I hope the Glass Tower will start soon. They put a sign up already so that means they're somewhat serious. Plus, it has its own website.

The best way to know if a project is for reals is by knowing if it has a sales center, once the Glass as a sales center then we all should taked for granted it is going to get built.

The best way to know if a project is for reals is by knowing if it has a sales center, once the Glass as a sales center then we all should taked for granted it is going to get built.

Rodmark is opening up a sales office for the City House and the Olympic. So that means it will most likely get built then.

exactly.

when and where is the sales office going to be located? did i miss something?

Earlier in the thread, LASF said that the sales office was going to open in January of February next year, no sign of the location.

^ The location will be that building right across the street from Hanover. The one with the Disneyland mural on it. Can't think of the name right now.

Earlier in the thread, LASF said that the sales office was going to open in January of February next year, no sign of the location.

I just saw it tonight and its going to be at the corner of olympic and flower, just two blocks west of the proposed site. I cant wait for them to start!

So it's Olympic and Flower, great.

It's the Petroleum Building and the Rodmark sign is in the window.

Here's a pic of the Hanover Tower

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/LSU/Weekof05-19-06104.jpg

Downtown news development update:

http://www.downtownnews.com/articles/2006/05/22/development/estate02.txt

enjoy

Has anyone heard anything on metropolis and 8th & Grand?

Did they even mention it?
Figueroa South is going to start in December, and it is going to be where Figueroa Central was.
The Glass Tower is going to start is six months supposedly.
There's work in the Olive Street Lofts.

Did they even mention it?
Figueroa South is going to start in December, and it is going to be where Figueroa Central was.
The Glass Tower is going to start is six months supposedly.
There's work in the Olive Street Lofts.

Fig south is actually the lot next to Fig Central, on the corner of 12th and Fig, Murelos 34 story tower next to the ralphs is suppose to start this month, Metropolis is suppose to break ground this fall, 8th and Grand as well as the Trinity Tower were not mentioned, Concerto will break ground in the next two weeks and the first phase is one 30 story tower and a 7 story tower, the second phase is a 30 story tower, ...

Fig south is actually the lot next to Fig Central, on the corner of 12th and Fig, Murelos 34 story tower next to the ralphs is suppose to start this month, Metropolis is suppose to break ground this fall, 8th and Grand as well as the Trinity Tower were not mentioned, Concerto will break ground in the next two weeks and the first phase is one 30 story tower and a 7 story tower, the second phase is a 30 story tower, ...


^ Wasn't this Murelos supposed to erect 2 twin 50 story towers. What ever happened to great idea, or was it downsized to 2 30 story towers.

that murelo project is different and that was suppose to be next to Sci Arc. it has been delayed as Murelo and the School are trying to come up with an amicable plan.

You were right "Sportsfan". Sometime ago you talked about cranes all over the downtown skyline. It is really starting to happen now. What will it be like in say 6 months to a year?

Freaken crazy.

You were right "Sportsfan". Sometime ago you talked about cranes all over the downtown skyline. It is really starting to happen now. What will it be like in say 6 months to a year?


triple the amount of cranes in DT LA!!

So how is Zen coming along, anyone know?

Also, is the Grand Avenue park part of phase 1? This is the thing. I wish we were always updated. We hear about these new projects and then nothing else is heard for months.

Couple updates from random reading from the LA Buisiness Journal, Los Angeles Magazine, driving around town, etc.

1) The new Los Angeles Magazine has a huge spread on the revitilization of Hollywood. pretty good.

2) the W in Hollywood will "have a public entrance on Hollywood blvd with a big screen and will be the start of a red-carpet like feature that leads visitors through the hotel and the motor court" (LABJ) Also, the city wanted the Corner of Argyle and Hollywood to to have a prominent feature so a steel structure that will be illuminated at night with LED lighting. The compnay expectrs contstruction starting at the end of the year on the hotel. Daddys has gotten there 90 day notice.

3)The 50 story tower on Wilshire, the site is fenced off with signs and renderings and with a quick drive by, it seemed as though the site had been cleared. Hopefully we will see construction soon

4) lots of development going on all over LA, especially Hollywood and DT. maybe it was the weather today, but i was so optimistic while i was driving around.

5) the Corner of Highland and Franklin, the Conversion of that building is well underway. Also, what is goin on that plot next to it?

6) The wilshire Subway stop mixed use was moving along nicely.

7) the LABJ had a big interview witht he devloper of the Californian, and how he moved here from Chicago because is company is going to focus on Infill on the westcoast and that their second project on wilshire the Coutryview, overlooking the LA Country club, will be 21 stories and has gotten entitlements and approvals

8) interesting tidbit from Steve Fifield, the before mentioned developer of the Countryview and Californian, quote, "Wilshire Blvd is the largest concentration of High rise condos in the united states."

thats all for now.

^ Thanks for the update, I'll try and walk by some downtown developments this week and see whats up.

^ Thanks for the update, I'll try and walk by some downtown developments this week and see whats up.


^ And don't forget your camera.......

Ha, yup.

So how is Zen coming along, anyone know?

I think Zen is dead. They had some problems. It might be resuscitated but for now, it don't look good.

i never heard of zen having problems or it being dead. On the contrary it looks as though its moving ahead. from the LA DowntownNews....

Kawada Company of America is in the entitlement phase for a 50-story, 330-condominium tower at Third and Hill streets, said developer Nat Kawada, who owns a nearby hotel. Plans by architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill call for an Asian-inspired design with units averaging 1,040 square feet and four penthouses topping out at 2,780 square feet. Plans are also in the works for a 704-car garage and a two-story fitness center with an indoor pool and a Zen garden. Retail and a sports-themed restaurant would take up about 10,000 square feet. It is scheduled to open by spring 2009.

Well if it's not dead, it sure is quiet. Supposedly, it opens in 09, wich tells that at least it has to start by the summer of 07 or earlier.

That's something I don't understand about some of you people. You don't hear about a tower for so long, then you think it's dead. If a tower is cancelled, there will be a article about it. LA is doing what it should do: Finishing it's conversions of buildings (Pakard Lofts, 1100 Wilshire, Gas Company Lofts), build up some mid rises (Concerto, Hanover, Luma, Evo), then you can build higher.

i never heard of zen having problems or it being dead. On the contrary it looks as though its moving ahead. from the LA DowntownNews....

Kawada Company of America is in the entitlement phase for a 50-story, 330-condominium tower at Third and Hill streets, said developer Nat Kawada, who owns a nearby hotel.

The entitlement phase can take a long time, especially for a 50 story tower that may require a zoning variance and an EIR. I wouldn't worry about this one yet. It still seems to be on schedule. Remember how long it took between Glass Tower being announced and when it got it's entitlements.

But could it be that Zen takes as long as Metropolis did?
If they keep on waiting and waiting and the land prices keep on going up and up wouldn't developers eventually run out of budget and call it a day?

Metropolis took 20 years to finally get approved.

THERE IS A BULLDOZER ON THE CONCIERTO SITE!!!

SOURCE:KSEP@SSP.COM

Yeah, colemonkee said that like 3 days ago. Great though, and finally.

yea I also saw when Colemonkee had wrote it I just thought Ksep had another view of the site today and maybe they had added a 2nd piece of equipment.

So there's two earth movers, hell yeah!

^^^Nope just one for now which is the bulldozer in the center of the lot. But they could add more probably in the coming days and maybe break ground in the first week of June. Dont quote me on that im just saying from a speculative view

Actually, there's 3 now!

not really anything to do with buildings, but it is a question about development.
what is happeing to santa monica blvd east of the 4o5?
i know when i worked down in SM there was alot of construction there all the time. and i was just playing on windows maps live <awful by the way> and noticed that befor? it was a dirt parking lot on one side.

google map link:
http://maps.google.com/?ll=34.049828,-118.436262&spn=0.002016,0.003366&t=k&om=1

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/LSU/Weekof05-26-06.jpg

^Holy crap! Concerto has finally broken ground!! :banana:

That picture must have been taken early during the day because I just passed by there and there was no more concrete left; the entire lot gone

some highway construction! can it be true!
1o1 south near alameda
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/101southBusWay.jpg

chla new wing space getting cleared out hiza!
<horrible picture i know>
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/chla.jpg

the broadway... like this for months i think im gona stop taking pictures of it
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/hollywoodNvine.jpg

sunset and silverlake
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/sunsetsilverlake.jpg

unknown construction viewed from the 10 west busway just past he 71o
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/unknown.jpg

That highway construction is actually the Metro gold line freeway overpass coming out of union station

[QUOTE=godblessbotox]some highway construction! can it be true!
1o1 south near alameda
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/101southBusWay.jpg


^ I was under the impression that was an overhead pass for the Eastside Gold Line Extension????

Besides I wouldn't ague if it was some kind of Carpoool lane connecting to the (10 East) (60 East) (5 South) which the split is coming up shortly.

That picture must have been taken early during the day because I just passed by there and there was no more concrete left; the entire lot gone


^ Yup they work fast, by next week it will be atleast 3 levels underground.

Good bye Mr. Parking Lot.....:cry:

What's the development at Sunsent and Silvelake? Excellent, Concerto is now a reality.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/LSU/Weekof05-26-06.jpg

sweet, about time.

I'm sooo excited that this mutha officially broke ground!!!! now I wonder where Concierto's sales center will be located, and what media sources will Astani use to advertise a project of this scale to the general public? Now all we need to know is the status of Mureleo's 40 story tower across the street in that small parking lot? I can really see 9th street becoming a vibrant thoroughfare if developers plan right.

I really like Concerto, but i LOVE the project they are planning for 8th and Grand. that is the best project in all of LA. Cant wait to see this rise, and i beleive that the Murelo project will break ground in June as well.

I agree 8th and Grand some sexy curves that project has, Its projects like that that have you waiting on pins and needles hopping the market will remain stable and material prices will drop so that this can get off the ground. I really like the 15 story building because it looks dated from the 60s or early 70s and that is good because it will make the project look like an established part of the cityscape instead of having all this new construction that will look like it was just plopped down in random areas. True architecture has to blend in and incorporate its surroundings and show signs of age and progress growing with the whole neighborhood. Thats why im glad Downtown didnt demolish all their old historic buildings because if that was the case it wouldve look soo monotone, and sterile like Century City, Denver, Houston or ATL to name a few.

Which one is the Murelo project?

Yep it's the Gold Line overpass!! Grade seperation rocks!!

Which one is the Murelo project?


th & Grand (40 story tower, 24 story tower, and 15 story tower)

th & Grand (40 story tower, 24 story tower, and 15 story tower)

It's the big parking lot across the street from Ralphs.

I know people are raving about 8th and Grand (as they should) but I believe the most underrated building proposed right now is the FIDM Apartments. If they keep the design (windows all over the place), then that'll be one of the most striking buildings in all of downtown.

^ Agree, it's a hot looking structure!!!!!

I try to copy and paste the pix, but as you can see it was unsuccesful :dunno:

Yep it's the Gold Line overpass!! Grade seperation rocks!!

