With the Planning Department's elite Urban Design Studio producing some serious results refining Downtown's urban growth standards, the draft plan Design for a Livable Downtown is available for comments and feedback before it's finalized. Bases covered: Sustainability, streetscapes, architectural details, parking, open space, and building materials ("Generally, stucco is not permitted.")
Despite being Downtown's last best hope for affordable public space, the plan lacks any mention of how to better utilize existing alleyways, along the lines of Pasadena's Old Town shopping district. Recommendations instead call for inclusion of paseos (public walkways) to cut through new projects over 300 feet in length. The final document will be submitted to the Planning Commission for adoption to the Central City Community Plan this summer.
· Design for a Livable Downtown [Urban Design Studio]
Thanks for the quality feedback this week. We appreciate your hard work and opinions. NOW! We present you with the answers. Please feel free to email us at la@curbed.com if you have new questions or maybe an update on a past question. Digital pictures make us happy.
1) Culver City: The commenters say Sony is building a nice gym and some offices for themselves on their campus. An emailer sends a link with a nice summary: "The 125,000 square foot 4th Avenue Building will be the new home for Sony Pictures Television and the 96,000 square foot Culver Building will serve as Sony Pictures Television International’s headquarters. The project includes an employee commons that is approximately 44,500 square feet in size, as well as a new, 1,000-vehicle parking lot, with preferred parking reserved for low emission and fuel efficient vehicles. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2009."
A reader is at wits end and needs some advice for dealing with an inconsiderate landlord.
"My landlord is having construction done on the apartment directly across the hall from me, for the last billion weeks. They are hammering, drilling and now they have literally setup a bandsaw outside my door. They were at it by 9am today. Do I have any rights as a tenant to get compensated when there is this much construction going on?"
It was only a matter of time, but finally all our crazy judicial dreams have come true. A lawsuit has finally popped up, as a citizen opponent of the State's SB 1818 Density Bonus law has sued the City. The Density Bonus law would incentivize developers to include affordable housing in their projects in exchange for being allowed to build with added height, more dwelling units, fewer parking spaces or a host of other options. The Daily News reports that Valley Village homeowner Sandy Hubbard filed the lawsuit in order to stop the city's implementation of the ordinance, following the advice of Planning Commission President Jane Usher. We got a hold of the lawsuit and are reading it now. Here's some of the verbage from the document:
"...in passing the 'SB 1818 Implementing Ordinance' defendant and respondent Los Angeles City Council abrogated its responsibilities to the people of Los Angeles, completely and thoroughly abused its discretion, and utterly failed to proceed in the manner required by law..."
PriceSpotter needs a nice view. Today, we're giving you pictures, location, and specifications of a property. You're putting them together and giving us the ASKING PRICE. Will you go under or over? Submit your guesses in the comments, and Monday we'll reveal the listing.
What/Where: 1 BR, 1 BA condo in Silver Lake Size: 828 sq. ft. condo Additional details: Sporting some fairly decent views, this condo in a 1970's multi-tenant building features a large living room with a fireplace, plus granite countertops, an updated bathroom (more granite), skylights and a balcony. The building has a pool.
Our rent pulse--a look at apartments that have opened in the last six months, or are about to open--now heads to Hollywood. Specifically: The brand new Sweetzer Apartments at 107 Sweetzer Avenue. A collection of 29 apartments in a Mediterranean-style architecture (Mediterranean, hizzuh!), the units are all three-bedrooms, two-and-half baths that start at $3,557 and top out at $4,050. All the units range from about 1,700-1,800 square feet. On the downside, there is no pool or gym but there is laundry and a gated parking garage. And of course, you can walk everywhere in this sweet spot of Los Angeles.
· 107 S Sweetzer Avenue [Yahoo Real Estate]
· Rental Pulse: Union Lofts' Studios Start at $1,189 [Curbed LA]
Streetsblog LA attended last night's Metro meeting in West Hollywood, the first of many to discuss the proposed long-range plan for future development of our terrible transit system. Naturally, the Weho residents in attendance were vociferous in their demand for a subway to touch their city. Via Streetsblog LA:
"The 20 people that testified were near unanimous in supporting more rail for L.A. County. There was also strong support for a Subway to the Sea alignment that runs along Santa Monica Boulevard. There was one audience member, an Angeleno that lives in Park-LaBrea, who argued that more money needs to be spent on improving the bus system because subway expansion is a losing proposition."
