City House and Olympic | 60 fl X 2 | Pro

[Westsidelife]

Location: Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard
Function: Mixed-Use | 331 Units | Ground Floor Retail
Developer: The Titan Organization (http://www.titanorganization.com/homepage.htm)
Architect: Robertson Partners (http://robertsonpartners.net/)
Completion: 2009

City House And The Olympic

The Titan Organization plans to break ground in the first quarter of 2008 on an 800,000-square-foot complex on the southeast corner of Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard. The $500 million development would hold two buildings: the 60-story City House, which would have a classic design and include 180 units, and the contemporary, 49-floor Olympic. Residences in both structures, designed by Robertson Partners, would start at 1,200 square feet and $700,000. The towers would rise on a 58,000-square-foot lot that currently houses the former Grand Avenue nightclub - which now holds a music venue called Crash Mansion. The company purchased the property for $30 million. - Los Angeles Downtown News

http://robertsonpartners.net/images/1-Front-View.jpg

http://robertsonpartners.net/images/10-Back-View.jpg

http://robertsonpartners.net/images/16-Top-Two.jpg

http://robertsonpartners.net/images/2-Left-View.jpg

http://robertsonpartners.net/images/3-Front-View.jpg

http://robertsonpartners.net/images/4-Front-View.jpg

http://robertsonpartners.net/images/8-Sidewalk.jpg

[Elsongs]

Our own Twin Towers!!!!

[Westsidelife]

^And quite possibly the tallest twin residential towers in the world!

[Joey313]

i though l.A had twin towers already

[Westsidelife]

^We do...

[Westsidelife]

Wait... :sly: So they're not going to have a heliport??? :? Nice!

New elevator technology allows for the absence of helipads!

[alex3000]

Wait... :sly: So they're not going to have a heliport??? :? Nice!

[Joey313]

are these towers earthquake proof??

[ArchiTennis]

these are freakin' cool! if only the spires where bigger...or something...they do look like after thoughts...wonder what they'll look like with bigger spires...or different spires

[ArchiTennis]

wonder no more:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b43/samceb/cityhouseolympicwdiffspires.jpg

they still look weird though

[DaveLA_CA]

New elevator technology allows for the absence of helipads!

So the L.A. Fire codes have been changed so buildings don't have to have the flat roof and helipad anymore? I thought that was the reason for the flat roofs. It would great if that were true so we could start to have more variety in the skyline.

[Fern~Fern*]

Spire or no spire I like it.....

[JRinSoCal]

^It is true. Otherwise they wouldn't propose to build these.

[Fern~Fern*]

^It is true. Otherwise they wouldn't propose to build these.


Let's hope so because this is what Downtown needs. I wonder what are the chances of this coming to reality???

[Westsidelife]

^Don't you remember that article saying that they closed escrow and planned to break ground in summer of 2007?

[Fern~Fern*]

^Don't you remember that article saying that they closed escrow and planned to break ground in summer of 2007?



^ 2007 has twelve months, can we more specific on a date time and whatnot?

[Westsidelife]

^I'd say either in the month of June, July, or August.

[Elsongs]

So the L.A. Fire codes have been changed so buildings don't have to have the flat roof and helipad anymore? I thought that was the reason for the flat roofs. It would great if that were true so we could start to have more variety in the skyline.

I thought the heliports are for CEOs/executives of the businesses in the office buildings. And since this is a residential building, there's no need for a chopper.

[ArchiTennis]

I thought the heliports are for CEOs/executives of the businesses in the office buildings. And since this is a residential building, there's no need for a chopper.

what the..? :lol:

[Elsongs]

what the..? :lol:

You've never seen a helicopter land on top of the USBank Tower before?

[LANative]

Now thats what im talking about! L.A. needs more bulidings like those.

[DaveLA_CA]

You've never seen a helicopter land on top of the USBank Tower before?

No, alll the flat roofs and helipads on highrises in L.A. are due to the fire codes which have mandated it. Although from what I'm reading here, it's sounding like this may no longer be the case. Architecturally, this would be a great development in allowing newer buildings in L.A. to add even more variety to the skyline.

[klamedia]

I thought the heliports are for CEOs/executives of the businesses in the office buildings. And since this is a residential building, there's no need for a chopper.

No the Los Angeles heliport law is to satisfy a fire code. In fact, CEO's can't even use them.

The spire controversy has not been settled. These are just renderings of what the firm would hope to be built. As you know, most times buildings are augmented from their original proposition for various reasons. The firm would still have to run this whole spire thing by City Hall and have them make an exception, something that has not been done yet.

[Joey313]

I made a sketchup on the towers
not very much detail on the spire though

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/veiw2.jpg


http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/veiw3.jpg


http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/veiw4.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/toerveiw1.jpg

[Joey313]

edit

[Elsongs]

No the Los Angeles heliport law is to satisfy a fire code. In fact, CEO's can't even use them.

The firm would still have to run this whole spire thing by City Hall and have them make an exception, something that has not been done yet.

Hmmm, I've seen helicopters land on office buildings numerous times, none of them resemble police or fire choppers...

And speaking of City Hall...ironic since City Hall has a spire.

[klamedia]

Hmmm, I've seen helicopters land on office buildings numerous times, none of them resemble police or fire choppers...

And speaking of City Hall...ironic since City Hall has a spire.


I haven't seen what you've seen so I can't comment I can only tell you what I've know up to this point.

City Hall has a spire? Why of course "EL". How many council members back in 1928 were planning to be saved from a helicopter if City Hall caught on fire?

[godblessbotox]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/veiw4.jpg

ha ha ha!!! good work on the sketchup joey but man! those things stick out like a sore thumb!!!

