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| SOUTH/EVO. Photo by Gary Leonard. |
The Latest on Downtown's 137 Projects
by Jeff Favre, Richard Guzman, Jon Regardie and Anna Scott
With all the reports about sub-prime woes, lending difficulties and a nationwide housing slump, one might expect the Downtown Los Angeles development scene to be down in the dumps. Well, not exactly.
In recent months, Downtown has absolutely suffered, and a few major developments have taken serious hits. At the same time, scores of projects are underway, and more people are moving into the community's new condominiums and apartment structures and taking advantage of the arriving cultural venues and businesses. The market has dipped significantly from its high point, but it is also worlds beyond the dead zone that existed before the adaptive reuse boom began in 1999.
Some of the skepticism has a base, as the much-watched Grand Avenue development has had its start date pushed back to 2009, and the Historic Core mixed-use complex the Medallion this month became the first project in years to be halted in the middle of construction. Additionally, more developments planned as condominiums are instead shifting to rentals.
Despite the doom and gloom, work is steaming ahead on dozens of big-budget projects. The massive L.A. Live and its Convention Center hotel are taking shape, while the Rowan Lofts nears an opening and the LAPD headquarters continues to rise in the heart of the Civic Center. Even if apartments are taking precedent over condos, the structures are uniformly more than 95% occupied. Clearly, this is a mixed market, not a dead one.
Here is the latest on the 137 projects in Downtown Los Angeles. Each of the following entries includes a grid reference to an updated, full-color Downtown Development map, which appears on page 20. (Some projects are beyond the map's boundary and are denoted by NA.)
NEW PROJECTS
These projects were either announced or garnered public interest in the last three months.
DODGER STADIUM IMPROVEMENTS
Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt last month announced plans for a $500 million renovation of Dodger Stadium. The project is expected to break ground next year and be complete by 2012. The vision includes an upgraded and landscaped entrance; a new promenade called Dodger Way, with restaurants, shops and a Dodger museum; a landscaped grand plaza beyond center field connecting to Dodger Way; an outdoor walkway circling the perimeter of the stadium; two new garages to replace the existing surface-level lots; and an outdoor plaza with 360-degree views of the city. A team led by architecture and planning firms Johnson Fain and HKS is handling designs. Construction will unfold mostly during upcoming off-seasons, said McCourt, and will not interfere with games. The announcement of the upgrade comes on the heels of a recently completed, $75 million renovation of the park's Field Level concourse that brought two new VIP lounges, new restrooms and concession stands. Previous renovations have included replacing seats throughout the stadium and the entire playing surface and building new dugouts. The Dodgers also plan to upgrade services on the 12,000-seat Loge Level and 19,000-seat Reserve Level in 2009. B1
HYGGE
The South Group has announced plans to open a Danish restaurant this year on the ground floor of the Luma building at 11th and Hope streets. It will be part Danish bakery and deli, and part sit-down establishment, with a formal dining area and an outdoor patio. The 6,362-square-foot space will include a bar and lounge area and space for live music, and is ultimately expected to be open seven days a week. B8
MANGROVE
Three development teams are in the running to purchase and create a mixed-use, transit-oriented project on a 4.5-acre, city-owned site, known as the Mangrove, on the northeast corner of First and Alameda streets. Proposals include the Nikkei Center, from a team led by the Little Tokyo Service Center, Urban Partners and the Santa Monica-based Kaji & Associates, which would include contiguous seven-story structures with 390 rental units above two levels of retail, plus a six-story office tower; a proposal led by Niemann Properties would bring a mix of 400 for-sale and rental units in three six-story structures with two levels of retail and one 10-story residential tower, along with a 15-story office tower; and Tokyo Art Park Crossing, a collaboration between Concerto Development and Williams & Dame, which would rise in two phases, creating 360 housing units with ground-floor commercial space, condominium towers, a one-acre park and a 12,000-square-foot grocery store. The winning team, to be selected by a panel of city and neighborhood stakeholders, is expected to be named in June. The development site is part of a 10-acre parcel that the city purchased in 2002. E5
MUSIC CENTER ANNEX
Officials with the Music Center have announced a proposal to tear down the current annex building, north of the Ahmanson Theatre at Grand Avenue and Temple Street, and replace it with a structure that could be 150,000 square feet and six-10 stories tall. It would hold office space, rehearsal rooms and a small theater for educational programs. Music Center President and CEO Stephen Rountree has said that officials hope to complete the project by 2012. C4
RESIDENTIAL FOR SALE
655 HOPE
Late summer remains the target for move-ins at 655 S. Hope St., a 17-story, $15 million, 80-unit building with three levels of indoor parking, according to developer SECK Group, LLC. Located across the street from Macy's Plaza, the emerald-colored structure - complete with a rooftop entertainment deck - includes 11 floors of residential space, with condominiums ranging from 600-1,268 square feet and five two-story townhouse-style units with floor-to-ceiling windows and reflective glass. Units will start at $395,000 and go up to $999,000. Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderberg is designing the remodel. C3
711 N. BROADWAY
Following some delays, Bridge Residential Advisors' Jim Osterling said the company plans to begin the $22 million conversion of the four-story BC Plaza building into 53 condos this winter. The former office complex in Chinatown will offer units from $300,000-$600,000. Retail space will still be available on the ground floor. C3
717 NINTH
The 35-story project by developer Meruelo Maddux Properties is on schedule and on budget, said company spokesman Michael Bustamante. The parking structure is nearly complete, and the upper floors are under construction. The $120 million effort broke ground in early 2007 and is slated for completion in mid-2009. A glass curtain resembling a wall of water will cloak the high-rise at the two-thirds-of-an-acre site adjacent to the Ralphs supermarket. Plans call for the tower at Ninth and Flower streets to contain 214 units and a 6,800-square-foot ground-floor seafood eatery. Mambo Architecture is designing the project. B8
751 S. SPRING ST.
Developer Spring St. Plaza, LLC is still seeking entitlements for a 32-story tower and there is no timeline yet for construction, said consultant Jim Ries of Craig Lawson & Co. Preliminary plans call for 257 condominiums and 9,558 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The team behind Heritage Development Group, which renovated the adjacent Chapman Building, also heads Spring St. Plaza. C7
756 S. SPRING ST.
Spring Main Development LLC is scheduled to finish the renovation of the 12-story, former Great Republic Insurance Building by the end of this year. Crews are working on drywall, installing cabinets and restoring the faŤade, said architect David Gray. The project will create 72 condominiums as well as a rooftop deck, gym and spa. The average unit in the Historic Core structure is approximately 850 square feet and includes glass tile in the bathrooms, hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and exposed concrete beam ceilings. There will also be retail on the ground floor and 72 parking spaces for residents next door. The project's price has not been revealed. D7
808 N. SPRING ST.
Developer the Kor Group is considering several options for the 10-story Chinatown building, including selling it. The 150,000-square-foot edifice, which has been entitled for 123 live-work units, has retail space fronting Alameda Street and is near the Chinatown Gold Line Station and Union Station. Kor paid $9.2 million for the property. C2
808 S. OLIVE ST.
No plans have been announced for the current 900-space parking lot in South Park. The New York-based Moinian Group eventually plans to transform the property, probably into a residential and hotel complex, said the company's Oskar Brecher, but has not applied for entitlements. C7
1027 WILSHIRE
Five new consultants have been hired as planning work continues on a 52-story residential tower at 1027 Wilshire Blvd. in City West, said Hamid Behdad, president of the Central City Development Group, which is partnering on the project with the Amidi Real Estate Group. Although the developers have not yet sought funding, Behdad said that, depending on market conditions, they hope to break ground by the end of the year. The 402-condominium development is valued at $300 million. Entitlements were secured in 2006, and the developers are now working on approvals for the building permit. Construction would take at least 36 months. A7
1133 S. HOPE ST.
Vancouver-based developer Amacon Group expects to receive full city entitlements for the South Park project by mid-June. The company hopes to break ground within a year on a 29-story, 159-unit building on a current parking lot across from the South Group's Elleven high-rise. The project would include 250 parking spaces, 6,700 square feet of retail and an outdoor pool on the podium level. Construction is expected to last approximately two years. Budget and financing information have not been disclosed. B9
2121 LOFTS
Developer Concerto Development is close to completing its second phase at 2121 E. Seventh Place in the Arts District; it will create 59 lofts with 18-foot ceilings, and former loading docks have become patios. The 125,000-square-foot compound of historic industrial buildings will feature units from $400,000-$900,000; the residences range from 750-2,100 square feet. Architecture firm Killefer Flammang designed the renovation. The 28,000-square-foot grounds will include a dog park and an outdoor kitchen. NA
AMP LOFTS
Developers David Seewack and Scott Spiwak are still seeking city approval for a 182-unit condominium development at 695 S. Santa Fe Ave. The project is expected to go to the Community Redevelopment Agency board within two months, said Seewack, and eventually the full City Council. The industrial conversion was originally rejected by the city Planning Department, but 14th District Councilman JosŽ Huizar brought it under the Council's jurisdiction in January. The project, on property that currently houses truck parts supplier American Moving Parts (owned by Seewack and Spiwak), would contain for-sale live-work lofts and 3,000 square feet of retail. The developers have not yet determined the project's total square footage or budget. NA
BARKER BLOCK
Developer the Kor Group plans to open the third residential building of the multi-phase, $75 million Barker Block this summer. The 116-unit structure will be at 530 S. Hewitt St. (a 63-unit building, also at 530 S. Hewitt St., came online in March). Two buildings at 549 Molino St., housing a total of 55 units, will start construction at the end of 2009 and open in 2010. The lofts in the Arts District project designed by Nakada & Associates range from 750-2,400 square feet and start in the mid-$300,000s. The project's retail component is expected to expand with the Primo Cucina Italian restaurant and gourmet market opening in the fall, and organic eatery Urth Caffe debuting by the end of the year. The entire 297-unit project is expected to be complete by late 2010. The complex also houses the headquarters for the newly created Downtown Film Festival, to debut in August. F6
BARN LOFTS
The 58,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project is under construction and could open this summer, said developer Mark Borman of Barn Lofts LLP. The project will transform the former Spreckels Brothers sugar beet warehouse at 940 E. Second St. into 38 market-rate condominiums. All will be three-story, loft-style townhomes with two and a half bathrooms, two bedrooms and roof decks. Units will range from 1,300-2,600 square feet, and the developer plans to include sustainable elements and will seek LEED certification. There will be interior parking through the center of the project, with residences on either side. The development will include 69 parking spaces, with 48 of them inside. Prices for the units have not been determined, said Borman. F5
BROCKMAN BUILDING
This $35 million adaptive reuse project is expected to open July 1. The sales office is currently accepting reservations, and the building will open for tours the first week of June, according to developer West Millennium Group. The 12-story, 1921 Beaux Arts structure at 530 W. Seventh St. contains 80 condominium lofts, ranging from 780-2,200 square feet and priced from the high $300,000s-$1.4 million. The building also features a fitness center, underground parking, security and two rooftop Jacuzzis. Units include ceilings as high as 18 feet, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, designer appliances, European bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and marble and granite countertops. The Santa Monica-based firm Donald Barany Architecture designed the project. The 10,000-square-foot Louie Restaurant and Gourmet Market is expected to open on the ground floor by June, offering baked goods, a carving station, a coffee bar and more. C7
CHAPMAN LOFTS
The Chapman Building, at Eighth Street and Broadway in the Historic Core, had long been planned as a for-sale project, but switched to rentals this month. Although approximately 105 of the 168 units in the 13-story, $30 million adaptive reuse project had been pre-sold by February, according to the building's sales office at the time, developers said the current market has made it impossible for some buyers to secure financing. Ultimately, the number of buyers able to close escrow fell below the pre-closing requirements and the decision was made to convert the property to a rental structure, said Mark Farzan of All Pacific Financial, who is part of the Heritage Development Group that developed the property. Designed by architect Wade Killefer, the 96-year-old Jewelry District edifice features a restored, original marble entry and decorative faŤade, as well as original doors, columns and window trim. Units range from 600-1,300 square feet and rent for $1,495-$3,500 per month. The building features a rooftop park with a Jacuzzi, gazebo and pond, a 24-hour concierge and a gym. A Kelly's Coffee shop on the ground floor is expected to open this month, said Farzan. C7
CHINATOWN LOFTS
L.A. Chinatown Lofts LLC, led by developer Thomas A. Patty, and architect Randy Morris are working on construction drawings for a proposed six-story, 392,522-square-foot project at 1101 N. Main St., southeast of Los Angeles State Historic Park. The 75-foot-tall project, which was approved by the City Council, would house 318 condominiums, including 18 commercial-residential "flex" units, 618 parking spaces and ground-floor retail. The design will include sustainable elements and green space. No groundbreaking date or funding information has been released, but a spokesman for the developer said they hope to finish the project in approximately two years. D2
CITY HOUSE AND THE OLYMPIC
The dual high-rise project has added a five-star hotel to the mix (although the operator has not been publicly revealed), and developer Titan Organization hopes to break ground within a year, said Rick Robertson of Robertson Partners, the architect on the South Park project. Although officials had previously said they hoped to begin construction in early 2008, Robertson said a funding team is in place and the effort has been approved by the CRA. Currently the team is finishing construction documents and will soon seek city permits. The plan for an 800,000-square-foot complex at Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard calls for a 60-story structure, the City House, that would have a classic design, and the contemporary-styled, 49-floor Olympic. Residences in the units would start at 1,200 square feet and $700,000. C8
CONCERTO
Construction continues on the mega-development at Figueroa and Ninth streets in South Park from developer Astani Enterprises. The first phase, to include 348 units in one 30-story tower and a seven-story building, is expected to be complete in September 2009. A second phase would bring another 30-story tower and create a total of 629 units (an increase from a previous plan to build 619 residences). The market-rate condominiums will range from 750-2,325 square feet, and the project will include 27,500 square feet of retail. The buildings will wrap around a courtyard with a one-acre park. Plans also call for a 1,000-space subterranean parking lot and a pedestrian paseo connecting Figueroa and Flower streets. The towers will have glass faŤades with 10-and-a-half-foot ceilings. B8
EIGHTH AND GRAND
Developer Astani Enterprises is still planning a $500 million project at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue, although it is at least a year from breaking ground, according to a company official. The development would rise in three phases on what is currently a parking lot, creating 875 units in 15-, 21- and 38-story towers, plus 36,000 square feet of retail. Preliminary plans include a promenade-style pedestrian paseo lined with retail to connect Grand Avenue and Olive Street. C7
EL DORADO
A renovation of the former hotel at 416 S. Spring St. into 65 units is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year, said Bill Stevenson of developer Downtown Properties. Residences in the 12-story edifice, built in 1913, will range from 850-1,700 square feet and prices will start in the $400,000s. Each condominium will feature at least one balcony and Italian kitchens and bathroom cabinets, while penthouses will have private gardens. D6
FOURTH AND ALAMEDA CONDOS
The completion date for developer Peklar Pilavjian's $30 million project at Fourth and Alameda streets has been pushed back from this spring to late 2008 or early next year. The five-story, 67,000-square-foot Arts District structure would house 53 live-work lofts ranging from 650-2,400 square feet. The building would feature a rooftop Jacuzzi and barbecue deck. The edifice is a former Bekins storage warehouse. E5
GLASS TOWER
Although the project has been delayed multiple times, owner/developer Amir Kalantari said a 25-story, $60 million ground-up residential tower at 1050 S. Grand Ave. will begin construction in about six months. Designs are almost complete and Kalantari said he will soon seek city permits. Plans call for a glass-clad edifice in South Park with 128 high-end condominiums from 850 to more than 3,300 square feet. Units would sell for $400,000-$3 million. Kalantari said the venture would take two years to complete. C8
HAI WEI TERRACE
Plans were scrapped for developer Kim Benjamin's 102-unit condominium project after the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the office building at Figueroa Terrace and College Street last month. The sale price was not disclosed. The Dodgers plan to use the building for office space, according to the former owner. B3
L.A. LOFTS
Developer Venice Investments, creator of the Packard Lofts, still hopes for an early 2009 groundbreaking for a 25-story, 250-condominium tower in South Park. The 250,000-square-foot project on Hope Street between 11th Street and Olympic Boulevard would include 10,000 square feet of retail space and 400 parking spots. Killefer Flammang Architects is handling the designs. B8
MILL STREET LOFTS
There is no timeline on developer Linear City's proposed 17-story, ground-up condominium project, which has been put on hold due to the current financial market. In the meantime, the developer is renovating the existing 40,000-square-foot, two-story building on the site and is looking to rent out the ground-floor retail space and upstairs artist studios. Plans for the property, at 673 Mateo St. in the Arts District, include two structures totaling 132,000 square feet, to house 122 units ranging from 550 to 2,400 square feet. The project would feature balconies in all units, a park, a 75-foot swimming pool, a spa, a fire pit and fountains. NA
PARK FIFTH
The City Council this month granted final approval for the $1.3 billion development north of Pershing Square. Project officials said the 790-condominium tower (which will also include a 212-room hotel) is moving forward with original investors Africa Israel and Namco Capital Group, Inc. Houk Development Company has secured the initial capital and is on track to break ground in the fourth quarter of 2008, with an anticipated completion date in the first quarter of 2012, said project manager Rich Marr. He added that the development team is seeking other investors to provide the additional capital that will be required as the project unfolds. The developers say they have secured a commitment for an $800 million construction loan, but are not ready to publicly announce details of the deal. A $5 million sales center opened in November in the Gas Company Tower, and more than 300 reservations have been taken for the project at Fifth and Olive streets. The 76-story, 860-foot project is expected to be the tallest residential tower west of Chicago. C6
ROOSEVELT LOFTS
The $80 million conversion at Seventh and Flower Streets continues, and Milbank Real Estate Services hopes to open by the end of spring. Approximately 100 of the 222 units have been sold in the 1925, 16-story former office building. Amenities will include 24-hour valet parking, a concierge and a rooftop pool with cabanas, as well as a fitness center and a business lounge. Although most of the lower-priced units have been sold, some residences in the upper-$400,000s are still available. Multi-level penthouses go for more than $1 million. Architecture firm Killefer Flammang is designing the conversion. B7
ROWAN LOFTS
A temporary occupancy permit is expected in July with move-ins that same month for the 206 live-work units in the 1912 building at Fifth and Spring streets. Approximately one-third of the lofts in the $50 million project have been sold, said Bill Stevenson of developer Downtown Properties. The 280,000-square-foot, 13-story structure will offer units priced from $300,000 to more than $1 million. Some of the 500- to 1,400-square-foot condos will feature private patios or balconies. Killefer Flammang Architects is designing the project that will restore the Beaux Art structure's original terra cotta faŤade and marble-clad lobby, hallways and stairways. Plans also call for landscaping around the perimeter and a private park. D6
SB MAIN
The 12-story adaptive reuse project at 111 W. Seventh St. in the Historic Core will open this summer, said developer Barry Shy. The 1920s building features 190 lofts ranging from 600-1,400 square feet, a rooftop pool, spa, gym and 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Prices start at $500,000. D7
SB SPRING
Developer Barry Shy has said that units in the 200,000-square-foot, 12-story building could open as rentals due to market conditions, but plans still call for condominiums. The project at 650 S. Spring St. is expected to be complete in about six months, he said. The 190 residences range from 600-1,500 square feet, and the project includes a rooftop pool, gym and recreation room, plus 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. If the SB Spring opens as condominiums, Shy said, prices will likely range from $350,000-$1 million. D7
SB TOWER
A 19-story, adaptive reuse project at 600 S. Spring St. is under construction and expected to open in approximately eight months, said developer Barry Shy. The 250 residences will range from 700-1,500 square feet, and prices will start at $400,000 and go up to $1 million. The Historic Core development will feature a rooftop pool and spa, a recreation room, a gym and 8,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. D7
SHY BARRY TOWER II
Developer Barry Shy is still seeking city approvals for a ground-up project at 601 S. Main St., currently a parking lot. The 40-story building would create 700 live-work condominiums from 800-1,800 square feet, plus two tennis courts, a pool, spa and gym. The top floor, said Shy, would house a restaurant, while an upscale market would occupy the 30,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Groundbreaking is likely eight months to a year away, Shy said. D7
SOUTH/EVO
The $160 million high-rise by developer South Group is scheduled for a late summer completion, according to a project spokesperson. The 23-story development at 12th Street and Grand Avenue in South Park will feature 311 residences priced from $425,000 to $3 million. Evo is the last in a trio of environmentally conscious buildings on the same block from the developer (following Elleven and Luma); it is also the most upscale of the three. Open space on the block serves all the properties. C9
SOUTH FIGUEROA
A groundbreaking on two 34-story luxury condominium towers at 624 W. 12th St. and 1200 S. Figueroa St. is scheduled for mid-2009, said a representative of Portland-based developer the South Group. The company purchased the property for $23.5 million. GBD Architects and TVA Architects Inc. are designing the high-rises, which will each contain 324 condominiums. The units would have hardwood floors, decks and balconies. South Group also has plans for a future phase with a third tower at 1241 S. Flower St. No opening date has been announced. B9
WASHINGTON MUTUAL BUILDING
There has been no movement on developer Kim Benjamin's adaptive reuse project at 315 W. Ninth St. Entitlements are in place, but no timeline has been announced. Plans call for 98 live-work condominiums on floors three through 12, and 15 commercial condos on the basement, first and second levels. Office space in the building is currently available for lease. C8
ZEN
Kawada Company of America is in the entitlement stage for a mega-tower at the northeast corner of Second and Hill streets. The development had previously been delayed, and a new groundbreaking date has been set for June or July 2009, said Beverly Zeigler, a spokeswoman for the company. She said funding is secure for the 50-story high-rise, being designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The tower would feature Asian influences and 302 lofts and penthouses (66 would be priced as workforce housing) ranging from 502-2,420 square feet. There are plans for 10,000 square feet of retail space, and possibly an upscale convenience store and a sports-themed restaurant. The Zen Tower would include 700 parking spots and a two-level, 52,000-square-foot fitness center and pool. C5