Yes it sure is. There's also a project called the "Run Through Tracks" which will take two other railroad tracks at Union Station and bring them over the 101. Until now, these were dead-end tracks and any trains stopping at Union Station had to back up and go north backwards to leave the station, even if the train was going south to San Diego. This project will put a stop to this problem which has been there since the freeway was built in 1953.

That means TWO railroad overpasses with two tracks each going over the freeway and into Union Station. :eek2:

th & Grand (40 story tower, 24 story tower, and 15 story tower)

WROONG!! tHE mURELEO project is only a single 37-40 story structure. The one u mentioned is by developer of Concierto, Sonny Astani.

Yes it sure is. There's also a project called the "Run Through Tracks" which will take two other railroad tracks at Union Station and bring them over the 101. Until now, these were dead-end tracks and any trains stopping at Union Station had to back up and go north backwards to leave the station, even if the train was going south to San Diego. This project will put a stop to this problem which has been there since the freeway was built in 1953.

That means TWO railroad overpasses with two tracks each going over the freeway and into Union Station. :eek2:


That's going to look very cool as you drive down the 101 and see trains overhead.

Unknown construction viewed from the 10 freeway west busway just past the 710.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/unknown.jpg

From what I heard, this building will house a state of the art forensics center for all local, state and federal law enforcement. It's situated on state property at Cal State LA.

Yes it sure is. There's also a project called the "Run Through Tracks" which will take two other railroad tracks at Union Station and bring them over the 101. Until now, these were dead-end tracks and any trains stopping at Union Station had to back up and go north backwards to leave the station, even if the train was going south to San Diego. This project will put a stop to this problem which has been there since the freeway was built in 1953.

That means TWO railroad overpasses with two tracks each going over the freeway and into Union Station. :eek2:

While that project would be great for Metrolink and Amtrak, I think I heard somewhere that that project was put on hold indefinitely... or something. I should look into it.

WROONG!! tHE mURELEO project is only a single 37-40 story structure. The one u mentioned is by developer of Concierto, Sonny Astani.

^ My bad!!!

^^hey no problem u sharpen me i sharpen you we gotta stay on point.

What's the development at Sunsent and Silvelake? Excellent, Concerto is now a reality.

New condos going up on Sunset. The name is Sunset+Silverlake. I guess someone stayed up nites trying to come up with that one. This is a real cool project because it didn't meet alot of public opposition because it fits in and is still relatively dense at 48 live/work lofts. Parking is tucked away underneath and it fills up another dead zone. On the other side of Sunset next to the former Detour club another lot has been cleared!

^ Agree, it's a hot looking structure!!!!!

I try to copy and paste the pix, but as you can see it was unsuccesful :dunno:

Here ya go.

http://static.flickr.com/33/43682926_f3d8617e4d_o.jpg

Just a note. Curbed LA just broke to the rest of the public about the Concerto ground breaking. Curbed also sited "Skyscraper City" (not Skyscraper Page) for breaking the story. This forum is super hot right now! So when's the party?

ah so much information! now that is what i love about this place!!

So from the looks of it now with concerto, the tower along fig will be the first phase along with the 5 story building on the south east corner. The tower along 9th will be the second phase judging from what ground they are breaking

Concerto 2 27 story towers and a 5 story building.
Posted a few posts before. Here ya go. I think they were talking about 8th and Grand not the FIDM.

I found the astani website and listed on there are both concerto and 8th & Grand. I never knew the same people were behind both projects. Lets hope concerto does well so that 8th & Grand gets built. Check it out at http://www.astanienterprises.com/#

Hi - I am a new guy doing some research - can anyone tell me where I can find info on who's who as far as high rise construction companies. I know some like Webcor but am seeking like the top 10

many thanks

alright phasse 1 of my photo update!!!

vero:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/asanti.jpg

vermont and wilshire:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/vermontandwilshire.jpg

uknown on wilshire:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/unknown1.jpg

refacing and new construction:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/refacing.jpg

ralphs:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/ralphs02.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/ralphs01.jpg

quick pass by evo south:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/quickpassbyevo.jpg

poor 3670:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/poor3670.jpg

lalive - crapo pano:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/lalivecrapopano.jpg

lalive:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/lalive07.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/lalive06.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/lalive05.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/lalive04.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/lalive03.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/lalive02.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/lalive01.jpg

hanover:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/hanover.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/hanover2.jpg

avolon on wilshire?
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/avolononwilshire.jpg

now off to pictures of la!

That panoramic shot of L.A. Live is actually awesome, because I counted SIX CRANES in that shot! Crane city is here!

[QUOTE=godblessbotox]alright phasse 1 of my photo update!!!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/hanover2.jpg



^ It seems that "Hanover" is moving quite fastly!!!!

Wow, yeah Hanover is moving. No website or interest list I could find though.

godblessbotox


Great Picture !!

I declare the LA Live pano, pano of the month. It is the picture that best expresses the dt renainsence.

Pay me my damn royalties damn it!


I am source...sweet.


edit: the curbed la article and pic about Concerto breaking ground

Pay me my damn royalties damn it!


I am source...sweet.

...?

Marriott Marquis and Ritz-Carlton are replacing Hilton as the operators for the LA Live hotel. Awsome!

on that wilshire side of 1100 wilshire are they gonna remove that last remaining sign at the top? or keep it there since they removed the other 2 why didnt they remove this one? I think they should put some kinda crown on that building that would light up like a halo at night or incorporate some other kind of illlumination to give the building a "complete" look

on that wilshire side of 1100 wilshire are they gonna remove that last remaining sign at the top? or keep it there since they removed the other 2 why didnt they remove this one? I think they should put some kinda crown on that building that would light up like a halo at night or incorporate some other kind of illlumination to give the building a "complete" look

i agree. it needs a lil spice.

I dont know what's going on, but there is a port-a-potty in the center of the 8th and Grand site, its gated, and now closed off with a sign that says closed during construction. Astani just broke ground on concerto and they are also in charge of 8th and grand. I dont want to jump to conclusion, but what does this mean? Does any one know when they are supposed to break ground? Im kinda excited!

I heard it suggested that they maybe using the site as a temporary holding pin for items needed to construct the Concerto. I personally am crossing the fingers that construction will commence at the site...but only crossing the fingers and not getting the hopes to high. It seems awefully quick and expensive for Astani to construct both at the same time...but really what do I know. I actually didnt even know that the project had been approved, I thought there was some problem with the developers of the brockman which the project shares the lot with. I do hope for the most optimistic outcome though because 8th and Grand is my favorite proposed project in all of California at least in its asthetics. Downright sexier than the mayor ;-).

I just went by the South Sales Center and the guy told me that yea it is confirmed that Astani is planning to start 8th & Grand in July. Also Figueroa Central has been definitely cancelled and that a German company has brought the land. So will have to stay tuned and see what comes from this. Evo is gonna start their sales in i think 2 weeks, It is good to see that interest is still building and gaining momentum in Downtown Los Angeles.

So even though Fig Central iss cancelled, there is still hope of another great project for that site. So 8th & Grand starts in July, wow that breathtaking considering when the project was proposed and hear of the first time! I guess the developer of Astani must realy have deep pockets.

Astani is planning to start 8th & Grand in July


Needless to say that this is terriffic news. 8th and grand is a multi scaled project that I would want to see more of on the big empty lots downtown. Now to keep the fingers crossed that Central Fig gets an even more stellar proposal than then one before. Come on signature 1000 foot tower....

:badnews:

Indeed that would be a great location for a 1000 footer. Bit it would look better if it was office. Btw, is the avarage vacancy rate for office space in dt decreasing? That may be a good sing for the next office tower boom to start.

I think they should build another "center" there with lots of retail, restaurants/cafes, and a hotel with residential space. There needs to be more action and lights/neon around that area for it to bestow the title of "Time Sqaure West" but I don't want you to think that I'm trying to compare. We just need more which I'm sure we'll get.

Indeed that would be a great location for a 1000 footer. Bit it would look better if it was office. Btw, is the avarage vacancy rate for office space in dt decreasing? That may be a good sing for the next office tower boom to start.

I believe I read recently in the Downtown News that the office vacancy rate in DTLA is something on the order of 0.5%. So, yes, more quality Class 1 office space would most likely be very welcome!

I'm voting for a nice half-office/half-condo bldg. like the John Hancock Bldg. in Chicago. You guys like that?

I believe I read recently in the Downtown News that the office vacancy rate in DTLA is something on the order of 0.5%.
seriously?

I believe I read recently in the Downtown News that the office vacancy rate in DTLA is something on the order of 0.5%. So, yes, more quality Class 1 office space would most likely be very welcome!

I'm voting for a nice half-office/half-condo bldg. like the John Hancock Bldg. in Chicago. You guys like that?


the office vacancy rate has dropped continuously for a couple of years, from the mid 20's to about 15 percent now. That vacancy rate is for industrial space. DTLA is headed in the right direction. anytime you get below 10% you start seeing talk of office construction.

...and another crane for LA Live! That's 3 and they havent even started on the hotel

Here is how L.A looks
(kind of)

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/Losangeles.jpg

in the future it could look a little more like this

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/L.jpg


Just using my imagination

So yes, office/condo is the way dt highrises should go. Wow, LA Live has three cranes, plus one at least for the hotel, it's a giant.

Did you guys read the times today about the new Convention Center hotel proposal? Looks like there's finally gonna be a five-star hotel downtown! The Ritz-Carlton, along with Marriott are proposing a hotel together, around 55 stories...

question...does this replace the reported Hilton hotel project, the one that was supposed to go up on LA Live?

Yes its a replacement, or should i say an upgrade...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a278/Imyurdada/LALiveHotel.jpg

L.A. Convention Center to Get Major Hotel Tower
By Annette Haddad and Kimi Yoshino, Times Staff Writers
June 13, 2006

The remaking of downtown Los Angeles will gain a crucial missing piece today when developers unveil plans for a 1,000-room hotel complex — including a five-star Ritz-Carlton and a four-star Marriott Marquis — for the Convention Center.

Rising 54 stories, the $750-million project would be one of the largest buildings in Los Angeles at 2 million square feet.


The proposed 124-room Ritz-Carlton would be the first five-star hotel downtown and, with the largest ballroom in the city, the planned 876-room Marriott Marquis would fill a void as a business meeting hub at the Convention Center. The hotels are to be topped by 216 luxury condominiums.

The project, scheduled to open in 2010, would anchor L.A. Live, the 27-acre sports-entertainment complex considered the linchpin of downtown's redevelopment.

It has taken two decades to land a major convention hotel, but the agreement by Marriott International Inc. with local developers to operate two luxury inns in the same glitzy Vegas-style high-rise raises hopes for reestablishing the city center as a top tourist and convention magnet.

"All of this is really a wonderful story about the emergence — and reemergence — of downtown Los Angeles as a strong economic center and a strong weight to the region's economy," said Stuart Gabriel, a USC professor and director of its Lusk Center for Real Estate.

The complex — with its upper stories to be sheathed in glass — is being jointly developed by KB Home, which is building the condos, and AEG, which is owned by billionaire Philip Anschutz, the developer of Staples Center.

It is being designed by San Francisco-based architecture firm Gensler.

"This is what we've been hoping and waiting for," said Jack Kyser, executive director of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. "This will make Los Angeles a very attractive travel and business-show destination. To the average Joe on the street, it means people will be coming in and spending money here."

