LOS ANGELES | METRO Project Rundown 2.0 (non-downtown)

[colemonkee]

I went to a party at Kress last Tuesday. It's definitely an impressive place. The rooftop is the star of the show, with 270 degree views, and lights that change color slowly over time. The crowd being full of some of the most beautiful women I've ever seen helped as well. And being able to post up on John Salley.

The food is just okay, IMO. But they do have a appetizer sampler bento box that has a really good variety and is a meal in itself for only $25. I'd recommend that to start. The lobster lettuce wraps absolutely sucked.

[Quixote]

Excellent snaps, LAB. There's no doubt Hollywood is becoming increasingly vibrant. But what irks me the most is how the urbanity is limited to that one stretch of Hollywood Blvd. between Vine and La Brea. It's quite linear in nature. Journey a few blocks south of Hollywood and Highland and you're immediately greeted by parking lots and strip malls.

[BrandonJXN]

I passed by Kress last night and it looked...aiight.

Anyway, the facade has started on the W. Once you get off the subway and look directly to your right, you'll see it. Nothing speical. Plane Jane white.

I went to H & H last night. Met up with some friends and had a gay ol time. There was this AWESOME salsa band playing. H & H was PACKED! At least a couple thousand people were eating, drinking the free wine that was given away (at a cost of 10 dollars mind you ) dancing, having a blast. Also, not only did I overdose on D*Lush (best smoothie place this side of the Mississippi), but there is a highly unique new restraunt called uWink. Think of it as a cyber cafe/restraunt. You order your food from computers and you can customize it however you want. Anyway, it's sensory overload. You can play games while you wait, the bar is digital and it's a really good place to take your friends.

Totally off topic but Colemonkee, do people ever tell you that you remind them of Tony Stark (Iron Man)?

[colemonkee]

^ Would that be because of my sardonic wit, my subtle references to a womanizing lifestyle, or my red and yellow rocket suit? The latter of which, by the way, is surprisingly difficult to keep wrinkle-free.

[BrandonJXN]

Can't forget about your copius consumption of high class liquor. Give me a glass or three of Adios anyday.

Btw..I don't know when it happened but the CNN Building on Sunset has gotten some sort of digital makeover. There is a neat looking LED ticker in the lobby, nice little pink lights on the roof, and the CNN logo on top is now animated. Just thought I'd point that out.

[Quixote]

Sky's the Limit -- Another High-Rise Comes to L.A.

By David Zahniser
July 25, 2008

The Los Angeles City Council today approved a 23-story condominium tower on the site of the vacant Spaghetti Factory restaurant in Hollywood, including two billboard-size signs on the building’s south and west sides.

The 305-unit project was approved despite objections from neighborhood critics who argued that it had received too many exceptions to the city’s planning and zoning rules, from higher density to the location of the “supergraphics” –- signs stretched across vinyl on part the building’s exterior. Although the city’s code would have required 512 parking spaces, the developer was allowed to build 416, according to a report prepared for the council on the project.

“This project is drastically under-parked,” said neighborhood activist Ziggy Kruse. “This area already has a recognized critical parking shortage.”

Councilman Ed Reyes said the project is part of a larger effort to encourage residents to walk instead of using their cars. “This is a change in our culture,” he said.

Sunset and Gordon Investors LLC, which is developing the project, has received at least $13 million in financial help to build the project, which will include a park, restaurants and offices, according to city officials.

The developer of the project, Sunset and Gordon Investors LLC, intends to preserve the Spaghetti Factory building, which was built in 1924 and originally housed an auto dealership. Craig Lawson, a lobbyist for the developer, said the project would provide much-needed office space for Hollywood and said his company has a track record of building residential projects with “outstanding design” in Los Angeles.

Today’s vote comes two weeks after the council voted to approve a 16-story residential tower in Hollywood next to the Capitol Records building. Construction is already underway on a 305-room W Hotel at the corner of Hollywood and Vine.

[Quixote]

Hollywood Orchard Gables Cottage Saved, 35 Townhomes Coming

By Dakota
July 25, 2008

Development in Hollywood marches on, brave little soldier that it is. This dirt lot at Wilcox and Fountain in Hollywood was the site of a former convalescent hospital, and this fall, it's expected that developer Master Craft Homes will break ground on 35 townhomes. Eh, what's that brown building behind the gates, you ask? That's the Orchard Gables Cottage, a turn of the century cottage that was saved; the Hollywood branch of the Community Redevelopment Agency hopes to turn it into an arts and education community center. And how's this neighborhood? Quite frankly, it could use some gussying up, but ladies, you will get some nice looks and whistles from the men on this street. UPDATE: Worth pointing out that this project will take advantage of the city's Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance.

• Hollywood Projects [CRA LA]

[DJM19]

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

Sky's the Limit -- Another High-Rise Comes to L.A.