RESIDENTIAL FOR RENT
308 E. NINTH ST.
This adaptive reuse project is approximately 60% complete, said architect David Gray, and is expected to finish by the end of the year. The five-story, 73,000-square-foot former warehouse at Ninth and Santee streets in the Fashion District is being converted into 38 loft apartments by developer South Park Group. Crews are currently installing drywall and starting work on finishes. The eight two-level penthouse units will feature rooftop gardens and decks. There is currently a Starbucks on the ground floor. Rents have not been determined, and the developer has not revealed the construction price. D8
717 OLYMPIC
Move-ins for the 26-story tower at Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street in South Park will begin this month, according to a spokesperson for Houston-based developer the Hanover Company. The high-rise broke ground in late 2005 and is designed by RTKL Architects. There are 151 one- and two-bedroom apartments averaging 1,061 square feet and two-level penthouses. Some units contain wraparound windows. The building also includes an eighth-floor lounge, and a rooftop terrace will hold fire pits, an outdoor kitchen and a spa. B8
810 S. SPRING ST.
The transformation of a 12-story former bank building in the Historic Core, by developer National City Towers, is slated for completion by July, said David Gray, the Santa Monica-based architect on the project. Crews are completing the drywall, painting and cabinets. The 135,000-square-foot development, which has been estimated at $17 million, will include several two-story penthouses with a rooftop deck and a Jacuzzi. The 93 apartments will range from 650-1,700 square feet and have cement floors. Many of the 1924 edifice's historic attributes are being preserved, including its faŤade and lobby and the first floor's gold leaf-embossed ceiling. A yet-unnamed upscale restaurant will occupy space on the ground floor. C7
ALEXANDRIA HOTEL
The renovation of the Alexandria Hotel at 501 S. Spring St. is scheduled to be complete by the summer, according to the hotel's website. San Diego-based Amerland Group purchased the residential hotel for $30 million and is rehabbing the 463 rental units. The company received $35 million from the Community Redevelopment Agency in tax-exempt bonds and a commitment of $11.9 million from the Bunker Hill Trust Fund to preserve at least 130 apartments for very-low-income residents. Plans call for kitchenettes in each unit and upgrades to the hallways and common areas. In April, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo filed charges against Amerland for a lack of proper fire code certifications and blocked exits in the structure. C6
BELMONT STATION APARTMENTS
The $70 million housing project at Second Street and Lucas Avenue could open to residents this month. The four- and five-story building is on the former Pacific train yard at the entrance to the old Belmont Tunnel, which runs beneath Bunker Hill. The project developed by Essex Property Trust Inc. contains 275 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments between 527 and 1,820 square feet, as well as 55 affordable units. Rents for the market-rate units are $1,600 to $4,500. The property includes a business and conference center, a media room, a pool, a dog park and two levels of underground parking. A5
BIXEL COURT
According to the most recent information available, the City West project is slated to open in June. Located on the site of a former parking lot at Fifth and Bixel streets, the $24 million development by Bixel Court, LLP is designed by Downtown-based Birba Architects. The 80-unit complex will include five townhouses, 11 studio lofts and one- and two-bedroom units along with penthouses. Amenities will include a 1,500-square-foot gym with a 50-foot lap pool and two levels of subterranean parking. A6
CHESTER WILLIAMS BUILDING
Although project developer Fifth Street Funding did not return calls for comment, the company previously said it would begin construction by August on the adaptive reuse conversion of the 12-story Chester Williams Building at 215 W. Fifth St. in the Historic Core. Plans call for 82 fully finished rental units. The property's wide hallways would be preserved and the marble corridors fully restored. Construction is expected to last 20-24 months. C6
JAMES M. WOOD APARTMENTS
The 53-unit, $10 million development to house chronically homeless tenants - including 31 units for those with severe mental illness - is scheduled for completion by spring 2009, said Joseph Corcoran of the nonprofit developer Single Room Occupancy Housing Corp. Construction on the project at 506 S. San Julian St. began last fall. D6
JEWELRY TRADES BUILDING
According to the most recent information available, developer Mideb Nominees Inc. expects to complete the transformation of the Jewelry Trades Building into a 62-loft complex by July. The building at Fifth and Hill streets will have one- and two-bedroom units and rents will be market rate. The terra cotta-colored exterior and Renaissance-influenced faŤade on the nine-story 1913 property are also being restored. Christopher Compton Architects is overseeing the renovation. C6
JW APARTMENTS
The 61-unit, two-building project is in the final stage; the structure at 1405 James M. Wood Blvd. is open and tenants have begun moving in, said a project spokesperson. The 1328 James M. Wood Blvd. building is slated to open this month. The $20.5 million City West development includes 40 two-bedroom units that are approximately 800 square feet and 21 three-bedroom, 1,259-square-foot residences. The 58,000-square-foot complex also holds 1,340 square feet of office and social service space, a 1,740-square-foot community room and a 3,000-square-foot childcare center. Pasadena-based Ken Kurose Architects handled the designs. NA
MATSU
Although developer AvalonBay Communities did not return calls for comment, the company previously said it hoped to begin construction on a six-story apartment complex on the southwest corner of Los Angeles and Second streets by mid-2008. The 1.7-acre development in Little Tokyo, part of the Block 8 plot, would include a 1,700-square-foot fitness center and 8,500 square feet of retail space along Los Angeles Street. AvalonBay has said the project would be designed to condominium specifications but would be rented as apartments when it opens. D5
METROPOLITAN LOFTS
Seismic upgrades are slated to be finished in September for the adaptive reuse project at 315 W. Fifth St. A completion date is still set at early 2009, according to a spokesman for developer South Broadway, LLC. The 10-story, 163,000-square-foot Historic Core building is being converted into 84 apartments. Floors three through nine of the Beaux Arts-style structure will have units from approximately 650-1,500 square feet. Three penthouses will range from 1,200-2,300 square feet. C6
NEW CARVER APARTMENTS
On April 28, affordable housing developer Skid Row Housing Trust formally broke ground on the $35 million, 53,000-square-foot project at 325 W. 17th St. It is expected to be complete in July 2009. The Michael Maltzan-designed structure, to house 95 efficiency units for low-income senior and disabled adults, will feature colorful serrated panels along a rounded exterior. The New Carver is the SRHT's 22nd development, and its first in South Park. C10
ORSINI III
In March the Community Redevelopment Agency approved plans by developer G.H. Palmer Associates to convert the northeast corner of Figueroa Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue into a five-story apartment complex with 210 studio, one- and two-bedroom units. The project would include a three-level podium containing 13,000 square feet of commercial space and a 477-space parking garage. The CRA approval stipulates that once the building reaches 75% occupancy, if tenancy in its commercial-retail space drops below 30%, Palmer must lower retail lease rates to match those at similar Chinatown properties. Although the developer would not comment on the project, a building on the site housing a previous tenant, the Original Texas Barbeque King, has been razed. B3
PIERO II
Excavation continues for a 340-apartment complex on Sixth between Bixel and St. Paul streets in City West. The project is by developer G.H. Palmer Associates. Plans call for a pedestrian bridge over St. Paul Street that would connect a rooftop swimming pool deck to the already open Piero complex. Piero II was scaled down from its original design for 600 units. The developer has clashed with the city over whether the project must include an affordable housing element. A7
ROSSLYN LOFTS
Leasing is underway for the Rosslyn Lofts, according to the project's website. San Diego-based Amerland Group is renovating the building at 111 W. Fifth St., formerly known as the Frontier Hotel. Last year Amerland received $8 million from the Community Redevelopment Agency to maintain affordable rents at the residential hotel. Under the CRA agreement, floors 10 through 12 can remain luxury apartments, but levels three through nine will be regulated as low- and moderate-income housing. Last month, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo filed charges against Amerland for poorly maintained fire protection equipment in the building. D6
SAN PEDRO APARTMENTS
A six-story, luxury apartment building from developer Related Cos. is under construction and scheduled to open in spring 2009. The 230 units will include a 20% affordable housing component. Plans also call for 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, a rooftop deck, a street-level promenade, a two-way street, landscaped pedestrian pathways, a fitness center, a business lounge and other amenities. Located at Second and San Pedro streets, the project comprises the first phase of the Little Tokyo complex Block 8, which will consist of four separate developments. Thomas P. Cox Architects is designing the San Pedro Apartments. Related is also developing the $3 billion Grand Avenue project. D5
SIXTH STREET LOFTS
Construction is underway on the conversion of a row of brick-clad warehouses at 1291-1333 E. Sixth St. into 63 live-work units and at least two retail spaces. The Arts District project by developer Howard Klein is slated to include apartments from 600-1,800 square feet, multiple courtyards and open green space. The transformation is being designed by Seattle-based Tony Bell Architecture. F6
TEN TEN WILSHIRE
The $50 million adaptive reuse high-rise in City West is expected to open in June, according to the building's leasing office, pushed back from a previously anticipated March debut. Developer Amidi Real Estate Group originally planned a condominium project called 1010 Wilshire, but instead is offering 227 furnished live-work suites for short- or long-term rental. Units range from approximately 650-2,000 square feet, and include one- and two-bedroom layouts, plus penthouses and 16 two-story lofts. Rents for the first six months will start at approximately $3,000 and will include utilities and weekly maid service. The building will feature a rooftop pool, chauffeur service, valet parking and a concierge. The property also holds ground-floor office and retail space. A7
MIXED USE
BLOSSOM PLAZA
According to the most recent information available, construction on developer Bond Companies' 262-unit mixed-use project is scheduled to start by the end of the third quarter. The $170 million effort would hold two residential towers, designed by Nakada & Associates, 43,000 square feet of retail space and a 372-car garage, about half of which would be available to the public. Blossom Plaza would transform the site of the former Little Joe's restaurant at 900 N. Broadway in Chinatown and connect the Chinatown Metro Gold Line station to Broadway. The development would also include a 17,500-square-foot plaza for cultural events and would offer 20% affordable housing. C2
CHINATOWN GATEWAY
Working drawings for a 321,000-square-foot development at Broadway and Cesar E. Chavez Avenue are undergoing plan checks for permits, said Jeff Allen, a partner in the project. Construction could start in the third quarter of 2008, he said. Chinatown Gateway LLC, comprised of partners J.B. Allen Realty Inc., Delia LLC and Equity Residential are planning a five-story project with 280 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and 18,000 square feet of retail. Thomas P. Cox Architects is handling the designs. The project would include 581 parking spaces as well as 30,000 square feet of recreational outdoor space, a pool and a landscaped plaza. C3
HERALD EXAMINER
The project in the former home of the Herald Examiner newspaper, at 11th Street and Broadway in South Park, is on hold because of the current financial market. The developer, San Francisco-based Hearst Corp., has owned the property for more than a century. Plans call for converting the lot's historic, Julia Morgan-designed Broadway building into 40,000 square feet of office space, 20,000 square feet of retail and a 10,000-square-foot health club. The project would also include a 24-story, 268-unit residential tower on the razed former press building site on Hill Street, and a 37-story, 319-unit high-rise at 120 W. 12th St. Architect Brenda Levin is scheduled to oversee the renovation of the historic building, while Thom Mayne's Morphosis would design the new housing towers. The project received entitlements from the city last year. C9
L.A. CENTRAL
The New York-based Moinian Group is still in the process of securing funding for the approximately $1 billion project adjacent to L.A. Live, said the company's Oskar Brecher. Still, he said, a groundbreaking is expected by the end of the year. The development at Figueroa and 11th streets would include 53- and 37-story towers with a total of 860 studio, one- and two-bedroom condominiums averaging 1,000 square feet. The project would also hold 250,000 square feet of retail space, including a high-end grocery store, restaurants, a health club, and a boutique hotel with 222 rooms. In lieu of including an affordable component, the developer would set aside funds for up to 172 units of low-income housing to be built elsewhere. B9
MEDALLION
The $125 million complex on the northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets has been halted for at least a year due to the sagging economy, said developer Saeed Farkhondepour. Excavation had begun last July on the Historic Core project that was slated to include 200 residential units, 750 parking spaces, ground-floor retail, restaurants and a rooftop bar. M2A architects had been in charge of the designs. Farkhondepour said construction will cease for now and the site will remain as is. He will revisit the effort in a year. D6
METROPOLIS
Developer IDS Real Estate Group has secured capital funding and expects to break ground on a long-planned, multi-phase, mixed-use project by the end of the year. The mega-development a block north of L.A. Live, on a site bounded by the 110 Freeway, James M. Wood Boulevard and Eighth and Francisco streets, is estimated to cost more than $1 billion. The first phase, estimated to take three years to build, would include 351 condominiums in a 33-story tower on 1.83 acres; the second phase would create 388 condos in a 42-story tower; a third phase would add a 480-room hotel and 88 residential units; and the final phase would create a 42-story office tower. Additionally, 46,000 square feet of retail would be spaced out between the phases, and each phase would include a five-level parking structure. The entire development is projected to be complete by 2020. Gruen Associates is the executive architect on the project and Arquitectonica is the design architect. B8
ONE SANTA FE
Final city approvals were obtained in February for the $140 million Arts District project. A groundbreaking is expected this fall, pushed back from a previous date of the summer, according to developer the McGregor Company. Plans for the 500,000-square-foot project call for 439 rental units above 70,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, commercial and live-work space. The Michael Maltzan-designed building would feature vertical gardens along the faŤade north of Third Street and a 5,000-square-foot, ground-floor community center to be occupied by several neighborhood groups. The development would stand approximately 65 feet and five stories tall. It would rise on a four-acre site that currently houses an MTA lot. The property is bounded by Santa Fe Avenue, the First and Fourth street bridges and Metrolink service tracks adjacent to the Los Angeles River. F5
SANTEE VILLAGE
The last remaining building in the Fashion District complex, the 73-unit Santee, currently has no opening date but may debut as rentals, said developer Mark Weinstein. Tenants began moving into the two other buildings in the final phase, the Cornell and the Eckardt, last year. In total, the 780,000-square-foot development from MJW Investments includes seven buildings on the block bounded by Los Angeles, Maple, Seventh and Eighth streets. The project's first phase, Santee Court, opened as rental units more than four years ago. Three buildings feature for-sale units, while three others are rentals. Approximately 40 out of 95 condominiums in the Cornell have sold, while about 10 of the 48 in the Eckardt have been purchased. Units in the final three buildings range from approximately 700-square-foot studios to penthouses larger than 2,000 square feet. Prices range from the mid-$300,000s to $1.4 million for a penthouse. Approximately 70% of the units are in the $300,000-$500,000 range, said Weinstein. The buildings share a courtyard, rooftop pool and cabana lounges. D7
THE GRAND
Last month developer Related Cos. pushed back the timeline for the $3 billion Bunker Hill development known to many as the Grand Avenue project; construction is now expected to begin in 2009, with the completion of the first phase in 2012, said Related of California President Bill Witte. The 3.6 million-square-foot, Frank Gehry-designed project is slated eventually to bring 2,600 housing units, 449,000 square feet of retail, a hotel, a grocery store and a health club to Downtown Los Angeles. The approximately $1 billion, 1.3 million-square-foot first phase will include a 48-story Mandarin Oriental Hotel & Residences with 295 rooms and 266 for-sale units, a 19-story tower with 126 market-rate apartments and 98 affordable units, a 250,000-square-foot retail pavilion and a 16-acre Civic Park. The developer and county officials are currently seeking additional funds for the park, originally budgeted at $50 million, and plan to start construction on it next spring. Completion of the park is slated for summer 2011. The project will rise across from Walt Disney Concert Hall on the site of a current multi-level parking lot. Although that structure had been closed for several months, it was recently reopened. C5
UNIVERSITY GATEWAY
Developer Urban Partners expects to break ground on the massive USC student housing complex by July. The development was previously estimated at $135 million, but a current construction cost has not been disclosed. The privately funded project at Figueroa Street and Jefferson Boulevard is expected to house 1,600 students in a 421-unit apartment complex with 83,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, including a bookstore and a restaurant. Plans also call for a fitness center, 770 parking spaces on site and another 440 at a USC-owned lot a block away. The project had been delayed for more than two years due to legal challenges filed by competing developer Conquest Student Housing before the lawsuit was settled in January. NA
VIBIANA PLACE
Developers Tom Gilmore and Richard Weintraub are continuing work on a new kitchen and other amenities, as well as the transformation of the former rectory of the onetime St. Vibiana's Cathedral so that it can function as a restaurant and special events facility. Following an $8 million renovation, the cathedral itself already can be rented out for events. Plans are underway for a mixed-use high-rise on a lot south of the former cathedral. D5
CIVIC
CIVIC CENTER FIRE STATION NO. 4
The Los Angeles Fire Department will take over the two-story fire and paramedic station at 450 Temple St. as soon as some final touches are made to the facility and after contractor S.J. Amoroso officially signs off on the project, according to an LAFD progress report. The 40,000-square-foot station, budgeted at $23 million, will include a handball court, two bays for firefighting vehicles and a hose tower. An opening is expected within two months. The station will be staffed by 14 firefighters serving Little Tokyo, Chinatown and Olvera Street. Construction on a second phase of the project, an emergency operations center at 500 E. Temple St., continues. That 82,000-square-foot structure will house police and fire dispatch centers, and will replace emergency communication facilities in City Hall East. GKK Dommer and Fluor/HOK are the architects. E5