One jerk apparently showed up to say he enjoyed his commute and being in his car with his Bluetooth. We wish the Curbed commenter who likes to punch people in the face had been there. The next Metro meeting is scheduled for tonight at Metro's headquarters near Union Station.
· WeHo to Metro: We Want Subways [Streetsblog LA]
· CurbedWire: Metro Map 2030, Venice's Whole Foods, Famima!! Closes [Curbed LA]
LOS ANGELES -Mayor Sam and MetroRider LA link to an exciting futuristic transit map of Los Angeles circa 2030. In the future, we'll be able to take light rail or the subway to LAX and Ontario International, the Ocean, Leimert Park, Irwindale, and Whittier. Are we the only ones who think that light rail (or at least the Orange Line) to Burbank's Airport should be prioritized, too? In related news, tonight in WeHo, Metro starts its first round of meetings on the long range plan - view the PDF here. [SF Cityscape]
VENICE - You can practically taste the progress. Reader Carter reports that the new Venice Whole Foods has applied for its liquor license. "Yes, the Whole Foods market under development in Venice has posted for its off-sale license as well as wine bar license - one in the same application, btw! Must be coming along really fast." [Curbed Inbox]
GLENDALE - And in a bit of Storefronting news, we're sad to report another Famima!! closure. Via the inbox: "...just wanted to let you know that Famima in Glendale is closing. Yes, closing... ahhhhh. However, act fast because everything is 50% off with certain exceptions like the candles and gift cards." Goodbye Famima!!. [Curbed Inbox]
Glad to hear that somebody out there is thinking of the tourists. LA's not all about the Hollywood Sign and Disneyland. The tourists are also starting to arrive Downtown to see our wonderful architecture, and they need good photos to show their friends back in Osaka. Let's try to make it pleasant, heh?
Does anyone know who the IDIOT is who authorized the closure of the sidewalk across from Disney Hall on Grand Avenue? Right now we bus in loads of tourist coming to see the wonderful Disney building and some genius decides to close the sidewalks! Imagine being a European or Japanese tourist who wants to capture a certain architectural angle but cannot due to LA's municipal retardation. Most of the times the closure is unnecessary - no one is there working. As my buddy says: "How can LA build a subway to the sea if they can't even build the few yards of Angels Flight!?!" I'm beginning to agree." -One pissed off Angeleno.
The past few years have seen a dramatic drop in violence for most neighborhoods. But today's LA Times reminds us that certain areas still have to worry about drive-bys. Reporter Ari Bloomekatz speaks with Councilman Ed Reyes (CD1) to look at how architecture in his district has been adapted to account for the randomness of stray bullets.
"Every development is geared toward the people that have to live there on a day-to-day basis," [Councilman Ed Reyes] said. "When we look at the pragmatism of our neighborhoods, we have to ask questions: Where is the bullet going to come from? What projectile elevation should we adhere to in our development? Where should we situate the trees?"
Instead of putting public spaces at street level, they're being elevated or hidden in some cases. But the "defensive architecture" has some people worried about the pedestrian friendliness of it all. We're guessing those opposed are not big fans of the Downtown Macy's or the Beverly Center. Now there's some good bulletproof fortress architecture.
· Bulletproof public design in L.A. [LA Times]
Curbed LA sources report that the KB Home's Ascent condo project will not be a complete loss following yesterdays terriblefieryinferno. Damage was mostly limited to the building's fourth floor, with some spill over into the third. This latest info refutes earlier reports that the structure was a complete loss. The project, which was 3/4 complete, appears to be moving forward again, if only in baby steps. [Curbed Staff]
Mayor Villairagosa and Council President Eric Garcetti have announced a bold new plan to streamline the building approval process and eliminate bureaucracy while protecting Community Plans and stimulating the economy. The new plan, known as "12 to 2," may also cure cancer. Via the presser: "The “12 to 2” Building Reform Plan will eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy by reducing the number of departments with which a builder must directly interact from 12 to two." A meeting has been scheduled for April 1st, where Mayor V will tell two departments he can make them a supermodel... of efficiency. The other ten departments will be sent home.
Last week's post on the goings-on at our city's Eco-Village--which included the dedication of new sidewalks and trees, as well as the community's victory over a proposed school that would have razed many homes--may have prompted some readers to say: "We have an Eco-Village?" For the uninitiated, the Eco-Village neighborhood is a two-block stretch at Bimini Place and White House Way, located due south of Beverly and Vermont that houses about 500 people in 13 historically significant buildings. The Eco-Village intentional community is home to 35 people who attempt to live sustainable lives: socially, economically, and ecologically. And apartments in this section rent for about half of market value.
