Huizar vs. Molina | 5 A Big Season for Opera | 30
SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 I VOL. 43 I #37
BUILDING MOMENTUM A Focus on Downtown Development Featuring Updates on 94 Projects, Plus a Residential Section
photos by Gary Leonard
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THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
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AROUND TOWN
Downtown Guide Arrives Next Week
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id you know that virtually all the important information for navigating Downtown Los Angeles resides in one place? It’s true, and next week people across the Central City can get their hands on it. On Sept. 22, Los Angeles Downtown News will publish the annual Downtown Guide. The 88-page publication is a glossy magazine with information on the area’s history, restaurants, hotels, events and dining destinations, along with in-depth descriptions and shopping opportunities in Downtown’s 16 diverse districts. Altogether 110,000 copies of the Downtown Guide will be printed. In addition to the 40,000 distributed with Downtown News, they will be available at multiple Downtown News distribution locations, stores and visitors centers. The Guide can also be seen online at downtownnews.com or losangelesdowntown.com. Additional copies can be requested by calling Downtown News at (213) 481-1448.
New Location for Giant Downtown Slip-and-Slide
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espite a petition to stop it amid the drought, Downtown’s watery slip-and-slide goes on. Event organizer Slide the City, however, has moved the attraction’s location. The 1,000-footlong slip-and-slide, which will be set up on Sept.
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS 28, has been shifted from the center of Downtown to a stretch of Temple Street between Main and Los Angeles streets. Meanwhile, Slide the City is in talks with the city about a proposal to collect, treat and donate the 15,000-20,000 gallons of water used in the event, potentially to irrigate Griffith Park. The city is reviewing whether the logistics of that proposal are feasible, said Rick Coca, a spokesman for 14th District City Councilman José Huizar. Tickets to the attraction are online at slidethecity.com and range from $15 for a single slide to $50 for all-day VIP access.
September 15, 2014
TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD
Three Fewer Downtown Restaurants
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owntown is home to a flood of new restaurants, but sometimes increased competition and other factors bring about the opposite end of the spectrum: closings. They have hit Downtown in force recently, with two establishments getting shuttered and a third announcing its departure. Already gone is Fickle, chef/owner James Ta’s casual establishment on the corner of First Street and Central Avenue in Little Tokyo. Its last night of service was Sept. 3. Earlier in the summer, Ta had cut the lunch concept in the same space, dubbed The Sandwich Smith, and debuted a revitalized Fickle menu in its stead. In the Historic Core, meanwhile, Dr. J’s Vibrant Café has stopped serving. The vegan eatery was founded by Juliet “Dr. J” Tien and focused on items prepared without sugar, caffeine, yeast, dairy, wheat, alcohol, nicotine or chemicals. Back in Little Tokyo, chef David Bartnes and restaurateur Jun Isogai announced that the nose-to-tail eatery B.O.S. will serve its last meal on Sept. 27. Despite receiv-
Why does this little burger stand attract over a million people a year?
James Ellroy
Aloud @ The Central Library
ing warm reviews, the restaurant at 424 E. Second St. couldn’t generate enough buzz to remain feasible, according to a statement on the restaurant’s website. Bartnes, whose creations included tacos stuffed with sweetbreads, said he hopes to “be back very soon” in a Downtown Los Angeles restaurant.
Feds Bust Fashion District Money Laundering Scheme
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bout 1,000 federal agents and local law enforcement officers raided the Fashion
September 9, 2014
District last week, seizing more than $100 million and arresting nine suspects in what federal prosecutors allege is a widespread money-laundering scheme tied to narcotics sold by international drug cartels, including from the Mexican state of Sinaloa. “Los Angeles has become the epicenter of narco-dollar money laundering with couriers regularly bringing duffel bags and suitcases full of cash to many businesses,” Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Dugdale said in a prepared statement after the Wednesday, Sept. 9, action. Three separate indictments targeted Fashion Continued on page 6
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EDITORIALS
September 15, 2014
Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis
A Still Expensive Streetcar
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he proponents of the Los Angeles Streetcar have a reason to exhale. The draft of a nearly finished report from project consultant URS Corporation found that the urban circulator will cost $270 million. That’s less than the $327.8 million that the city had cited as a worst-case scenario in a previous analysis. Fourteenth District City Councilman José Huizar, who has been leading the charge on the project, and other streetcar team members think they may be able to lower the cost further. They point out that a $15 million spur to Grand Avenue may not be built, though it had to be included in the analysis. They also mention the possibility of easing the price of purchasing and building a maintenance center along the route by teaming with a private entity for some sort of mixed-use development. These are positive steps for the proposed 3.8-mile project that would run from South Park to the Civic Center with a principal spine on Broadway. However, there is one huge caution: Even with the potential cuts, the price tag is still north of a quarter-billion dollars. That is before the first power saw digs into the street and surprises happen. Additionally, the $270 million is well more than twice what project backers initially planned. It is also far above the $125 million that streetcar advocates told Downtown Los Angeles residents it would cost when they persuaded area inhabitants to approve a tax of up to $85 million on local property owners. The big question is what happens next, both in terms of planning and funding. The URS analysis is expected to be complete in a few weeks. We look forward to the final report, though as mentioned above, we worry what could happen when crews start digging and moving utilities. Although the URS estimate has a 30% cost contingency, it is the rare public transportation project that comes in on time and on budget. Add the archaic infrastructure below the streets and there is reason for concern. The financing picture is also unsettled. Huizar intends to seek $75 million in federal funds, but unless the price tag dips below $250 million, it will be competing in a more difficult category against other cities’ larger transit projects. Throw in the fact that the streetcar team has twice tried and failed to secure federal money, and that local congressional representative Xavier Becerra has yet to give an indication that he’ll lobby heavily for the streetcar, and it is easy to question whether this piece of the puzzle will materialize. Beyond that, the project backers need to establish a public-private partnership to fill a gap that could be more than $100 million (even with federal money). In other words, there is a long way to go in figuring out how to pay for this. We appreciate the work Huizar and his team have done to date, and think the streetcar could be a benefit to getting around in a more congested Downtown. We look forward to seeing the team advance.