DOWNTOWN REGIONAL CONNECTOR
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is in the planning phase for a project that would create a Downtown link between the existing Gold and Blue Line light rail systems; the Gold Line Eastside Extension, expected to be complete in 2009; and the Expo Line, which will connect Downtown to Culver City by 2010. Metro officials held a series of public meetings over the last six months, and are looking at two options for the nearly two-mile connector - an above-ground route estimated to cost $650 million, and an underground route estimated at more than $800 million. Metro will present its recommendations to the public this summer before going to the agency's board for approval. If the board elects to move forward with a study, Metro would begin the environmental review process and also start looking for the estimated $500 million to $800 million required to fund the effort. Completion is likely seven to 10 years away. NA
EXPOSITION LIGHT RAIL
A 2,700-foot-long, 25-foot-deep trench has been dug and a water line has been installed on Exposition Boulevard as work continues on the $808 million Expo Line, according to an MTA official. The light rail line will connect Downtown to Culver City, and completion is slated for 2010. The eight-mile route will share two stops with the Blue Line and will add nine new stations. The project is a joint venture of FCI Construction, Inc., Fluor Corp. and Parsons Corp. NA
FEDERAL BUILDING
The $90 million seismic upgrade at 300 N. Los Angeles St. in the Civic Center has been completed, and Phase 2 of the project is underway, with a targeted completion date of 2010, said Gene Gibson, regional public affairs officer for the General Services Administration. The project's stages will allow business to continue by having the 8,000 employees relocate within the building to avoid renovations, which include new fire safety systems, ceilings, energy-efficient lighting, signage, security systems, elevators and the removal of hazardous materials. D4
FEDERAL COURTHOUSE
There has been little progress in the plan for a new courthouse at First Street and Broadway in the Civic Center, said Gene Gibson, regional public affairs officer for the General Services Administration. The project would include 41 courtrooms, judges' chambers and office space for federal agencies. Although Congress appropriated $314 million for the development, the construction bids came in much higher. The old state office building on the 3.6-acre site has been demolished. C5
GOLD LINE EXTENSION
A June or July 2009 completion has been set for the Metro Gold Line's extension from Downtown to East Los Angeles. Work is 80% complete, according to an MTA spokesperson. Overhead power lines are being installed, as are platforms and canopies for some of the stations. Track construction continues from Alameda and First streets into Boyle Heights. The $899 million light rail line will extend the Gold Line from Union Station across the 101 Freeway, creating eight new stations and culminating at Atlantic Avenue. Officials say the extension could carry 23,000 riders a day by 2020. D4
HALL OF JUSTICE
Plans have not been finalized to renovate the facility at Temple and Spring streets in the Civic Center which was damaged 14 years ago by the Northridge earthquake, said John Edmisten, a division chief in the county's Chief Administrative Office. The project, estimated to cost $200 million, would likely include a restoration of the building's exterior and grand lobby. The County Board of Supervisors must approve each phase of construction separately, noted Edmisten. There is no timeline for construction. C4
LAPD HEADQUARTERS
Completion is slated for June 2009 for the $440 million replacement for Parker Center; the main structure is about 67% complete, said Cora Jackson-Fossett of the city Bureau of Engineering. The project broke ground in January 2007 and crews are currently working on the glass curtain wall on the south side of the building and on the auditorium. They are also completing the concrete panels on the building's exterior. The 10-story, 500,000-square-foot structure, designed by DMJM and constructed by Sylmar-based Tutor-Saliba, is rising directly south of City Hall. The building will include an open plaza facing First Street and a small, landscaped park at the corner of Second and Main streets, as well as a 300-car LAPD garage. One block away on Main Street, an 800-car Motor Transportation Division facility is planned. D5
LOS ANGELES RIVER
The decades-long effort to clean and green 32 miles of the Los Angeles River continues. A River Improvement Overlay plan is scheduled to go before the city Planning Commission in September. The effort includes design guidelines and recommendations for development within half a mile of the waterway. The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to complete a feasibility study for ecosystem restoration within two years, said a project spokesperson. Some projects funded by state bond money are moving forward, including the building of bike paths near Elysian Park, scheduled for construction this year. Of the five "Opportunity Sites" the revitalization features, three are in and around Downtown Los Angeles: the new state park at Taylor Yard, the Chinatown area and the Industrial District. The plan will be implemented as funding becomes available. The overall project is estimated at $2 billion. NA
LOS ANGELES STATE HISTORIC PARK
The California State Parks Department is starting a campaign to raise funds for long-term development of the 32-acre park adjacent to Chinatown. A team led by San Francisco-based Hargreaves and Associates has held a series of public meetings to get design input for the park (currently just 12 acres are being used). The firm will begin the schematic designs this month. Plans include creating a space for cultural events, an open meadow for recreation and kiosks that would highlight the agricultural and cultural history of the city. Additionally, nine acres would be set aside for natural habitats and a nature preserve. The team is still preparing for final, technical drawings, a process that could be complete by 2010. C1
METRO DETENTION CENTER
The facility at Los Angeles and Temple streets is about 80% complete and is expected to open in early fall, said Mike Bernards of Bernards Construction. The 160,000-square-foot, five-level building will accommodate more than 500 beds. The $74 million project, designed by HOK Architects, will house female inmates. D4
SCHOOLS
AMBASSADOR HOTEL SCHOOLS
Construction continues on the 24-acre three-school campus on the site of the former Ambassador Hotel west of Downtown. Plans call for an 825-seat school for kindergarten through third-grade students; a 1,400-seat facility for fourth through eighth graders; and a 2,150-seat high school. The Hensel Phelps Construction Company was awarded the contract for all three schools. The $80 million elementary school is nearly 40% finished with completion scheduled for spring 2009, and the $300 million middle and high schools, which began construction in December 2007, are scheduled for completion in spring
2010. The campus will include two gymnasiums, a swimming pool, a soccer field and extensive athletic facilities. The upper level of the former Cocoanut Grove nightclub will become a 522-seat auditorium, while the lower level will hold dining facilities and a cafeteria. The Wilshire Boulevard site will also have a one-third-acre public park, which will include an art installation honoring Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in the hotel. NA
HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
Construction is 86% complete on the LAUSD's High School No. 9, also known as the High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, according to a district spokeswoman. The $232 million project is slated to be complete by the end of 2008 and open to students the following fall. The 238,000-square-foot campus at 450 N. Grand Ave. broke ground in 2006. The project, which includes a tower that soars 140 feet, is designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au and HMC. The 1,728-student, arts-oriented high school will feature academies with concentrations in music, dance, visual arts and performing arts. The school will primarily serve students living in the Belmont High School area, although 500 seats will be open for students from throughout the district. C4
LOS ANGELES TRADE-TECH COLLEGE
Progress continues on L.A. Trade-Tech's multi-phase $240 million upgrade. Underway at the school at 400 W. Washington Blvd. are a $34 million restoration of the 100,000-square-foot A-Building and the $90 million South Campus project, which will consist of two five-story buildings housing more than 65,000 square feet of technology classrooms. Additionally, the school's Child Development Center is nearly complete and will open this year. The two-floor, $6 million facility will provide 14,238 square feet of learning space to children up to 12 years old, increasing capacity from 50 to 96 children. It will also house an infant classroom, a first for the college. NA
USC HEALTH SCIENCES CAMPUS
USC hopes to break ground soon on the 80,000-square-foot Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research on San Pablo Street. It will be the third new research building this decade on the campus northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. The LAC+USC Medical Center Replacement Facility is scheduled to open to patients later this summer. Additionally, USC recently identified a potential developer for its planned research park, the USC BioMedTech Park. Initial plans call for a 100,000-square-foot building that will accommodate multi-tenant bioscience companies. NA
USC UNIVERSITY PARK
The new School of Cinematic Arts, a 130,000-square-foot facility, is under construction and is scheduled for completion in December. The university's Campus Center project is scheduled to start construction this month with completion anticipated by the fall semester of 2010. NA
VISTA HERMOSA
The high school on the 24-acre plot at First and Beaudry streets, now officially known as the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center after the late politician, is nearing completion, according to a project spokesperson. Construction on the $350 million development will finish by the end of May and the campus will open in the fall. The City West complex will have classrooms serving 2,100 students in three buildings, and a separate 500-seat academy will hold a library, student union and parents' center. Construction on the site's second component, a park, began in late 2006 and is expected to be complete by July. A5
CULTURAL/ENTERTAINMENT
ANGELS FLIGHT
There is still no opening date for Angels Flight. John Welborne, president of the Angels Flight Railway Foundation, said he expects contractors to return the two historic cars, Olivet and Sinai, which once traveled up and down the tiny railway that connects Bunker Hill to the Historic Core, to the tracks soon, though he did not provide a specific date. That will be followed by testing of the cars and the new drive system. The project will need a green light from the California Public Utilities Commission, which must approve safety certification of the railway before it can reopen. Angels Flight has been closed since the Feb. 1, 2001, accident that killed 83-year-old Leon Praport and injured seven others. Since then, Welborne has announced multiple reopening dates, though none have been met. C6
BROADWAY REVITALIZATION
In the effort to help get a streetcar for Broadway, in April City Councilman JosŽ Huizar led a delegation of Downtown stakeholders to Portland and Seattle to observe and learn about the streetcar systems in those cities. The streetcar effort would be a later-phase addition (possibly a decade down the line) in Huizar's Bringing Back Broadway Initiative, which was announced in January. The goal is to enliven the historic corridor between Third Street and Olympic Boulevard and help reinvigorate some of the street's dozen former movie palaces and surrounding businesses. The $36.6 million first phase of the plan includes $16.6 million in public funds for sidewalk and streetscape improvements, among other endeavors - Huizar secured $550,000 in Community Block Grant funding for streetscape efforts. Another $20 million from private sources will be used on building upgrades and faŤade improvements as well as housing efforts. NA
CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER
The Science Center's Phase II expansion, featuring the World of Ecology wing, is 55% complete, and $130 million of the $165 million campaign goal has been raised, said William Harris, senior vice president of development and marketing for the museum. An additional 170,000 square feet of space will be added to the four-story structure in Exposition Park, and will allow for new exhibits that illustrate key principles of ecological science. The World of Ecology, slated to open in 2010, will hold interactive exhibits with aspects of aquariums, zoos and botanical gardens. Hundreds of plants and animals will be featured. NA
ECHO PARK POOL
The $4.8 million facility at 1410 Colton St. in City West is slated to open May 22 following an extensive renovation. The year-round indoor pool is heated, and the building features a new roof, electrical system, locker rooms, bathrooms and showers. Frank R. Webb Architects handled the renovations. NA
FOOTBALL STADIUM
The effort to house a professional football franchise in the 1923 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has faded since February, when the stadium's managing entity, the Coliseum Commission, announced a deal with USC that will keep the school's football team playing there for at least 25 years. Under the agreement, the Coliseum will receive significant upgrades including new lighting and sound, restrooms and scoreboards. In return, USC will pay 8% of ticket sales as rent. Previously, a variety of officials had sought to lure the NFL to the Exposition Park stadium with a renovation that could have topped $800 million. NA
JAPANESE VILLAGE PLAZA RENOVATION
American Commercial Equities, which purchased the Little Tokyo outdoor mall last July, continues to implement small-scale improvements, but has not yet begun major renovations. Previously announced plans for the center, still expected to unfold this year, include $2 million for new roofing and HVAC, new lighting and painting the inside of the parking garage. The corner of First Street and Central Avenue could eventually see new retail, said Marvin Lotz of ACE. Long-term plans for the center, which connects First and Second streets, are expected to unfold over the next two years and are still being finalized. The project is being designed by Mitchell Sawasy of the Downtown-based firm Rothenberg Sawasy Architects. Mark Hong of CB Richard Ellis is handling leasing. No new tenants have been signed yet. D5
L.A. LIVE
The next phase of L.A. Live is set to open Dec. 1, said Michael Roth, vice president of communications for developer the Anschutz Entertainment Group. The $2.5 billion project's first installment, which featured the 7,100-seat Nokia Theatre, debuted last October. The new phase will add 12 restaurants, the nightclub the Conga Room, a Lucky Strike bowling alley and the Grammy Museum, which will have its grand opening Dec. 3. December will also see the arrival of L.A. Live's office space - it will serve as the headquarters for AEG and Herbalife. The law firm Holme Roberts & Owen LLP is also moving in. Meanwhile, work continues on a building that will house the West Coast headquarters for cable sports giant ESPN. B8
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
An $84 million upgrade of the Exposition Park facility is in the second phase, according to a museum official, and work crews are uncovering and restoring original architectural details and creating new exhibits. The project is funded by a mix of private and public sources. The first of the new galleries is set to open in 2010. NA
REGENT THEATRE
Construction is expected to begin this year on a renovation of the venue at 448 S. Main St., though no groundbreaking date has been announced. The project is expected to wrap in 2009. Gilmore Associates signed a long-term lease for the 10,000-square-foot Historic Core property in 2006. It is slated to host live music, a lounge and a restaurant. D6
VARIETY ARTS CENTER
Owner David Houk said he is working on raising $10 million for the restoration of the 1924 building, which recently served as a set for the Bravo television series "Step It Up and Dance." Expected to complement the nearby L.A. Live complex, the venue at 940 S. Figueroa St. will eventually host plays and musicals, and possibly a private dining club. There is no timeline yet. B8
BARS & RESTAURANTS
BOTTLE ROCK
The developers behind the wine bar Bottle Rock will not make a previously announced opening in the spring. Instead, the new target date for the nightlife spot at 11th and Hope streets, on the ground floor of the Met Lofts, is July. Bottle Rock, which has a popular Westside location, will serve diners and drinkers in 3,776 square feet of space in South Park. B8
BRIDGE TAVERN
As a result of the current economic climate, there is no timetable to open the pub and restaurant on the border of the Arts and Industrial districts, said Elizabeth Peterson, who has opened several other nightspots Downtown. The beer garden would be at 1356 Palmetto St. Peterson hopes that a turnaround in the market will allow the project to move forward. F6
CHAYA BRASSERIE AND DRAGO CENTRO
Two restaurants are scheduled to open in City National Plaza, said Kent Handleman, a representative of the complex's owner, Thomas Properties Group. Drago Centro, an upscale Italian eatery featuring the food of chef Celestino Drago, is slated to arrive late this summer in the project that includes an underground mall and twin 51-story black granite towers. In the fall, Chaya Brasserie, a high-end Asian fusion establishment with outposts in Venice and Beverly Hills, is scheduled to open in the space at Fifth and Flower streets. B6
CHURCH & STATE
Church & State, from restaurateur Steven Arroyo, is scheduled to open in the coming weeks, said Yuval Bar-Zemer, a partner in the firm Linear City, which developed the Biscuit Company Lofts, the home of the restaurant. Bar-Zemer said that brickwork on the newly expanded patio was recently completed, providing a piazza-like feel. The 70-seat establishment is at 1855 Industrial St. in the Arts District. Arroyo previously opened restaurants including Malo in Silver Lake and tapas establishment Cobras & Matadors. NA
CROCKER CLUB
Although several previous openings have been pushed back, Vincent Terzian of Hollywood-based Five-Five Endeavors said the 6,000-square-foot basement bar and lounge in the Spring Arts Tower at 453 S. Spring St. should open by early summer. The nightspot in the 1914 building, known to many as the longtime home of Crocker Citizens National Bank, will have a 1920s speakeasy theme. Terzian said he is trying to preserve much of the space's original oak and marble. C6
ORIGAMI BISTRO & BAR
The Japanese tapas restaurant and bar is slated to open around Memorial Day, said Brian Lee, who hopes to duplicate the success of the first Origami, located in Valencia. The 3,300-square-foot space at 257 S. Spring St., on the ground floor of the Douglas Building, will feature Kobe filet mignon and an expansive sushi bar. The contemporary Asian decor will incorporate glass mosaic tiles on the walls, as well as black Indonesian bamboo. C5
UNION RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
The opening of the fine-dining and entertainment complex at 760 S. Hill St., in the former Union Bank Building, has been pushed back from the summer to later this year, said Michael Bustamante of Meruelo Maddux Properties, which owns the Jewelry District edifice. Valencia Group is developing the 10,000-square-foot establishment that will feature two floors of entertainment space, a cocktail bar and a lounge in one of the bank's former vaults. Chef Jeffrey Nimer will head the kitchen. C7
BUSINESS
7+FIG RENOVATION
Although they have begun to work on plans to expand and renovate the outdoor shopping mall at Seventh and Figueroa streets in the Financial District, details are still not being released by New York-based Brookfield Properties, said Nick Martinez, a spokesman for the company. Officials with Brookfield, which purchased the mall and an adjacent high-rise in 2006, have previously indicated that work would include an expansion of more than 150,000 square feet. B7