Thank you to those participating in this week's game. We gave you a property for sale, and you tried to give us what you thought the listing price was. Now the answer to last Friday's I Want A Condo in Studio City...
Asking Price: $529,000 Listing: Look at all that alcohol. This 2 bed/3 bath Studio City condo features "Coffered Ceilngs, Custom Cork Flooring, a Cook's Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances, a Formal Dining Room and Fire-Places in the Living Room and Master Bedroom."
This week's award goes to guesser Gray #20 who guessed $1,000 above the actual price, and admitted he/she/it knew where this property was. This is the second week in a row that a "Gray" has won the game. Most of you over valued this condo. Guesses averaged $170,828 above the actual listing price.
· 4235 Mary Ellen Ave #104, Studio City 91604 [Movoto]
PriceSpotter knows you're surfing the internet when you should be working. We’re giving you pictures, location, and specifications of a property for sale. You’re putting them together and giving us an asking price. Submit your guesses in the comments, and Monday we’ll reveal the listing price.
What/Where: 2 BR, 3 BA in Studio City Size: 1,460 SF Condo Additional details: Hmm. Key words for this beauty are: marble, cork, and spa-tub. Two of those are floor types, one is a tub that's a spa. Fire place in master bedroom and in living room. Plus a formal dining room and a cook's kitchen. Located North of the Boulevard.
· Pricespotter Archives [Curbed LA]
Mass confusion in the Curbed offices. Yesterday, we reported, in response to a Rumblings & Bumblings question, that Ace Gallery was moving into the old La Brea car dealership building. We even called to verify! But today a gent emails in to refute that claim, stating Trader Joe's may actually be the new tenant.
The dealership under renovation has been leased by Trader Joes. They will move the store two blocks down from their store at La Brea and 3rd.
CityWatch has a non-dramatic telling of the planning history of Los Angeles that has led us to today's battles over density, affordable housing and Zev Yaroslavsky's mustache -- long may it live. Planner and architect Bill Christopher recounts the disconnect that occurred in the 1970's, when Community Plans were instituted that failed to update the existing zoning. "So we had the dis-jointed situation where the actual legal zoning was set up for a city of 10 million, while the advisory “plans” would limit the City eventually to 4.2 million people. Since, at the time in the 70's, the City had fewer than 3 million residents, 4.2 million inhabitants still seemed to many like a recipe for Bladerunner, which, in 1982, provided the imagery for the Los Angeles of the future." [CityWatch]
Hello. We have four questions this week. Please feel free to email us at la@curbed.com if you have answers to these questions or maybe an update on a past question. We would also really appreciate digital pictures.
1) Windsor Square: A curious reader wants to know if the Francis Park condos are okay inside. "Has anyone been inside these or know how they are selling? I happened to drive by today and it seems like a nice location."
2) Echo Park/Downtown: A reader offers two very diverse questions in one email. Here's to the gay swimmers in the crowd. "When??? WHEN will it open? The Echo Park Pool that is. I need to get my swim on and I've been waiting TOO long. Also, is Charlie O's strictly gay now? Seems pretty gay on Mondays. Fridays too. Is it now downtown's gay bar? If so, that's fine by me: PS those kids need to find themselves some pool chalk. Pronto."
3) Hollywood: We passed by this place last week, too. Very curious. "i drove up la brea a week or so ago and snapped a picture of the construction going on at the old la brea car dealership (above). any idea what they're doing?"