With the recent construction of — and future plans for — thousands of condominium and apartment units, downtown Los Angeles has been evolving into an increasingly desirable housing market. The new homes have spurred the opening of dozens of restaurants and retail shops to serve the new residents.

But concerns about its homeless population and uneven redevelopment plan have caused many to cast a wary eye on downtown's revitalization.

Christian Gann of Dallas has made about half a dozen business trips to the region, but the 34-year-old account manager sees an only half-completed makeover. In his forays around downtown, he finds some areas are nice and tidy, while others are rough around the edges: "The area could be cleaned up."

Downtown has long suffered economically in large part because of a dearth of hotel rooms and things to do in the area.

L.A. today doesn't even crack the top 10 list of convention cities, and its largest show, the Electronic Entertainment Expo with 60,000 visitors, is ranked 29th among the major conventions. In fact, L.A. hosted only four of the top national conventions in 2005, ranking behind Indianapolis and Rosemont, Ill., according to Tradeshow Week magazine.

Business has been lost to city-financed renovations to convention centers in Anaheim and San Diego that added rooms and improved meeting facilities. Los Angeles can claim only 650 hotel rooms within immediate walking distance to its Convention Center, compared with Anaheim's 4,500 and San Diego's 3,200, said Michael Collins, executive vice president of LA Inc., the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"We became the only West Coast convention center that didn't have a hotel right nearby," Collins said. "There is no way that a salesperson can spin their way out of that fact."

Even with the addition of the Staples Center sports complex in 1999, the city was unable to boost overnight guests without rooms to hold them. So to induce visitors, AEG embarked on the $2.2-billion L.A. Live project that would combine entertainment, dining, retail and residential living within a stone's throw of the Convention Center. Among its attractions will be a 7,000 Nokia Theatre Los Angeles for live performances, a 15-screen Regal cineplex, an ESPN broadcasting center and the Grammy Museum. AEG said it was in discussions to bring to the site another hotel and additional condo and apartment units.

Yet, persuading a recognized convention hotel operator to plant its flag was seen as imperative in transforming the region into a must-visit place.

"The fact that Marriott is making a big bet down here is further demonstration of the vitality of this marketplace," said Mark Tarczynski, a broker with CB Commercial.

Marriott acknowledged that the location is in the midst of a turnaround. But the plans underway convinced executives to sign on nonetheless.

"There are things that give us confidence, especially if you look at what's already been accomplished," said Steve Joyce, Marriott's executive vice president for the Americas.

Plans for a Convention Center hotel were begun last year when AEG opened talks with Beverly Hills-based Hilton Hotels Corp. and ground was broken at the site at Olympic Boulevard and Georgia Street by developers Apollo Real Estate Advisors and Wolff Urban Management Inc.

Then, Westwood-based KB Home, one of the nation's biggest home builders, announced its intention to build luxury condos in the vicinity. Within months, KB joined with AEG to buy out the Apollo-Wolff team and take over development of the site to create a luxury hotel-condo project.

The new team reopened the bidding process. Hilton and Marriott were among four hotel operators to make bids, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.

"We're sorry we're not able to work with Hilton but Bill Marriott put the best deal on the table and gave us the Ritz-Carlton brand," said Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG. "To have a high-end hotel in downtown L.A. is a huge statement."

The project has attracted controversy because nearly half its cost will be financed by city subsidies and loans. The City Council approved the subsidies, which would come through rebates of hotel taxes collected by the city, despite opposition from operators of existing downtown hotels, including the landmark, five-tower Westin Bonaventure, the city's largest hotel with 1,368 rooms.

Bonaventure officials didn't return calls Monday seeking comment.

Spurred by the development around the Convention Center, the 900-room Wilshire Grand Hotel, a leading downtown convention and business hotel five blocks away, is undergoing a $40-million renovation. "We want to remain a player down here," said hotel spokesman Marc Loge.

The addition of the two Marriott brands "is not competition," he said. "What's good for one of us is good for all of us. We have a great Convention Center, but just barely the hotel rooms now to serve them."

Already, things are picking up for the downtown facility. So far this year, convention officials, touting the coming hotel and entertainment-related attractions, have booked $165 million in meetings dating to 2025, compared to $31.8 million booked two years ago. LA Inc.'s Collins said he was anticipating another 20% increase in bookings next year.

Times staff writer Cynthia Cho contributed to this report.

ok lemme get this straight. Are these separate hotels from the proposed LA Live project? Or is this apart of LA Live?

ok lemme get this straight. Are these separate hotels from the proposed LA Live project? Or is this apart of LA Live?


^ It's the same proposal as before, as LASF mentioned an upgrade from the previous design and no more Hilton!!!!

Can we get both the new design vs old design (Hilton) together so we can see the difference?????

Old: http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2005-08/18865397.jpg

New: http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2006-06/23879729.jpg

...well i guess i should have read this post befor i asked my questiong

Old: http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2005-08/18865397.jpg

New: http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2006-06/23879729.jpg


^ Thanks 300 for the pix.....

I definitely like the new and improved version LA Live Hotel. I see it has another smaller building on it's south side of the tower. So it's going to have more rooms than the previous design for upcoming conventions, right???

I think of this building as a massice one. Is the height of the ceilings going to be the same as the old design?

What the fuck is 'massice?'

What the fuck is 'massice?'

I believe he meant to say massive; C and V are next to each other on the keyboard.


City House and Olympic future sales center
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j318/Hughfb3/IMG_0209.jpg


LA Live
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j318/Hughfb3/IMG_0230.jpg

So the building will have 216 units on top, a 124 room Ritz-Carlton hotel, and what else? Is Marriott going to occupy both towers?

Marriott is going to be on the bottom floors of both towers, up to the top of the smaller section, then from the roof line of the smaller section on up to the second lobby of the taller tower will be the RC.

Just to re-cap: RC is only in the taller tower in the middle 1/3.
The upper 1/3 are residences, and the lower 1/3 is marriott along with the whole of the smaller tower with the exception of the RC rooftop pool. The smaller tower houses only the marriott.

More great news....

Another tower as well, 42 story tower by CIM at 9th and Hope, and according to the Daily News, AEG is Close to closing a deal for a third Hotel at LA Live, with about 350 rooms, presumably being next to the carwash and Hotel Figueroa. i would suspect that would be a tower somewhere in the range of 35 - 50 stories, but thats just a guess. LA is BOOMING!!

Citywatch first posted this article...

Firm to run pair of hotels
BY RICK ORLOV, Staff Writer
LA Daily News

Capping an eight-month search, officials announced Tuesday that Marriott International Inc. will operate two luxury hotels and condominiums as part of a 54-story high rise touted as the linchpin of a $2.5 billion retail-entertainment complex aimed at revitalizing downtown.

The hotel's cost will be partially offset with up to $300 million in public financing through a loan, tax breaks and fee waivers. It's seen as the last major project to complement the la live complex being developed across from Staples Center and the ailing Los Angeles Convention Center.

Even as they announced the deal, officials with developer AEG, owner of Staples Center, said they also are close to a deal for a third hotel in the area that would bring as many as 350 more rooms to help fuel ambitious plans for the downtown site.

"We are close to getting a deal for another hotel in the area and we are developing plans to make la live the event capital of the world," AEG President Tim Lieweke said. "We are looking at all the major events that are held in other markets and we are going to go after them."

Officials would not reveal details about the possible third hotel, but said plans for the Marriott properties include an 876-room hotel to be operated as the Los Angeles Marriott Marquis and serve as the headquarters hotel for the Convention Center.

The Marriott Marquis, one of only three being developed by the company, will take up 18 floors and have a ballroom that can seat 3,000 people.

Marriott's wholly owned subsidiary, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., will open a 124-room boutique hotel as part of the complex. Both are scheduled to open in 2010.

The development also will include 216 luxury condominiums on the upper levels of the skyscraper to be built by KB Urban Homes, a partner with AEG in developing the property.

Known as The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, the condos will be separated from the main hotel by a two-story lobby at the 36th floor that will feature a library, theater and spa with a fitness center.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called the project the culmination of a 10-year dream to bring a Convention Center hotel to the city.

"This is the linchpin of all we've been working for," he said at a late-afternoon news conference. "With la live, this sends a message to the world that L.A. is alive, and we will continue to grow everywhere we can."

Councilwoman Jan Perry, who represents the area, said the hotels will help sustain downtown growth and help the Convention Center attract larger meetings.

"We need this hotel if we are going to make the Convention Center profitable," Perry said. "A downtown convention hotel is what we've been told we need."

Leiweke said he was pleased with the Marriott deal.

"We weren't sure what we would get in the way of bids and we received great offers from four firms," Lieweke said. "From our perspective, this brand name is the best we could have hoped for with our plans for la live and Staples."

The deal comes after AEG late last year formed a partnership with KB Urban to develop the property after Apollo Real Estate Advisors pulled out.

With a downtown housing boom and construction under way on the la live complex - the first facilities are scheduled to open next year - Lieweke said the project is becoming an easier sell and could lure even larger attractions to Los Angeles.

The la live project is the second phase of what AEG and its owner, Philip Anschutz, agreed to when they won the right to build Staples Center. Part of that agreement called for development of a commercial retail-entertainment complex on the land across from the arena.

Thanks to Bobcat from SSP...

Video: DTLA CCA 8th Annual Downtown Housing Forum (New 42 story tower)

Here's a video of last month's 8th Annual CCA Downtown Housing forum.

http://la36.granicus.com/MediaPlayer...1&clip_id=1606

Highlights:

* CIM's plans for 42 story condo tower at 9th/Hope called "Park Tower."
* Ralph's is expected to be open by July '07.
* Reps from Kor, Hanover, IDS (Metropolis) speak about their downtown projects.
* Discussion on the Conga Room with a little on LA Live (Spago Restaurant?)


The IDS presentation was disappointing with little new info. It sounds like the architects are still working on the designs. The Hanover rep said he expects his apartments to be among the most expensive rentals in LA.

<---------waiting for news of next large scale commercial space

LASF, don't you mean 9th and Hope?

yeah my bad, ill change it in the post.

More great news....
Here's a video of last month's 8th Annual CCA Downtown Housing forum.
http://la36.granicus.com/MediaPlayer...1&clip_id=1606


For some reason I cannot view the video. Is it just me?

For some reason I cannot view the video. Is it just me?


^ That sucks is really a good video. Something that can't be missed!

For some reason I cannot view the video. Is it just me?
No video for me either.

A little update on this...