[Joey313]

Here are more pics from sketch up :) :banana:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/veiw1.png


http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/45.png



http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel.png

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel25-1.png

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel545.png

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel3-1.png

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel.png

[vicecityguy]

those towers are not aligned correctly... they are north and south along Grand NOT east and west along Olympic... cool renderings though.

[FROM LOS ANGELES]

These, the South towers, SBC, and a couple of others wiil create a long skyline north and south.

[mongozx]

I hate these buildings. They don't blend in with the character of the city. Am I the only one who thinks this way?

[Westsidelife]

Maybe if they were planned to be built in the Historic Core then they would fit in more.

[godblessbotox]

I hate these buildings. They don't blend in with the character of the city. Am I the only one who thinks this way?

atleast they dont look like that swiss cheese building that gehry designed for NYC

[ArchiTennis]

I hate these buildings. They don't blend in with the character of the city. Am I the only one who thinks this way?

I don't really like them either...although I do like how they look at the pedestrian level

[lovecharlie]

The new design reminds me of the Standard Oil Building in New York built in 1924 to 520ft.

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2519/standardoilbuildingfrombattery.jpg

or the Bankers Trust Building in New York built in 1912 to 540ft

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/111/bankerstrustcompanybuildingand.jpg

[FROM LOS ANGELES]

Well I would rather see two beux arts buildings than two Dubai-ish buildings. Since building beux arts highrises is new for LA, we dont know the outcome, so lets hope for the best!!!!:banana:

[lovecharlie]

I like them, I think they will add an air of history to the skyline.

[Westsidelife]

Here's the correct thread. This one features the new design of the project. What do you think of it?

[phattonez]

Well, no updates for a few months . . . at least this one has more (and the correct) information.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

according to the LADowntownnews update, groundbreaking is early 2008.

[Fern~Fern*]

^^ Excellent News LASF..... Too bad we are only in the first quarter of 07'.

[klamedia]

Update: Money still has not been secured. Donald backed out. Employees jumping ship.

[TICONLA1]

I don't like this new idea, the original plan, (released last year) with the row of columns along the roof line was great, (on the 61 story tower) however i did not care for the design "the Olympic", they should have kept to the "slab" idea, and just one tower would have been fine.

[FROM LOS ANGELES]

Maybe the Donald pulled out to work on something 100% his own in downtown, or in the LA area????

[Buildingfrenzy]

Maybe the Donald pulled out to work on something 100% his own in downtown, or in the LA area????

Hey I have looked all over the internet, and I could not find anything that said, The Donald was even part of the original City House project.

Come on, bring forward your sources:)

[FROM LOS ANGELES]

^^ Klamedia stated that the Donald pulled out not me.

[globetrek]

Well I would rather see two beux arts buildings than two Dubai-ish buildings. Since building beux arts highrises is new for LA, we dont know the outcome, so lets hope for the best!!!!:banana:

I agree with you. The towers should have SOME flair or style. Not just a couple of lego block buildings. And can we stop talking about trump being the ultimate purveyor of edifices.

[Buildingfrenzy]

Update: Money still has not been secured. Donald backed out. Employees jumping ship.

Hey I have looked all over the internet, and I could not find anything that said, The Donald was even part of the original City House project.

Come on, bring forward your sources:)

^^ Klamedia stated that the Donald pulled out not me.


Klaaaamedia.............................Please answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :poke:

[Fern~Fern*]

Klamedia is banned....

[Buildingfrenzy]

Klamedia is banned....

What? How? Why?

You can get banned here?

What did he do?

[ArchiTennis]

Klamedia is banned....

when are you gonna get banned?

[ArchiTennis]

i don't think he's banned..it would say it in his signature...it doesn't..but yeah, you can get banned

[phattonez]

Klamedia is not banned, Ferney is just being feceitous.

[Fern~Fern*]

Jesus Christ can people can some minor fun at times.... Geez!

So for the record (K) did not get banned at all. He just betrayed us and went to the Forum, Something similar to this one.

[Fern~Fern*]

when are you gonna get banned?



When ever you take the silly gas mask off... :lol:

[milquetoast]

Looks like 1927 on steroids. On viagra! Just build the damn things, and light them correctly at night.:cheers:

[soup or man]

These are dead.

[losangelino]

^Not according to this:

http://www.ladowntownnews.com/articles/2007/07/30/development/estate02.txt

[klamedia]

It's not dead......but it is on life support.

[CITYofDREAMS]

So would you say it's like in "COMA"...

[BEATSLIM]

i hope its dead. building is incredibly ugly.

[LAX 777]

are these towers earthquake proof??

Now, now Joey. Do you really think they would even proposed ANY building, let alone something this tall, if they could not make it strong enough to survive a large earthquake? Truth is, it would be a wild ride but you may have a better chance of surviving a large quake in a tall tower than in an older lowrise structure. Engineering and building construction have come a long way.
However I am still not a fan of these towers. To me the only thing they have going for them is their height.

[losangelino]

These resemble some of that God awful architecture in Atlanta.

[unmentioned]

I think it's a nice relief from all the blue-green glass and brushed metal San Diegoesque stuff that seems so prevalent with every other project...