611 W. SIXTH ST.
Plans for what would be the largest adaptive reuse project in the city are still in the design phase, according to a project spokesperson. Developer 611 W. Sixth St. LLC and New York-based Chetrit Group intend to transform the office building, which was once the tallest structure in Downtown Los Angeles, into a hub of more than 500 residential and commercial condominiums. The first 15 floors would feature 135 office condos while 402 live-work units are planned for floors 16-42. The 620-foot-tall edifice also includes 712 parking spaces. Architecture firm Epstein ISI will handle the conversion. B7
915 MATEO
An opening for the 38-unit 915 Mateo is slated for July 1 (pushed back from April), said Seth Polen of 915 South Mateo Properties, LP. The $8 million effort at 915 S. Mateo St. in the Arts District will hold space for creative businesses or entrepreneurs. Each unit will have a private bathroom with shower, multiple phone lines and 10- to 13-foot ceilings. Studios range from 793-1,600 square feet and rents are $1.50-$2 a square foot. Pugh and Scarpa is the architect on the project that will hold 50 parking spaces. NA
AT&T CENTER RENOVATION
Construction has started on the second phase of upgrades, said a project spokesperson. Crews are converting the top floor of the building, which for decades held a high-end restaurant, into office space. So far, the 32-story structure at 12th and Olive streets in South Park has a new lobby and a food court. The exterior of William Pereira's edifice, long known as the Transamerica building, was updated with modern metal panels and a glass curtain wall. C9
CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL
About 14 stories of steel were visible by early May, said Michael Roth, vice president of communications for the project's developer, the Anschutz Entertainment Group. The 54-story high-rise that will be the center point of L.A. Live is on schedule for an opening in the first quarter of 2010, he added. The $900 million building will contain two hotels: an 878-room JW Marriott and a 123-room Ritz-Carlton. Additionally, the tower will hold 224 Ritz-Carlton condominiums, starting on the 27th floor (more than two-thirds have been reserved, said Roth). The 12 penthouses in the structure will each go for around $9 million. The hotel will also contain the largest ballroom in the city, at 3,000 seats. B8
L.A. FASHION CENTER
Although developer L.A. Fashion Center LLP could not be reached for comment, the 560,000-square-foot complex at 1458 S. San Pedro St. appears to be nearing the final stages. Also known as L.A. Face, the massive structure is accented by its green-tinted windows. The developer has previously said the building would offer 196 for-sale spaces and showrooms for wholesalers and manufacturers. Units will average 1,200 square feet and $700,000. E9
LOUIE RESTAURANT AND MARKET
A 10,000-square-foot Italian-themed restaurant and gourmet grocery store is expected to open on the ground floor of the Brockman Building at Seventh Street and Grand Avenue in June. (Construction is wrapping up on the upper floors of the refurbished building, with 80 condominiums, and the structure should be ready for move-ins by July 1.) Louie will be a mid-priced establishment, and will be open from 6 a.m. until late in the evening. The menu, with a focus on items such as organic vegetables and sustainable seafood, will feature pizza, salads, baked goods, a hot carving station, a coffee bar and more. The market will offer house-made sauces and soups, fresh flowers and other artisan products. C7
MAGUIRE OFFICE TOWER
Maguire Properties continues to speak with potential occupants of a 1 million-square-foot high-rise in the Financial District, but the company will not commit to building the 50-story office tower until it can be approximately 50% pre-leased, said the company's Peggy Moretti. Richard Keating of Keating/Khang has worked on designs for the edifice that would rise at Seventh and Figueroa streets. Construction of Downtown's first new office tower in more than 15 years would take about three years, said Moretti. B7
MARRIOTT HOTEL RENOVATION
According to the most recent information available, the 469-room Downtown Marriott will begin extensive renovations to its rooms and amenities this fall. The lobby of the hotel at 333 S. Figueroa St. will be redesigned, banquet rooms will be upgraded, and a spa will be added. Los Angeles-based Namco Capital Group purchased the 1983 building in 2007 through its subsidiary, L.A. Hotel Venture. B6
STANFORD REGENCY PLAZA
According to the most recent information available, excavation and drilling have begun for the 400,000-square-foot wholesale condominium complex priced slightly above $30 million. The structure at 810 E. Pico Blvd. would create 150 units from 1,000-2,500 square feet, though selling prices have not been revealed. The project designed by the firm MAI has been scheduled to open in 2009. E9
THE E2
RTI Properties is working on a transformation of the 24,000-square-foot, 103-year-old, two-story brick and heavy timber truss building at 941 E. Second St., said Michael Donovan III, the company's vice president of development. The e2, previously envisioned as a residential complex, will now be pitched to businesses. Phase 1 is scheduled to open early this summer and will consist of about 1,800 square feet of office space. Phase 2 will house eight flex-space units of more than 1,000 square feet each, all on the upper floor. Future ground-floor phases will include 1,640 square feet of retail, 3,000 square feet of warehouse space for events and parties, and numerous self-storage units. F5
WILSHIRE GRAND HOTEL RENOVATION
The next phase of a $65 million renovation of the hotel at 930 Wilshire Blvd. is expected to begin in late summer. It will focus on the guest rooms, and all 900 will be remodeled, while the lobbies and common areas will also get a facelift. These renovations will follow the remodeling of the ballrooms and 50,000 square feet of meeting areas. The hotel is being upgraded in anticipation of the coming Convention Center headquarters hotel, which is expected to open in 2010 and lead to increased convention business for many Downtown establishments. B7
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The South Park-based church, in collaboration with a team led by developer David Houk, is in the early stage of planning a $75 million mixed-use project on church-owned property at 1010 S. Flower St. The complex is expected to include a 30,000-square-foot church building with a chapel, a sky sanctuary, offices, a kitchen and an outdoor patio. In exchange for the development and ground lease rights, Houk's team will also build a 14-story apartment tower with ground-floor retail and a 500-stall parking structure. The development will rise on the site of the former church building at Flower Street and Olympic Boulevard, which was demolished in 2002. The development team must still finalize its agreement with the church. After that, it is expected to take up to 18 months to obtain city approvals, and another 18-24 months for construction. B8
GOOD SAMARITAN EXPANSION
Delays have hit the extensive expansion of the City West hospital, with groundbreaking for a new building at Wilshire Boulevard and Witmer Street now expected by mid-2009, said Good Samaritan Vice President of Professional Services Dan McLaughlin. The seven-story building would be 150,000 square feet and would house a first-floor patient imaging center and pharmacy, eight second-floor surgical suites and five floors of physician offices. The structure would be connected to the existing building at 1245 Wilshire Blvd. Architecture firm Ware Malcomb is handling the designs. A7
INNER-CITY ARTS
A $10 million expansion of the Skid Row nonprofit is scheduled to be complete by August, according to an organization representative. Architect Michael Maltzan's plans for the children's facility at 720 Kohler St. include space for a new ceramics complex and a library. The $3 million Rosenthal Family Theater will feature costume and set design shops and a green room. F7
LAC+USC MEDICAL REPLACEMENT FACILITY
An opening has been set for this fall for the $899 million, 25-acre facility at Merengo and Chicago streets northeast of Downtown. Staff for the information/systems department moved in at the beginning of the year, although some construction continues, said Caroline Rhee, a spokeswoman for the school. Equipment for the 600-bed hospital is also being installed. The project includes a seven-story outpatient structure, a five-floor diagnostic and treatment building and an eight-story inpatient tower. The complex will replace four hospitals, including two facilities damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Emergency Services and county bonds are financing the development. Los Angeles-based HOK and Santa Monica firm LBL Associated Architects are handling the designs. NA
LITTLE TOKYO RECREATION CENTER
Little Tokyo Service Center Executive Director Bill Watanabe said he believes lengthy negotiations with the city are almost complete, which could pave the way for the construction of a community center on Los Angeles Street between Second and Third streets; it would feature a four-court gym that could host martial arts tournaments. Watanabe said it would take three years to fund and build the complex. The 30,000-square-foot facility would also serve as a site for community events and basketball and volleyball tournaments. D5
YWCA JOB CORPS CAMPUS
Plans for expanding the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles remain on hold while the organization awaits an agreement with the federal government. May Chen Tham, a spokeswoman for the YWCA, said there is no indication of when final approval for funding will come from the Department of Labor. The $52 million Job Corps Campus in South Park broke ground in 2006. Plans call for a 154,000-square-foot development at Olympic Boulevard and Olive Street with 200 rooms for students and an intake center, cafeteria and library, as well as medical and dental centers that will serve 1,200 students annually. The seven-story steel and glass structure designed by Jenkins, Gales and Martinez Architects would put the YWCA Job Corps under one roof, rather than on two satellite campuses. C8
OPENED IN THEPAST THREE MONTHS
AIKIDO CENTER
The martial arts school has opened in its new home at 1211 N. Main St., next to the Los Angeles State Historic Park and a few blocks from the Metro Gold Line Chinatown station. The 3,000-square-foot ground-floor facility features a tea ceremony room, a meeting room, dressing rooms and a large practice area. A second level features an office, kitchen and library. The Aikido Center of Los Angeles moved from its 23-year home at 940 E. Second St. last year to make way for a condo project. In exchange for departing while eight years remained on the center's lease, former landlord Barn Lofts LLP paid for the bulk of the new facility. C6
ARTISAN ON SECOND
Developer Trammell Crow Residential opened the $47 million Artisan on Second April 1. The 118-unit apartment complex at Second and Rose streets in the Arts District had been planned as condominiums, but development officials switched course due to changes in the housing market. Rents in the four-story building designed by Togawa Smith Martin Residential Inc. range from $2,210-$4,260. All apartments include washers and dryers, and the project boasts a pool, gardens and two levels of underground parking. E5
CANVAS L.A.
Move-ins began last month for the five-story ground-up luxury apartment complex at 138 N. Beaudry Ave. in City West. The striking modern development by Arizona-based Alliance Residential Company contains 204 units. Apartments range from 557-square-foot studios to 1,956-square-foot three-bedroom residences. Prices start at $1,800 and go up to $5,500. The project includes 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and numerous communal areas including a pool and a screening room with a 100-inch projection screen. B5
CORONITA FAMILY APARTMENTS
Residents began moving into the $7.5 million affordable housing complex in February. The four-story structure at 204 Lucas Ave., from developer Meta Housing, includes 21 one- to three-bedroom apartments from 637-1,007 square feet; rents are $454-$1,099. The project includes underground parking, a barbeque area and a courtyard. The complex is completely leased. A5
COULTER AND MANDEL BUILDINGS
The Coulter and Mandel Buildings at 500-518 W. Seventh St. are being leased and some tenants have moved in. The lofts and a handful of two-bedroom apartments range from 1,200-2,500 square feet, and rents start at $1,800. A ground-floor 7-Eleven opened late last year. The 128,000-square-foot project was developed by George Peykar. C7
MILLION DOLLAR THEATRE
The Million Dollar Theatre reopened in late February following a $1 million renovation. Managing partner Robert Voskanian, who is leasing the building from the Yellin Company, spent more than a year refurbishing the 1918 former movie palace at 307 S. Broadway. The 2,100-seat venue received new plumbing and electrical systems, as well as new carpeting and stage lighting. Other improvements included new flooring and repairs to damaged portions of the ceiling. So far the theater has hosted several musical performances, and this summer it will participate in the Last Remaining Seats screenings. C6
ORSINI II
Residents have moved into the 566-unit luxury apartment complex at 550 N. Figueroa St. The project is the second phase of the three-part Orsini development by G.H. Palmer Associates. The City West ground-up complex features studios to two-bedroom units, with prices starting at $1,600, according to the Orsini website. The development includes a swimming pool, sun deck, spa, gym and basketball court. A pedestrian bridge over Figueroa Street connects the complex to the first phase of the Orsini. B4
SB MANHATTAN
The 122,000-square-foot former bank building opened in March, said developer Barry Shy. Although the project was designed and planned as condominiums, the project has come online as rentals due to current market conditions. Prices range from $1,200-$5,000, and about 40 tenants have moved into the 198-unit structure. The 600- to 1,200-square-foot residences range from single lofts to two-level, townhouse-style units with up to two bedrooms. The building also features a rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, recreation room and screening room, plus 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space that Shy said he expects will eventually house a restaurant. C7
SEVEN RESTAURANT BAR
Seven Restaurant Bar opened in April at 555 W. Seventh St. The clubby and stylishly dim-lit room features a chocolate and lavender color scheme and a dangling chandelier. Currently Seven is open for lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with dinner service from 5:30-11 p.m., though after the grand opening in June, it will stay open until 2 a.m., with a full bar, a lounge, and food served until 1 a.m. C7
THE DOHENY
Bar impresario Cedd Moses' latest nightspot, The Doheny, opened in March. The $1 million private-member establishment, with an unpublished address near Staples Center in South Park, requires an initiation fee of $2,750 and annual fees of $2,200. To enter the bar named for oil tycoon E.L Doheny, guests need to use a biometric fingerprint recognition system. The 2,000-square-foot space features dark hardwood floors, leather finishes and an outdoor smoking patio. NA
THE JUDSON
Following an $11 million renovation, tenants have begun moving into the 101-year-old former movie theater and office building at 424 S. Broadway, said architect David Gray, who also developed the property as a partner in 424 S. Broadway, LLC. The 60-unit, 74,000-square-foot structure features a restored lobby, landscaped roof garden and Jacuzzi, original steel windows in all units, balconies, a courtyard, Italian cabinets, laundry facilities and 60 parking spaces in the nearby Community Redevelopment Agency headquarters. Layouts include loft-style singles, one- and two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom apartment. Residences range from 600-1,600 square feet and rent for $1,495-$4,995. C6
TITLE GUARANTEE BUILDING
After a $35 million renovation, the Title Guarantee Building is open and more than 20% of the 74 apartments at 411 W. Fifth St. are leased, said developer Daniel Swartz. The units range from 755 to 4,000 square feet and feature 10- to 24-foot exposed concrete ceilings, wood cabinets, polished concrete floors and large walk-in closets. The one- to four-story residences rent for $2,000 to $12,000 a month. Architecture firm Killefer Flammang designed the renovation of the building that in 1984 became a city Historic-Cultural Monument. C6
TRANQUILITY BASE
The 3,200-square-foot bar and restaurant in the Sky building at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue began serving the public Feb. 14. The $900,000 ground-floor establishment created by David Tardif has a space-age theme, with LED lighting and hanging art, though the menu and the decor will change quarterly. The space includes a 1,700-square-foot, 90-seat patio with covered cabanas and a fire pit. C7
UNION LOFTS
In March, tenants began moving into Meruelo Maddux Properties' $17 million conversion at 760 S. Hill St. in the Jewelry District, said company spokesman Michael Bustamante. The project, which was designed by Santa Monica-based Killefer Flammang Architects, updated the brick and terra cotta structure, creating 92 loft-style apartments from 700-1,900 square feet. Meruelo Maddux acquired the 12-story edifice - once the headquarters of the Union Bank and Trust Company - for $12 million. Meanwhile, an 11,000-square-foot ground-floor eatery, the Union Restaurant and Lounge, is slated to open later this year. C7
YALE TERRACE
All 55 apartments in the recently opened affordable housing complex Yale Terrace have been rented. Developer Advanced Development and Investment, in coordination with the Community Redevelopment Agency, received about 500 applications for the housing complex on Yale between Alpine and Ord streets in Chinatown. The 55 families were selected by a lottery system. The $25 million project features 18 three-bedroom units and 37 four-bedroom residences. The complex includes 10,000 square feet of space for social service, educational and after-school programs, which are already underway. C3
page 15, 5/19/2008
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In recent months, Downtown has absolutely suffered, and a few major developments have taken serious hits. At the same time, scores of projects are underway, and more people are moving into the community's new condominiums and apartment structures and taking advantage of the arriving cultural venues and businesses. The market has dipped significantly from its high point, but it is also worlds beyond the dead zone that existed before the adaptive reuse boom began in 1999.