1. The City House - 60 Stories

2. Ritz Carlton / Marriot - 54 Stories
3. Metropolis Tower 3 – 55 Stories
4. The Olympic - 50 Stories
5. Zen Tower - 50 Stories
6. Grand Avenue Tower 1 – 50 Stories

7. Metropolis Tower 2 – 46 Stories
8. Metropolis Tower 4 – 42 Stories
9. CIM Tower - 42 Stories
10. 8th & Grand Tower 1 - 40 Stories
11. Fig Central Tower 1 - 40 Stories
12. 9th & Flower Tower - 40 Stories
13. Grand Avenue Tower 2 – 40 Stories

14. Olive Street Tower - 35 Stories
15. Herald Examiner Tower 2 – 34 Stories
16. Trinity Towers - 34 Stories
17. Fig South Tower 1 - 34 Stories
18. Fig South Tower 2 - 34 Stories
19. Metropolis Tower 1 – 30 Stories
20. Pacific Stock Exchange Tower 1 - 30 Stories
21. Pacific Stock Exchange Tower 2 - 30 Stories
22. Grand Avenue Tower 3 – 30 Stories

23. Fig Central Tower 2 - 27 Stories
24. Hanover Tower - 27 Stories
25. Concerto Tower 1 - 27 Stories
26. Concerto Tower 2 - 27 Stories
27. Glass Tower - 25 Stories
28. Grand Avenue Tower 5 – 25 Stories
29. Grand Avenue Tower 6 – 25 Stories
30. Hope Street Condos - 25 Stories
31. Evo - 24 Stories
32. 8th & Grand Tower 2 - 24 Stories
33. Herald Examiner Tower 2 - 24 Stories
34. Little Tokyo Block Eight Tower - 20 Stories
35. Grand Avenue Tower 4 – 20 Stories

36. FIDM Tower - 19 Stories
37. Luma - 17 Stories
38. Federal Courthouse - 16 Stories


New Projects to be announced soon...

Third hotel at LA Live - 350 rooms, possibly 30 -55 stories tall?

Park Fifth - 65 stories
- 36 stories
- 14 stories
- 14 stories

Vibiana Tower - 40 stories or so.

Sci Arc Towers - ?

^ Quick question isn't Metropolis also supposed to have a 55 story Hotel. So that would a total of 4 Hotels on or across the street from LA Live, right?

I think its going to be a mixed use tower, with a hotel and condos.

The only bad thing is that it isn't gonna have high celings, so it won't be the 4th tallest in LA as drawn in the SSP diagrams. AT least there will be buildings all the way from Figueroa to the amost all the way to the 110. It is gonna look so dense with the Ritz, all 4 of Metropolis towers, and the second LA Live hotel.

well, that drawing is only a guess, there is no official render yet, much less numbers for the floor heights.

I wonder where (Park Fifth Towers) are going to be located???

Olive and 5th?

BIG NEWS!!! looks like we will soon get a new project for the Fig Central site, and i have a feeling its going to be much bigger. more on the way from them as well!!

New Yorkers Buying Downtown Land

The Moinian Group, one of New York’s largest landowners, is buying a prominent downtown property near the Staples Center.

Moinian has built several high-rise projects in Manhattan and the firm has recently begun buying property in downtown L.A.

Daphne Viders, a Moinian spokeswoman, confirmed there are negotiations but declined to provide further information on the pending transaction. Anschutz Entertainment Group, the majority owner of the Staples Center, is selling the land. AEG spokesman Michael Roth declined comment.

Even so, people familiar with the deal say Moinian is paying close to $75 million for a 4-acre surface parking lot bounded by Figueroa, Flower, 11th and 12th streets. The site already has approvals for a residential and retail project.

The transaction is expected to go non-refundable next month, the sources said.

Moinian isn’t the first developer to want the site and its towering project entitlements.

LNR Property Corp., a well-heeled commercial builder, fell out of contract to buy the parcel a few months ago.

^^ thats a decent size lot what the hell are they gona put there?

And even more good, make that GREAT news... more towers announced today!!

Lucia Tower on Grand and Ceasar Chavez, 31 stories, breaks ground next year, will extend the Skyline even further towards Dodger Stadium and Chinatown!

New Project, very similar to 8th and grand in size, at 7th and olive, with three tower, 38, unknown and 15 stories.


Here are the article, the first from LADowntown News.com and the second from the LA business Journal We are on a freaking Roll!!!

he New Italian Job

Home of the Whopper to Give Way to 31-Story Condo Tower

by Jon Regardie

In the early 1900s, Ralph and Lucia Smaldino left Bari, Italy, and immigrated to the United States. The couple settled on North Broadway in the neighborhood that today is Chinatown, but then was the center of Italian life in Los Angeles. They were mainstays of the Italian community and worshipped at St. Peter's church across from Taylor Yard. In later years the Smaldinos and their children lived on College Street and nearby Solano Avenue.
Larry (left) and Ralph Cimmarusti with a rendering of the Lucia Tower. The condominium project, named for their grandmother, would replace the Burger King at Grand and Cesar E. Chavez avenues that the brothers opened about a decade ago. Photo by Gary Leonard.

Now, more than a century after the Smaldinos' arrival, two of their grandsons, Larry and Ralph Cimmarusti, are seeking to mark the family's memory. They're doing it in a big way, as they intend to erect a 31-story condominium complex about a mile from Ralph and Lucia's first home. The proposed Lucia Tower would rise at the corner of Grand and Cesar E. Chavez avenues.

While early in the planning stage, Larry Cimmarusti said the project, which would rise on the plot where a Burger King now stands, would hold 200 condominiums and 16,000 square feet of ground floor retail. The Cimmarustis are in the entitlement phase and have been meeting with City Councilman Ed Reyes, whose First District includes the site. If all goes according to plan, they would break ground next summer and open in 2009.

While this would mark their first major Downtown project, the Cimmarustis, still prominent in the Italian-American community, have relationships with some of the area's most powerful players. The Lucia Tower would be a short walk north of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where the bell tower is named for the Cimmarustis. They worked with Cardinal Roger Mahony during the cathedral's evolution, and Larry and Ralph's parents are buried in the building's mausoleum, a rare honor.

"Our family sponsored the bell tower. That kind of gives you a little bit of the passion that we have for the revitalization of Downtown Los Angeles," said Larry Cimmarusti during a recent interview in the Burger King that he and his brother opened about a decade ago. The restaurant would be torn down, freeing up the 60,000-square-foot plot that is zoned for a high-rise.

"When you have a piece of property like this and it has the roots that we have, you can't help but get excited," Cimmarusti added. "Our grandparents came here in the 1900s knowing nothing and worked hard and raised good families, and to see us do this, this is exciting. This is really exciting."

Building Specs


Over the last three decades Larry, 58, and Ralph, 54, have built a fortune through several enterprises. They own 90 Burger Kings (58 of them in the Los Angeles area) as well as some Tony Roma's and Original Roadhouse Grill restaurants. Their L&R Construction arm, which would be the contractor on the Lucia Tower (the actual development firm is named Lucia Development), has built multiple large projects, including a shopping center in Woodland Hills with a Whole Foods. Another shopping center is now under construction in Lacey, Washington. They have done high-rise office buildings and some apartments, but this would be their first condominium tower, said Cimmarusti.

The brothers' various ventures employ 2,200 people. They recorded gross revenues of $115 million in 2005, said Cimmarusti.

Designs by Archeon Group show a soaring tower with 730,000 square feet of space. Street-fronting retail would occupy the ground floor (Cimmarusti said he would like to attract a high-end restaurant), while the second through fifth levels would hold 524 parking spaces. The 200 condominiums would be on the sixth through 31st floors. The one- to three-bedroom units would range from 900 to 2,400 square feet.

Cimmarusti said the construction price, issues of an affordable or workforce housing component and the amount the units would sell for have yet to be determined. However, there are several Downtown developments with similar specifications: In South Park the 19-story, 236-unit Evo, a new market-rate construction project by the South Group, is estimated at $80 million. In City West, the 228 units in the 1100 Wilshire project, a transformation by a trio of development firms of a 27-story tower originally designed as office space, will start at $459,000.

Christopher Pak, a principal of the Archeon Group, said one of the Lucia Tower's standout features would be the views. Residents whose units face north would be able to see Dodger Stadium, while those with southern exposure would be able to glimpse the plaza of the Cathedral and see the rest of Downtown.

Pak also pointed to the development's location at the head of Grand Avenue, a street undergoing tremendous change. Along with the Cathedral and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the corridor will hold developer Related Cos. $2 billion mixed-use complex, which includes a skyscraper being designed by Frank Gehry.

The Lucia Tower would also boast a 30,000-square-foot podium on the sixth floor. The expansive outdoor area would hold a swimming pool, cabanas, vegetation and possibly a putting green, said Anthony Simos, another Archeon Group architect working on the project.

"It's going to modernize the area," predicted Simos.



Reyes, whose district is seeing a flurry of development, called the Lucia Tower an "exciting project" with "landmark potential." He said he is working with the Cimmarustis and will seek to make the project available to people of mixed incomes.

"I'm working with them to see how we can make it as accessible as possible without hurting its financial prowess, if you will," said Reyes. "I'd like to be able to see our police department personnel live there - our men and women in blue. I'd love to see fire department personnel. Our teachers; the people that make a community a community. So yes, if we can get to a point where we are stimulating new units that actually make the city work, I think it would be a win-win for everyone."

The Lucia Tower would rise in the center of several developing but vastly different neighborhoods. To the south, the Grand Avenue project is bringing an assemblage of high-rises, with retail and residential aspects. To the west, the second phase of developer Geoff Palmer's Orsini complex is under construction. The first of the 566 luxury apartments at Sunset and Figueroa are scheduled to open next May.

Meanwhile, nearly a dozen projects with a residential element are planned for Chinatown. Though not all are expected to make it to market, they are ushering in a change for the historic neighborhood. Pak said he hopes the Lucia Tower will link effectively to Chinatown.

"We want to make sure that the project reflects not so much the flavor of Chinatown, but that it pays respect and we do a quality project," said Pak.

Cimmarusti, meanwhile, notes that the arrival of the Lucia Tower would mean the end of one of his highest-performing restaurants. However, he described the opportunity as too good to pass up.

"It's been one of the best volume Burger Kings in Los Angeles. It's a great location," he said. "It's just like everything else, the value of the property became greater. This is 60,000 square feet of unrestricted high-rise with a little Burger King on the corner. So it makes sense to develop it."

Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

page 1, 6/19/2006


CRA Approves 875 High-Rise Downtown Condos

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles has approved a plan by developer Pacific Atlas Development Corp. to build three high-rise condos totaling 875 units near the Seventh Street/Metro Center Metro stop.

The project, which still needs City Council approval, would be built in three separate phases on three parcels at 770 S. Grand Ave. and 717 and 721 S. Olive St. that now comprise a surface parking lot.

The tallest structure would span 38 stories and the smallest 15. Pacific Atlas previously sought to build two office buildings on the parcels in the early 1990s before the region’s recession halted the plans, according to a CRA release.

“This project provides a number of significant and dramatic benefits,” said CRA Chairman William H. Jackson in the release.

The project will include a 22,225-square-foot pedestrian walkway connecting Grand Avenue and Olive Street and 36,000 square feet of retail space for neighborhood-oriented businesses.

The agreement also calls for Pacific Atlas to contribute $1.5 million to the Skid Row Housing Trust to help develop the 115-unit Abbey Apartments and 76-unit Charles Cobb Apartments, both on South San Pedro Street.

Edit: not sure if that project at 7th and olive is the same as 8th and grand so i will change accordingly until we get confirmation.