By David Zahniser
July 25, 2008

The Los Angeles City Council today approved a 23-story condominium tower on the site of the vacant Spaghetti Factory restaurant in Hollywood, including two billboard-size signs on the building’s south and west sides.

The 305-unit project was approved despite objections from neighborhood critics who argued that it had received too many exceptions to the city’s planning and zoning rules, from higher density to the location of the “supergraphics” –- signs stretched across vinyl on part the building’s exterior. Although the city’s code would have required 512 parking spaces, the developer was allowed to build 416, according to a report prepared for the council on the project.

“This project is drastically under-parked,” said neighborhood activist Ziggy Kruse. “This area already has a recognized critical parking shortage.”

Councilman Ed Reyes said the project is part of a larger effort to encourage residents to walk instead of using their cars. “This is a change in our culture,” he said.

Sunset and Gordon Investors LLC, which is developing the project, has received at least $13 million in financial help to build the project, which will include a park, restaurants and offices, according to city officials.

The developer of the project, Sunset and Gordon Investors LLC, intends to preserve the Spaghetti Factory building, which was built in 1924 and originally housed an auto dealership. Craig Lawson, a lobbyist for the developer, said the project would provide much-needed office space for Hollywood and said his company has a track record of building residential projects with “outstanding design” in Los Angeles.

Today’s vote comes two weeks after the council voted to approve a 16-story residential tower in Hollywood next to the Capitol Records building. Construction is already underway on a 305-room W Hotel at the corner of Hollywood and Vine.

Is this still what it looks like? I dont see any graphics large enough to anger anybody.

[Quixote]

Walked by Hollywood and Vine today. The W Hotel is on the 11th floor and the facade is being applied. This massive project has a huge impact from street level.

[Quixote]

1600 North Vine


From Flickr, by jeremy!


From Flickr, by jeremy!

Palihouse


From Flickr, by jeremy!

[Quixote]

1600 North Vine


From Flickr, by lacurbed

Sunset and Vine Tower


From Flickr, by lacurbed


From Flickr, by lacurbed


From Flickr, by lacurbed

Palladium Theater


From Flickr, by lacurbed

[Quixote]

Old Spaghetti Factory Project in Hollywood Rendered

By Dakota
July 29, 2008

Market crash or not, there is no stopping development in Hollywood, and last week, the city council approved that 305-unit project that'll rise on the site of the former Old Spaghetti Factory site on Sunset Boulevard. Here are the latest renderings of the project; we're told the last one is "an image strictly of the pedestrian experience." Walkable! Meanwhile, the building will have supergraphics, ie large billboards stretched on the sides of the development (and it was a contentious issue, according to Los Angeles Times). But that means this development will fit in well with some of those other large billboard-wearing buildings.

• Sky's the limit -- another high-rise comes to L.A. [LA Times]

• On Top of Spaghetti Factory Project Moving Forward [Curbed LA]

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

i like it. This should be the model for all of Sunset and Hollywood. Its a good scale and mixed use.

[Quixote]

[Rendering via Killefer Flammang Architects]

Selma Avenue Hotel Brings Boutique-ness to Hollywood

By jwilliams
July 30, 2008

The Hollywood Business Advocate reports that the proposed 120-room Selma Avenue Hotel continues to move forward through the hoops of the City's planning process.

The project envisions construction of a nine-story hotel incorporating the renovation and reuse of an existing warehouse building and improvements to an adjacent alley. The boutique hotel will include 120 guest rooms, bar/lounge, a banquet/ballroom facility, rooftop restaurant, pool and patio area, as well as a wedding garden. They will also be transforming the adjacent alley into a public gathering place with outdoor dining.

According to the architect's web site, the hotel, located near the corner of Selma and Cahuenga, will be built atop an existing two-story parking garage and will, judging by the rendering, include a jungle (possibly with monkeys) on the rooftop.

• Chamber Testifies at City Planning Commission Hearing on Proposed Selma Ave, Hotel Project [Hollywood Chamber]

• Hotel Selma [Killefer Flammang]

[Echo Park]

thats a good project for selma. I'd like to see selma become more developed. its an imoprant to fill in the gaps between sunset and hollywood.

[Quixote]

Hollywood Dirt Lot

Hollywood: Regarding the northwest corner of Highland and De Longpre, building permits show nothing is happening at the site except some temporary signage around the empty lot, approved on July 18th. The project from DS Ventures purchased from DS Ventures by Lennar Urban, was approved in 2006 for 56-condos with two retail-condos on the site. Van Tilburg (VTBS) is the architect listed on the plans however no pretty renderings are available online, just the elevations, posted above.

[Quixote]

1600 North Vine


From Flickr, by jeremy!

[Quixote]

1600 North Vine


From Flickr, by lacurbed

[Quixote]

1600 North Vine


From Flickr, by nachowong


From Flickr, by nachowong

[circuitfiend]

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Ooops...shoulda checked the first page, cuz there it is...