City Can Do a Better Job of Helping Downtown Murals
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n October of 2013, the City Council passed an ordinance intended to regulate the creation of murals on private property in Los Angeles. A year later, the results have been disappointing, at least in Downtown. In an effort to adhere to the letter of the law, the spirit of the endeavor is being overwhelmed. As Los Angeles Downtown News reported this month, rather than lead to a burst of new outdoor art, the regulatory process has been slow and confusing. Though it appears that momentum may ultimately shift and facilitate the creation of more murals, to date we have seen several existing artworks get painted over. The ordinance is well intentioned, and we believe that it can have the desired effect. However, that hasn’t happened, and if things are to change, then the city officials in charge of the process need to be more helpful and proactive. Yes, the artists and arts facilitators have to accept responsibility and understand that a creative streak alone is not enough — there are hoops to jump through and paperwork to fill out. Still, the lion’s share of the work falls on city officials. They have an important job, and are the front line in ensuring that an artwork that doubles as a huge advertisement doesn’t pollute the streets. At the same time, they need to remember how daunting governmental bureaucracy can be. They can certainly streamline the system and point artists in the right direction. Downtown Los Angeles has a rich history of outdoor painted public art. Just think of “Harbor Freeway Overture,” Kent Twitchell’s eightstory high work depicting members of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, on a wall overlooking the 110 Freeway. Created in 1991, it has become one of the most recognizable pieces of outdoor art in the city and brightens up any northbound drive on the often-clogged corridor. Twitchell has also seen what happens when things go wrong. In 2006, his 70-foot-tall “Ed Ruscha Monument,” on the wall of a YWCA Job Corps building on Hill Street, was unceremoniously and illegally painted over. The public outcry was swift and loud. A two-year legal tangle followed. Twitchell ultimately received a $1.1 million settlement. Unfortunately, the artwork has yet to re-appear. Ordinances are tricky, and their success depends not just on being passed, but on implementation. The reason the 1999 adaptive reuse ordinance, which made it easier and cheaper to turn old buildings into
housing, became a game changer in Downtown is because city officials, led by then adaptive-reuse czar Hamid Behdad, took it as an opportunity to say “yes” rather than “no.” Behdad’s office was committed to working with developers and helping them solve tricky problems. This led to the Downtown residential revolution that continues today. The mural ordinance was necessary. For decades public art had gone up on private spaces all across the city. Sometimes it appeared with the owner’s permission, and sometimes it was guerilla art that was quickly painted over. Sometimes the murals were true works of art that spoke to neighbors and said something about life in Los Angeles, and sometimes they were little more than graffiti tags. The ordinance aims to regulate the movement. However, things can be confusing. Consider “Supermodel,” a mural commissioned by the band Foster the People, and then painted over in August. It turned out the artwork needed more permits than were additionally secured, including one because the building it was painted on was a historic property. While that was not the only reason “Supermodel” was whitewashed, the city could help permit seekers by informing them when other approvals from additional city offices are required, or perhaps tell them how to apply for a variance. Another goof occurred in the Arts District, when an untitled piece was painted over after the city sent the building owner a notice saying the work was not in compliance with new regulations. However, the mural could have been grandfathered in. How hard would it have been to inform the building owner of the steps needed to legalize it? It is time for the Department of Cultural Affairs and other entities to work proactively and guide mural applicants through the process. Make things legal, and be sure that all necessary signatures, including from building owners, are there. Be helpful however possible. The artists, as we say, bear some responsibility. Mural advocates helped craft the new system, and the guidelines are out there. When going through the regulatory process they should do everything that is required and always ask if any additional approvals are needed. Sure, it is cumbersome, but an abundance of caution is the best way to prevent having a work whitewashed. An effective mural ordinance will be good for the city and will brighten Downtown. It is time to use what has been passed to everyone’s advantage.
September 15, 2014
Downtown News 5
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
War of the Worlds in CD 14 It’s Huizar vs. Molina in a Council Throwdown for the Ages By Jon Regardie oxing had Muhammad Ali battling Joe Frazier in the brutal Thrilla in Manila. The Civil War had the ferociously bloody Battle of Shiloh. Downtown Los Angeles will have José Huizar vs. Gloria Molina. Is that an overstatement? Not at all. In the next six months Angelenos will be treated to some of the nastiest, most aggressive cam-
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THE REGARDIE REPORT paigning the city has even seen. As the two political heavyweights go at it, 14th District voters will determine the winner in what is essentially an electoral War of the Worlds (the good Orson Welles radio version, not the Tom Cruise movie). If you have kids, don’t let them near the mailbox, lest they get cut from some of the barbed mailers that will be sent. If you don’t like strangers at your door, then post a “No Solicitors” sign, as the candidates, and the special interests who love them, will employ an army of precinctwalking stumpers. If you’ve got tender sensibilities, then you might want to head out of Dodge for a few months: What will unfold will be meaner, and potentially more sexually explicit (more on that later), than what you’ll find in some of the darker corners of the Internet. Huizar-Molina is what you might get if you let Kim Jong-un and Michael Bay collaborate on a script about politics in Los Angeles. The proceedings will be so dirty that they will make
a season of “The Bachelor” look wholesome. We’re going to love every single minute of it. Tapping the FOG Network The Los Angeles Times broke the news of Molina’s challenge on Sept. 5. However, it wasn’t unexpected. On Aug. 11, I wrote that City Hall was rife with speculation that Molina and/or former state Assembly Speaker John Pérez would enter the race. So far Pérez, who suffered an embarrassing third-place finish in a run for State Controller, has yet to jump. But he’s doing CD 14-oriented things like hosting “community office hours” this week in Little Tokyo, so perhaps groundwork is being laid. While Molina’s decision to challenge a connected two-term council incumbent is audacious, one shouldn’t really be surprised. Molina, after all, has been one of the biggest names in Eastside politics for nearly three decades. Her 23 years on the County Board of Supervisors, and the four years she spent on the City Council before that, provide her access to a mountain of money. The number of projects she has been involved in, among them Grand Park, the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension and numerous developments in Boyle Heights, means the FOG (Friends of Gloria) network is huge. While some might think it’s time for the 66-year-old to move on, Molina is known for her keen political instincts and her willingness to tangle. Clearly she recognizes that the chance to snatch Huizar’s throne is her best opportunity to maintain a high-profile role in local politics. Has she always planned this run? Probably not,
photos by Gary Leonard
Almost the entirety of Downtown got moved into Council District 14 during the last redistricting shift. That means area residents will help determine if José Huizar spends another four years in City Hall, or if outgoing County Supervisor Gloria Molina takes his job.