Some of the skepticism has a base, as the much-watched Grand Avenue development has had its start date pushed back to 2009, and the Historic Core mixed-use complex the Medallion this month became the first project in years to be halted in the middle of construction. Additionally, more developments planned as condominiums are instead shifting to rentals.
Despite the doom and gloom, work is steaming ahead on dozens of big-budget projects. The massive L.A. Live and its Convention Center hotel are taking shape, while the Rowan Lofts nears an opening and the LAPD headquarters continues to rise in the heart of the Civic Center. Even if apartments are taking precedent over condos, the structures are uniformly more than 95% occupied. Clearly, this is a mixed market, not a dead one.
Here is the latest on the 137 projects in Downtown Los Angeles. Each of the following entries includes a grid reference to an updated, full-color Downtown Development map, which appears on page 20. (Some projects are beyond the map's boundary and are denoted by NA.)
NEW PROJECTS
These projects were either announced or garnered public interest in the last three months.
Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt last month announced plans for a $500 million renovation of Dodger Stadium. The project is expected to break ground next year and be complete by 2012. The vision includes an upgraded and landscaped entrance; a new promenade called Dodger Way, with restaurants, shops and a Dodger museum; a landscaped grand plaza beyond center field connecting to Dodger Way; an outdoor walkway circling the perimeter of the stadium; two new garages to replace the existing surface-level lots; and an outdoor plaza with 360-degree views of the city. A team led by architecture and planning firms Johnson Fain and HKS is handling designs. Construction will unfold mostly during upcoming off-seasons, said McCourt, and will not interfere with games. The announcement of the upgrade comes on the heels of a recently completed, $75 million renovation of the park's Field Level concourse that brought two new VIP lounges, new restrooms and concession stands. Previous renovations have included replacing seats throughout the stadium and the entire playing surface and building new dugouts. The Dodgers also plan to upgrade services on the 12,000-seat Loge Level and 19,000-seat Reserve Level in 2009. B1
The South Group has announced plans to open a Danish restaurant this year on the ground floor of the Luma building at 11th and Hope streets. It will be part Danish bakery and deli, and part sit-down establishment, with a formal dining area and an outdoor patio. The 6,362-square-foot space will include a bar and lounge area and space for live music, and is ultimately expected to be open seven days a week. B8
Three development teams are in the running to purchase and create a mixed-use, transit-oriented project on a 4.5-acre, city-owned site, known as the Mangrove, on the northeast corner of First and Alameda streets. Proposals include the Nikkei Center, from a team led by the Little Tokyo Service Center, Urban Partners and the Santa Monica-based Kaji & Associates, which would include contiguous seven-story structures with 390 rental units above two levels of retail, plus a six-story office tower; a proposal led by Niemann Properties would bring a mix of 400 for-sale and rental units in three six-story structures with two levels of retail and one 10-story residential tower, along with a 15-story office tower; and Tokyo Art Park Crossing, a collaboration between Concerto Development and Williams & Dame, which would rise in two phases, creating 360 housing units with ground-floor commercial space, condominium towers, a one-acre park and a 12,000-square-foot grocery store. The winning team, to be selected by a panel of city and neighborhood stakeholders, is expected to be named in June. The development site is part of a 10-acre parcel that the city purchased in 2002. E5
Officials with the Music Center have announced a proposal to tear down the current annex building, north of the Ahmanson Theatre at Grand Avenue and Temple Street, and replace it with a structure that could be 150,000 square feet and six-10 stories tall. It would hold office space, rehearsal rooms and a small theater for educational programs. Music Center President and CEO Stephen Rountree has said that officials hope to complete the project by 2012. C4
RESIDENTIAL FOR SALE
Late summer remains the target for move-ins at 655 S. Hope St., a 17-story, $15 million, 80-unit building with three levels of indoor parking, according to developer SECK Group, LLC. Located across the street from Macy's Plaza, the emerald-colored structure - complete with a rooftop entertainment deck - includes 11 floors of residential space, with condominiums ranging from 600-1,268 square feet and five two-story townhouse-style units with floor-to-ceiling windows and reflective glass. Units will start at $395,000 and go up to $999,000. Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderberg is designing the remodel. C3
Following some delays, Bridge Residential Advisors' Jim Osterling said the company plans to begin the $22 million conversion of the four-story BC Plaza building into 53 condos this winter. The former office complex in Chinatown will offer units from $300,000-$600,000. Retail space will still be available on the ground floor. C3
The 35-story project by developer Meruelo Maddux Properties is on schedule and on budget, said company spokesman Michael Bustamante. The parking structure is nearly complete, and the upper floors are under construction. The $120 million effort broke ground in early 2007 and is slated for completion in mid-2009. A glass curtain resembling a wall of water will cloak the high-rise at the two-thirds-of-an-acre site adjacent to the Ralphs supermarket. Plans call for the tower at Ninth and Flower streets to contain 214 units and a 6,800-square-foot ground-floor seafood eatery. Mambo Architecture is designing the project. B8
Developer Spring St. Plaza, LLC is still seeking entitlements for a 32-story tower and there is no timeline yet for construction, said consultant Jim Ries of Craig Lawson & Co. Preliminary plans call for 257 condominiums and 9,558 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The team behind Heritage Development Group, which renovated the adjacent Chapman Building, also heads Spring St. Plaza. C7
Spring Main Development LLC is scheduled to finish the renovation of the 12-story, former Great Republic Insurance Building by the end of this year. Crews are working on drywall, installing cabinets and restoring the faŤade, said architect David Gray. The project will create 72 condominiums as well as a rooftop deck, gym and spa. The average unit in the Historic Core structure is approximately 850 square feet and includes glass tile in the bathrooms, hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and exposed concrete beam ceilings. There will also be retail on the ground floor and 72 parking spaces for residents next door. The project's price has not been revealed. D7
Developer the Kor Group is considering several options for the 10-story Chinatown building, including selling it. The 150,000-square-foot edifice, which has been entitled for 123 live-work units, has retail space fronting Alameda Street and is near the Chinatown Gold Line Station and Union Station. Kor paid $9.2 million for the property. C2
No plans have been announced for the current 900-space parking lot in South Park. The New York-based Moinian Group eventually plans to transform the property, probably into a residential and hotel complex, said the company's Oskar Brecher, but has not applied for entitlements. C7
Five new consultants have been hired as planning work continues on a 52-story residential tower at 1027 Wilshire Blvd. in City West, said Hamid Behdad, president of the Central City Development Group, which is partnering on the project with the Amidi Real Estate Group. Although the developers have not yet sought funding, Behdad said that, depending on market conditions, they hope to break ground by the end of the year. The 402-condominium development is valued at $300 million. Entitlements were secured in 2006, and the developers are now working on approvals for the building permit. Construction would take at least 36 months. A7
Vancouver-based developer Amacon Group expects to receive full city entitlements for the South Park project by mid-June. The company hopes to break ground within a year on a 29-story, 159-unit building on a current parking lot across from the South Group's Elleven high-rise. The project would include 250 parking spaces, 6,700 square feet of retail and an outdoor pool on the podium level. Construction is expected to last approximately two years. Budget and financing information have not been disclosed. B9
Developer Concerto Development is close to completing its second phase at 2121 E. Seventh Place in the Arts District; it will create 59 lofts with 18-foot ceilings, and former loading docks have become patios. The 125,000-square-foot compound of historic industrial buildings will feature units from $400,000-$900,000; the residences range from 750-2,100 square feet. Architecture firm Killefer Flammang designed the renovation. The 28,000-square-foot grounds will include a dog park and an outdoor kitchen. NA
Developers David Seewack and Scott Spiwak are still seeking city approval for a 182-unit condominium development at 695 S. Santa Fe Ave. The project is expected to go to the Community Redevelopment Agency board within two months, said Seewack, and eventually the full City Council. The industrial conversion was originally rejected by the city Planning Department, but 14th District Councilman JosŽ Huizar brought it under the Council's jurisdiction in January. The project, on property that currently houses truck parts supplier American Moving Parts (owned by Seewack and Spiwak), would contain for-sale live-work lofts and 3,000 square feet of retail. The developers have not yet determined the project's total square footage or budget. NA
Developer the Kor Group plans to open the third residential building of the multi-phase, $75 million Barker Block this summer. The 116-unit structure will be at 530 S. Hewitt St. (a 63-unit building, also at 530 S. Hewitt St., came online in March). Two buildings at 549 Molino St., housing a total of 55 units, will start construction at the end of 2009 and open in 2010. The lofts in the Arts District project designed by Nakada & Associates range from 750-2,400 square feet and start in the mid-$300,000s. The project's retail component is expected to expand with the Primo Cucina Italian restaurant and gourmet market opening in the fall, and organic eatery Urth Caffe debuting by the end of the year. The entire 297-unit project is expected to be complete by late 2010. The complex also houses the headquarters for the newly created Downtown Film Festival, to debut in August. F6
The 58,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project is under construction and could open this summer, said developer Mark Borman of Barn Lofts LLP. The project will transform the former Spreckels Brothers sugar beet warehouse at 940 E. Second St. into 38 market-rate condominiums. All will be three-story, loft-style townhomes with two and a half bathrooms, two bedrooms and roof decks. Units will range from 1,300-2,600 square feet, and the developer plans to include sustainable elements and will seek LEED certification. There will be interior parking through the center of the project, with residences on either side. The development will include 69 parking spaces, with 48 of them inside. Prices for the units have not been determined, said Borman. F5
This $35 million adaptive reuse project is expected to open July 1. The sales office is currently accepting reservations, and the building will open for tours the first week of June, according to developer West Millennium Group. The 12-story, 1921 Beaux Arts structure at 530 W. Seventh St. contains 80 condominium lofts, ranging from 780-2,200 square feet and priced from the high $300,000s-$1.4 million. The building also features a fitness center, underground parking, security and two rooftop Jacuzzis. Units include ceilings as high as 18 feet, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, designer appliances, European bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and marble and granite countertops. The Santa Monica-based firm Donald Barany Architecture designed the project. The 10,000-square-foot Louie Restaurant and Gourmet Market is expected to open on the ground floor by June, offering baked goods, a carving station, a coffee bar and more. C7
The Chapman Building, at Eighth Street and Broadway in the Historic Core, had long been planned as a for-sale project, but switched to rentals this month. Although approximately 105 of the 168 units in the 13-story, $30 million adaptive reuse project had been pre-sold by February, according to the building's sales office at the time, developers said the current market has made it impossible for some buyers to secure financing. Ultimately, the number of buyers able to close escrow fell below the pre-closing requirements and the decision was made to convert the property to a rental structure, said Mark Farzan of All Pacific Financial, who is part of the Heritage Development Group that developed the property. Designed by architect Wade Killefer, the 96-year-old Jewelry District edifice features a restored, original marble entry and decorative faŤade, as well as original doors, columns and window trim. Units range from 600-1,300 square feet and rent for $1,495-$3,500 per month. The building features a rooftop park with a Jacuzzi, gazebo and pond, a 24-hour concierge and a gym. A Kelly's Coffee shop on the ground floor is expected to open this month, said Farzan. C7
L.A. Chinatown Lofts LLC, led by developer Thomas A. Patty, and architect Randy Morris are working on construction drawings for a proposed six-story, 392,522-square-foot project at 1101 N. Main St., southeast of Los Angeles State Historic Park. The 75-foot-tall project, which was approved by the City Council, would house 318 condominiums, including 18 commercial-residential "flex" units, 618 parking spaces and ground-floor retail. The design will include sustainable elements and green space. No groundbreaking date or funding information has been released, but a spokesman for the developer said they hope to finish the project in approximately two years. D2
The dual high-rise project has added a five-star hotel to the mix (although the operator has not been publicly revealed), and developer Titan Organization hopes to break ground within a year, said Rick Robertson of Robertson Partners, the architect on the South Park project. Although officials had previously said they hoped to begin construction in early 2008, Robertson said a funding team is in place and the effort has been approved by the CRA. Currently the team is finishing construction documents and will soon seek city permits. The plan for an 800,000-square-foot complex at Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard calls for a 60-story structure, the City House, that would have a classic design, and the contemporary-styled, 49-floor Olympic. Residences in the units would start at 1,200 square feet and $700,000. C8
Construction continues on the mega-development at Figueroa and Ninth streets in South Park from developer Astani Enterprises. The first phase, to include 348 units in one 30-story tower and a seven-story building, is expected to be complete in September 2009. A second phase would bring another 30-story tower and create a total of 629 units (an increase from a previous plan to build 619 residences). The market-rate condominiums will range from 750-2,325 square feet, and the project will include 27,500 square feet of retail. The buildings will wrap around a courtyard with a one-acre park. Plans also call for a 1,000-space subterranean parking lot and a pedestrian paseo connecting Figueroa and Flower streets. The towers will have glass faŤades with 10-and-a-half-foot ceilings. B8
Developer Astani Enterprises is still planning a $500 million project at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue, although it is at least a year from breaking ground, according to a company official. The development would rise in three phases on what is currently a parking lot, creating 875 units in 15-, 21- and 38-story towers, plus 36,000 square feet of retail. Preliminary plans include a promenade-style pedestrian paseo lined with retail to connect Grand Avenue and Olive Street. C7
A renovation of the former hotel at 416 S. Spring St. into 65 units is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year, said Bill Stevenson of developer Downtown Properties. Residences in the 12-story edifice, built in 1913, will range from 850-1,700 square feet and prices will start in the $400,000s. Each condominium will feature at least one balcony and Italian kitchens and bathroom cabinets, while penthouses will have private gardens. D6
The completion date for developer Peklar Pilavjian's $30 million project at Fourth and Alameda streets has been pushed back from this spring to late 2008 or early next year. The five-story, 67,000-square-foot Arts District structure would house 53 live-work lofts ranging from 650-2,400 square feet. The building would feature a rooftop Jacuzzi and barbecue deck. The edifice is a former Bekins storage warehouse. E5
Although the project has been delayed multiple times, owner/developer Amir Kalantari said a 25-story, $60 million ground-up residential tower at 1050 S. Grand Ave. will begin construction in about six months. Designs are almost complete and Kalantari said he will soon seek city permits. Plans call for a glass-clad edifice in South Park with 128 high-end condominiums from 850 to more than 3,300 square feet. Units would sell for $400,000-$3 million. Kalantari said the venture would take two years to complete. C8
Plans were scrapped for developer Kim Benjamin's 102-unit condominium project after the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the office building at Figueroa Terrace and College Street last month. The sale price was not disclosed. The Dodgers plan to use the building for office space, according to the former owner. B3
Developer Venice Investments, creator of the Packard Lofts, still hopes for an early 2009 groundbreaking for a 25-story, 250-condominium tower in South Park. The 250,000-square-foot project on Hope Street between 11th Street and Olympic Boulevard would include 10,000 square feet of retail space and 400 parking spots. Killefer Flammang Architects is handling the designs. B8
There is no timeline on developer Linear City's proposed 17-story, ground-up condominium project, which has been put on hold due to the current financial market. In the meantime, the developer is renovating the existing 40,000-square-foot, two-story building on the site and is looking to rent out the ground-floor retail space and upstairs artist studios. Plans for the property, at 673 Mateo St. in the Arts District, include two structures totaling 132,000 square feet, to house 122 units ranging from 550 to 2,400 square feet. The project would feature balconies in all units, a park, a 75-foot swimming pool, a spa, a fire pit and fountains. NA
The City Council this month granted final approval for the $1.3 billion development north of Pershing Square. Project officials said the 790-condominium tower (which will also include a 212-room hotel) is moving forward with original investors Africa Israel and Namco Capital Group, Inc. Houk Development Company has secured the initial capital and is on track to break ground in the fourth quarter of 2008, with an anticipated completion date in the first quarter of 2012, said project manager Rich Marr. He added that the development team is seeking other investors to provide the additional capital that will be required as the project unfolds. The developers say they have secured a commitment for an $800 million construction loan, but are not ready to publicly announce details of the deal. A $5 million sales center opened in November in the Gas Company Tower, and more than 300 reservations have been taken for the project at Fifth and Olive streets. The 76-story, 860-foot project is expected to be the tallest residential tower west of Chicago. C6
The $80 million conversion at Seventh and Flower Streets continues, and Milbank Real Estate Services hopes to open by the end of spring. Approximately 100 of the 222 units have been sold in the 1925, 16-story former office building. Amenities will include 24-hour valet parking, a concierge and a rooftop pool with cabanas, as well as a fitness center and a business lounge. Although most of the lower-priced units have been sold, some residences in the upper-$400,000s are still available. Multi-level penthouses go for more than $1 million. Architecture firm Killefer Flammang is designing the conversion. B7