ANOTHER UPDATE!! Red = added this week! 6/16/06

1. The City House - 60 Stories

2. Ritz Carlton / Marriot - 54 Stories
3. Metropolis Tower 3 – 55 Stories
4. The Olympic - 50 Stories
5. Zen Tower - 50 Stories
6. Grand Avenue Tower 1 – 50 Stories

7. Metropolis Tower 2 – 46 Stories
8. Metropolis Tower 4 – 42 Stories
9. CIM Tower - 42 Stories
10. 8th & Grand Tower 1 - 40 Stories
11. Fig Central Tower 1 - 40 Stories
12. 9th & Flower Tower - 40 Stories
13. Grand Avenue Tower 2 – 40 Stories

14. Lucia Tower - 31 stories

14. Olive Street Tower - 35 Stories
15. Herald Examiner Tower 2 – 34 Stories
16. Trinity Towers - 34 Stories
17. Fig South Tower 1 - 34 Stories
18. Fig South Tower 2 - 34 Stories
19. Metropolis Tower 1 – 30 Stories
20. Pacific Stock Exchange Tower 1 - 30 Stories
21. Pacific Stock Exchange Tower 2 - 30 Stories
22. Grand Avenue Tower 3 – 30 Stories

23. Fig Central Tower 2 - 27 Stories
24. Hanover Tower - 27 Stories
25. Concerto Tower 1 - 27 Stories
26. Concerto Tower 2 - 27 Stories
27. Glass Tower - 25 Stories
28. Grand Avenue Tower 5 – 25 Stories
29. Grand Avenue Tower 6 – 25 Stories
30. Hope Street Condos - 25 Stories
31. Evo - 24 Stories
32. 8th & Grand Tower 2 - 24 Stories
33. Herald Examiner Tower 2 - 24 Stories
34. Little Tokyo Block Eight Tower - 20 Stories
35. Grand Avenue Tower 4 – 20 Stories

36. FIDM Tower - 19 Stories
37. Luma - 17 Stories
38. Federal Courthouse - 16 Stories


New Projects to be announced soon...

Third hotel at LA Live - 350 rooms, possibly 30 -55 stories tall?

Park Fifth - 65 stories
- 36 stories
- 14 stories
- 14 stories

3 towers at 7th and olive might be new or might be the 8th and grand project, with three towers of 38/?/15.

Vibiana tower - 40 stories?

Sci Arc Towers - ?

^ Oh my God..... check out that list!!!!!! :righton:

Good stuff fellas, keep up the good work - LA is a great place!

:) And even more good, make that GREAT news... more towers announced today!!

Lucia Tower on Grand and Ceasar Chavez, 31 stories, breaks ground next year, will extend the Skyline even further towards Dodger Stadium and Chinatown!

New Project, very similar to 8th and grand in size, at 7th and olive, with three tower, 38, unknown and 15 stories.


Here are the article, the first from LADowntown News.com and the second from the LA business Journal We are on a freaking Roll!!!

he New Italian Job

Home of the Whopper to Give Way to 31-Story Condo Tower

by Jon Regardie

In the early 1900s, Ralph and Lucia Smaldino left Bari, Italy, and immigrated to the United States. The couple settled on North Broadway in the neighborhood that today is Chinatown, but then was the center of Italian life in Los Angeles. They were mainstays of the Italian community and worshipped at St. Peter's church across from Taylor Yard. In later years the Smaldinos and their children lived on College Street and nearby Solano Avenue.
Larry (left) and Ralph Cimmarusti with a rendering of the Lucia Tower. The condominium project, named for their grandmother, would replace the Burger King at Grand and Cesar E. Chavez avenues that the brothers opened about a decade ago. Photo by Gary Leonard.

Now, more than a century after the Smaldinos' arrival, two of their grandsons, Larry and Ralph Cimmarusti, are seeking to mark the family's memory. They're doing it in a big way, as they intend to erect a 31-story condominium complex about a mile from Ralph and Lucia's first home. The proposed Lucia Tower would rise at the corner of Grand and Cesar E. Chavez avenues.

While early in the planning stage, Larry Cimmarusti said the project, which would rise on the plot where a Burger King now stands, would hold 200 condominiums and 16,000 square feet of ground floor retail. The Cimmarustis are in the entitlement phase and have been meeting with City Councilman Ed Reyes, whose First District includes the site. If all goes according to plan, they would break ground next summer and open in 2009.

While this would mark their first major Downtown project, the Cimmarustis, still prominent in the Italian-American community, have relationships with some of the area's most powerful players. The Lucia Tower would be a short walk north of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where the bell tower is named for the Cimmarustis. They worked with Cardinal Roger Mahony during the cathedral's evolution, and Larry and Ralph's parents are buried in the building's mausoleum, a rare honor.

"Our family sponsored the bell tower. That kind of gives you a little bit of the passion that we have for the revitalization of Downtown Los Angeles," said Larry Cimmarusti during a recent interview in the Burger King that he and his brother opened about a decade ago. The restaurant would be torn down, freeing up the 60,000-square-foot plot that is zoned for a high-rise.

"When you have a piece of property like this and it has the roots that we have, you can't help but get excited," Cimmarusti added. "Our grandparents came here in the 1900s knowing nothing and worked hard and raised good families, and to see us do this, this is exciting. This is really exciting."

Building Specs


Over the last three decades Larry, 58, and Ralph, 54, have built a fortune through several enterprises. They own 90 Burger Kings (58 of them in the Los Angeles area) as well as some Tony Roma's and Original Roadhouse Grill restaurants. Their L&R Construction arm, which would be the contractor on the Lucia Tower (the actual development firm is named Lucia Development), has built multiple large projects, including a shopping center in Woodland Hills with a Whole Foods. Another shopping center is now under construction in Lacey, Washington. They have done high-rise office buildings and some apartments, but this would be their first condominium tower, said Cimmarusti.

The brothers' various ventures employ 2,200 people. They recorded gross revenues of $115 million in 2005, said Cimmarusti.

Designs by Archeon Group show a soaring tower with 730,000 square feet of space. Street-fronting retail would occupy the ground floor (Cimmarusti said he would like to attract a high-end restaurant), while the second through fifth levels would hold 524 parking spaces. The 200 condominiums would be on the sixth through 31st floors. The one- to three-bedroom units would range from 900 to 2,400 square feet.

Cimmarusti said the construction price, issues of an affordable or workforce housing component and the amount the units would sell for have yet to be determined. However, there are several Downtown developments with similar specifications: In South Park the 19-story, 236-unit Evo, a new market-rate construction project by the South Group, is estimated at $80 million. In City West, the 228 units in the 1100 Wilshire project, a transformation by a trio of development firms of a 27-story tower originally designed as office space, will start at $459,000.

Christopher Pak, a principal of the Archeon Group, said one of the Lucia Tower's standout features would be the views. Residents whose units face north would be able to see Dodger Stadium, while those with southern exposure would be able to glimpse the plaza of the Cathedral and see the rest of Downtown.

Pak also pointed to the development's location at the head of Grand Avenue, a street undergoing tremendous change. Along with the Cathedral and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the corridor will hold developer Related Cos. $2 billion mixed-use complex, which includes a skyscraper being designed by Frank Gehry.

The Lucia Tower would also boast a 30,000-square-foot podium on the sixth floor. The expansive outdoor area would hold a swimming pool, cabanas, vegetation and possibly a putting green, said Anthony Simos, another Archeon Group architect working on the project.

"It's going to modernize the area," predicted Simos.



Reyes, whose district is seeing a flurry of development, called the Lucia Tower an "exciting project" with "landmark potential." He said he is working with the Cimmarustis and will seek to make the project available to people of mixed incomes.

"I'm working with them to see how we can make it as accessible as possible without hurting its financial prowess, if you will," said Reyes. "I'd like to be able to see our police department personnel live there - our men and women in blue. I'd love to see fire department personnel. Our teachers; the people that make a community a community. So yes, if we can get to a point where we are stimulating new units that actually make the city work, I think it would be a win-win for everyone."

The Lucia Tower would rise in the center of several developing but vastly different neighborhoods. To the south, the Grand Avenue project is bringing an assemblage of high-rises, with retail and residential aspects. To the west, the second phase of developer Geoff Palmer's Orsini complex is under construction. The first of the 566 luxury apartments at Sunset and Figueroa are scheduled to open next May.

Meanwhile, nearly a dozen projects with a residential element are planned for Chinatown. Though not all are expected to make it to market, they are ushering in a change for the historic neighborhood. Pak said he hopes the Lucia Tower will link effectively to Chinatown.

"We want to make sure that the project reflects not so much the flavor of Chinatown, but that it pays respect and we do a quality project," said Pak.

Cimmarusti, meanwhile, notes that the arrival of the Lucia Tower would mean the end of one of his highest-performing restaurants. However, he described the opportunity as too good to pass up.

"It's been one of the best volume Burger Kings in Los Angeles. It's a great location," he said. "It's just like everything else, the value of the property became greater. This is 60,000 square feet of unrestricted high-rise with a little Burger King on the corner. So it makes sense to develop it."

Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

page 1, 6/19/2006


CRA Approves 875 High-Rise Downtown Condos

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles has approved a plan by developer Pacific Atlas Development Corp. to build three high-rise condos totaling 875 units near the Seventh Street/Metro Center Metro stop.

The project, which still needs City Council approval, would be built in three separate phases on three parcels at 770 S. Grand Ave. and 717 and 721 S. Olive St. that now comprise a surface parking lot.

The tallest structure would span 38 stories and the smallest 15. Pacific Atlas previously sought to build two office buildings on the parcels in the early 1990s before the region’s recession halted the plans, according to a CRA release.

“This project provides a number of significant and dramatic benefits,” said CRA Chairman William H. Jackson in the release.

The project will include a 22,225-square-foot pedestrian walkway connecting Grand Avenue and Olive Street and 36,000 square feet of retail space for neighborhood-oriented businesses.

The agreement also calls for Pacific Atlas to contribute $1.5 million to the Skid Row Housing Trust to help develop the 115-unit Abbey Apartments and 76-unit Charles Cobb Apartments, both on South San Pedro Street.

Edit: not sure if that project at 7th and olive is the same as 8th and grand so i will change accordingly until we get confirmation.

