Here's some more info on the Hollywood project near the Pantages and the Century City Condo project

June 13, 2005
LABJ
by Andy Fixmer

Architects Scott Johnson and William Fain have left an indelible mark on the Century City skyline, receiving worldwide attention for designing MGM Plaza, Fox Plaza, and Sun America Center.

But two decades after starting their LA based firm, Johnson Fain Partners, the pair have moved from high rise office buildings to some of the largest residential developments in Los Angeles—projects that could total 4,000 apartments and condominiums from Century City to Glendale to Hollywood Boulevard.

It’s easy to see why. In the last decade, only two office towers have been built in LA, both designed by Johnson Fain. Meanwhile, the city is exploding with mixed use urban projects that put apartments above shops and restaurants. “This is a revolution,” Johnson said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Clarett Group hired Johnson Fain to design its $300 million redevelopment of seven acres along Hollywood Blvd owned by the Nederlander family. JMB Realty Corp, the Chicago developer of Century City high-rises, has the firm designing three soaring condominium towers on a five-acre parcel at the corner of Avenue of the Stars and Constellation Blvd. And in downtown Glendale, Mapleton Securities has hired the firm to design a high-rise condo.

Each projects has at least the promise of revitalization. Clarett’s Hollywood development would replace run-down buildings and surface parking lots and JMB’s could enliven an area of Century City that becomes a ghost town after dark.

Johnson and Fain declined to show off early plans for the Nederlander site in Hollywood, dubbed “The Boulevard” by New York-based Clarett Group. “It’s still a little too early,” Johnson said. “It’s a really big site and we’ve got a lot of ideas.

Planning for JMB’s Century City condo towers is more advanced. Drawings line the walls and the towers rise more than four fee in a model in the middle of the office. The plan, very different from what the architects are pushing for downtown, has towers set back from the street. A terrace park, which will be open to the public, rises to a platform where a restaurant or tow could be set up.

“We couldn’t put a lot of retail space on the ground because people will likely walk to the mall because it’s so close,” Johnson said. “The mall is an 800-pound gorilla when it comes to what you can and can’t realistically do with a building.

(please note: this article has been edited)

Based on this article, i'd have to say the Century City project, upon the approval of it's site rezoning variance to residential, could start shortly thereafter. And with the Johnson & Fain, team at the design helm, this will be a good one..!!

Once the Metrorail subway system reaches Century City and the rest of the westside, i'll bet some very interesting things will happen to the Westside zoning program, for instance rezoning some of the currently commercial building corridors, (i.e. the Olympic blvd, Santa Monica blvd. or the Pico blvd, corridor's) to multistory residential.

On the other hand, I have not heard too much on the Hollywood project, other than, yes it is a large development, but not set to break any verticality records i'm sure.!!!

I cant wait to see some renderings of all these projects, but especially the Hollywood site. i want to see how it interacts with the street and the W hotel and retail project across the street, as well as the subway. That area of Hollywood is going to be buzzing from sunset to Hollywood, because its walkable, has plenty of restaurants and bars and has subway access to highland. The future looks good. Any idea on the Glendale tower and its location?

Based on this article, i'd have to say the Century City project, upon the approval of it's site rezoning variance to residential, could start shortly thereafter. And with the Johnson & Fain, team at the design helm, this will be a good one..!!

I wouldn't hold your breath on this starting too soon. Century City NIMBY's are very effective at getting projects reduced in size, and putting up injunctions until they do. Just look at what they did to MGM Place. On the flipside, I too am very excited to see a Johnson-Fain cluster of res towers.

Once the Metrorail subway system reaches Century City and the rest of the westside, i'll bet some very interesting things will happen to the Westside zoning program, for instance rezoning some of the currently commercial building corridors, (i.e. the Olympic blvd, Santa Monica blvd. or the Pico blvd, corridor's) to multistory residential.

I'd like to see Pico west of Beverly get developed a little higher. Putting some res. towers on the hill approaching Century City will provide for some great views for the residents and prominence on the skyline. Of course, they'll have to fight a lot of NIMBY's as well.