A temporary occupancy permit is expected in July with move-ins that same month for the 206 live-work units in the 1912 building at Fifth and Spring streets. Approximately one-third of the lofts in the $50 million project have been sold, said Bill Stevenson of developer Downtown Properties. The 280,000-square-foot, 13-story structure will offer units priced from $300,000 to more than $1 million. Some of the 500- to 1,400-square-foot condos will feature private patios or balconies. Killefer Flammang Architects is designing the project that will restore the Beaux Art structure's original terra cotta faŤade and marble-clad lobby, hallways and stairways. Plans also call for landscaping around the perimeter and a private park. D6
The 12-story adaptive reuse project at 111 W. Seventh St. in the Historic Core will open this summer, said developer Barry Shy. The 1920s building features 190 lofts ranging from 600-1,400 square feet, a rooftop pool, spa, gym and 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Prices start at $500,000. D7
Developer Barry Shy has said that units in the 200,000-square-foot, 12-story building could open as rentals due to market conditions, but plans still call for condominiums. The project at 650 S. Spring St. is expected to be complete in about six months, he said. The 190 residences range from 600-1,500 square feet, and the project includes a rooftop pool, gym and recreation room, plus 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. If the SB Spring opens as condominiums, Shy said, prices will likely range from $350,000-$1 million. D7
A 19-story, adaptive reuse project at 600 S. Spring St. is under construction and expected to open in approximately eight months, said developer Barry Shy. The 250 residences will range from 700-1,500 square feet, and prices will start at $400,000 and go up to $1 million. The Historic Core development will feature a rooftop pool and spa, a recreation room, a gym and 8,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. D7
Developer Barry Shy is still seeking city approvals for a ground-up project at 601 S. Main St., currently a parking lot. The 40-story building would create 700 live-work condominiums from 800-1,800 square feet, plus two tennis courts, a pool, spa and gym. The top floor, said Shy, would house a restaurant, while an upscale market would occupy the 30,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Groundbreaking is likely eight months to a year away, Shy said. D7
The $160 million high-rise by developer South Group is scheduled for a late summer completion, according to a project spokesperson. The 23-story development at 12th Street and Grand Avenue in South Park will feature 311 residences priced from $425,000 to $3 million. Evo is the last in a trio of environmentally conscious buildings on the same block from the developer (following Elleven and Luma); it is also the most upscale of the three. Open space on the block serves all the properties. C9
A groundbreaking on two 34-story luxury condominium towers at 624 W. 12th St. and 1200 S. Figueroa St. is scheduled for mid-2009, said a representative of Portland-based developer the South Group. The company purchased the property for $23.5 million. GBD Architects and TVA Architects Inc. are designing the high-rises, which will each contain 324 condominiums. The units would have hardwood floors, decks and balconies. South Group also has plans for a future phase with a third tower at 1241 S. Flower St. No opening date has been announced. B9
There has been no movement on developer Kim Benjamin's adaptive reuse project at 315 W. Ninth St. Entitlements are in place, but no timeline has been announced. Plans call for 98 live-work condominiums on floors three through 12, and 15 commercial condos on the basement, first and second levels. Office space in the building is currently available for lease. C8
Kawada Company of America is in the entitlement stage for a mega-tower at the northeast corner of Second and Hill streets. The development had previously been delayed, and a new groundbreaking date has been set for June or July 2009, said Beverly Zeigler, a spokeswoman for the company. She said funding is secure for the 50-story high-rise, being designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The tower would feature Asian influences and 302 lofts and penthouses (66 would be priced as workforce housing) ranging from 502-2,420 square feet. There are plans for 10,000 square feet of retail space, and possibly an upscale convenience store and a sports-themed restaurant. The Zen Tower would include 700 parking spots and a two-level, 52,000-square-foot fitness center and pool. C5
RESIDENTIAL FOR RENT
This adaptive reuse project is approximately 60% complete, said architect David Gray, and is expected to finish by the end of the year. The five-story, 73,000-square-foot former warehouse at Ninth and Santee streets in the Fashion District is being converted into 38 loft apartments by developer South Park Group. Crews are currently installing drywall and starting work on finishes. The eight two-level penthouse units will feature rooftop gardens and decks. There is currently a Starbucks on the ground floor. Rents have not been determined, and the developer has not revealed the construction price. D8
Move-ins for the 26-story tower at Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street in South Park will begin this month, according to a spokesperson for Houston-based developer the Hanover Company. The high-rise broke ground in late 2005 and is designed by RTKL Architects. There are 151 one- and two-bedroom apartments averaging 1,061 square feet and two-level penthouses. Some units contain wraparound windows. The building also includes an eighth-floor lounge, and a rooftop terrace will hold fire pits, an outdoor kitchen and a spa. B8
The transformation of a 12-story former bank building in the Historic Core, by developer National City Towers, is slated for completion by July, said David Gray, the Santa Monica-based architect on the project. Crews are completing the drywall, painting and cabinets. The 135,000-square-foot development, which has been estimated at $17 million, will include several two-story penthouses with a rooftop deck and a Jacuzzi. The 93 apartments will range from 650-1,700 square feet and have cement floors. Many of the 1924 edifice's historic attributes are being preserved, including its faŤade and lobby and the first floor's gold leaf-embossed ceiling. A yet-unnamed upscale restaurant will occupy space on the ground floor. C7
The renovation of the Alexandria Hotel at 501 S. Spring St. is scheduled to be complete by the summer, according to the hotel's website. San Diego-based Amerland Group purchased the residential hotel for $30 million and is rehabbing the 463 rental units. The company received $35 million from the Community Redevelopment Agency in tax-exempt bonds and a commitment of $11.9 million from the Bunker Hill Trust Fund to preserve at least 130 apartments for very-low-income residents. Plans call for kitchenettes in each unit and upgrades to the hallways and common areas. In April, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo filed charges against Amerland for a lack of proper fire code certifications and blocked exits in the structure. C6
The $70 million housing project at Second Street and Lucas Avenue could open to residents this month. The four- and five-story building is on the former Pacific train yard at the entrance to the old Belmont Tunnel, which runs beneath Bunker Hill. The project developed by Essex Property Trust Inc. contains 275 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments between 527 and 1,820 square feet, as well as 55 affordable units. Rents for the market-rate units are $1,600 to $4,500. The property includes a business and conference center, a media room, a pool, a dog park and two levels of underground parking. A5
According to the most recent information available, the City West project is slated to open in June. Located on the site of a former parking lot at Fifth and Bixel streets, the $24 million development by Bixel Court, LLP is designed by Downtown-based Birba Architects. The 80-unit complex will include five townhouses, 11 studio lofts and one- and two-bedroom units along with penthouses. Amenities will include a 1,500-square-foot gym with a 50-foot lap pool and two levels of subterranean parking. A6
Although project developer Fifth Street Funding did not return calls for comment, the company previously said it would begin construction by August on the adaptive reuse conversion of the 12-story Chester Williams Building at 215 W. Fifth St. in the Historic Core. Plans call for 82 fully finished rental units. The property's wide hallways would be preserved and the marble corridors fully restored. Construction is expected to last 20-24 months. C6
The 53-unit, $10 million development to house chronically homeless tenants - including 31 units for those with severe mental illness - is scheduled for completion by spring 2009, said Joseph Corcoran of the nonprofit developer Single Room Occupancy Housing Corp. Construction on the project at 506 S. San Julian St. began last fall. D6
According to the most recent information available, developer Mideb Nominees Inc. expects to complete the transformation of the Jewelry Trades Building into a 62-loft complex by July. The building at Fifth and Hill streets will have one- and two-bedroom units and rents will be market rate. The terra cotta-colored exterior and Renaissance-influenced faŤade on the nine-story 1913 property are also being restored. Christopher Compton Architects is overseeing the renovation. C6
The 61-unit, two-building project is in the final stage; the structure at 1405 James M. Wood Blvd. is open and tenants have begun moving in, said a project spokesperson. The 1328 James M. Wood Blvd. building is slated to open this month. The $20.5 million City West development includes 40 two-bedroom units that are approximately 800 square feet and 21 three-bedroom, 1,259-square-foot residences. The 58,000-square-foot complex also holds 1,340 square feet of office and social service space, a 1,740-square-foot community room and a 3,000-square-foot childcare center. Pasadena-based Ken Kurose Architects handled the designs. NA
Although developer AvalonBay Communities did not return calls for comment, the company previously said it hoped to begin construction on a six-story apartment complex on the southwest corner of Los Angeles and Second streets by mid-2008. The 1.7-acre development in Little Tokyo, part of the Block 8 plot, would include a 1,700-square-foot fitness center and 8,500 square feet of retail space along Los Angeles Street. AvalonBay has said the project would be designed to condominium specifications but would be rented as apartments when it opens. D5
Seismic upgrades are slated to be finished in September for the adaptive reuse project at 315 W. Fifth St. A completion date is still set at early 2009, according to a spokesman for developer South Broadway, LLC. The 10-story, 163,000-square-foot Historic Core building is being converted into 84 apartments. Floors three through nine of the Beaux Arts-style structure will have units from approximately 650-1,500 square feet. Three penthouses will range from 1,200-2,300 square feet. C6
On April 28, affordable housing developer Skid Row Housing Trust formally broke ground on the $35 million, 53,000-square-foot project at 325 W. 17th St. It is expected to be complete in July 2009. The Michael Maltzan-designed structure, to house 95 efficiency units for low-income senior and disabled adults, will feature colorful serrated panels along a rounded exterior. The New Carver is the SRHT's 22nd development, and its first in South Park. C10
In March the Community Redevelopment Agency approved plans by developer G.H. Palmer Associates to convert the northeast corner of Figueroa Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue into a five-story apartment complex with 210 studio, one- and two-bedroom units. The project would include a three-level podium containing 13,000 square feet of commercial space and a 477-space parking garage. The CRA approval stipulates that once the building reaches 75% occupancy, if tenancy in its commercial-retail space drops below 30%, Palmer must lower retail lease rates to match those at similar Chinatown properties. Although the developer would not comment on the project, a building on the site housing a previous tenant, the Original Texas Barbeque King, has been razed. B3
Excavation continues for a 340-apartment complex on Sixth between Bixel and St. Paul streets in City West. The project is by developer G.H. Palmer Associates. Plans call for a pedestrian bridge over St. Paul Street that would connect a rooftop swimming pool deck to the already open Piero complex. Piero II was scaled down from its original design for 600 units. The developer has clashed with the city over whether the project must include an affordable housing element. A7
Leasing is underway for the Rosslyn Lofts, according to the project's website. San Diego-based Amerland Group is renovating the building at 111 W. Fifth St., formerly known as the Frontier Hotel. Last year Amerland received $8 million from the Community Redevelopment Agency to maintain affordable rents at the residential hotel. Under the CRA agreement, floors 10 through 12 can remain luxury apartments, but levels three through nine will be regulated as low- and moderate-income housing. Last month, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo filed charges against Amerland for poorly maintained fire protection equipment in the building. D6
A six-story, luxury apartment building from developer Related Cos. is under construction and scheduled to open in spring 2009. The 230 units will include a 20% affordable housing component. Plans also call for 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, a rooftop deck, a street-level promenade, a two-way street, landscaped pedestrian pathways, a fitness center, a business lounge and other amenities. Located at Second and San Pedro streets, the project comprises the first phase of the Little Tokyo complex Block 8, which will consist of four separate developments. Thomas P. Cox Architects is designing the San Pedro Apartments. Related is also developing the $3 billion Grand Avenue project. D5
Construction is underway on the conversion of a row of brick-clad warehouses at 1291-1333 E. Sixth St. into 63 live-work units and at least two retail spaces. The Arts District project by developer Howard Klein is slated to include apartments from 600-1,800 square feet, multiple courtyards and open green space. The transformation is being designed by Seattle-based Tony Bell Architecture. F6
The $50 million adaptive reuse high-rise in City West is expected to open in June, according to the building's leasing office, pushed back from a previously anticipated March debut. Developer Amidi Real Estate Group originally planned a condominium project called 1010 Wilshire, but instead is offering 227 furnished live-work suites for short- or long-term rental. Units range from approximately 650-2,000 square feet, and include one- and two-bedroom layouts, plus penthouses and 16 two-story lofts. Rents for the first six months will start at approximately $3,000 and will include utilities and weekly maid service. The building will feature a rooftop pool, chauffeur service, valet parking and a concierge. The property also holds ground-floor office and retail space. A7
MIXED USE
According to the most recent information available, construction on developer Bond Companies' 262-unit mixed-use project is scheduled to start by the end of the third quarter. The $170 million effort would hold two residential towers, designed by Nakada & Associates, 43,000 square feet of retail space and a 372-car garage, about half of which would be available to the public. Blossom Plaza would transform the site of the former Little Joe's restaurant at 900 N. Broadway in Chinatown and connect the Chinatown Metro Gold Line station to Broadway. The development would also include a 17,500-square-foot plaza for cultural events and would offer 20% affordable housing. C2
Working drawings for a 321,000-square-foot development at Broadway and Cesar E. Chavez Avenue are undergoing plan checks for permits, said Jeff Allen, a partner in the project. Construction could start in the third quarter of 2008, he said. Chinatown Gateway LLC, comprised of partners J.B. Allen Realty Inc., Delia LLC and Equity Residential are planning a five-story project with 280 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and 18,000 square feet of retail. Thomas P. Cox Architects is handling the designs. The project would include 581 parking spaces as well as 30,000 square feet of recreational outdoor space, a pool and a landscaped plaza. C3
The project in the former home of the Herald Examiner newspaper, at 11th Street and Broadway in South Park, is on hold because of the current financial market. The developer, San Francisco-based Hearst Corp., has owned the property for more than a century. Plans call for converting the lot's historic, Julia Morgan-designed Broadway building into 40,000 square feet of office space, 20,000 square feet of retail and a 10,000-square-foot health club. The project would also include a 24-story, 268-unit residential tower on the razed former press building site on Hill Street, and a 37-story, 319-unit high-rise at 120 W. 12th St. Architect Brenda Levin is scheduled to oversee the renovation of the historic building, while Thom Mayne's Morphosis would design the new housing towers. The project received entitlements from the city last year. C9
The New York-based Moinian Group is still in the process of securing funding for the approximately $1 billion project adjacent to L.A. Live, said the company's Oskar Brecher. Still, he said, a groundbreaking is expected by the end of the year. The development at Figueroa and 11th streets would include 53- and 37-story towers with a total of 860 studio, one- and two-bedroom condominiums averaging 1,000 square feet. The project would also hold 250,000 square feet of retail space, including a high-end grocery store, restaurants, a health club, and a boutique hotel with 222 rooms. In lieu of including an affordable component, the developer would set aside funds for up to 172 units of low-income housing to be built elsewhere. B9
The $125 million complex on the northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets has been halted for at least a year due to the sagging economy, said developer Saeed Farkhondepour. Excavation had begun last July on the Historic Core project that was slated to include 200 residential units, 750 parking spaces, ground-floor retail, restaurants and a rooftop bar. M2A architects had been in charge of the designs. Farkhondepour said construction will cease for now and the site will remain as is. He will revisit the effort in a year. D6
Developer IDS Real Estate Group has secured capital funding and expects to break ground on a long-planned, multi-phase, mixed-use project by the end of the year. The mega-development a block north of L.A. Live, on a site bounded by the 110 Freeway, James M. Wood Boulevard and Eighth and Francisco streets, is estimated to cost more than $1 billion. The first phase, estimated to take three years to build, would include 351 condominiums in a 33-story tower on 1.83 acres; the second phase would create 388 condos in a 42-story tower; a third phase would add a 480-room hotel and 88 residential units; and the final phase would create a 42-story office tower. Additionally, 46,000 square feet of retail would be spaced out between the phases, and each phase would include a five-level parking structure. The entire development is projected to be complete by 2020. Gruen Associates is the executive architect on the project and Arquitectonica is the design architect. B8
Final city approvals were obtained in February for the $140 million Arts District project. A groundbreaking is expected this fall, pushed back from a previous date of the summer, according to developer the McGregor Company. Plans for the 500,000-square-foot project call for 439 rental units above 70,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, commercial and live-work space. The Michael Maltzan-designed building would feature vertical gardens along the faŤade north of Third Street and a 5,000-square-foot, ground-floor community center to be occupied by several neighborhood groups. The development would stand approximately 65 feet and five stories tall. It would rise on a four-acre site that currently houses an MTA lot. The property is bounded by Santa Fe Avenue, the First and Fourth street bridges and Metrolink service tracks adjacent to the Los Angeles River. F5