but it’s too good of a chance to pass up. One has to assume some super secret internal polling in the past few months told her exactly that. Battling a sitting council member gearing up for his final term is unheard of in Los Angeles. The traditional route to office is to make backroom deals and position oneself to run once the player terms out or moves on. That’s just what happened in the seat Molina will vacate in December. The powers-that-be, by which I mean special interests including local labor leaders, ensured that Hilda Solis would get the job. Then again, CD 14 is kooky. Voters there ousted incumbent Nick Pacheco in favor of Antonio Villaraigosa in 2003, only for Villaraigosa to flip on them and run successfully for mayor two years later. Huizar subsequently won the open council seat, beating Pacheco, and then eviscerated challengers in his next two elections. Most recently, in 2011, he shellacked business owner Rudy Martinez, garnering 63% of the vote even
as Martinez spent $200,000 of his own money and ran a flamethrower of a campaign. Still, despite his record, two words put Huizar most at risk: Duck Dynasty. No, the words are “Francine Godoy,” his former deputy chief of staff, who is suing her old boss, as well as the city, for sexual harassment and retaliation. Though Huizar has denied the charges, the married father of four did publicly admit to having a consensual affair with Godoy. Politicians, especially French ones, can often withstand extramarital dalliances. What gives Molina her opportunity is the lawsuit and a trial that had been scheduled for November, but was recently pushed back to March 2, the day before voters hit the polls for the primary. A runoff would take place in May if no one gets more than 50% of the vote, which is a distinct possibility, given that some fringe candidates are on the ballot. That becomes even more likely if Pérez runs. Continued on page 27
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6 Downtown News
Around Town, 2 District businesses QT Fashion, Inc., Yili Underwear, Gayima Underwear, and textile importer Pacific Eurotex Corp. Kent Smith, head of the Fashion District Business Improvement District, said he was surprised by the raids. While he is glad to see the crackdown on crime, Smith hopes the incident doesn’t leave unfair assumptions about business conducted in the district. “There are more than 4,000 businesses here, and the reality is that the vast majority of them are legitimate,” Smith said.
U.S. Bank Tower Stair Climb Approaching
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ne of Downtown’s most popular, and most active, fundraisers arrives this week. That means Downtowners only have a few days left to train for the 21st annual Ketchum-Downtown YMCA Stair Climb for Los Angeles. The event on Friday, Sept. 19, has individuals climbing the 75 flights of U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi. While many people scale the 1,664 steps in about 30 minutes, elite competitors reach the top in around 9 minutes. Although online registration ended last week, sign-ups will be allowed on Thursday or Friday at the event, which starts at 11:30 a.m. (arrive early; the place will be a zoo). Participants are asked to raise $150, with proceeds benefitting YMCA programs for children, teens, families and senior citizens. Additional information is at ymcastairclimb.org.
Skid Row Cleanup Collects More Than Three Tons of Trash
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he joint City/County outreach effort in Skid Row last month removed more than three tons of trash from the streets, and brought medical and mental health care to more than 100 people, authorities said last week. The effort was part of an increased regimen tied to Operation Healthy Streets. It took place Aug. 13-21, and was highlighted by a major street cleaning on Aug. 13. During those nine days, according to a statement from 14th District City Councilman José Huizar, 80 people received treatment
for scabies, fungal infections and other ailments, 30 people were placed in housing, 27 were linked to mental health services and four were admitted to detox or rehabilitation facilities. Also, the city Bureau of Sanitation removed 3.5 tons of waste and recovered 184 syringes and needles, 63 razor blades and eight knives. Feces and urine were cleaned up at 107 and 169 locations, respectively. Huizar, whose district includes most of Downtown, led the effort with County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. The $3.7 million Operation Healthy Streets is funded by the city, while the county is responsible for healthcare, mental health and other services. The next cleanup is scheduled for Oct. 8-17.
September 15, 2014
Dog Run, Security, Coming to Spring Street Park Improvements Come as Attraction Gets $250,000
Watermarke Tower Sells for $160 Million
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SB Real Estate, which in June acquired a warehouse complex in the Arts District that it will turn into a retail center, has made another big purchase in Downtown Los Angeles: South Park’s Watermarke tower. The Maryland-based company this month spent $160.5 million for the 214-unit rental complex that opened in 2010. The seller of the 35-story building, at 705 W. Ninth St., which houses the acclaimed restaurant Faith & Flower on the ground floor, was Corona-based Watermarke Properties. The building is 97% occupied, according to ASB. The firm was drawn to the area by virtue of Downtown’s emergence as a prime residential location, ASB President and CEO Robert Bellinger said in a prepared statement. Three months ago, ASB purchased five warehouses at Palmetto and Mateo streets in the Arts District for $32.5 million. The company plans to pour another $30 million into the industrial complex and build a 125,000-square foot shopping center.
Correction Due to errant information provided by the South Park Business Improvement District, the Sept. 1 article “A South Park Mural Bounce” incorrectly stated that a mural that went up on a building at 12th and Flower had secured all city approvals. It was finalizing permits at the time.
photo by Gary Leonard
Spring Street Park will be getting a dog run, offering relief to families and pet owners who clashed when dogs ran free through the Historic Core attraction.
By Donna Evans amilies and dog owners have been arguing at the Spring Street Park ever since the Historic Core attraction opened a year ago. Now, there will finally be dedicated spaces for pet and kids. A designated off-leash dog area and a full-time security Continued on page 29
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Join Us!
LADWP Hosts Local Solar Program Workshops Learn, engage and share your ideas on LADWP’s local solar plans and programs – Feed-in Tariff, Solar Incentive and a new Community Solar Program.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Feed-in Tariff Program) 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Solar Incentive and Community Solar Programs) LADWP John Ferraro Building 111 North Hope Street – A-Level Lobby, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Webinar: For those who cannot attend in person, the workshop will be set up as a Webinar. Details will be posted at ladwp.com/Solar.