[anakinFromCoruscant]

I actually Like these.... it would give LA.. another Look.. Abstract.... and besides... LA needs some.. old class.. atleas a bit

[cyguy]

City House And The Olympic

The Titan Organization plans to break ground in the first quarter of 2008 on an 800,000-square-foot complex on the southeast corner of Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard. The $500 million development would hold two buildings: the 60-story City House, which would have a classic design and include 180 units, and the contemporary, 49-floor Olympic. Residences in both structures, designed by Robertson Partners, would start at 1,200 square feet and $700,000. The towers would rise on a 58,000-square-foot lot that currently houses the former Grand Avenue nightclub - which now holds a music venue called Crash Mansion. The company purchased the property for $30 million.

http://www.downtownnews.com/articles/2007/09/17/development/estate02.txt

[Fern~Fern*]

Dammit! We have to wait until early next year for groundbreaking!!!! :ohno:

[Robert Stark]

at least there going to get built. I thought they scraped it.

[Fern~Fern*]

at least there going to get built. I thought they scraped it.

^ What gave you the idea is was a dead proposal?

[klamedia]

That's a very old post. I believe (between you and me) that the buildings are dead. After the "Donald" pulled out and now St. Regis are having their misgivings......on to the next project for this developer.

[surfnspy]

This is not happening. No, I don't know officially, but using common sense, I am pretty sure this thing is not on track. There's simply no way a half a billion dollar development is going up without more fanfare, news coverage, websites, presales etc.

Think about it folks.

[klamedia]

Or you could just wait until early 2008 and see if the any ground is broke.....I don't believe it will though.

[Fern~Fern*]

This is not happening. No, I don't know officially, but using common sense, I am pretty sure this thing is not on track. There's simply no way a half a billion dollar development is going up without more fanfare, news coverage, websites, presales etc.

Think about it folks.


Well you sure know to ruin the party, huh? Luckily I'm not giving up on hope until the second quarter of 2008....

[TICONLA1]

I'd bet they are trying to get a developer, who is in the same arena with Trump. like for instance, Hines interests LP,

The firm that gave us the Sanwa tower.
If the City House is built, it would be a prestigious address, at least 640' high.!!!
I would love to see the the first version of the City House, get built, it would be (to me anyway) an awesome tower in the Los Angeles skyline.!!!!

[milquetoast]

Did anyone think that maybe with what is going on in the rest of the world, from a design standpoint, that maybe the style of these projects have gone out of date again?:)

[TICONLA1]

I don't think so, the first City House design, the one that looks like a "slab", reminds me of the work of Sloan and Robertson, also Irwin Channin, and Hood and Howells, the New York city architects that developed the art deco setback towers of that city in the 1920's and 30's, including the "slab" itself the 70 story RCA building at Rockafeller center.

The City House pays homage to these outstanding "old" early skyscrapers, like the Eastern Columbia, and City Hall, and for Los Angeles to have a 600+ footer that looks as if it was built in 1928 would be great too.

art deco was, after the Woolworth building the first true skyscraper "style" that did not draw on "ideas" of previous styles.

[lan56]

I think its an interesting and good design. Like TICONLA1 said, it would look good to have an older looking tower around. It is a change from the plain rectangular things being built today.

[croyboy]

art deco was, after the Woolworth building the first true skyscraper "style" that did not draw on "ideas" of previous styles.

besides roman architecture (design standards) with columns and arches. sorry, i don't know why i couldn't let it get away.

[Robert Stark]

Here are more pics from sketch up :) :banana:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/veiw1.png


http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/45.png



http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel.png

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel25-1.png

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel545.png

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel3-1.png

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Joey313_photos/LOSANGelesmodel.png


whats the surrounding area like? seems removed from the rest of Downtwon.

[phattonez]

It's near where all the new development is occurring.

[xXFallenXx]

how are they going to build these things without heliports?
did they get a waiver or something?
or are they there and i just cant see them?











Edit: nevermind, just read the first page.
oops.

[TICONLA1]

besides roman architecture (design standards) with columns and arches. sorry, i don't know why i couldn't let it get away.

True, but even in the case of columns and arches art deco still has it's own style, distinctly different from the Roman/Gothic styles of earlyer skyscrapers like Woolworth, Metropolitan life, and the Singer building.

Also, if the City House is built to the original plan it will have a heliport.

[croyboy]

I don't think we will get the original plan even if this does follow through. i was favoring the original too

[ETOA906]

Once built this will be a great addition to the Los Angeles skyline and help continue in the redevelopment of the area. From the looks of the renderings this will be a prestigeous place to live.

[surfnspy]

Say what you will about the retro look.

Check this NYC building designed by Robert A.M. Stern.

15cpw.com

Total retro.

Very similar in spirit to the Olympic/City House projects.

Per the New Yorker, the building:

Sold out before the building was finished (total sales valued at nearly 1.6 billion dollars.)

Units started at $2k a sf and proceeded to go for double to triple as the sales were so strong.

Units that sold for 12 million got offers to REsell for 16 million months later.

The building was a resounding financial success.

SO, why the retro style for City and Olympic?

Money.

Not everyone wants to live in a glass box no matter how urban, modern chic and Jenga-like you make it. Some people (rich ones apparantly) want to buy into the idea that they've ALWAYS had money and live in an "old" classic building to prove it. I guess that's why the trumpster has all those gold gilt antiques in his place. Sure it's FUGLY to me, but then, I don't have 100 mill to blow either.

[Fern~Fern*]

^^ Check what out??? :dunno:

[Westsidelife]

Why do I keep hearing Trump's name mentioned? Exactly what affiliations does he have with this project?

[surfnspy]

15cpw.com

[klamedia]

Why do I keep hearing Trump's name mentioned? Exactly what affiliations does he have with this project?

They were in talks with him but the deal fell through.

[Westsidelife]

They were in talks with him but the deal fell through.

Can you provide a link or something? This is the first time I've ever heard of such talk.

[Fern~Fern*]

15cpw.com


Oh now I see it...
www.15cpw.com

[milquetoast]

Don't need the NY ad....