The last remaining building in the Fashion District complex, the 73-unit Santee, currently has no opening date but may debut as rentals, said developer Mark Weinstein. Tenants began moving into the two other buildings in the final phase, the Cornell and the Eckardt, last year. In total, the 780,000-square-foot development from MJW Investments includes seven buildings on the block bounded by Los Angeles, Maple, Seventh and Eighth streets. The project's first phase, Santee Court, opened as rental units more than four years ago. Three buildings feature for-sale units, while three others are rentals. Approximately 40 out of 95 condominiums in the Cornell have sold, while about 10 of the 48 in the Eckardt have been purchased. Units in the final three buildings range from approximately 700-square-foot studios to penthouses larger than 2,000 square feet. Prices range from the mid-$300,000s to $1.4 million for a penthouse. Approximately 70% of the units are in the $300,000-$500,000 range, said Weinstein. The buildings share a courtyard, rooftop pool and cabana lounges. D7
Last month developer Related Cos. pushed back the timeline for the $3 billion Bunker Hill development known to many as the Grand Avenue project; construction is now expected to begin in 2009, with the completion of the first phase in 2012, said Related of California President Bill Witte. The 3.6 million-square-foot, Frank Gehry-designed project is slated eventually to bring 2,600 housing units, 449,000 square feet of retail, a hotel, a grocery store and a health club to Downtown Los Angeles. The approximately $1 billion, 1.3 million-square-foot first phase will include a 48-story Mandarin Oriental Hotel & Residences with 295 rooms and 266 for-sale units, a 19-story tower with 126 market-rate apartments and 98 affordable units, a 250,000-square-foot retail pavilion and a 16-acre Civic Park. The developer and county officials are currently seeking additional funds for the park, originally budgeted at $50 million, and plan to start construction on it next spring. Completion of the park is slated for summer 2011. The project will rise across from Walt Disney Concert Hall on the site of a current multi-level parking lot. Although that structure had been closed for several months, it was recently reopened. C5
Developer Urban Partners expects to break ground on the massive USC student housing complex by July. The development was previously estimated at $135 million, but a current construction cost has not been disclosed. The privately funded project at Figueroa Street and Jefferson Boulevard is expected to house 1,600 students in a 421-unit apartment complex with 83,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, including a bookstore and a restaurant. Plans also call for a fitness center, 770 parking spaces on site and another 440 at a USC-owned lot a block away. The project had been delayed for more than two years due to legal challenges filed by competing developer Conquest Student Housing before the lawsuit was settled in January. NA
Developers Tom Gilmore and Richard Weintraub are continuing work on a new kitchen and other amenities, as well as the transformation of the former rectory of the onetime St. Vibiana's Cathedral so that it can function as a restaurant and special events facility. Following an $8 million renovation, the cathedral itself already can be rented out for events. Plans are underway for a mixed-use high-rise on a lot south of the former cathedral. D5
CIVIC
The Los Angeles Fire Department will take over the two-story fire and paramedic station at 450 Temple St. as soon as some final touches are made to the facility and after contractor S.J. Amoroso officially signs off on the project, according to an LAFD progress report. The 40,000-square-foot station, budgeted at $23 million, will include a handball court, two bays for firefighting vehicles and a hose tower. An opening is expected within two months. The station will be staffed by 14 firefighters serving Little Tokyo, Chinatown and Olvera Street. Construction on a second phase of the project, an emergency operations center at 500 E. Temple St., continues. That 82,000-square-foot structure will house police and fire dispatch centers, and will replace emergency communication facilities in City Hall East. GKK Dommer and Fluor/HOK are the architects. E5
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is in the planning phase for a project that would create a Downtown link between the existing Gold and Blue Line light rail systems; the Gold Line Eastside Extension, expected to be complete in 2009; and the Expo Line, which will connect Downtown to Culver City by 2010. Metro officials held a series of public meetings over the last six months, and are looking at two options for the nearly two-mile connector - an above-ground route estimated to cost $650 million, and an underground route estimated at more than $800 million. Metro will present its recommendations to the public this summer before going to the agency's board for approval. If the board elects to move forward with a study, Metro would begin the environmental review process and also start looking for the estimated $500 million to $800 million required to fund the effort. Completion is likely seven to 10 years away. NA
A 2,700-foot-long, 25-foot-deep trench has been dug and a water line has been installed on Exposition Boulevard as work continues on the $808 million Expo Line, according to an MTA official. The light rail line will connect Downtown to Culver City, and completion is slated for 2010. The eight-mile route will share two stops with the Blue Line and will add nine new stations. The project is a joint venture of FCI Construction, Inc., Fluor Corp. and Parsons Corp. NA
The $90 million seismic upgrade at 300 N. Los Angeles St. in the Civic Center has been completed, and Phase 2 of the project is underway, with a targeted completion date of 2010, said Gene Gibson, regional public affairs officer for the General Services Administration. The project's stages will allow business to continue by having the 8,000 employees relocate within the building to avoid renovations, which include new fire safety systems, ceilings, energy-efficient lighting, signage, security systems, elevators and the removal of hazardous materials. D4
There has been little progress in the plan for a new courthouse at First Street and Broadway in the Civic Center, said Gene Gibson, regional public affairs officer for the General Services Administration. The project would include 41 courtrooms, judges' chambers and office space for federal agencies. Although Congress appropriated $314 million for the development, the construction bids came in much higher. The old state office building on the 3.6-acre site has been demolished. C5
A June or July 2009 completion has been set for the Metro Gold Line's extension from Downtown to East Los Angeles. Work is 80% complete, according to an MTA spokesperson. Overhead power lines are being installed, as are platforms and canopies for some of the stations. Track construction continues from Alameda and First streets into Boyle Heights. The $899 million light rail line will extend the Gold Line from Union Station across the 101 Freeway, creating eight new stations and culminating at Atlantic Avenue. Officials say the extension could carry 23,000 riders a day by 2020. D4
Plans have not been finalized to renovate the facility at Temple and Spring streets in the Civic Center which was damaged 14 years ago by the Northridge earthquake, said John Edmisten, a division chief in the county's Chief Administrative Office. The project, estimated to cost $200 million, would likely include a restoration of the building's exterior and grand lobby. The County Board of Supervisors must approve each phase of construction separately, noted Edmisten. There is no timeline for construction. C4
Completion is slated for June 2009 for the $440 million replacement for Parker Center; the main structure is about 67% complete, said Cora Jackson-Fossett of the city Bureau of Engineering. The project broke ground in January 2007 and crews are currently working on the glass curtain wall on the south side of the building and on the auditorium. They are also completing the concrete panels on the building's exterior. The 10-story, 500,000-square-foot structure, designed by DMJM and constructed by Sylmar-based Tutor-Saliba, is rising directly south of City Hall. The building will include an open plaza facing First Street and a small, landscaped park at the corner of Second and Main streets, as well as a 300-car LAPD garage. One block away on Main Street, an 800-car Motor Transportation Division facility is planned. D5
The decades-long effort to clean and green 32 miles of the Los Angeles River continues. A River Improvement Overlay plan is scheduled to go before the city Planning Commission in September. The effort includes design guidelines and recommendations for development within half a mile of the waterway. The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to complete a feasibility study for ecosystem restoration within two years, said a project spokesperson. Some projects funded by state bond money are moving forward, including the building of bike paths near Elysian Park, scheduled for construction this year. Of the five "Opportunity Sites" the revitalization features, three are in and around Downtown Los Angeles: the new state park at Taylor Yard, the Chinatown area and the Industrial District. The plan will be implemented as funding becomes available. The overall project is estimated at $2 billion. NA
The California State Parks Department is starting a campaign to raise funds for long-term development of the 32-acre park adjacent to Chinatown. A team led by San Francisco-based Hargreaves and Associates has held a series of public meetings to get design input for the park (currently just 12 acres are being used). The firm will begin the schematic designs this month. Plans include creating a space for cultural events, an open meadow for recreation and kiosks that would highlight the agricultural and cultural history of the city. Additionally, nine acres would be set aside for natural habitats and a nature preserve. The team is still preparing for final, technical drawings, a process that could be complete by 2010. C1
The facility at Los Angeles and Temple streets is about 80% complete and is expected to open in early fall, said Mike Bernards of Bernards Construction. The 160,000-square-foot, five-level building will accommodate more than 500 beds. The $74 million project, designed by HOK Architects, will house female inmates. D4
SCHOOLS
Construction continues on the 24-acre three-school campus on the site of the former Ambassador Hotel west of Downtown. Plans call for an 825-seat school for kindergarten through third-grade students; a 1,400-seat facility for fourth through eighth graders; and a 2,150-seat high school. The Hensel Phelps Construction Company was awarded the contract for all three schools. The $80 million elementary school is nearly 40% finished with completion scheduled for spring 2009, and the $300 million middle and high schools, which began construction in December 2007, are scheduled for completion in spring
2010. The campus will include two gymnasiums, a swimming pool, a soccer field and extensive athletic facilities. The upper level of the former Cocoanut Grove nightclub will become a 522-seat auditorium, while the lower level will hold dining facilities and a cafeteria. The Wilshire Boulevard site will also have a one-third-acre public park, which will include an art installation honoring Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in the hotel. NA
Construction is 86% complete on the LAUSD's High School No. 9, also known as the High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, according to a district spokeswoman. The $232 million project is slated to be complete by the end of 2008 and open to students the following fall. The 238,000-square-foot campus at 450 N. Grand Ave. broke ground in 2006. The project, which includes a tower that soars 140 feet, is designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au and HMC. The 1,728-student, arts-oriented high school will feature academies with concentrations in music, dance, visual arts and performing arts. The school will primarily serve students living in the Belmont High School area, although 500 seats will be open for students from throughout the district. C4
Progress continues on L.A. Trade-Tech's multi-phase $240 million upgrade. Underway at the school at 400 W. Washington Blvd. are a $34 million restoration of the 100,000-square-foot A-Building and the $90 million South Campus project, which will consist of two five-story buildings housing more than 65,000 square feet of technology classrooms. Additionally, the school's Child Development Center is nearly complete and will open this year. The two-floor, $6 million facility will provide 14,238 square feet of learning space to children up to 12 years old, increasing capacity from 50 to 96 children. It will also house an infant classroom, a first for the college. NA
USC hopes to break ground soon on the 80,000-square-foot Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research on San Pablo Street. It will be the third new research building this decade on the campus northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. The LAC+USC Medical Center Replacement Facility is scheduled to open to patients later this summer. Additionally, USC recently identified a potential developer for its planned research park, the USC BioMedTech Park. Initial plans call for a 100,000-square-foot building that will accommodate multi-tenant bioscience companies. NA
The new School of Cinematic Arts, a 130,000-square-foot facility, is under construction and is scheduled for completion in December. The university's Campus Center project is scheduled to start construction this month with completion anticipated by the fall semester of 2010. NA
The high school on the 24-acre plot at First and Beaudry streets, now officially known as the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center after the late politician, is nearing completion, according to a project spokesperson. Construction on the $350 million development will finish by the end of May and the campus will open in the fall. The City West complex will have classrooms serving 2,100 students in three buildings, and a separate 500-seat academy will hold a library, student union and parents' center. Construction on the site's second component, a park, began in late 2006 and is expected to be complete by July. A5
CULTURAL/ENTERTAINMENT
There is still no opening date for Angels Flight. John Welborne, president of the Angels Flight Railway Foundation, said he expects contractors to return the two historic cars, Olivet and Sinai, which once traveled up and down the tiny railway that connects Bunker Hill to the Historic Core, to the tracks soon, though he did not provide a specific date. That will be followed by testing of the cars and the new drive system. The project will need a green light from the California Public Utilities Commission, which must approve safety certification of the railway before it can reopen. Angels Flight has been closed since the Feb. 1, 2001, accident that killed 83-year-old Leon Praport and injured seven others. Since then, Welborne has announced multiple reopening dates, though none have been met. C6
In the effort to help get a streetcar for Broadway, in April City Councilman JosŽ Huizar led a delegation of Downtown stakeholders to Portland and Seattle to observe and learn about the streetcar systems in those cities. The streetcar effort would be a later-phase addition (possibly a decade down the line) in Huizar's Bringing Back Broadway Initiative, which was announced in January. The goal is to enliven the historic corridor between Third Street and Olympic Boulevard and help reinvigorate some of the street's dozen former movie palaces and surrounding businesses. The $36.6 million first phase of the plan includes $16.6 million in public funds for sidewalk and streetscape improvements, among other endeavors - Huizar secured $550,000 in Community Block Grant funding for streetscape efforts. Another $20 million from private sources will be used on building upgrades and faŤade improvements as well as housing efforts. NA
The Science Center's Phase II expansion, featuring the World of Ecology wing, is 55% complete, and $130 million of the $165 million campaign goal has been raised, said William Harris, senior vice president of development and marketing for the museum. An additional 170,000 square feet of space will be added to the four-story structure in Exposition Park, and will allow for new exhibits that illustrate key principles of ecological science. The World of Ecology, slated to open in 2010, will hold interactive exhibits with aspects of aquariums, zoos and botanical gardens. Hundreds of plants and animals will be featured. NA
The $4.8 million facility at 1410 Colton St. in City West is slated to open May 22 following an extensive renovation. The year-round indoor pool is heated, and the building features a new roof, electrical system, locker rooms, bathrooms and showers. Frank R. Webb Architects handled the renovations. NA
The effort to house a professional football franchise in the 1923 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has faded since February, when the stadium's managing entity, the Coliseum Commission, announced a deal with USC that will keep the school's football team playing there for at least 25 years. Under the agreement, the Coliseum will receive significant upgrades including new lighting and sound, restrooms and scoreboards. In return, USC will pay 8% of ticket sales as rent. Previously, a variety of officials had sought to lure the NFL to the Exposition Park stadium with a renovation that could have topped $800 million. NA
American Commercial Equities, which purchased the Little Tokyo outdoor mall last July, continues to implement small-scale improvements, but has not yet begun major renovations. Previously announced plans for the center, still expected to unfold this year, include $2 million for new roofing and HVAC, new lighting and painting the inside of the parking garage. The corner of First Street and Central Avenue could eventually see new retail, said Marvin Lotz of ACE. Long-term plans for the center, which connects First and Second streets, are expected to unfold over the next two years and are still being finalized. The project is being designed by Mitchell Sawasy of the Downtown-based firm Rothenberg Sawasy Architects. Mark Hong of CB Richard Ellis is handling leasing. No new tenants have been signed yet. D5
The next phase of L.A. Live is set to open Dec. 1, said Michael Roth, vice president of communications for developer the Anschutz Entertainment Group. The $2.5 billion project's first installment, which featured the 7,100-seat Nokia Theatre, debuted last October. The new phase will add 12 restaurants, the nightclub the Conga Room, a Lucky Strike bowling alley and the Grammy Museum, which will have its grand opening Dec. 3. December will also see the arrival of L.A. Live's office space - it will serve as the headquarters for AEG and Herbalife. The law firm Holme Roberts & Owen LLP is also moving in. Meanwhile, work continues on a building that will house the West Coast headquarters for cable sports giant ESPN. B8
An $84 million upgrade of the Exposition Park facility is in the second phase, according to a museum official, and work crews are uncovering and restoring original architectural details and creating new exhibits. The project is funded by a mix of private and public sources. The first of the new galleries is set to open in 2010. NA
Construction is expected to begin this year on a renovation of the venue at 448 S. Main St., though no groundbreaking date has been announced. The project is expected to wrap in 2009. Gilmore Associates signed a long-term lease for the 10,000-square-foot Historic Core property in 2006. It is slated to host live music, a lounge and a restaurant. D6
Owner David Houk said he is working on raising $10 million for the restoration of the 1924 building, which recently served as a set for the Bravo television series "Step It Up and Dance." Expected to complement the nearby L.A. Live complex, the venue at 940 S. Figueroa St. will eventually host plays and musicals, and possibly a private dining club. There is no timeline yet. B8
BARS & RESTAURANTS
The developers behind the wine bar Bottle Rock will not make a previously announced opening in the spring. Instead, the new target date for the nightlife spot at 11th and Hope streets, on the ground floor of the Met Lofts, is July. Bottle Rock, which has a popular Westside location, will serve diners and drinkers in 3,776 square feet of space in South Park. B8