RSVP and learn more at www.ladwp.com/solar Sign Language interpreters, Assistive Listening Devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability, you are advised to make your request at least 72 hours prior to the meeting you wish to attend. Due to difficulties in securing Sign Language Interpreters, five or more business day notice is strongly recommended. For additional information, please call 213-367-1361, TDD: 1 800 HEAR DWP (1 800 432-7397).
September 15, 2014
Downtown News 7
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
DOWNTOWN DevelOpmeNT Building Momentum The Latest Information on 94 Downtown Projects By Donna Evans, Eddie Kim and Jon Regardie he Downtown development scene has been moving forward at a steady clip for more than a year, with a coterie of real estate players and investors recognizing that the community is ripe for additional housing, entertainment options and office space. Still, things ratcheted up even more than could be expected in just the last four months. Since Los Angeles Downtown News’ previous Development issue in May, a whopping 14 projects have either been announced or have burst into the mainstream. These include major housing efforts on Figueroa Street, the conversion of a vacant 1924 building into a hotel that will feature traditional as well as hostel-type rooms, and a playground in Grand Park. These projects join a diverse field of 80 already planned or in-the-works developments. It seems that everywhere one looks in Downtown, the signs of change are evident, from the Blossom Plaza mixed-use project in Chinatown to the Federal Courthouse rising in the heart of the Civic Center to Carmel Partners’ 700-apartment effort, complete with a Whole Foods, in the Financial District. In the following pages, Downtown News runs down the latest information on 94 Central City projects. Given the current state of affairs, expect the momentum to continue.
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NEW PROJECTS These projects were either publicly announced, were revived or gained prominence in the past four months. 1200 FIG A pair of 35-story condominium towers with a large retail podium has been proposed for a lot across from the Los Angeles Convention Center. A consortium of investors including Jamison Services and Hankey Investment Company President W. Scott Dobbins is behind the twin buildings at 12th and Figueroa streets. Designs from architecture firm Harley Ellis Devereaux show curved, steel-and-glass towers that would hold a combined 648 condominiums. The residences would sit above a 90-foot-tall podium with parking and 50,000 square feet of retail space; development officials expect to attract businesses that appeal to the sports-themed crowds coming to Staples Center and L.A. Live. The plan is in the entitlement phase and no budget or timeline have been announced. 1400 S. FIGUEROA ST. Developer DHG Family Trust this spring announced plans to build a seven-story building with 106 residential units at 1400 S. Figueroa St. in South Park. DHG is still securing entitlements for the building, said project representative Donna Tripp. The development would have 4,750 square feet of street-facing retail space and amenities including a fitness center and a pool deck. There would also be two levels of underground parking. The project is being designed by GMP Architects-LA. No timeline or budget has been revealed. AMP LOFTS Bolour Associates and Crescenta Capital Partners are behind a $130 million effort to create 320 live/work apartments and 20,000 square feet of retail space at Seventh Street and Santa Fe Avenue in the Arts District. The complex, with designs by the Shimoda Design Group, would be shaped like a “J,” and be flanked by a seven-story building at the northern end of the property and another one fronting Seventh Street. The rest of the 311,000-square-foot development would primarily be twoand three-story structures along Imperial Street and Santa Fe Avenue. Apartments would range from 525 to more than 1,200 square feet and would employ an open-plan concept. There would also be 390 parking spaces. The land, the longtime home of the American Moving Parts auto factory, currently holds 11 warehouse and industrial buildings, which will be razed. Proj-
ect manager Ryan Granito anticipates breaking ground by the middle of 2016. He predicts 20 months of construction with the project coming online by mid-2018.
Peterson Group will work on planning and land-use issues. Construction is expected to start in the third quarter of 2015. A rooftop pool and lounge are planned, as are ground-floor retail and a restaurant. The tall neon sign on the corner of the structure will be preserved. The hotel is slated to open in 2016. GLASS TOWER
ARTS DISTRICT RETAIL CENTER A 125,000-square-foot retail center has been proposed on the site of five warehouse buildings in the Arts District. ASB Real Estate Investments has partnered with Century City’s Blatteis & Schnur for the $32.5 million acquisition at Palmetto and Mateo streets, immediately south of the Molino Street Lofts and near the newly opened second phase of the condominium complex Barker Block. ASB plans to pour an additional $30 million into the project, which will include 430 parking spaces. No timeline has been announced. CHINATOWN PARK The city Board of Public Works this month is expected to approve a designer for a park that would rise on a Chinatown hillside, said Louis Reyes, a spokesman for First District City Councilman Gil Cedillo. In May, the office of County Supervisor Gloria Molina contributed $950,000, bringing the amount secured for the facility at Ord and Yale streets to $8.25 million. Demolition on the site is scheduled to start by the end of the year. The L-shaped plot will be transformed into what is described as a “vertical park,” with several deck-like flat areas connected by ramp-like “fitness trails.” A performance space is slated to sit next to the main entrance off Ord Street, and a trail will lead to an elevated observation deck. In 2010, the project secured $5 million in Proposition 84 state funds. Officials hope to open the park in the summer of 2016. COLLEGE STATION Evoq Properties this year revealed a plan to create a megaproject near Union Station. There are two proposals for the site at 924 N. Spring St., dubbed College Station. One calls for two residential towers up to 20 stories tall along with several fourstory buildings for affordable senior housing units, and another eight-story building with 80 live/work lofts. The second plan envisions multiple five-story buildings instead of two taller towers, but keeps the senior housing and live/work components of the first plan. The proposals include about 40,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial and retail space. The future of the College Station plan, however, is up in the air as Evoq is being sold to a coalition of investors. Evoq officials would not comment because the sale is pending. FOREMAN & CLARK BUILDING The 13-story Foreman & Clark building at 701 S. Hill St. will see a major renovation, as owner Kyung Cho plans to turn it into a housing complex. The 1929 structure in the Jewelry District currently holds office tenants and street-level jewelry businesses, but would be converted into 165 residential units. The ground floor space would be filled by two restaurants and a bar/lounge, according to City Planning Department documents. Cho is in the entitlement process, which could last into spring 2015, according to project representative Elizabeth Peterson. Los Angeles-based architecture firm EWAI is handling designs. No timeline or budget details have been revealed. FREEHAND HOTEL The 1924 Commercial Exchange Building at 416 W. Eighth St. was purchased in July and will become the third establishment in the Freehand Hotel chain. Freehand, a partnership between Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Company and the Sydell Group, will create approximately 200 rooms in the 13-story Beaux Arts structure originally designed by the firm Walker & Eisen. The hotel will hold a mix of traditional guest rooms and hostel-style rooms with up to eight beds. Los Angeles-based Killefer Flammang Architects is handling the transformation and the Elizabeth
rendering courtesy Trumark Urban/HansonLA