[klamedia]

Can you provide a link or something? This is the first time I've ever heard of such talk.
A link? I'm providing you w/ the inside shit. Their is no link.

[Westsidelife]

A link? I'm providing you w/ the inside shit. Their is no link.

Where/who did you get that information from?

[Fern~Fern*]

Where/who did you get that information from?


Knowing (K) who most likely got the inside info from his cross-dresser friend Crenshaw or what ever the name was. :lol: So how reliable must the info be, huh?

I'll wait for a link or something!

[Buildingfrenzy]

Where/who did you get that information from?

Westlife, your wasting your time. I have been trying to get him to reveal his sources-ever since page 1. He is just blowing smoke up our asses. NO PROOF is the conclusion I came up with- KLAMidia LIES!!! He's slightly LOCO too:weird:

[klamedia]

Do you see it rising?

[Buildingfrenzy]

Do you see it rising?


Do you see anything saying it's not?:lol:

[Fern~Fern*]

^^ Girlz behave!

[Buildingfrenzy]

^^ Girlz behave!

NOOOOOOOOooo!!!!!! BAAADDDD NEWS!!!!!
:fiddle: :fiddle: :badnews: :badnews:

IF YOU WANT TO CRY CLICK below.
Klamedia, you were right....FORGIVE ME.

THIS PROJECT HAS GONE TO SHIT.....

http://mortgagefraudqc.com/blog/2007/08/titan-organizationmark-abrams-alert-los.html

AND Titan organization has a responce to this on there site
((((((click on responce to ----"cyber smear")))))
http://www.titanorganization.com/homepage.htm



IT's over friends!:cry:

I feel like a :llama:

Sorry Klamedia:( you were right...:bow:

:deadthrea

[Westsidelife]

Let's get back on topic, please.

[VZN]

^^^^

Wow, it's one thing if the project bombs, but it's another thing for Mark Abrams to scam 30 million outta the investors! That's crazy, if he's supposedly a guy with a scamming past didn't anyone bother to do a background check on this dude? Apparently he has a rap sheet going back to the 80's!

[Buildingfrenzy]

Let's get back on topic, please.

West, I am back on topic. Did you read the link? This project is done. OVER. This whole thing is going to go down in flames now.

"Where there is smoke, there is fire". Even if these allegations end up to be false. It will be enough smoke to keep everyone away from this project. I mean would would trust this guy even if he is cleared?

[Buildingfrenzy]

^^^^

Wow, it's one thing if the project bombs, but it's another thing for Mark Abrams to scam 30 million outta the investors! That's crazy, if he's supposedly a guy with a scamming past didn't anyone bother to do a background check on this dude? Apparently he has a rap sheet going back to the 80's!

http://www.flippingfrenzy.com/index.php?s=mark+abrams

[Westsidelife]

Did you read the link? This project is done. OVER.

I read the link. It's a sham.

[klamedia]

If I revealed my sources some people might have been fired. How could I reveal sources when it's a project that I could be working on myself? Grow the fuck up dammit! I broke the initial news about this project more than a year ago, that should have told you that I had a leg up. I've been coming out w/ dutiful (sic) updates every quarter w/ the state of the project.....but No! When I revealed that the project was in serious trouble and all but dead you wanna go and call me krazy! Now it's out! The project is fucking dead dead dead dead! (and Mark is probably going to jail)Last time I'll go out of my way risking everything trying to bring you info that you can't even get on Curbed to you ungrateful twats! (And you know who I'm talking about)!

[TICONLA1]

All this means is that the Titan org. is out. Not the potential for development, this project could be picked up by another developer, like Hines interests LP or someone else, which is what the Robertson Partners intended in the first place, i'd give it more time, once the developments now under construction start to come on line, this project could be revived.

Park Fifth, and Metropolis are examples of what i'm talking about, 20 years in the making and still going.!!!

[FROM LOS ANGELES]

Maybe even Trump picks it up, we never know...

[soup or man]

Trump was NEVER involved with this project.

[Buildingfrenzy]

If I revealed my sources some people might have been fired. How could I reveal sources when it's a project that I could be working on myself? Grow the fuck up dammit! I broke the initial news about this project more than a year ago, that should have told you that I had a leg up. I've been coming out w/ dutiful (sic) updates every quarter w/ the state of the project.....but No! When I revealed that the project was in serious trouble and all but dead you wanna go and call me krazy! Now it's out! The project is fucking dead dead dead dead! (and Mark is probably going to jail)Last time I'll go out of my way risking everything trying to bring you info that you can't even get on Curbed to you ungrateful twats! (And you know who I'm talking about)!


Well.....I feel like a BIG twat! Sorry KLAM, I will NEver doubt you again. :master: :master: :master: You right!!! I just didn't want this baby to end.This project is how I ended up here, and now it's over.

Any other inside scoops? :D :D

[Fern~Fern*]

^^ Frenzy you must have more faith in (K) in the future....

[soup or man]

If I revealed my sources some people might have been fired. How could I reveal sources when it's a project that I could be working on myself? Grow the fuck up dammit! I broke the initial news about this project more than a year ago, that should have told you that I had a leg up. I've been coming out w/ dutiful (sic) updates every quarter w/ the state of the project.....but No! When I revealed that the project was in serious trouble and all but dead you wanna go and call me krazy! Now it's out! The project is fucking dead dead dead dead! (and Mark is probably going to jail)Last time I'll go out of my way risking everything trying to bring you info that you can't even get on Curbed to you ungrateful twats! (And you know who I'm talking about)!

You act as though we owe you for 'risky updates.' It wouldn't be impossible to search and find info on a large scale project such as this. This project had a very slim chance of being built and when the former Grand Ave. nightclub (I can't remember the name of the new club) signed a new 3 year lease, pretty much killed this project.