I think same as 8th and grand

three towers ?? 30+ 20 and15

^^ What just happened with post # 628 & 629 :dunno:

:weirdo:
Lmao he just wasted all dat fuckin valuable space to put a smiley

ANOTHER UPDATE!! Red = added this week! 6/16/06

1. The City House - 60 Stories

2. Ritz Carlton / Marriot - 54 Stories
3. Metropolis Tower 3 – 55 Stories
4. The Olympic - 50 Stories
5. Zen Tower - 50 Stories
6. Grand Avenue Tower 1 – 50 Stories

7. Metropolis Tower 2 – 46 Stories
8. Metropolis Tower 4 – 42 Stories
9. CIM Tower - 42 Stories
10. 8th & Grand Tower 1 - 40 Stories
11. Fig Central Tower 1 - 40 Stories
12. 9th & Flower Tower - 40 Stories
13. Grand Avenue Tower 2 – 40 Stories

14. Lucia Tower - 31 stories

14. Olive Street Tower - 35 Stories
15. Herald Examiner Tower 2 – 34 Stories
16. Trinity Towers - 34 Stories
17. Fig South Tower 1 - 34 Stories
18. Fig South Tower 2 - 34 Stories
19. Metropolis Tower 1 – 30 Stories
20. Pacific Stock Exchange Tower 1 - 30 Stories
21. Pacific Stock Exchange Tower 2 - 30 Stories
22. Grand Avenue Tower 3 – 30 Stories

23. Fig Central Tower 2 - 27 Stories
24. Hanover Tower - 27 Stories
25. Concerto Tower 1 - 27 Stories
26. Concerto Tower 2 - 27 Stories
27. Glass Tower - 25 Stories
28. Grand Avenue Tower 5 – 25 Stories
29. Grand Avenue Tower 6 – 25 Stories
30. Hope Street Condos - 25 Stories
31. Evo - 24 Stories
32. 8th & Grand Tower 2 - 24 Stories
33. Herald Examiner Tower 2 - 24 Stories
34. Little Tokyo Block Eight Tower - 20 Stories
35. Grand Avenue Tower 4 – 20 Stories

36. FIDM Tower - 19 Stories
37. Luma - 17 Stories
38. Federal Courthouse - 16 Stories


New Projects to be announced soon...

Third hotel at LA Live - 350 rooms, possibly 30 -55 stories tall?

Park Fifth - 65 stories
- 36 stories
- 14 stories
- 14 stories

3 towers at 7th and olive might be new or might be the 8th and grand project, with three towers of 38/?/15.

Vibiana tower - 40 stories?

Sci Arc Towers - ?


^^^
This is #? Market Lofts on the above list......[/SIZE]
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/fnee1901/84d97922.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/fnee1901/e7bd97db.jpg

Where the crane is Evo #31 on above list
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/fnee1901/809cd753.jpg

This was just an extra shot.......
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/fnee1901/DSCN0462.jpg

^^ did you take a heli trip or is that of the web?

^^ did you take a heli trip or is that of the web?

I was on the 21st floor of the building on the corner of Fig and 9th. Across from the Astani construction.

Cool pics! You've seemed to have alot of time lateley. Are you still out of work?

Their are fleas in my apartment. Don't know how they got in here, no pets + I bathe regularly. Any flea empathy out there? I do believe that they are an overlooked cause of insanity.

^^ I am on an extended work break since I gave my last employer almost 4 years of my valuable time....... I might get back into the work force right around Halloween or possibly next year. I'm in no rush at the time, trust me.

The flees are problaly coming from outside or your next door neighbors dirty cat/dog. Assuming you live in an apartment and whatnot. So just get some fresh smelling raid and that would do the trick.

That easy huh?

OK! That Morrocan city up top is the shit! Wonder what's really going on behind them there walls??

...you know for a few moments i thought you lost it

...you know for a few moments i thought you lost it


^ Just say something negative about Public Transportation and you will see.

I'm not sure if these are new or old renderings for the proposed Fig Central site across from Staples Center. If anyone can enlighten me about it, that would be super!!! :cheers:

http://www.gruenassociates.com/arch_figueroa_central.html[/url]

I'm not sure if these are new or old renderings for the proposed Fig Central site across from Staples Center. If anyone can enlighten me about it, that would be super!!! :cheers:

http://www.gruenassociates.com/arch_figueroa_central.html[/url]


^^ Good info (Trance),
I definitely like the (Interline Baggage Facility) @ LAX. Makes LAX look more modern and it would help alleviate long lines inside the terminals. The question is this part of the LAX Modernization being pushed by AV. If so what are the chances of this ever happening in our much needed out dated City Airport......

The rendering of the new Figueroa Central are more attractive if you're seeking a project full of lid up billboards. I like it, too bad the towers don't come close to being as nice as the former ones.

[QUOTE=FROM LOS ANGELES]The rendering of the new Figueroa Central are more attractive if you're seeking a project full of lid up billboards. I like it, too bad the towers don't come close to being as nice as the former ones.[/QUOTE

FROMLA,

I totally concur with you that the towers from the old renderings were alot nicer and looked taller too. With that said, I also like the big billboards and the use of big electric light signage on these renderings..heck! the more the merrier, its only human nature to want to be in a well lit area with lots of retail, restaurants, clubs, bars, etc. Electric light signage has a way of attracting people and adding vibrancy to an area like how a shoe sale attracts women to a shoe store..haha..:jk: If LA LIVE is to be called the "Timesquare of the West", this project along with Metropolis, Concerto, Hanover, etc. better have lots of them to complement LA LIVE. The success of LA LIVE will be dependent on the vibrancy of surrounding developments...basically they are interdependent and would only augment the pedestrian experience. Hopefully projects like this will give the area the vibrant energy and foot traffic it needs to succeed and a domino effect occurs, bringing even bigger projects to Downtown in the not too distant future. *keeps fingers crossed* :cheers:

^^ Good info (Trance),
I definitely like the (Interline Baggage Facility) @ LAX. Makes LAX look more modern and it would help alleviate long lines inside the terminals. The question is this part of the LAX Modernization being pushed by AV. If so what are the chances of this ever happening in our much needed out dated City Airport......


Thanks Ferney!

Yeah, the Interline Baggage Facility would be freakin' cool when built, since we all need LAX to modernize now, inorder to help facilitate the projected future volumes of human traffic and jumbo jets, like the AIRBUS A380 that will be landing at LAX. About those lines? I know, those long lines in the terminals really blows! They are ubiquitous, at least everytime when I'm at LAX. I'm not sure if the LAX modernization plan is a top priority of the LA city government at this moment. Hopefully i'm wrong, since it would be cool to see the expansion and modernization of LAX along the lines of such world-reknowned airports as Hong Kong's Kai Tek Airport.

Im sorry; but these renderings could quite possibly be THE most heinous proposal I have yet to see for downtown! I dont know who decided that it would be a good idea to replace those towers with this,... :bash: but if built as proposed, this project might be the downfall of southpark! I dont know if others agree; but, I know I wouldnt want to walk in it, live in it, let alone live next to it with a view OF it!

Whew, now that I have vented, let me just say... that I disagree...and I'll end with that :runaway:

Does anyone know anything about the Grand Towers project and where it's supposed to be built? Is it part of the Grand Ave Plan? Here's a link to it. Thanks for any info.

http://vtbs.com/3_2b.html

Wtf? Holy shit!

thats mighty stupid... no location listed and the image of the floor plan is so tiny i could not even guess what the roads were in photoshop

Does anyone know anything about the Grand Towers project and where it's supposed to be built? Is it part of the Grand Ave Plan? Here's a link to it. Thanks for any info.

http://vtbs.com/3_2b.html

I dont know where they are going, but they are one of the best designs yet. Such a contrast between this and the new fig central which is the ugliest design yet. I love it. The firm is very reputable in the Los Angeles area and all of their projects are either built or are going to be. They have designed some of the best buildings in town and I doubt this will be any different. I hope we hear an announcement on these soon!

I don't think it is the same towers as the Grand Av Project towers. The names just don't sound familiar. Plus, in the same site they talk about the Remington, it and the GAP don't have anything in common. Plus the first phase of the GAP is 2 towers not three. I think this is a great pair of buildings for another LA project.

This is possibly the tower(s) going across the street from Ralphs. That's the SBC Building in the backround.

^^really! damn good eye 3oo

i think it will look nice when done

I just heard that this is the sci-arc proposal, but I do see the SBC tower in the background, so I dont know

property is not the right shape for Sci-Arc . . .

Check how the SBC Tower looks from Figueroa and 9th. Know go back and check it out again and it's clearly not the Sci Arc towers. The ones that were supposed to be like 55 stories!!! Until all that Court Drama. This is problaly somewhere on Fig......[/SIZE]

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/fnee1901/5a5e321f.jpg[SIZE=4]

This is possibly the tower(s) going across the street from Ralphs. That's the SBC Building in the backround.


No, this project is going to be located on the block that is bounded by Olive, Grand, 11th and 12th. The tower on the right is fronting 12th street, and just down the street at the corner of 12th and Olive is the AT&T tower. The tower on the left is fronting Grand Ave, just to the left of the left tower is the parking structure (which also fronts Grand).

Kitsch, where or how did you find out about this project?

some happinins on the north west corner of hollywood and vine

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/IMG_0197.jpg

not sure what its going to be... just an observation

I finally got off my duff and took some new shots of South Park. Really not that big a deal for me since I live nearby. Nothing dramatic here, just slow progress on a lot of projects. I'm sure everyone will enjoy anyway. These shots were taken on June 20th.

Still no action yet at Eighth and Grand, kids...
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0038.jpg

Raph's / Market Lofts is very close to topping out. One more floor to go. Can't wait to buy cream cheese there!
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0040.jpg

The parking lot across the street from Ralphs' is closed to the public and is being used for parking for construction workers only. Bummer.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0041.jpg

Here's a better shot of Ralphs:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0043.jpg

This is the Astani Project at Ninth and Flower (Concerto I think?) You can see the parking lot has been scraped off. A construction office is in place and the shovels are working. More customers for the Pantry across the street!
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0049.jpg

Here's the Hanover...they are up to the second floor now...
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0053.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0052.jpg

Here's some somewhat closeup shots of the pit at L.A. Live. Enjoy:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0056.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0057.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0058.jpg

This the Liberty Grill on Flower south of Ninth, right near Staples. This should be open in a few weeks. The original stucture was a small house on the street, dating back to who knows when. They extended the structure far back on the lot, as you can see in the second picture. This is owned by the wife of the owner of Staples Center, along with some other people.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0062.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0061.jpg

Looking towards Elleven. That crane is for Luma.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0059.jpg

Here's a closeup of Luma. It will be topping out sometime soon.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0063.jpg

Here's an old apartment building, right next to LUma. I assume this will be torn down for something new...
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0065.jpg

This is the site of the Glass Tower. Nothing going on here, seems like. So lonely.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0069.jpg

Here's EVO! They're digging the hole! Yeah baby!
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0067.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0068.jpg

This is Trinity Auditorium. Future site of the "Hotel Gansevoort West." Nothing going on here at all that I could see. This is a cool old building.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0071.jpg

Here's a peak inside. No action at all...
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0075.jpg
That's all for now!

The Astani Project at Eighth and Grand is approved by the CRA. But it won't be getting started until much later than we previously thought: "within 18 months."

http://ladowntownnews.com/articles/2006/06/26/news/news01.txt

This article also says that work on turning the Coulter and Mandell buildings into apartments has "stalled."

Here's a better shot of Ralphs:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i252/reluctantpopstar/DSCI0043.jpg


were you standing on someones car for this one?

No, there's some steps right there I was standing on.

...do you all care about small residential development or does it have to be a flashy highrise in downtown?

Personally, I would rather see alot of 20 to 30 story buildings as opposesed to scattered 40 to 55 story buildings. I mean look at San Diego for example. They have a 500 foot tall height limit and their downtown is very dense.

^^ what about 3...

Thanks for the pics "Relly". As far as Luma, the topping out won't be here for a good 8 months.

Have you guess heard of this project..............