The Glass Tower, one of the many projects that stalled during the recession, returned to the limelight in June, when San Francisco’s Trumark Urban purchased the project site at the northeast corner of 11th Street and Grand Avenue in South Park. Trumark intends to spend $100 million on the already entitled, 151-condominium development. Downtown-based architecture firm HansonLA is handling designs; initial renderings of the 24-story edifice show a tower with box-shaped elements sprouting along one corner of the building. Trumark anticipates breaking ground in January, and the for-sale residences could hit the market as soon as 2016. Planned amenities include a fitness center and a pool deck. GLOBE THEATRE RENOVATION For the first time in decades, the Globe Theatre marquee is illuminating Broadway, following a relighting ceremony in June. The 101-year-old theater is undergoing a $5 million exterior and interior renovation that should be complete this fall, said project spokeswoman Elizabeth Peterson. Long used as a swap meet, the Globe will reopen as a high-end nightclub run by Erik Chol. The Globe, at 740 S. Broadway, will feature live performances; the mezzanine will be reactivated and the Broadway entrance will reopen. Most recently the 24,347-square-foot space had operated as Club 740. In that iteration the entrance was through an alley, and the club became infamous for fights and noise violations. GRAND PARK PLAYGROUND Construction began in July on a $1 million children’s playground on the eastern edge of Grand Park. The 3,700-square-foot play area, being designed by Rios Clementi Hales Studios (which also designed the 2-year-old park), will have a forest theme, complete with live sycamore trees, a tree house, a 12-foot tall tube slide and a tunnel. The look will include nature-inspired colors on oversized leaf shapes and bright green accents. The project, on the block between Broadway and Spring Street, will have hardwood benches. It will be surrounded by a three-and-a-halffoot tall fence. The park is scheduled to open in November. HAUSER WIRTH & SCHIMMEL ART CENTER A 100,000-square-foot former flour mill at 901 E. Third St. in the Arts District will be transformed into the Hauser Wirth & Continued on page 8
8 Downtown News
PROJECT UPDATES, 7 Schimmel arts complex. The project, to be run by former MOCA Chief Curator Paul Schimmel, will turn a collection of late 19th and early 20th century buildings and outdoor spaces into a multidisciplinary attraction with exhibitions, museum-caliber amenities and a series of public programs. Hauser Wirth & Schimmel will host a three-month group exhibition in an un-renovated portion of the complex in January. The facility will then close for more upgrades, with an anticipated full debut in winter 2016. The seven structures, which have been mostly uninhabited since the 1950s, include a Neo-Classical bank building, a five-story mill structure and three warehouses, two of which have arched truss ceilings and skylights. The project will include a 20,000-square-foot interior courtyard, as well as a restaurant and a bookstore. LA PLAZA HISTORIC WALK The County of Los Angeles and the La Plaza de Cultura y Artes Foundation, which operates a museum and cultural facility on Main Street, have proposed a massive development for a 3.7acre site currently composed of two parking lots separated by Broadway. The project would connect El Pueblo to Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial, a small park and monument at 430 N. Hill St. The development, close to Olvera Street, would include up to 345 residential units, with 20% set aside for low-income tenants. The 425,000-square-foot endeavor would also hold up to 55,000 square feet of restaurants, cafes and shops, along with 786 parking spaces in subterranean and above-grade structures. Chinatown-based architecture firm Johnson Fain is handling designs and developer Trammell Crow is also on the team. Plans call for “Block A,” the parcel on the east side of North Broadway, to hold a five-story structure with approximately 35,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and up to 119 residential units on the upper floors. “Block B,” west of Broadway, would see an eightstory structure with up to 226 apartments and 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. SIXTH AND BIXEL Developer Holland Partner Group in June broke ground on a
September 15, 2014
Development 648-apartment project in City West. The developer, which previously constructed two nearby rental complexes, will create a pair of seven-story structures and renovate a 1920s medical office building on a four-acre site on Sixth Street between Lucas Avenue and Bixel Street. The new buildings will have 606 units and the medical building will hold 42. The $200 million project will also create 25,000 square foot of retail and commercial space, much of it fronting Sixth Street. Project officials hope to open the converted office building by mid-2015, and bring the other structures online in phases in 2016. Togawa Smith Martin is designing the project that will offer studio to three-bedroom apartments ranging from about 500-1,300 square feet. Rents are expected to start around $1,500 and go to slightly under $4,000. The project will have rooftop decks, a large fitness center and a pool, along with open space including a public plaza and 300 trees. UNION STATION MAKEOVER
rendering courtesy Metro
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is assembling the final iteration of its proposal to upgrade the 75-year-old transit hub. One major change is the creation of a larger indoor/outdoor passenger concourse that will connect people to trains on an updated rail yard. The Patsaouras Bus Facility near the eastern entrance to Union Station will be demolished and rebuilt as an elevated terminal between the historic station building (the west entrance) and the new concourse. There are also a slew of outdoor improvements, including the conversion of the park-
ing lot adjacent to the west entrance into a public plaza. The master plan will be discussed by Metro’s Board of Directors at its September meeting, and a final plan is slated for completion in October, according to Metro Deputy Executive Officer Jenna Hornstock. RESIDENTIAL 801 S. OLIVE ST. San Francisco-based Carmel Partners is in the final design phase for a 27-story apartment tower at Eighth and Olive streets, according to Senior Vice President of Development Dan Garibaldi. The company plans to break ground in the first quarter of 2015 and expects construction to last about 30 months, leading to an estimated completion in the third quarter of 2017. Plans for the tower at 801 S. Olive St. call for 363 units, with studios, oneand two-bedroom apartments and four penthouses. Amenities would include a large fitness center, a rooftop pool and lounge, and several open-air decks with views of Downtown. There would also be 10,000 square feet of street-facing retail space as part of a three-story parking podium. The podium would be wrapped in translucent panels, allowing the structure to glow gently at night. 820 S. OLIVE ST. Plans for a 50-story residential tower between Hill and Olive streets continue to move forward. The Vancouver, Canada-based developer Onni Group, which recently topped out on a 33-story apartment tower at 888 S. Olive St., intends to bring 589 housing units and 600 parking stalls to the site between South Park and the Financial District. An adjacent 6,584-square-foot single room occupancy hotel, on land owned by the developer, will remain, project architect Chris Dikeakos has said. It is too early to reveal a budget or timeline, according to an Onni spokesman. 920 S. HILL ST. Veteran Historic Core developer Barry Shy is moving forward with plans to build a 32-story tower at 920 S. Hill St. Slated for Continued on page 10
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from ugly duckling to smokin’ hot swan. Remember that person in high school who, when you saw them at the ten year reunion, had completely changed for the better? They were brighter. More worldly. More open minded and evolved. More sleek and much, much cooler. Imagine a building doing that and you start getting a picture of what’s happening at The Bloc. It’s undergoing a mind blowing transformation that is being talked about as the mother of all makeovers. But like reunions, good things take time. Rome wasn’t built in a day and all that. So please pardon our appearance. And please keep an eye on what we’re doing via Twitter and Instagram.