And this Trump talk is pretty much nonsense UNLESS I'M PROVEN OTHERWISE. All year long, people have been tossing his name around. Trump would never be involved in any sort of project without his name plastered everywhere.

Look at this picture:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/t-1.jpg

Do you know how I know Trump was involved? The name of the building is Trump Las Vegas, has TRUMP in large letters, and has a website with Trump in the address.

Show me something that has Trump involved with The City House and The Olympic.

[klamedia]

And why with your infinite logic do you think Trump pulled out? I'll answer this one for you.......Because no one wanted Trump's stupid name plastered on the building as Trump demanded it be done in the same vein of all the rest!
And if you could find out all of this info on your own, why didn't you and report it back to us? I broke the news of the building and now truly (I've been doing for months now) been reporting on the non-building.
Maybe the project will be revived but who wants to build those god-awful ugly twin(mind you and at one point 3 towers) eyesores!
I don't have the want, time or energy to try and prove anything to you. You can go on believing that I just made all of this up.........in fact you should do just that. I admit it, I have a constant boner for 'scrapers and I made this all up. Now please, let this die as has the buildings.

[surfnspy]

Jeez, why all the hostility folks?

Buildings get announced and then don't get built all the time.

Why is everyone so angry?

With so much going on there is much to be excited about.

SO these buildings may not get built in the near future. Fine.

Now that SF is planning on building the west's largest towers, I say, the downfall of the development on this site means we can hope for something even bigger and more ambitious. Clearly if this big development was ok'd for the site, maybe one even bigger tower can now be planned for the site?

See, it's easy to look on the bright side.

[TICONLA1]

Trump's name is not on all of his buildings, (or buildings he's involved with) for instance, the Trump tower, Trump UN plaza, Trump tower Chicago, the Trump building at 40 wall, maybe at the base, but not on top, besides that, i don't think that even if he were involved in the City house project that having his name "plastered" on top of the building would be near the top of his list of negotiations.

[klamedia]

Yes but his tacky taste would had been all over that building and you would have known that it was his with all of the gaudiness even if his name was not on it.

[TICONLA1]

Yes but his tacky taste would had been all over that building and you would have known that it was his with all of the gaudiness even if his name was not on it.

Well i don't think we have to worry about that now.!!!

[klamedia]

Yes! On to the next.......

[lawmann]

I'm sure this project will be picked up by a developer and built, if not the Olympic and City House then another major development for this property. The land is just too valuable to just sit there.

[ArchiTennis]

as much as I love density...i'm kinda' glad these monsters aren't going up. IMO an architectural replica of the past should stay in the past. It's all about new, forward thinking...thank goodness for people like Gehry!

[CITYofDREAMS]

I wouldn't mind couple of new towers that breaks the monotony...

[cyguy]

You guys all sound like Howard Roark. Classic is still desirable. The truth is that modern design is a gamble. The design is easiliy outlived by its own hubris. Case in point, the AT&T Long Lines Building ~ the veritable bukake of skyscraper design.-->
http://www.nyc-architecture.com/SOH/Pict0032a.jpg
I like the city house/olympic towers. If it's not a financing scam...then it would be nice to see this little piece of alternative hovering above our sky. On balance, it will surely outlast its rivals in aesthetic beauty.

[TICONLA1]

I'm sure this project will be picked up by a developer and built, if not the Olympic and City House then another major development for this property. The land is just too valuable to just sit there.

Exactly,...........Athough i'd still like to see someone like, Hines Interests LP, pick it up, and build the 61 story, first version. becouse he would not fuck with the design...!!!

[Buildingfrenzy]

Exactly,...........Athough I'd still like to see someone like, Hines Interests LP, pick it up, and build the 61 story, first version. because he would not fuck with the design...!!!

I dunno fellas, right now if they have not set forth a CONCRETE date to break ground expect any project in proposal stage to not get built right now. I know that this project has been aproved, and has set forward a groundbreaking date but at this point we might as well kiss them goodbye with Al Capone leading this project. Developers are getting really freaked right now in the west coast. They are walking, selling, and pushing things back till they truly see if it will not affect this market. For the most part the one's that got off the ground this year will more than likely be built and be OK, but anyone that waits to long might get burned.

Now if you add the fears that this project is shady, they will need to go back to square one and square one right now means- "let's wait this shit out", for most developers.

West coast exception to the "let's wait this shit out" theory is Las Vegas with the massive "big bitch mega project" = "City Center" I hate them for this- so jealous! 8 billion dollars!! Yikes!

http://www.citycenter.com/default.aspx

[milquetoast]

Yeah, I drive by that from time to time. It's weewee big! :cheers:

[aliendroid]

This design is pure class, hope it gets built

[Robert Stark]

as much as I love density...i'm kinda' glad these monsters aren't going up. IMO an architectural replica of the past should stay in the past. It's all about new, forward thinking...thank goodness for people like Gehry!



who says there not going up?

[WonderlandPark]

They aren't going up, maybe in some other incarnation 5-8 years from now, but these are not going up. Feel free to mark my words, too.

[mongozx]

These towers are ones that LA can do without. The architectural style has no business in post-modern Los Angeles whatsoever.

[Westsidelife]

^ Agreed.

[milquetoast]

I've said this before. Maybe this style enjoyed a resurgence as of late, but it was quick, and I think this early twentieth century style has left the building. Now, I wouldn't be opposed to a new way of expressing some sort of 21st century art deco, but it would have to be grand and sleek! :)

[klamedia]

I thought LA's direction of late was contemporary and "de-construction" type of design. The city will do much better imo by staying on a course i.e. Ghery's new Grand Ave hotels/center and maybe someday boast the largest collection of this type of design.