LAKEWOOD - As Macy's closes shop at the Lakewood Mall, a new retailer has stepped up to fill the void. A reader alerts us to the news: "Why hasn't anyone blogged about COSTCO coming to Lakewood's LakeHOOD MALL... Construction already began. The old macy*s building is naked (I'll try to snap a picture). Seriously? COSTCO at a Shopping mall?!?!?!?!?!?" Yes, tis true! Via the Press-Telegram: "It is a new kind of conundrum for Costco, which recently began fitting its big box stores like puzzle pieces into the empty spaces of shopping centers. Over the years, shopping centers nationwide have been filling the vacancies created by the consolidation of department stores with entertainment and other nontraditional uses." [Curbed Inbox/PT]
GLENDALE - Fresh & Easy is expanding, with a new Glendale store in the works. Curbed reader Carter emails in: "...in addition to the Americana on Brand project, would you believe you are also in luck to be getting a new Fresh & Easy at Chevy Chase and Colorado, so you can avoid the congestion at Brand and Colorado!!!" Alcohol license in the works. [Curbed Inbox]
PropertyShark has released its latest data on the foreclosure mania sweeping the nation. The February 2008 report shows 2,527 foreclosures for metro-LA (that includes Palmdale and Lancaster), down from the previous peak of 3,864 in January. That is still a 209.7% increase from a year ago, February. Via the report: "Los Angeles Trouble Spots: There has been no change among the top Los Angeles County zip codes over the past 6 months, with zip codes in Lancaster (93535) and Palmdale (93550 and 93551) again having the highest number of new foreclosures."
· February 2008 Foreclosure Report... [emediawire]
For our busy readers who don't have the luxury of being able to watch daytime talk shows, a segment from Live with Regis and Kelly featuring LA real estate broker Ernie Carswell. Ernie takes Regis on a tour of high-end LA real estate, pointing out the prices start at $300,000 for a studio "in a good part of town." Joy Philbin also tags along for the tour of her & Regis' old home (1970's buying price: $98,000. Today's asking price: $4.85 million.) Get ready for some infinity pools, a yoga retreat, and Regis musing about the "young crowd" loving the design. Thanks for the tour, Grandpa.
Sure, you know about the mystery towers at Park La Brea. And you know about questionable deposit practices at Park La Brea. But did you know that the sprawling 176-acre mini-community/rental jambalya near The Grove is undergoing a steady years-long facelift? No? Wake up, then! Pay attention! Nadel Architects, the project's architect, forwarded a bunch of renderings. That's your new Clubhouse above. But can you bring your dog to it? We once heard no pets were allowed at Park LaBrea. Answers needed!
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From the studio lots to the downtown lofts. From the beachfront bungalows to the canyon views. From the south bay to the valley, from the westside to the eastside—Curbed LA covers our sense of place, and the neighborhoods we call home. Read more about Curbed LA...
Bad news. All the pretty development we've been reporting on will be destroyed in a horrific earthquake set to strike Southern California sometime between now and 2037. Via nbc4: 
A reader is at wits end and needs some advice for dealing with an inconsiderate landlord. 
It was only a matter of time, but finally all our crazy judicial dreams have come true. A lawsuit has finally popped up, as a citizen opponent of the State's SB 1818 Density Bonus law has sued the City. The Density Bonus law would incentivize developers to include affordable housing in their projects in exchange for being allowed to build with added height, more dwelling units, fewer parking spaces or a host of other options. The Daily News reports that Valley Village homeowner Sandy Hubbard filed the lawsuit in order to stop the city's implementation of the ordinance, following 
Glad to hear that somebody out there is thinking of the tourists. LA's not all about the Hollywood Sign and Disneyland. The tourists are also starting to arrive Downtown to see our wonderful architecture, and they need good photos to show their friends back in Osaka. Let's try to make it pleasant, heh? 
The past few years have seen a dramatic drop in violence for most neighborhoods. But today's LA Times reminds us that certain areas still have to worry about drive-bys. Reporter Ari Bloomekatz speaks with Councilman Ed Reyes (
Curbed LA sources report that the KB Home's Ascent condo project will not be a complete loss following yesterdays 
Mayor Villairagosa and Council President Eric Garcetti have announced a bold new plan to streamline the building approval process and eliminate bureaucracy while protecting Community Plans and stimulating the economy. The new plan, known as "12 to 2," may also cure cancer. Via the presser: "The “12 to 2” Building Reform Plan will eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy by reducing the number of departments with which a builder must directly interact from 12 to two." A meeting has been scheduled for April 1st, where Mayor V will tell two departments he can make them a supermodel... of efficiency. The other ten departments will be sent home.
A quick update to this mornings disastrous fire at the KB Home's Ascent condo development in Warner Center. First, via the 
LAKEWOOD - As Macy's closes shop at the Lakewood Mall, a new retailer has stepped up to fill the void. A reader alerts us to the news: "Why hasn't anyone blogged about COSTCO coming to Lakewood's LakeHOOD MALL... Construction already began. The old macy*s building is naked (I'll try to snap a picture). Seriously? COSTCO at a Shopping mall?!?!?!?!?!?" Yes, tis true! Via the 