Watch us transform at
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Development
PROJECT UPDATES, 8 the parking lot behind the Ace Hotel, the concrete, glass and stone structure would have 239 condominiums and five ground-floor commercial spaces totaling 5,405 square feet, said Kate Bartolo, a representative for the project. The design comes from David Takacs Architecture. No timeline or budget have been revealed. 950 E. THIRD ST.
rendering courtesy Legendary Development
The Department of City Planning is mulling a proposal for an entitled 472-apartment project at 950 E. Third St. in the Arts District. The $150 million complex, slated to rise on a six-acre site adjacent to the Southern California Institute of Architecture, has engendered neighborhood opposition for its design and what critics say is a lack of open, communal spaces. Developers have said they are taking residents’ suggestions into account as they work to refine the designs. The nearly 400,000-square-foot project would be dominated by an A-shaped concrete and wood building. There would also be about 22,000 square feet of retail and 922 parking spaces, according to Dilip Bhavnani of Legendary Development, which is partnering on the project with Associated Estates. Plans also call for a public path through the project
site connecting Third Street to Merrick Street and Traction Avenue. The entire development would be built in a single phase and construction is expected to take about three years. 1000 S. GRAND AVE. The excavation process and the pouring of concrete for subterranean parking is complete on Houston-based developer Hanover Company’s 274-unit, seven-story apartment building at Grand Avenue and Olympic Boulevard, according to company development partner Ryan Hamilton. The project will feature studio to two-bedroom apartments and 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Like Hanover’s other nearby projects, the design comes from architecture firm TCA and features a simple stucco exterior dotted with glass balconies. Amenities will include rooftop sun decks, a pool, a public paseo and a large fitness center. The building is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2016, Hamilton said. 1001 S. OLIVE ST. Construction has begun on Miami-based developer Lennar Multifamily’s apartment complex at the southwest corner of Olympic Boulevard and Olive Street. Initial work involves excavation and construction of subterranean parking. The seven-story building will have 201 rental units, including 12 two-story townhomes, and about 4,100 square feet of retail and commercial space on the ground floor. The South Park complex will offer a third-floor pool deck overlooking Olive Street, a roof deck at the corner of Olive and Olympic, a large fitness center and a dog run. There will also be three floors of parking (one underground) with 228 stalls. The complex is slated for completion in
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June 2016, according to project representative Sheila Gonzaga. 1027 WILSHIRE BLVD. The Central City Development Group and the Amidi Real Estate Group continue to work on a plan to build a 376-unit apartment complex at 1027 Wilshire Blvd. in City West. Although a timeline is unknown, project officials in the spring submitted a permit application to the Department of Building and Safety to demolish a three-story structure on the site and clear the lot in preparation for construction. The residential building would rise across the street from 1010 Wilshire, a corporate housing complex that Amidi created. The project would also contain 6,500 square feet of retail and 5,000 square feet of office space. 1133 S. HOPE ST. A project that received city approvals in 2008 but then stalled has been dusted off and is moving forward. Vancouver, Canada-based developer Amacon is working on plans for a 28-story tower that would include 208 residential units and 5,029 square feet of restaurant and retail space. The building would extend from a rectangular parking podium and would rise on a current parking lot just east of the Flower Street Lofts. Amenities would include a pool and spa, a fitness center and a library. 1200 S. FLOWER ST. Developer Onni Group continues to seek entitlements for a pair of residential high-rises at 1200 S. Flower St. The Vancouver, Canadabased Onni is planning 31- and 40-story buildings that would bring a total of 730 housing units and approximately 843 parking spaces to South Park. A five-story, 72,000-square-foot office building that currently occupies part of the site would remain, though a two-story warehouse would be razed. The complex would have a landscaped podium deck and offer amenities such as a swimming pool and a dog run. No budget or timeline have been disclosed. BROADWAY AND OLYMPIC CONDOS Developer Barry Shy is planning to build a 15-story condominium complex at 955 S. Broadway. There will be 163 units with eight commercial spaces coming to the corner of Broadway and Olympic Boulevard, said project representative Kate Bartolo. The 184,705-square-foot structure would offer units from 665 to 1,465 square feet. There would also be an outdoor area on the second floor and a rooftop deck with a pool, barbecue and garden. Plans include a restaurant and a 60-foot long greenscape in the rear of the building, Bartolo said. DA VINCI
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Construction on developer G.H. Palmer Associates’ 526-apartment building at 909 W. Temple St. has hit some delays, and the opening has