[solongfullerton]

Maybe its just me, but I get tired of only seeing glass and steel these days. Maybe its modern, but the only real differences i see in new architecture is the form, otherwise it all seems the same. I have a feeling that all the buildings that have gone up in the last couple of years will seem as bland as those in century city in 10-20 years time.

I guess it could be worse, but i saw the olympic and city house as a breath of fresh air and a change in the status quo. Yes, it had an old style classic look, but i'm sure it would definitely would have modern flare that were unnoticeable in the renderings we saw.

[surfnspy]

The builder should be allowed to construct the building that he/she thinks will sell the best.

I bet that there is a market for "classic" looking buildings.

As I said before, the Robert Stern tower near Warner Center in NYC was a total throwback in style and a HUGE financial success.

[Robert Stark]

These towers are ones that LA can do without. The architectural style has no business in post-modern Los Angeles whatsoever.


depends if they look authentic.

[Buildingfrenzy]

:omg::wallbash:Is it just me or did no one see the posts a couple pages back? This project is toast! OVER!! GONE!!:fiddle: Let's move on and focus on projects that COULD possibly still get off the ground before the national housing busts reaches D.T.L.A!!!

Mark Abrham's is toast!:skull:

[Fern~Fern*]

^^ Drama Queen! :lol:

[lawmann]

These two skyscrapers will add more variety in styles to the Los Angeles skyline.

[phattonez]

Can we just close this thread already?

[Fern~Fern*]

These two skyscrapers will add more variety in styles to the Los Angeles skyline.


Dude! is not happening, dead proposal, not happening, move on Lawmann!!!!

[Robert Stark]

These two skyscrapers will add more variety in styles to the Los Angeles skyline.



they will be in a strategic location as well. I hope they don't turn out tacky looking trying to replecate the old style.

[Buildingfrenzy]

^^^^^^^^Jeezzzzzz,Kids!!!!! Esta Building es No Mas!!! :gaah::gaah:

Maybe they will get it if we say it in more languages Fern! This Project is Toast!:deadthrea:deadthrea:deadthrea:deadthrea:deadthrea:deadthrea

[Westsidelife]

Can we just close this thread already?

Why?

[phattonez]

Why?

Because it's making people sound like idiots.

[lawmann]

Dude! is not happening, dead proposal, not happening, move on Lawmann!!!!

Get positive, Dude!

[lawmann]

they will be in a strategic location as well. I hope they don't turn out tacky looking trying to replecate the old style.

The Home Savings building at 7th & Figueroa is a good example of styling from a past era that looks great today.

[Fern~Fern*]

Get positive, Dude!


^ Thank you soooooooooo much for your concern Lawmann....... ;)

Back to topic:
Should this thread be put on standby until we get further "POSITVE" news. I myself is upset this is a dead proposal knowing that this is the type of structures Downtown needs. Still keeping my hopes up!

[Robert Stark]

The Home Savings building at 7th & Figueroa is a good example of styling from a past era that looks great today.



why can't they build stuff that looks authentic? I really hope these get built.

[I-97!!]

Dude! is not happening, dead proposal, not happening, move on Lawmann!!!!

Actually, if you go to downtown Los Angeles news and look at the map of all the new construction plans and sites, the City House and Olympic are included and found on the map exactly where they are planned to be built. I looked through the whole map and very few proposed buildings are not included.

[BEATSLIM]

hopefully these monstrosities dont go up.

[lawmann]

^ Thank you soooooooooo much for your concern Lawmann....... ;)

Back to topic:
Should this thread be put on standby until we get further "POSITVE" news. I myself is upset this is a dead proposal knowing that this is the type of structures Downtown needs. Still keeping my hopes up!

I agree with Uncle Ferney. This project is in limbo but not really dead, yet! Once the last nail is driven into the coffin we should really move on, right Uncle? :) I'm just hoping some developer (or developers) will pick up this project.

[Robert Stark]

So when do you think they'll start construction? 2009?

[I-97!!]

According to the development map of downtown Los Angeles news the city house and olympic will be constructed as planned. When? Im not sure, but I really do want to see this structure being built. It will give more variety in the different skyscrapers in Los Angeles. ;)

http://cartifact.com/dtnews/

[ArchiTennis]

wait..I thought Klamedia had already confirmed that this project was dead. He has some inside connection that we are all unaware of. at least that's what I thought?

[I-97!!]

wait..I thought Klamedia had already confirmed that this project was dead. He has some inside connection that we are all unaware of. at least that's what I thought?

That site map was updated on September 17, 2007. I dont see why Downtown Los Angeles news would include it on the site map if it is a deap proposal.

[Robert Stark]

wait..I thought Klamedia had already confirmed that this project was dead. He has some inside connection that we are all unaware of. at least that's what I thought?


Klamidia is lying to you. :lol::lol::lol:

[soup or man]

Well..the former Grand Ave nightclub (now Crash Mansion) signed a new 3 year lease for the club and parking lot where the City House and Olympic are to rise. Should these two buildings rise (which I strongly doubt), it won't be for at least 3-5 years.

[Buildingfrenzy]

:hahaha::hahaha::hilarious:hilariousOk, So I a don't know why I always come back to this thread if I feel it's as good as dead- but for those of you who still hold on to this dream the following will be comedy.

Our good old friends who designed those two "gems":laugh: are busy at making sure they stay "gems":laugh: by copying/designing the same project over and over again into other fantasy projects nicknames Projects A-k- that are in essence they same buildings for other cities.:rofl: This reminds me of all those cookie cutter homes they build in Valencia,ca to all look the same.