Grand Towers


Los Angeles, CA
Client: Alameda Group and Meruelo/Maddux Development
Tower One: 44 stories

Retail 15,000sf

Residential Condominiums 432,000sf


Total 447,000sf

High-Rise towers have finally arrived in Downtown Los Angeles. This is a tower that stands on-grade with a parking structure abutting which serves several residential towers. An icon that proudly takes its place in the Los Angeles Skyline.

The primary goal of Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh is to provide meaningful design solutions that effectively respond to the needs of our clients and the inhabitants of our buildings, while respecting the sensitive balance of community and the environment.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/towers.jpg

Yeah it was posted on the Rebirth thread.

A new residential project by CIM [skylofts, hollywood & highland, market lofts & ralphs downtown etc...] has showed up on the van tilburg architects' site. Its at 11th and olive
http://vtbs.com/3_2j.html

what the hell... that entrance is awuful


i really dont like there website ither... there architects but they only show tiny usless pictures up there

Yes, 30,000 square feet of retail space. Another rendering would be nice though.

oh yah! whats going down on east temple and los angeles street?

there is a nice big wall that says post no bills and a black crane in the center

nice :okay:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g189/FROMLOSANGELES/3_2j.jpg
It doesn't look like the best, but at least we got something -YAY!-. This project is relatively close to the Grand Towers right? It makes me think of a mini version of 1100 Wilshire.

neither is this new, nor is it gonna get build. it's a failed effort by CIM, formerly known as the olive street lofts.

"oh yah! whats going down on east temple and los angeles street?

there is a nice big wall that says post no bills and a black crane in the center"

Would that be the new 'detention center' adjacent to Parker? We used to call that a jail.

Would that be the new 'detention center' adjacent to Parker? We used to call that a jail.

parker?
dont know what that is but its the south corner of this local:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=91776&ie=UTF8&ll=34.052268,-118.240378&spn=0.008089,0.016994&t=h&om=1

although the area is close to the fed building and "detention center"

Sorry, the Parker Center is the current police headquarters, soon to be replaced. They are building the new detention center in the area that used to be grass and parking ramps very close to the corner of Los Angeles and Temple. The view of Parker Center famous from Dragnet is now obscured by the construction fences you are talking about. Parker Center is still in use directly South of there until the new HQ is completed. Yeah, it's the new jail.

Oh man, don't demolish the Parker center.

parker?
dont know what that is but its the south corner of this local:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=91776&ie=UTF8&ll=34.052268,-118.240378&spn=0.008089,0.016994&t=h&om=1

although the area is close to the fed building and "detention center"


These aerial photos are out of date. Sorry to be so picky about it. But you can see the old Caltrans building still standing and the new Caltrans building (you know, the "Death Star"), is a dirt lot. So these photos are at least three years old.

i was not using them for construction refernce. just so someone knew the location

Anyone know what's gonna happen with Parker Center once the new HQ is finished?

It'll most likely be demolished and be used for another high rise once this whole boom in downtown gets some more momentum.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/IMG_0445-1.jpg
since when did eminent domain include developers buying the land that the shop keepers pay rent on?

..i thought it was the governemt saying move out of my land

Anyone know what's gonna happen with Parker Center once the new HQ is finished?


Is the new headquarters bldg under construction already?

Is the new headquarters bldg under construction already?

some thing there is,
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/IMG_0442.jpg
terrible picture. im sorry ill try to get a better one today

That billboard is a reference to the fact that developers and municipal governments often use Eminant Domain to favor the construction of a new business entity that they see as being favorable for whatever reason, often at the cost of other more established businesses. In certain places it HAS in effect caused businesses to shut down, not by taking over land but by making business impossible. It's sad and its wrong that government is able to out-right favor one business over another.

I don't know what business/area that billboard is in reference to (although apparently a business called "Bernard Luggage" is involved, so that might be a clue), but if the city of LA's redevelopment agency is really giving breaks to developers to build certain businesses, then they are in effect helping move out local-owned home-grown businesses in favor of developer-owned bland businesses imported in.

Who knows though, maybe that business is making a mountain out of a mole-hill or has some other agenda. Either way, knee-jerk support for any development is just as bad as knee-jerk NIMBYism in my opinion.

most likly it is in responce to this:
Part 1 here:
Hollywood & Vine
http://www.legacypartners.com/iqimages/res/res_dev_hollywood_exterior.jpg
http://www.legacypartners.com/iqimages/res/res_dev_hollywood_aerial.jpg
http://www.legacypartners.com/iqimages/res/res_dev_hollywood_floorplan.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/Hollywood/HollywoodandVine2.jpg
http://www.gatehousecapital.com/images/hollywood_3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/Hollywood/HollywoodandVine1.jpg


bernard luggage is on the block were this building is to be set.
along with the red line station... which obviously causes grid lock

I say completely wipe out bernard luggage and allow life to advance in the city of angels....yeah...very crude....but i'm sure they would allow berard luggage to have some retail space in the new complex if they wanted

Hmm, interesting. Will there be some kind of luggage store in the new shopping center? Lol, if not then I have no idea what they're complaining about. If anything it seems like they would be benefitting from increased patronship. Hmm.

Hmm, interesting. Will there be some kind of luggage store in the new shopping center? Lol, if not then I have no idea what they're complaining about. If anything it seems like they would be benefitting from increased patronship. Hmm.

Bernard Luggage is a decrepit shop on the block that needs to be torn down in order for the W hotel and residential project to move forward. this ass is holding up this very important project because his family has owned this company at this location for a very long time. He should think of the good of the neighborhood and get the f@$% out. what a selfish prick.

yah there are a total.. of maybe 6 buildings that would need to be cleared. a psychic, a tiny 5 seat dinner, daddys bar and lounge, bernard, a useless registration only dmv... and a hot dog stand. oh and grant parking. hardly what i would consider an excessive use of eminent domain

He should think of the good of the neighborhood and get the f@$% out. what a selfish prick.

Having read a bit into it, it seems he doesn't want to leave because his business is thriving in that location. It is to my understanding that normally when businesses do well financially it is because they sell a lot of whatever it is they sell. Normally when you sell a lot of something its because theres a demand for it. If his business is thriving to the point that he does not want to sell nor settle for the eminant domain settlement (which is usually above market rate), then its likely that their is a strong demand for his product in the area and if he really thought about "the good of the neighborhood" he would stay and continue to sell his product to meet demand. The city isn't thinking of the neighborhoods interest, its thinking of its own financial interest, the W Hotel is likely to create much more tax revenue for the city regardless of the economic impact it makes on the area. I would not even be surprised if corruption were involved in this: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-condemn14jun14,1,7101247.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california the Federal Government is investigating the city's Redevelopment Agency for using eminent domain to give deals to its political donors.

Bernard Luggage is a decrepit shop on the block that needs to be torn down in order for the W hotel and residential project to move forward.

If the W Hotel really has an economic interest in building the site as they see it then they should be able to meet whatever price Bernard would be willing to sell at. If that price is too expensive for them then thats because the site holds more economic potential for Bernard. One option for them could be to build around his store. In regards to your comment, I'm not sure what you're referring to by decrepid. If you mean it's structural integrity, then the city should prevent the building from being used until it's upgraded to be code compliance, however that does not give the city ownership by any stretch of the imagination. If you're referring to aesthetics, I think its common sense that aesthetics are subjective and having a government agency ruling on them is a bit suspect. This is no different than certain forms of NIMBYism or what many Homeowner Assocations do. When applied to any non-commercial development its absurdity is also apparent. I suppose you think the city should be able to assume ownership over your home if they had an architect/developer they felt could build either a more aesthetically pleasing home on the site or upgrade the home's value to bring in more tax revenue?

I will say that the city's objective seems to be somewhat benevolent, that is, to encourage higher-density development that is more urban in nature. This is fine, but I suspect that the building Bernard is in is a product of the city's own density and zoning laws in effect at the time of it's construction. The city is in effect punishing a private entity for their own stupidity and lack of planning in their own laws. I personally don't see anything wrong with Bernard's business. It seems to me that all of the pleasant and beautiful cities in the world incorproate low-scale high-density locally-owned commercial development as opposed to one large service-sector employer. If the city really wants to develop that area it should redesign some of those shopping areas to be mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly and change their format, not their owner.

there is no way in hell that the construction of this project is going to oust 30 biz

The local business owners said they planned to highlight at least three examples of what they considered to be inappropriate government condemnation, including the ouster of about 30 small businesses in Hollywood, including Blue's, to make way for a $400-million project that includes a luxury hotel, apartments and condominiums.

Have you guess heard of this project..............

Grand Towers


Los Angeles, CA
Client: Alameda Group and Meruelo/Maddux Development
Tower One: 44 stories

Retail 15,000sf

Residential Condominiums 432,000sf


Total 447,000sf

High-Rise towers have finally arrived in Downtown Los Angeles. This is a tower that stands on-grade with a parking structure abutting which serves several residential towers. An icon that proudly takes its place in the Los Angeles Skyline.

The primary goal of Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh is to provide meaningful design solutions that effectively respond to the needs of our clients and the inhabitants of our buildings, while respecting the sensitive balance of community and the environment.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/towers.jpg
WOW, beautiful tower. ;);););)

there is no way in hell that the construction of this project is going to oust 30 biz

Yeah, like I said originally, this Bernard Luggage place doesnt seem to be the most reputable and its possible he has some other agenda in not wanting to sell his property. I would not be surprised if that statistic is exagerrated. However, I use them as an example of the fact that using eminent domain to remove thriving businesses is rarely the route you want to be going down when trying to redevelop/revitalize an urban area, and in that regard im with them. That article, however, does include other information that, if true, are not exactly flattering about the Redevelopment Agency.

a tiny bit better picture
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/buildingagain.jpg

a tiny bit better picture
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/godblessbotox/buildingagain.jpg

Is this the new Police Headquarters location? No, it's not. This is the where they are building the new Detention Center, aka JAIL. This is at the corner of Temple and Judge John Aiso Street.

The new Police Hedquarters building will be (unless those who want a new park there to be built prevail over the entire city goverment, which is not likely at all) at First and Main/Spring, between the Caltrans HQ and the Los Angeles Times.

They have done the demolition of the old buildings there (the old Caltrans office buildings, a hot dog stand and a two-story commercial building that was over 100 years old and recently had a Staples store in it), and they've dug out a little bit of a hole, but no construction has started yet on the new Police Department HQ.

...did i ever say it was the police headquarters?

Is the new headquarters bldg under construction already?

GodBlessBotox:

You replied, "something there is" and then added the photo. Well, your photo is not the same "there" where the police headquarters building is going to be, it's over a block away.

GodBlessBotox, I'm not trying to give you a hard time, really. Believe me. Sorry to be so picky about things, again, but I'm just trying to clear things up so everybody has a clearer idea of what we're discussing. That's all. Okay, I'll shut up now. :)

thats because i was misguided by someone when i asked what was under construction at such and such location.... honestly i have no idea what is going on downtown i just take pictures

honestly i have no idea what is going on downtown i just take pictures

Clearly the best line this month.

From today's LA Times (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-palmer19jul19,1,7272183.story?ctrack=1&cset=true) :

Geoff Palmer, the urban trailblazer who helped inspire an upscale housing boom in downtown Los Angeles' long-neglected core, has acquired a 9.5-acre parcel downtown from Orthopaedic Hospital for $70.5 million, hospital officials said Tuesday.

