Our poll from earlier this week asked you the reader to look at the Renaissance Apartments in Woodland Hills, and vote on whether you like or dislike it—your choices were 'That's Rather Lovely!,' 'So close,' 'I feel strangely ambivalent about it,' or 'That's Rather Hideous!' A stunning 75.2 % of you agreed that the Renaissance renovation, featuring a faux brick facade with stucco and metal railing, deserved a "That's Rather Hideous." Thank you for voting. [Curbed Poll]
Taking a page from our sister site Racked LA, we're asking you to look at this development and vote on whether you like or dislike it—your choices are 'That's Rather Lovely!,' 'So close,' 'I feel strangely ambivalent about it,' or 'That's Rather Hideous!'
The Renaissance in Woodland Hills is located on Erwin Street, just west of Topanga Canyon. The renovation to the exterior of the structure includes the use of new brick facades, arches, contemporary two-tone coloring, and unusual metal art sculptures on the roof. The complex was previously a single creamy tan color.
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]
What appears to be final word on this morning's fire at developer KB Homes' project Ascent at Warner Center: A welder accidentally started the blaze "when a piece of molten metal fell onto tar paper on the story below," according to SignOnSanDiego. Isn't tar paper always to blame. And three-fourths of the development was spared. And the fire via the construction cam: The second shot is before the fire started.
· Wing of big L.A. condo construction site burns [Union-Tribune]
· Update: KB Home's Ascent Fire; High 300s, Indeed [Curbed LA]
We stopped by the KB Home's Ascent projectnear the corner of Canoga and Erwin in lovely ash-covered Warner Center. Above: Snaps from the reconnaissance mission. Reader Adam also alerts us to the live web cam broadcasting at the project. Hello Mr. Fireman. We're guessing the smoldering units will need to be reevaluated in terms of pricing.
UPDATE: Los Angeles fire spokesman Brian Humphrey tells KTTV-TV "the fire is burning from the top floor of the construction site, but that the structure will likely be a complete loss."Fox News is reporting that over 200 fireman were on scene and that the fire was reported under control at 10:05 am.
It appears that one of the relatively new housing developments is ablaze with fire in Warner Center. We can see it out of our office window in Woodland Hills. Initial guesses would say it's Ascent at Warner Center, KB Homes' project, however, we can't be sure. Updates to follow.
UPDATE: The LAFD has pinpointed the fire at 6200 Canoga Avenue. Via the LAFD blog: "*Structure Fire* 6200 Canoga Ave; TG 530-B7; FS 72, Five story condos under construction; NFD; Ch:8,18 @8:43 AM."
UPDATE: Confirmed: Per editor Josh, the fire is at the site of the KB Homes project on Erwin; it seems the LAFD blog listed the whole block in its reference to 6200 Canoga.
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]
Mini-Malling, also known as Deconstructing Mini Mall Architecture, is our infrequent pondering of the psychology of retail architecture, signage and assembly of tenants specifically related to the mini-malls of Southern California. See a mini-mall worthy of a second look? Email us.
The Fleetwood Square mini-mall located at 19611 Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana/Woodland Hills is designed to look like the front of a Cadillac Fleetwood. It may be our favorite mini-mall in all of Los Angeles. Constructed in 1987, according to An Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles, it was designed in the Programmatic style of architecture, although it's unclear if a Cadillac dealership ever actually occupied the space. Per Loopnet, there is presently an occupancy available in Suite 104. We think that's below the right front headlight.
· Deconstructing Mini Mall Architecture: Why the Blue Things? [Curbed LA]
· Deconstructing Mini Mall Architecture: Washington Blvd [Curbed LA]
About Curbed LA
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...
Curbed LA sources report that the KB Home's Ascent condo project will not be a complete loss following yesterdays 
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 