This is some funny shit! http://www.robertsonpartners.net/HiRiseResidential.htm

Oh might I also mention that Titan organization's web site has also changed and has no reference to any sales, or ground breaking or anything anymore. It looks really shady now. Like a little kid at his home with his computer designed the web site. :rofl::rofl:

http://www.titanorganization.com/AboutUs.htm

This whole project is now comedy.:hilarious:hilarious

[Fern~Fern*]

I agree with Uncle Ferney. .


^ Oh how I ever miss this funny quote, me dunno... :lol:

Lawmann is coming home for some delicious Turkey...Turkey!!!! Take some pix and share with all!

[Fern~Fern*]

:hahaha::hahaha::hilarious:hilariousOk, So I a don't know why I always come back to this thread if I feel it's as good as dead- but for those of you who still hold on to this dream the following will be comedy.

Our good old friends who designed those two "gems":laugh: are busy at making sure they stay "gems":laugh: by copying/designing the same project over and over again into other fantasy projects nicknames Projects A-k- that are in essence they same buildings for other cities.:rofl: This reminds me of all those cookie cutter homes they build in Valencia,ca to all look the same.

This is some funny shit! http://www.robertsonpartners.net/HiRiseResidential.htm

Oh might I also mention that Titan organization's web site has also changed and has no reference to any sales, or ground breaking or anything anymore. It looks really shady now. Like a little kid at his home with his computer designed the web site. :rofl::rofl:

http://www.titanorganization.com/AboutUs.htm

This whole project is now comedy.:hilarious:hilarious


^^ Ugh! you must be related to Sarah Silverman or something! :ohno:

[Buildingfrenzy]

Huh, I don't get it and who the hell is Sarah Silverman?

[klamedia]

Just let it die in peace. They will either build something else on the land they bought or sell the land.

[Westsidelife]

From SSP:

We've been emailed by an individual who says that his friend was involved in the City House (http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=47256) and Olympic (http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=47255) projects, and claims that neither will go ahead.

[DaveLA_CA]

by Ryan Vaillancourt - LA Downtown News 07/07/2008


When a teenager was gunned down outside the nightclub Crash Mansion in January, it was the final straw for police officials fed up with the rampant crime that had plagued the venue under previous ownership and management. Now, steps are being taken to close the South Park club.

Crash Mansion, which occupies a space that has been home to entertainment venues since 1947, could soon be forced to shut down. In January, a 19-year-old man was shot and killed in the parking lot following a fight on the club’s dance floor. Photo by Gary Leonard.

But the club's new operator, while regretful of the murder, thinks the prospect of getting shut down takes the matter too far. The 1,200-capacity facility has turned a corner and has the record to prove it, operators say.

The venue has become a Downtown Los Angeles hotspot for fans of dance, rock and hip-hop, attracting big names like George Clinton and Grandmaster Flash ever since Top Shelf Entertainment took over the former Grand Avenue Night Club in July 2007. The name was immediately changed to Crash Mansion.

But on Jan. 4, 19-year-old Joseph Cosina was shot and killed in the club's parking lot in the apparent aftermath of a dance floor fight, said LAPD Sgt. Dan Gonzalez, who leads the Central Division's vice unit. The shooting occurred at 1:30 a.m., a half hour after a city-imposed closing time for the venue.

The 1 a.m. closing time was imposed in 2006, along with 21 other operating conditions to curtail crime - from vandalism and assault to robberies and driving under the influence - that was tied to the Grand Avenue Night Club, police officials said. When Top Shelf took over, the new management team inherited the extra regulations.

"Rules were put in place to help assure that we would not have a repeat of serious violent crime," Gonzalez said. "One of those controls was that they were to be closed at 1 a.m. and they chose to bend that rule and the result was a murder in their parking lot."

Zoning Administrator Lourdes Green is now reviewing testimony from an April 28 hearing to determine whether Crash Mansion has complied with the regulations implemented two years ago, Green said. The April hearing was a routine update on the facility and was not tied to the January shooting, Green said.

Green declined to say when she would issue her ruling, but those awaiting the decision said they expect it to come this summer. Police officials believe Green will rule against the club.

"We expect for Lourdes Green to revoke their conditional use permit because this place needs to start from brand new, from scratch," Gonzalez said. "We've had too many crimes, too many issues with the community and too many issues with the operators not being able to comply with the CUP."


Inherited Notoriety


Top Shelf representatives said they would appeal any decision to shut down Crash Mansion. They maintain that safety, cleanliness and management of the venue have improved since the company took over.

"We are very confident that we've made unbelievable efforts to change that venue, change the programming, upgrade the security, upgrade all the management and operations, and if it wasn't for one terribly tragic incident that happened to take place in our parking lot, I don't think we would be in front of the zoning administrator," said Ed Brady, Top Shelf's director of operations.

Gary Warfel, president of the Titan Organization, which owns the Crash Mansion building and surrounding property, also argued that the venue is being penalized for the previous operator's poor track record. He noted the permit revocation efforts began in October 2006, before Titan bought the property.

"The former owner kind of let the operation go to some people he trusted and they ran it into the ground, so we inherited the problems," said Warfel, who picked Top Shelf to run the club after working with Crash Mansion's more established venue in a New York building he developed.

At least 43 crime reports involving the Grand Avenue Night Club were filed between February 2003 and August 2006. Some critics of the venue, including Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry, see the January shooting as a continuum of the violence and crime.

Perry, who supports closing Crash Mansion, is convinced that the shooting was not an isolated incident.

"I totally reject that," Perry said. "They've got a well-documented history."