As a result of the current economic climate, there is no timetable to open the pub and restaurant on the border of the Arts and Industrial districts, said Elizabeth Peterson, who has opened several other nightspots Downtown. The beer garden would be at 1356 Palmetto St. Peterson hopes that a turnaround in the market will allow the project to move forward. F6
Two restaurants are scheduled to open in City National Plaza, said Kent Handleman, a representative of the complex's owner, Thomas Properties Group. Drago Centro, an upscale Italian eatery featuring the food of chef Celestino Drago, is slated to arrive late this summer in the project that includes an underground mall and twin 51-story black granite towers. In the fall, Chaya Brasserie, a high-end Asian fusion establishment with outposts in Venice and Beverly Hills, is scheduled to open in the space at Fifth and Flower streets. B6
Church & State, from restaurateur Steven Arroyo, is scheduled to open in the coming weeks, said Yuval Bar-Zemer, a partner in the firm Linear City, which developed the Biscuit Company Lofts, the home of the restaurant. Bar-Zemer said that brickwork on the newly expanded patio was recently completed, providing a piazza-like feel. The 70-seat establishment is at 1855 Industrial St. in the Arts District. Arroyo previously opened restaurants including Malo in Silver Lake and tapas establishment Cobras & Matadors. NA
Although several previous openings have been pushed back, Vincent Terzian of Hollywood-based Five-Five Endeavors said the 6,000-square-foot basement bar and lounge in the Spring Arts Tower at 453 S. Spring St. should open by early summer. The nightspot in the 1914 building, known to many as the longtime home of Crocker Citizens National Bank, will have a 1920s speakeasy theme. Terzian said he is trying to preserve much of the space's original oak and marble. C6
The Japanese tapas restaurant and bar is slated to open around Memorial Day, said Brian Lee, who hopes to duplicate the success of the first Origami, located in Valencia. The 3,300-square-foot space at 257 S. Spring St., on the ground floor of the Douglas Building, will feature Kobe filet mignon and an expansive sushi bar. The contemporary Asian decor will incorporate glass mosaic tiles on the walls, as well as black Indonesian bamboo. C5
The opening of the fine-dining and entertainment complex at 760 S. Hill St., in the former Union Bank Building, has been pushed back from the summer to later this year, said Michael Bustamante of Meruelo Maddux Properties, which owns the Jewelry District edifice. Valencia Group is developing the 10,000-square-foot establishment that will feature two floors of entertainment space, a cocktail bar and a lounge in one of the bank's former vaults. Chef Jeffrey Nimer will head the kitchen. C7
BUSINESS
Although they have begun to work on plans to expand and renovate the outdoor shopping mall at Seventh and Figueroa streets in the Financial District, details are still not being released by New York-based Brookfield Properties, said Nick Martinez, a spokesman for the company. Officials with Brookfield, which purchased the mall and an adjacent high-rise in 2006, have previously indicated that work would include an expansion of more than 150,000 square feet. B7
Plans for what would be the largest adaptive reuse project in the city are still in the design phase, according to a project spokesperson. Developer 611 W. Sixth St. LLC and New York-based Chetrit Group intend to transform the office building, which was once the tallest structure in Downtown Los Angeles, into a hub of more than 500 residential and commercial condominiums. The first 15 floors would feature 135 office condos while 402 live-work units are planned for floors 16-42. The 620-foot-tall edifice also includes 712 parking spaces. Architecture firm Epstein ISI will handle the conversion. B7
An opening for the 38-unit 915 Mateo is slated for July 1 (pushed back from April), said Seth Polen of 915 South Mateo Properties, LP. The $8 million effort at 915 S. Mateo St. in the Arts District will hold space for creative businesses or entrepreneurs. Each unit will have a private bathroom with shower, multiple phone lines and 10- to 13-foot ceilings. Studios range from 793-1,600 square feet and rents are $1.50-$2 a square foot. Pugh and Scarpa is the architect on the project that will hold 50 parking spaces. NA
Construction has started on the second phase of upgrades, said a project spokesperson. Crews are converting the top floor of the building, which for decades held a high-end restaurant, into office space. So far, the 32-story structure at 12th and Olive streets in South Park has a new lobby and a food court. The exterior of William Pereira's edifice, long known as the Transamerica building, was updated with modern metal panels and a glass curtain wall. C9
About 14 stories of steel were visible by early May, said Michael Roth, vice president of communications for the project's developer, the Anschutz Entertainment Group. The 54-story high-rise that will be the center point of L.A. Live is on schedule for an opening in the first quarter of 2010, he added. The $900 million building will contain two hotels: an 878-room JW Marriott and a 123-room Ritz-Carlton. Additionally, the tower will hold 224 Ritz-Carlton condominiums, starting on the 27th floor (more than two-thirds have been reserved, said Roth). The 12 penthouses in the structure will each go for around $9 million. The hotel will also contain the largest ballroom in the city, at 3,000 seats. B8
Although developer L.A. Fashion Center LLP could not be reached for comment, the 560,000-square-foot complex at 1458 S. San Pedro St. appears to be nearing the final stages. Also known as L.A. Face, the massive structure is accented by its green-tinted windows. The developer has previously said the building would offer 196 for-sale spaces and showrooms for wholesalers and manufacturers. Units will average 1,200 square feet and $700,000. E9
A 10,000-square-foot Italian-themed restaurant and gourmet grocery store is expected to open on the ground floor of the Brockman Building at Seventh Street and Grand Avenue in June. (Construction is wrapping up on the upper floors of the refurbished building, with 80 condominiums, and the structure should be ready for move-ins by July 1.) Louie will be a mid-priced establishment, and will be open from 6 a.m. until late in the evening. The menu, with a focus on items such as organic vegetables and sustainable seafood, will feature pizza, salads, baked goods, a hot carving station, a coffee bar and more. The market will offer house-made sauces and soups, fresh flowers and other artisan products. C7
Maguire Properties continues to speak with potential occupants of a 1 million-square-foot high-rise in the Financial District, but the company will not commit to building the 50-story office tower until it can be approximately 50% pre-leased, said the company's Peggy Moretti. Richard Keating of Keating/Khang has worked on designs for the edifice that would rise at Seventh and Figueroa streets. Construction of Downtown's first new office tower in more than 15 years would take about three years, said Moretti. B7
According to the most recent information available, the 469-room Downtown Marriott will begin extensive renovations to its rooms and amenities this fall. The lobby of the hotel at 333 S. Figueroa St. will be redesigned, banquet rooms will be upgraded, and a spa will be added. Los Angeles-based Namco Capital Group purchased the 1983 building in 2007 through its subsidiary, L.A. Hotel Venture. B6
According to the most recent information available, excavation and drilling have begun for the 400,000-square-foot wholesale condominium complex priced slightly above $30 million. The structure at 810 E. Pico Blvd. would create 150 units from 1,000-2,500 square feet, though selling prices have not been revealed. The project designed by the firm MAI has been scheduled to open in 2009. E9
RTI Properties is working on a transformation of the 24,000-square-foot, 103-year-old, two-story brick and heavy timber truss building at 941 E. Second St., said Michael Donovan III, the company's vice president of development. The e2, previously envisioned as a residential complex, will now be pitched to businesses. Phase 1 is scheduled to open early this summer and will consist of about 1,800 square feet of office space. Phase 2 will house eight flex-space units of more than 1,000 square feet each, all on the upper floor. Future ground-floor phases will include 1,640 square feet of retail, 3,000 square feet of warehouse space for events and parties, and numerous self-storage units. F5
The next phase of a $65 million renovation of the hotel at 930 Wilshire Blvd. is expected to begin in late summer. It will focus on the guest rooms, and all 900 will be remodeled, while the lobbies and common areas will also get a facelift. These renovations will follow the remodeling of the ballrooms and 50,000 square feet of meeting areas. The hotel is being upgraded in anticipation of the coming Convention Center headquarters hotel, which is expected to open in 2010 and lead to increased convention business for many Downtown establishments. B7
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY
The South Park-based church, in collaboration with a team led by developer David Houk, is in the early stage of planning a $75 million mixed-use project on church-owned property at 1010 S. Flower St. The complex is expected to include a 30,000-square-foot church building with a chapel, a sky sanctuary, offices, a kitchen and an outdoor patio. In exchange for the development and ground lease rights, Houk's team will also build a 14-story apartment tower with ground-floor retail and a 500-stall parking structure. The development will rise on the site of the former church building at Flower Street and Olympic Boulevard, which was demolished in 2002. The development team must still finalize its agreement with the church. After that, it is expected to take up to 18 months to obtain city approvals, and another 18-24 months for construction. B8
Delays have hit the extensive expansion of the City West hospital, with groundbreaking for a new building at Wilshire Boulevard and Witmer Street now expected by mid-2009, said Good Samaritan Vice President of Professional Services Dan McLaughlin. The seven-story building would be 150,000 square feet and would house a first-floor patient imaging center and pharmacy, eight second-floor surgical suites and five floors of physician offices. The structure would be connected to the existing building at 1245 Wilshire Blvd. Architecture firm Ware Malcomb is handling the designs. A7
A $10 million expansion of the Skid Row nonprofit is scheduled to be complete by August, according to an organization representative. Architect Michael Maltzan's plans for the children's facility at 720 Kohler St. include space for a new ceramics complex and a library. The $3 million Rosenthal Family Theater will feature costume and set design shops and a green room. F7
An opening has been set for this fall for the $899 million, 25-acre facility at Merengo and Chicago streets northeast of Downtown. Staff for the information/systems department moved in at the beginning of the year, although some construction continues, said Caroline Rhee, a spokeswoman for the school. Equipment for the 600-bed hospital is also being installed. The project includes a seven-story outpatient structure, a five-floor diagnostic and treatment building and an eight-story inpatient tower. The complex will replace four hospitals, including two facilities damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Emergency Services and county bonds are financing the development. Los Angeles-based HOK and Santa Monica firm LBL Associated Architects are handling the designs. NA
Little Tokyo Service Center Executive Director Bill Watanabe said he believes lengthy negotiations with the city are almost complete, which could pave the way for the construction of a community center on Los Angeles Street between Second and Third streets; it would feature a four-court gym that could host martial arts tournaments. Watanabe said it would take three years to fund and build the complex. The 30,000-square-foot facility would also serve as a site for community events and basketball and volleyball tournaments. D5
Plans for expanding the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles remain on hold while the organization awaits an agreement with the federal government. May Chen Tham, a spokeswoman for the YWCA, said there is no indication of when final approval for funding will come from the Department of Labor. The $52 million Job Corps Campus in South Park broke ground in 2006. Plans call for a 154,000-square-foot development at Olympic Boulevard and Olive Street with 200 rooms for students and an intake center, cafeteria and library, as well as medical and dental centers that will serve 1,200 students annually. The seven-story steel and glass structure designed by Jenkins, Gales and Martinez Architects would put the YWCA Job Corps under one roof, rather than on two satellite campuses. C8
OPENED IN THEPAST THREE MONTHS
The martial arts school has opened in its new home at 1211 N. Main St., next to the Los Angeles State Historic Park and a few blocks from the Metro Gold Line Chinatown station. The 3,000-square-foot ground-floor facility features a tea ceremony room, a meeting room, dressing rooms and a large practice area. A second level features an office, kitchen and library. The Aikido Center of Los Angeles moved from its 23-year home at 940 E. Second St. last year to make way for a condo project. In exchange for departing while eight years remained on the center's lease, former landlord Barn Lofts LLP paid for the bulk of the new facility. C6
Developer Trammell Crow Residential opened the $47 million Artisan on Second April 1. The 118-unit apartment complex at Second and Rose streets in the Arts District had been planned as condominiums, but development officials switched course due to changes in the housing market. Rents in the four-story building designed by Togawa Smith Martin Residential Inc. range from $2,210-$4,260. All apartments include washers and dryers, and the project boasts a pool, gardens and two levels of underground parking. E5
Move-ins began last month for the five-story ground-up luxury apartment complex at 138 N. Beaudry Ave. in City West. The striking modern development by Arizona-based Alliance Residential Company contains 204 units. Apartments range from 557-square-foot studios to 1,956-square-foot three-bedroom residences. Prices start at $1,800 and go up to $5,500. The project includes 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and numerous communal areas including a pool and a screening room with a 100-inch projection screen. B5
Residents began moving into the $7.5 million affordable housing complex in February. The four-story structure at 204 Lucas Ave., from developer Meta Housing, includes 21 one- to three-bedroom apartments from 637-1,007 square feet; rents are $454-$1,099. The project includes underground parking, a barbeque area and a courtyard. The complex is completely leased. A5
The Coulter and Mandel Buildings at 500-518 W. Seventh St. are being leased and some tenants have moved in. The lofts and a handful of two-bedroom apartments range from 1,200-2,500 square feet, and rents start at $1,800. A ground-floor 7-Eleven opened late last year. The 128,000-square-foot project was developed by George Peykar. C7
The Million Dollar Theatre reopened in late February following a $1 million renovation. Managing partner Robert Voskanian, who is leasing the building from the Yellin Company, spent more than a year refurbishing the 1918 former movie palace at 307 S. Broadway. The 2,100-seat venue received new plumbing and electrical systems, as well as new carpeting and stage lighting. Other improvements included new flooring and repairs to damaged portions of the ceiling. So far the theater has hosted several musical performances, and this summer it will participate in the Last Remaining Seats screenings. C6
Residents have moved into the 566-unit luxury apartment complex at 550 N. Figueroa St. The project is the second phase of the three-part Orsini development by G.H. Palmer Associates. The City West ground-up complex features studios to two-bedroom units, with prices starting at $1,600, according to the Orsini website. The development includes a swimming pool, sun deck, spa, gym and basketball court. A pedestrian bridge over Figueroa Street connects the complex to the first phase of the Orsini. B4
The 122,000-square-foot former bank building opened in March, said developer Barry Shy. Although the project was designed and planned as condominiums, the project has come online as rentals due to current market conditions. Prices range from $1,200-$5,000, and about 40 tenants have moved into the 198-unit structure. The 600- to 1,200-square-foot residences range from single lofts to two-level, townhouse-style units with up to two bedrooms. The building also features a rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, recreation room and screening room, plus 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space that Shy said he expects will eventually house a restaurant. C7
Seven Restaurant Bar opened in April at 555 W. Seventh St. The clubby and stylishly dim-lit room features a chocolate and lavender color scheme and a dangling chandelier. Currently Seven is open for lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with dinner service from 5:30-11 p.m., though after the grand opening in June, it will stay open until 2 a.m., with a full bar, a lounge, and food served until 1 a.m. C7
Bar impresario Cedd Moses' latest nightspot, The Doheny, opened in March. The $1 million private-member establishment, with an unpublished address near Staples Center in South Park, requires an initiation fee of $2,750 and annual fees of $2,200. To enter the bar named for oil tycoon E.L Doheny, guests need to use a biometric fingerprint recognition system. The 2,000-square-foot space features dark hardwood floors, leather finishes and an outdoor smoking patio. NA
Following an $11 million renovation, tenants have begun moving into the 101-year-old former movie theater and office building at 424 S. Broadway, said architect David Gray, who also developed the property as a partner in 424 S. Broadway, LLC. The 60-unit, 74,000-square-foot structure features a restored lobby, landscaped roof garden and Jacuzzi, original steel windows in all units, balconies, a courtyard, Italian cabinets, laundry facilities and 60 parking spaces in the nearby Community Redevelopment Agency headquarters. Layouts include loft-style singles, one- and two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom apartment. Residences range from 600-1,600 square feet and rent for $1,495-$4,995. C6
After a $35 million renovation, the Title Guarantee Building is open and more than 20% of the 74 apartments at 411 W. Fifth St. are leased, said developer Daniel Swartz. The units range from 755 to 4,000 square feet and feature 10- to 24-foot exposed concrete ceilings, wood cabinets, polished concrete floors and large walk-in closets. The one- to four-story residences rent for $2,000 to $12,000 a month. Architecture firm Killefer Flammang designed the renovation of the building that in 1984 became a city Historic-Cultural Monument. C6
The 3,200-square-foot bar and restaurant in the Sky building at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue began serving the public Feb. 14. The $900,000 ground-floor establishment created by David Tardif has a space-age theme, with LED lighting and hanging art, though the menu and the decor will change quarterly. The space includes a 1,700-square-foot, 90-seat patio with covered cabanas and a fire pit. C7
In March, tenants began moving into Meruelo Maddux Properties' $17 million conversion at 760 S. Hill St. in the Jewelry District, said company spokesman Michael Bustamante. The project, which was designed by Santa Monica-based Killefer Flammang Architects, updated the brick and terra cotta structure, creating 92 loft-style apartments from 700-1,900 square feet. Meruelo Maddux acquired the 12-story edifice - once the headquarters of the Union Bank and Trust Company - for $12 million. Meanwhile, an 11,000-square-foot ground-floor eatery, the Union Restaurant and Lounge, is slated to open later this year. C7
All 55 apartments in the recently opened affordable housing complex Yale Terrace have been rented. Developer Advanced Development and Investment, in coordination with the Community Redevelopment Agency, received about 500 applications for the housing complex on Yale between Alpine and Ord streets in Chinatown. The 55 families were selected by a lottery system. The $25 million project features 18 three-bedroom units and 37 four-bedroom residences. The complex includes 10,000 square feet of space for social service, educational and after-school programs, which are already underway. C3
page 15, 5/19/2008
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