,000 people within its bounds. Imagine the potential financial and community benefits in a city the size of Los Angeles.

In addition to accelerating new development, a Los Angeles streetcar line could organize and connect those investments and help create a stronger sense of community Downtown. New amenities and services become available. Density increases, commutes decrease. Building becomes more creative and integrated. And by mitigating the need to drive and park, a streetcar reduces traffic and the carbon emissions that come with it. It would stimulate pedestrian activity and help humanize the streets of Los Angeles. The result would be a healthier, sustainable urban environment, more attractive for residents, workers, visitors and small businesses alike.

In Portland, we underestimated these positive community impacts. With the streetcar now in place, there are no longer islands of development in Portland's urban center. Instead, the streetcar acts as a "spine" that connects and energizes urban neighborhoods. Residents, students and tourists use it. Businesses also gravitate toward it, understanding that the streetcar provides both visibility and foot traffic. This unifying effect could be especially meaningful in Los Angeles, where the future vitality of Downtown will depend on connecting its business, cultural, entertainment and residential communities. Bunker Hill, the Fashion District, the Music Center, the Historic Core, South Park - all these areas are thriving, but they cannot reach their full potential in isolation.

In the coming years, Portland's streetcar will continue to shape the urban fabric and spark new neighborhood development. It is a continuing example of development shaping transit and transit shaping development to create a better urban life for the community.

There is no reason Los Angeles can't duplicate - and even far exceed - this success in the renaissance of its downtown. All that's needed is vision, willpower and a shared commitment from city and private leaders.


Homer Williams and Dike Dame are partners in Williams & Dame Development and principals in the South Group, a leading developer of new condominium projects in Downtown Los Angeles. The South Group has more than 1,700 housing units planned or underway including Downtown's first new residential buildings in more than 20 years: Elleven, Luma and Evo.

funhaus
Jul 18, 2007, 2:27 PM
^ Any pictures of the concrete curing? :)

Yes, LAB - here's a shot from yesterday. Still some brick trim at the edges to come, but that corner is finally completed!

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

fridayinla
Jul 18, 2007, 3:54 PM
^Looks great! I can't wait to see that corner when the Glass Tower is complete. :tup:

LosAngelesBeauty
Jul 18, 2007, 8:40 PM
^ I also hope that developers across LA (esp. Downtown LA) will start to emulate South Group's wonderfully urban-minded strategies. This could also be to Downtown LA's advantage, since the prevalence of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks could attract more people (esp. new transplants from other cities) to choose Downtown as the place to reside.

I repeat, EVERY SINGLE DEVELOPER should start competing with South Group by building the best and most pedestrian-friendly environments they can by their respective projects! :tup:

cava
Jul 18, 2007, 11:27 PM
^ I also hope that developers across LA (esp. Downtown LA) will start to emulate South Group's wonderfully urban-minded strategies. This could also be to Downtown LA's advantage, since the prevalence of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks could attract more people (esp. new transplants from other cities) to choose Downtown as the place to reside.

I repeat, EVERY SINGLE DEVELOPER should start competing with South Group by building the best and most pedestrian-friendly environments they can by their respective projects! :tup:

Agreed - its great that visionary South Group actually stepped up, and redid their sidewalks in such a pedestrian-friendly way themselves. South Group is the one developer actually implementing mandates from the planning commisions policy: "Demand a Walkable City".

Also, their towers are very well built, and went up very fast - especially compared to some other buildings. They use innovative building methods that allow for faster builds.

logandankr
Jul 19, 2007, 5:16 PM
Luma Walk-Through Pics!

I apologize, I didn't get any lobby, hallway, pool decks photos. They wouldn't let us out on the pool deck, but I got a glace and it's looking amazing. Also the lobby is beautiful, far exceeded my expectations. The interior of the building is so nicely done, nothing is boring or bland. The interior has a really upscale modern look.

I'm back next week for another walk-through (notice all the blue tape)- I'll take some communal area photos then.

I did get some photos of my 4th flr unit.

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/1916/walkthru013xh8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/2426/walkthru017up6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/2528/walkthru022va4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/2042/walkthru018jv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/8793/walkthru016ns7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7327/walkthru027bu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

colemonkee
Jul 19, 2007, 5:33 PM
Nice place! Congrats! That range is pretty nice.