Palmer is expected to build more than 800 luxury apartments on the former hospital property on Flower Street between Staples Center and USC.

Read the rest at the link, more housing coming to the Staples area, pretty cool, it'll be interesting to see what the design is.

^^Thanks. Hopefully this will spark other development projects in that area. I would absolutely love for downtown to expand in all directions.

maybe even east?

I said in all directions which includes east. East over the LA River. West to at least MacArthur Park hopefully reaching Mid-Wilshire.

Hopefully, this is the first of countless Expo-inspired residential developments.

I'd love to see the Exposition and Jefferson Blvd warehouses become 3-5 story residential developments that aesthetically and economically integrate with their communities.

double post sorry.

Luma has a second towering crane now. Thats a total of 7 towering within one view from the 110. Concerto is moving really fast now, they are almost done digging their basement already.

its a beautiful sight

Here is a rendering of the Park Fifth Project

It will be located on 5th street between Olive and Hill. It will have three towers, one of them will be the tallest residential tower west of Chicago.
The project includes 900 units some of which will be what they call live-work bays.

http://i7.tinypic.com/214qkaw.jpg

WOW!!! Thanks, we've been waiting for this one for a long time!!!

Here is a rendering of the Park Fifth Project

It will be located on 5th street between Olive and Hill. It will have three towers, one of them will be the tallest residential tower west of Chicago.
The project includes 900 units some of which will be what they call live-work bays.

http://i7.tinypic.com/214qkaw.jpg

Well, here I go again, being picky. The view we're looking at is actually Hill Street. The large tower is on Hill.

Pershing Square on the far left. Then Fifth Street. The front of the building is between the Title Guaranty Building and the Subway Terminal Building. There's just a parking lot there right now.

Thanks for the rendering!

Nice render, but where is the third tower?

I guess is not a tower per se but rather the midsection that brings the two tall towers together

http://i7.tinypic.com/214umc5.jpg

hiza! thats a nice one! are they gona make it fo sho?

Proposed. I hope we'll see more renderings in the future. That's a nice piece of property overlooking Pershing Square so it better be good!

:nuts: :banana: :sleepy: :shocked: :grouphug: :cucumber: :drunk: :hahaha: :tyty: :cool: :dance: :rock: :nocrook: :weird: :ohno: :redx: :goodbye: :rant: :old: :drool: :tongue4: :crazy: :righton: :uh: :hm: :applause: :applause: :applause: :goodnight :kiss: :2cents: :horse: :horse: :horse: :hug: :hug: :wallbash:

Well, here I go again, being picky. The view we're looking at is actually Hill Street. The large tower is on Hill.

Pershing Square on the far left. Then Fifth Street. The front of the building is between the Title Guaranty Building and the Subway Terminal Building. There's just a parking lot there right now.

Thanks for the rendering!

Here I go being even more picky.

Its not the "Title Guaranty Building", its the Title Guarantee Building.

Also, the Subway Terminal Building is now known as Metro 417... but yes it is the Subway Terminal Building.

love the design....where did you get the pic? who is the architect? or is there a link somewhere?

Finally something tall being proposed. I really hope it gets built.

^^ I mean there is such thigs as The City House, The Olympic, the Ritz and the Grand Avenue Tower and Zen.
WOW, South Park w/ 7 cranes, this is gonna be the next Dubai.

Any new pics on L.a Live construction
:runaway:

I've never heard of this. Is their a link? I'm lost.

Logandankr from SSP posted about this project months ago and today we got a rendering. The project site neighbors the Title Guarantee Building and Metro 417 Building overlooking Pershing Square.

CIRCA – Los Angeles, California

Services Employed: Architectural Design, Interior Design
Service: Architectural Design
http://www.amaa.com/_uploads/photo/project/103_lg1_Circa_01.jpg http://www.amaa.com/_uploads/photo/project/103_lg2_Circa_02.jpg

http://www.amaa.com/_uploads/photo/project/103_lg3_Circa_03.jpg http://www.amaa.com/_uploads/photo/project/103_lg4_Circa_04.jpg

CLIENT GOALS: Design a mixed use gateway building in the up and coming Koreatown District of LA, just minutes away from the downtown core on prestigious Wilshire boulevard.

DESIGN RESPONSE: The building takes all it’s design cues from the site, the views and the historic buildings in the area. The 5 story base of the building is an attempt to replicate the scale of the low rise historic buildings that already exist on Wilshire Boulevard. The 18 story residential tower incorporates a modernist palette of glass, metal and pre-cast concrete. The tower’s north-south axis is designed to take advantage of the views of the city, Hollywood Hills, and the active street activity that exists on Wilshire Boulevard. The 400,000 SF project will provide 190 residential units, retail space, and parking.

New rendering for Little Tokyo Block 8 Tower:

http://www.amaa.com/_uploads/photo/project/113_lg1_Little-Tokyo_01.jpg

CLIENT GOAL: Bring retail, public parking and a mix of rental and for-sale housing to a part of Los Angeles that badly needs it.

DESIGN RESPONSE: Little Tokyo Condominiums is a 22-Story high-rise located next to the downtown core of LA in Little Tokyo. It contains 240 for-sale resident units with 400 private parking spaces and 600 public spaces in an 11-story parking garage below and adjacent to the tower. The site contains a total of four parcels. Three low-rise buildings and one high-rise include a mix of rental housing, for-sale housing and retail uses. The project is located at 1st Street and San Pedro Street adjacent to the new CalTrans building.

mmm standard LA, SD design

The last two towers look good, except the Koreatown-Wilshire tower, in which case I totally dislike that stone wraparound on the 2-3rd stories, it reminds me of that stuff they put up with scaffolding.

I am not sure this this rendering has been posted already, but I believe this is the site of the Burger King.... right????

520 N. Bunker Hill Avenue

http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/5/9/8/5981B5EB-08CD-4F4B-B905-6AFF096EC47D_or.jpg

http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/8/E/4/8E464AAE-43A6-4E68-8F83-0BCE5CBB01DA_or.jpg

nice but i thought the future visual and performing arts school was the central high school number somthing something site. it even says so on the sign located at grand and chavez

nice but i thought the future visual and performing arts school was the central high school number somthing something site. it even says so on the sign located at grand and chavez

Same thing, high school number 9 is the future visual and performing arts school:

http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/images/projects/highschool/highschool0.jpg

ah, thanks

Updated the first page, anything missing ???

That second Lucia Pic you [osted would be a PERFECT angle to Add the Grand Ave Towers, Zen, Block 8, Vibiana Tower, 8th and grand, and half of the south park stuff, including the Rodmark and Grand Towers proposals!! Someone please do it if they have the skills. we have renderings for almost all of them.

That second Lucia Pic you [osted would be a PERFECT angle to Add the Grand Ave Towers, Zen, Block 8, Vibiana Tower, 8th and grand, and half of the south park stuff, including the Rodmark and Grand Towers proposals!! Someone please do it if they have the skills. we have renderings for almost all of them.

hehe...that's exactly what I was thinking...I'd do it but I freakin' forgot to bring my monitor to houston :( I've been using my laptop for 1 month!! so annoying...someone should definitely make a rendering...c'mon people, I'm not the only photoshop nerd!! :D

give me all the buildings in one post and i will do it at work tomorrow

I just checked out the first post. *phew* needed to drink some water after that. :pepper:

3 Firms Are Finalists to Design Park at Cornfield Site in L.A.
Each group will get $25,000 to create master plans for the 32-acre parcel near Chinatown.
By Bob Pool, Times Staff Writer
July 31, 2006

Design firms in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York have been named finalists in an unusual competition to develop a new state park at a former rail yard near downtown L.A.

Mia Lehrer and Associates of Los Angeles, Hargreaves and Associates of San Francisco and Field Operations of New York beat out 30 other design teams in the first phase of the contest, state parks administrators said Thursday. Each firm will receive a $25,000 stipend to help cover the cost of preparing a master plan for the 32-acre parcel east of Chinatown known as the Cornfield.

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A selection committee cited Lehrer's plan for a "living museum" that would make the park "a contemporary version of Ellis Island for the West Coast," Hargreaves' concept of "reconnection of a community to a forgotten area" and Field Operations' plan for a "unified park that dramatically improves urban livability and redefines adjacent neighborhoods."

The competition, held in conjunction with the State Parks Foundation, will continue with the finalists participating in a public workshop Aug. 26. The three master plan proposals will be unveiled for the selection committee at a public forum scheduled for Oct. 14.

Parks officials said the three competitors will work within guidelines established in light of more than three years of debate over what the proposed Los Angeles State Historic Park should include.

"We at state parks have never done this before," said Ruth Coleman, of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. "This is truly an unprecedented and extremely creative method for seeking the best possible design for this park site."

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-cornfield31jul31,1,3041474.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california

Just looked at the first post again.

Anybody have any lowdown on the Medallion? I heard it was going to be downgraded (much smaller than originally planned) or got cancelled altogether because the people didn't have the cash. They were supposed to break ground in April but the parking lot is still there.

I'm only two blocks away from there so I'm very curious about my neighborhood. Anyone know anything?

Just looked at the first post again.

Anybody have any lowdown on the Medallion? I heard it was going to be downgraded (much smaller than originally planned) or got cancelled altogether because the people didn't have the cash. They were supposed to break ground in April but the parking lot is still there.

I'm only two blocks away from there so I'm very curious about my neighborhood. Anyone know anything?

I heard that it's being lowered to 6 stories instead of the original 11.

i expect L.a in the future to have a skyline that extends out to century city, right to dodger stadium, and past the convention center. great job finding the renderings for these projects u guys

I had some spare time so I made this rendering of the LA skyline with 1027 Wilshire. I even matched the tones of the sky and mountains. Keep in mind that the view from this angle would be a little different as we would be viewing the side of the tower.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/MBenzLover/LA-1.jpg

Okay, so this rendering features the City House, Olympic, Ritz Carlton @ LA Live, 1027 Wilshire, and Hanover. :)

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/MBenzLover/LA1copy.jpg

Nice, but....... Now imagine that w/ Figueroa South, Luma, Evo, Metropolis 1,2,3,4, Trinity Tower, the new Fig Central, FIDM, Concerto 1,2, 8 & Grand, and maybe the second hotel of LA Live. Now we're talking.

Nice, but....... Now imagine that w/ Figueroa South, Luma, Evo, Metropolis 1,2,3,4, Trinity Tower, the new Fig Central, FIDM, Concerto 1,2, 8 & Grand, and maybe the second hotel of LA Live. Now we're talking.

We don't know what the new Fig Central will look like nor the second LA Live hotel and it's hard to put 8th and Grand, Concerto, and FIDM in. I'll see what I can do.

great renders!

We are guaranteed that it will look like this.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/MBenzLover/LAviewcopy.jpg

...i need to teach you the perspective tool in photoshop

good visuals, but does anyone else think that the olympic and city house are going to look awfuly strange out there. i mean i know everyone was talking about it befor... but just look at this

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/MBenzLover/LA1copy.jpg