been pushed back from late summer until December, according to company head Geoff Palmer. Designed in the same Italian/Mediterranean style as many other G.H. Palmer projects (such as Orsini and Piero), the five-story Da Vinci, on the northwestern edge of Downtown, will feature studio to two-bedroom apartments above three levels of parking and 8,200 square feet of street-level retail. Some two-story, twobedroom lofts will also be available. Amenities include a pool, barbecue areas and a large fitness center. At thedavinciapts.com. EIGHTH AND GRAND APARTMENTS Carmel Partners is deep in construction on a seven-story, 700-unit apartment complex at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue. The residences will have floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, and the project will offer multiple courtyards and a rooftop pool deck, as well as a four-level underground parking structure. The project in the southern part of the Financial District is slated to open as a single phase in the second or third quarter of 2015, according to Carmel Senior Vice President of Development Dan Garibaldi. The complex will have an anchor tenant on the ground floor: Whole Foods is filling 42,000 square feet of retail space. Negotiations for other retail leases are being discussed, according to Garibaldi. FOREST CITY SOUTH PARK Developer Forest City has secured entitlements for two seven-story structures near the Herald Examiner building in South Park, and is finalizing designs. The approximately $140 million development would feature one building at 156 W. 11th St., at Hill Street, with 177 studio to two-bedroom units and 7,300 square feet of street-level retail and commercial space. Amenities would include a pool deck, courtyard and gym. A second building would rise at 1201 S. Main St.; it would hold 214 apartments and about 9,000 square feet of retail and commercial space. The two projects would have a combined 507 parking spots and 446 bicycle parking stalls. Forest City tentatively plans to break ground in the second quarter of 2015, according to Director of Development K.C. Yasmer, and is aiming to finish construction in early 2017. FOURTH AND BROADWAY Plans for a high-rise at Fourth Street and Broadway from veteran developer Izek Shomof continue to move forward, said Hamid Behdad of the Central City Development Group, which is working with Shomof on the project. A groundbreaking is planned for 2015 for the 34-story tower that would feature 450 residential units and parking spaces. The complex, being designed by Downtown-based architect HansonLA, would be built to condominium specifications but likely would open as apartments. The 450,000-square-foot development would hold 7,000 square feet of retail space. Early renderings show a mid-rise portion of the building with a curved segment fronting the southeast corner of Fourth and Broadway. A rectangular tower would rise on top of that. G12 The 640-unit project dubbed G12, from developer Sonny Astani and private equity firm Wolff Company, does not yet have a scheduled groundbreaking date. According to a representative for Astani, however, the plan is to begin construction by the end of the year on the complex bounded by 12th and Olive streets, Pico Boulevard and Grand Avenue. The first phase of the development would create a sev-
September 15, 2014
Downtown News 11
Development
en-story, 347-unit residential building. The entire project would also feature 42,000 square feet of retail and commercial space. The three-acre site was purchased from parking lot company L&R Group. At astanienterprises.com.
kitchens, quartz countertops, and washers and dryers. The project will contain four courtyards, one dedicated to pets. Another courtyard will offer a pool, spa and sundeck with grilling areas, fire pits and an outdoor lounge.
MACFARLANE PARTNERS/PARK FIFTH Developer MacFarlane Partners plans to build 24-story and seven-story residential buildings on the parcel north of Pershing Square. The company completed its acquisition of the plot bounded by Olive, Fifth and Hill streets this summer. MacFarlane expects to start construction on the seven-story building within a year, according to project representative Julie Chase. The low-rise structure, which would sit on the north end of the site, would create 315 apartments and would have a rooftop deck. Construction is expected to take about two years. No timeline for the high-rise building has been revealed, but it would hold 300 units and feature a roof deck with a pool, barbeque area, clubhouse and other amenities. The plan marks a new start for the site known for its previous proposed development, Park Fifth. Developer David Houk had secured entitlements for a $1.3 billion, 73-story complex, but plans were crushed by the recession.
NEW PERSHING APARTMENTS
MEGATOYS LOFTS After working on an underground garage, construction crews have hit street level and are getting ready to pour the concrete for the first floor of a 320-unit apartment complex, said Tom Wulf, senior vice president of Lowe Enterprises. Lowe is partnering on the two-building project at 905 E. Second St. with Megatoys and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The five-story buildings between First and Second streets flanking Garey Street are on pace to open in October 2015, Wulf said. The Arts District property was long the headquarters for Megatoys, a toy business run by the Woo family. The $60 million development, with designs by Togawa Smith Martin Architects, will include 15,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space with outdoor dining. The studio to twobedroom apartments will average 728 square feet. Residences will have open floor plans with features including gourmet
photo by Gary Leonard
The opening of Skid Row Housing Trust’s 69-apartment complex at Fifth and Main streets has been pushed back from October to December because additional structural steel work was required, according to Dana Trujillo, housing development director for SRHT. In the meantime, the company has begun looking for tenants for the ground-floor retail space in the former Pershing Hotel. The $16 million renovation will create studio and one-bedroom residences (350-500 square feet). Amenities will include a landscaped courtyard and community room with a full kitchen. The renovation is preserving the majority of the original building’s historic facade, while expanding its footprint from 37,000 to 60,000 square feet. The design comes from Killefer Flammang Architects. At skidrow.org.