Tennis248
Jul 19, 2007, 6:06 PM
Hey everyone! It's great to see a group dedicated to the South group! I just purchased a unit in Elleven, and am looking forward to moving in! Can any of you recommend a reasonable storage place? (my unit doesn't come with storage)

Anyways, just wanted to drop by and say hi, and I look forward to meeting some of you soon!

funhaus
Jul 19, 2007, 6:37 PM
^ Welcome, Tennis248.

Prior to moving into Elleven (I have a storage unit in the building) I was living elsewhere in South Park and used Public Storage on San Pedro. The cost was okay and the location was convenient, but the spaces were not conditioned (the heat wasn't so nice to some books and papers).

However, I do know that Packard Lofts at Hope & Olympic was advertising storage units for rent in their building (I had received at least one flyer by mail) - and they couldn't be closer. Perhaps give them a call.

Good luck, and keep posting!

yoonism49
Jul 19, 2007, 7:23 PM
Welcome to the neighborhood, logandankr.

What's the square footage of your unit? Mine is 1012 sq. ft, but looks somewhat smaller than your's.


Thanks
Daniel

logandankr
Jul 20, 2007, 1:16 AM
942- although it's a very livable floorplan.


Welcome to the neighborhood, logandankr.

What's the square footage of your unit? Mine is 1012 sq. ft, but looks somewhat smaller than your's.


Thanks
Daniel

Lumagirl
Jul 20, 2007, 1:36 AM
Very nice Logandankr! did you stain your floor? mine is maple, i prefer yours.

logandankr
Jul 20, 2007, 2:28 AM
^I did that carbonized oak upgrade on the flooring. I'm sure the maple will look very nice as well...will make your place look more airy.

Wright Concept
Jul 20, 2007, 6:11 AM
Is anyone going to the opening of the Ralphs on Flower/9th Tomorrow?

funhaus
Jul 20, 2007, 6:51 AM
Is anyone going to the opening of the Ralphs on Flower/9th Tomorrow?

Oh, yeah! Gonna try and hit one of the wine flights, likely 3-5. Should be a spectacle!

Ed LA
Jul 21, 2007, 1:09 AM
Hey everyone! It's great to see a group dedicated to the South group! I just purchased a unit in Elleven, and am looking forward to moving in! Can any of you recommend a reasonable storage place? (my unit doesn't come with storage)

Anyways, just wanted to drop by and say hi, and I look forward to meeting some of you soon!


Welcome Tennis, I have a storage unit at Elleven that I won't be using. I've sent your account with my contact info. Which unit did you purchase?

Tennis248
Jul 21, 2007, 8:09 PM
Welcome Tennis, I have a storage unit at Elleven that I won't be using. I've sent your account with my contact info. Which unit did you purchase?

Hi Ed, I'm moving into 802 in the beginning of August (hopefully!) Definitely looking forward to it.

Ed LA
Jul 22, 2007, 1:39 AM
Great. Can you email me. I'd like to touch base with you offline.

colemonkee
Jul 23, 2007, 5:25 PM
Welcome to the forum, Ed. If I may offer a piece of advice, try not to post your email address on a public web page - instead send a Private Message to the forumer you wish to give it to. Spammers have bots that scour the web, and they get your email address very easily when it's up on a public page like this.

teresa and melissa
Jul 23, 2007, 5:55 PM
Congrats logandankr on your new unit. i wish our elleven units had the option for the backsplash and the flooring upgrade. it looks great.

colemonkee
Jul 23, 2007, 10:13 PM
^ Backsplashes are relatively easy to put in yourself - and surprisingly inexpensive. I was at my friend's place at the Eastern Columbia building this weekend, and they installed a mosiac tile backsplash that looked great - and they're not professionals.

Ed LA
Jul 24, 2007, 4:00 AM
Thanks Cole, I've fixed the post. Didn't realize they can have bots on these too. Congrats Logan, the backsplash is the first thing I noticed as well with the pic. I like it too. The rest seems similar with the elleven. I have the 942 size unit but I like your floor plan a bit better with the bedroom space. Was Luma supposed to be an upgraded unit to elleven or is it just the Evo?

logandankr
Jul 24, 2007, 5:00 PM
Thanks everyone for the congrats.

I don't think Luma is upgraded from Elleven- I think just Evo with their rooftop lounge and valet...


Thanks Cole, I've fixed the post. Didn't realize they can have bots on these too. Congrats Logan, the backsplash is the first thing I noticed as well with the pic. I like it too. The rest seems similar with the elleven. I have the 942 size unit but I like your floor plan a bit better with the bedroom space. Was Luma supposed to be an upgraded unit to elleven or is it just the Evo?