Brady maintains that the shooting, while tragic, was an isolated event under the new regime. LAPD officials confirm there have been no other criminal incidents at the club since Top Shelf took over. While they suspect the club stayed open past 1 a.m. multiple times in the months after the shooting, at least since the April revocation hearing, Gonzalez said he has noticed the operator's effort to comply.

Gonzalez cited a party the venue hosted for the Erotica L.A. convention on June 6 when it posted signs indicating the club would close by 1 a.m.

"That's the type of steps, positive steps, that we need them to take and be proactive on their part," said Gonzalez.

Damian Jones, a communications consultant for Crash Mansion, declined to comment on police allegations that the club has stayed open past 1 a.m. before and after the January homicide.

"Our desire is to comply and make sure we're the type of environment that the Downtown community needs, wants and can participate in," Jones said.


Limited Shelf Life


The building at the southeast corner of Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard has been home to nightclubs and dance halls at least since singer Myrna Myron purchased it in 1947 and turned it into Myron's Ballroom. The hall has hosted a range of artists from Natalie Cole and the Harry James Orchestra to Tommy Lee and Eddie Van Halen.

"That particular location has been a ballroom and a dance center and certainly a restaurant and entertainment center for a very long time, and I would really like to see it continue with an appropriate use along that same line," said Mike Pfeiffer, executive director of neighborhood organization the South Park Stakeholders Group. "I hope there isn't going to be a hasty decision made that we can't reverse."

While a revocation of its permit would cut Crash Mansion's stay short, Top Shelf took over the space knowing it would not be there long term. The Titan Organization, which bought the property from Myron's son Jim Myron, has long planned to build a massive mixed-use development with two high-rises.

As Titan continues to refine its project and seek financing, the group is hoping Crash Mansion operates until shovels hit the dirt. But that could take a while: The proposed development has been delayed due in large part to the crippled credit market. Titan officials now say breaking ground by the third quarter of 2009 is possible, but "optimistic."

When it comes to Crash Mansion's imminent future, police officials are less sanguine.

"This isn't 'let's make a deal' and this isn't 'three strikes you're out,'" Gonzalez said. "Most of the time businesses start off with a brand new permit. They didn't. They took on a problem location."

[dachacon]

^^^ as much as i love this project, just cause of its height, i still think thats its dead
the credit crunch is still to deep, and with all the new units comming online the need for more supply is not there yet.

[klamedia]

It's been dead for awhile.....and it wasn't because of the credit crunch. From indictments to not paying employees......it's dead and they are being kicked out of their offices.

[S_OC]

Maybe this isn't dead yet?

Update from downtown news:

CITY HOUSE AND THE OLYMPIC

Developer the Titan Organization has said it is still searching for financing for a proposed 800,000-square-foot residential and hotel project in South Park. Plans call for a 60-story structure, the City House, and the 49-floor Olympic. Residences would start at 1,200 square feet and $700,000. Titan Organization president Gary Warfel has said the development at Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard would cost about $450 million. Once expected to break ground in early 2008, the project currently has no public timeline.

[Joy Machine]

http://robertsonpartners.net/images/8-Sidewalk.jpg

This is a terrible rendering and I have to say, a terrible project. Absolutely no space created, as clearly demonstrated by this rendering and frankly, its a rather boring and extremely dated design.... x 2 which makes it even that much worse.

[AlexTheMartian]

why do many renders look like they cut people out of a magazine and glued them on the pic? they look like they are floating. it is not that hard to do a shadow. :ohno:

[Joy Machine]

lol yeah, I always drop the opacity of entourage a slight bit and give a little shadow. You are right though, the shadow maybe takes an extra 3-4 minutes per entourage figure to color, skew/distort, drop opacity to make it look good and right

[soup or man]

why do many renders look like they cut people out of a magazine and glued them on the pic? they look like they are floating. it is not that hard to do a shadow. :ohno:

Because the focus is on the buildings and not the people. A lot of architecture firms do things like that. For example, the Pentominium in Dubai is placed in a makeshift skyline that includes the US Bank Tower.

http://www.stroitelstvo.bg/userfiles/images/nebostargachi/pentominium-dubai2.jpg

[xXFallenXx]

Aon too. :yes:

[Joy Machine]

Because the focus is on the buildings and not the people. A lot of architecture firms do things like that. For example, the Pentominium in Dubai is placed in a makeshift skyline that includes the US Bank Tower.


True, the focus is on the buildings, but seriously, somethign has to be said about the quality of the rendering. Nothing is worse than a beautifully angled rendering and shit for entourage. I mean, come on. Here is a good rendering with appropriate entourage. Notice how there isn't too much entourage and notice how he blends in the environment.

http://www.tropolism.com/zaragosa.jpg

[ArchiTennis]

^^ nice..did u do that?

[Joy Machine]

no, i think i just googled "something" rendering and that one came up. I think its an amazing example of how a rendering should be. The work and efforts are very obvious and I'm sure that took forever to push out, but it is amazing.

[Fern~Fern*]

Maybe this isn't dead yet?

Update from downtown news:

CITY HOUSE AND THE OLYMPIC

Developer the Titan Organization has said it is still searching for financing for a proposed 800,000-square-foot residential and hotel project in South Park. Plans call for a 60-story structure, the City House, and the 49-floor Olympic. Residences would start at 1,200 square feet and $700,000. Titan Organization president Gary Warfel has said the development at Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard would cost about $450 million. Once expected to break ground in early 2008, the project currently has no public timeline.

^Let's hope so Dakota...:)

[Imperfect Ending]

this project is probably dead too isn't it?

[San Marino Guy]

Probably.