OLYMPIC AND BROADWAY APARTMENTS Construction has begun on G.H. Palmer Associates’ two-building project on two lots at Olympic Boulevard and Broadway, according to company head Geoff Palmer. The project will feature a 10-story, 439-unit building on a current surface parking lot and a six-story, 247-apartment structure on an adjacent parcel. Palmer declined to discuss the construction budget or the timeline. The buildings will feature brick facades to match the historic feel of Broadway, which is a departure from Palmer’s other Downtown projects that tout an Italian/Mediterranean aesthetic. The development is a partnership between Palmer and parking lot company L&R Group. OLYMPIC AND HILL APARTMENTS The construction of developer Hanover Company’s seven-story apartment project is nearing completion. The exterior stucco work is almost finished and scaffolding will be coming down this month, according to company development partner Ryan Hamilton. The crew is now working on interior finishes, and work commenced in August on building out the clubhouse, he added. The complex is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2015. The 281-unit building at Olympic Boulevard and Hill Street will feature 16,000 square feet of retail space as well as three live/work units on the ground floor. The design comes from architecture firm TCA, which is also designing Hanover’s two other nearby Downtown projects. At tcaarchitects.com/ olympic-and-hill. OLYMPIC AND OLIVE APARTMENTS Construction began in the summer on the Hanover Company’s third seven-story development in South Park. Excavation of the site at Olympic Boulevard and Olive Street is complete; next up is the pouring of the foundation, said company development partner Ryan Hamilton. The project will sit adjacent to Hanover’s Olympic and Hill development and will feature 263 apartments and 14,500 square feet of street-facing retail space. The design comes from architecture firm TCA and features an articulated facade and numerous glass balconies overlooking the street. Continued on page 12
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September 15, 2014
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PROJECT UPDATES, 11 Amenities will include rooftop entertainment space and a gym. The project is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2016, according to Hamilton. ONNI TOWER
photo by Gary Leonard
Vancouver-based Onni Group continues to make progress on a 33-story apartment tower at 888 S. Olive St. Work crews have completed vertical construction, and are now focusing on the interiors of the 303 residential units, according to an Onni Group official. The $100 million structure in the southern part of the Financial District will create one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments. Onni is targeting an opening in the first quarter of 2015. It
is the firm’s first project in Downtown; Onni has plans for two additional Downtown high-rises. ONYX A 410-unit, two-building complex proposed for Pico Boulevard at Flower and Hope streets is still in the entitlement process, according to a spokesman for developer Jade Enterprises. The South Park effort, dubbed Onyx, would be the first residential project for the company that has extensive holdings in the Fashion District. The Onyx would rise on two side-by-side parking lots over 42,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and commercial space. Neither a budget nor a timeline have been revealed. ROSSLYN HOTEL APARTMENTS The renovation of the Rosslyn Hotel is approximately 85% complete, said Joseph Corcoran, director of planning and housing development for developer SRO Housing Corporation. The 264-unit affordable housing complex at Fifth and Main streets has been home to 74 residents during the construction. The project is slated for completion by Halloween, and 75 residents will be homeless veterans. A number of historic elements have been uncovered and will be showcased when the project wraps, including storefronts with original mahogany and granite, columns and a skylight. SRO Housing bought the 1913 Historic Core edifice in 2010. The project cost, including acquisition, is $33 million. SARES-REGIS LITTLE TOKYO The first 11 units in a seven-story Little Tokyo structure are expected to come online in January 2016, said Sares-Regis spokeswoman Zoe Solsby. In March, another 64 units will
open. Ultimately, the development at 232 E. Second St. will have 240 apartments. There will be 51 studios, 112 one-bedroom and 77 twobedroom units measuring up to 1,220 square feet. Rents are projected to average $2,400. The project, next to the just-opened Ava apartments, will includes more than 16,000 square feet of retail space, with three levels of underground parking. The final units are expected to open in June 2016. At sares-regis.com. SB OMEGA Developer Barry Shy is refining plans for a 38-story tower in the Historic Core. Documents filed with the city show a project that would have 452 for-sale residences along with 25,000 square feet of retail space. The development at 601 S. Main St. in the Historic Core would include a total of 858 parking spaces, said project representative Kate Bartolo. The complex would also bring 110 trees to the site as well as 268 spaces for bicycle parking. Bartolo said the development would have a promenade and outdoor dining. No budget or timeline have been revealed. SPRING STREET APARTMENTS/GARAGE Downtown Management expects to submit its entitlement package to the city for a 40-story structure in the Historic Core within the next month, said company vice president Greg Martin. Downtown Management, which has turned three nearby old edifices into apartment buildings, plans to erect the high-rise on a parking lot on Spring Street between the Spring Arcade Building and the Alexandria Hotel. The tower would have residences on top of six levels of parking and one floor of retail. Martin said the proposed development does not yet have a budget or firm timeline. THE EMERSON
the Beverly Hills Italian establishment Ago. At theemersonla.com. TITLE INSURANCE BUILDING Capital Foresight, which owns the 1928 Title Insurance Building at 433 S. Spring St., continues to move forward on plans to turn the structure into 216 residential units. All the abatement and soft demolition work in the Historic Core structure have been completed, said the company’s Bill Lindborg, and Capital Foresight expects to secure a building permit in the next 45 days, he added. Elevator modernization work is also in progress. The completed project would include 40,000 square feet of groundfloor retail space. TOPAZ Jade Enterprises this month broke ground on a seven-story building at 550 S. Main St., on what is currently a parking lot. The Topaz, a 159-unit Historic Core apartment complex just north of the Santa Fe Lofts at Sixth and Main streets, would stretch between Main and Los Angeles streets. The building would include 23,000 square feet of retail and would offer studio and one- to three-bedroom units. No timeline or budget has been revealed. VALENCIA A groundbreaking has not been scheduled for the Valencia, a six-story apartment project at 1501-1521 W. Wilshire Blvd. from developer Sonny Astani. The 218-unit City West complex, which secured entitlements earlier this year, would have features including open courtyards and a fitness center. Most units would have balconies and there would be 4,400 square feet of ground-floor retail and commercial space, which could be used for a restaurant, according to a representative for Astani. Construction on the estimated $60 million project is slated to last 18 months. Killefer Flammang Architects is handling the designs. At astanienterprises.com. MIXED USE
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Developer Related Companies is on pace to open the $120 million luxury apartment complex The Emerson in early October, said Bea Hsu, senior vice president of development for Related California. The 19-story building south of the under-construction Broad art museum on Grand Avenue will hold 271 apartments, with 20% set aside as affordable housing. Amenities in the building designed by Miamibased Arquitectonica will include high-end finishes, a rooftop pool, a business center, a fitness center with a yoga studio and a dog run for residents’ pets in the rear of the property. The Emerson, which will be adjacent to the Broad museum’s public courtyard, will also have a ground-floor restaurant, an offshoot of
BLOSSOM PLAZA Developer Forest City completed excavation on the site of the $100 million Blossom Plaza, at 900 N. Broadway in Chinatown, and began pouring the foundation in early August, according to the company’s Nate Arnold, who oversees construction. Workers will be building Blossom Plaza’s subterranean garage through next summer. The five-story project will have 237 studio to three-bedroom apartments; 53 units will be reserved for low-income residents. The development will also have 19,000 square feet of street-level space for restaurants and retail. Additionally, there will be a 17,000-squarefoot public plaza with a walkway connecting the Metro Gold Line Station to Broadway; that will allow light-rail riders to easily access the heart of Chinatown, and avoid having to go down a few flights of stairs and then walk up several blocks. The project is scheduled to open by June 2016. CITY MARKET The initial phase of development for the massive Fashion District project, a proposed $1 billion hub of housing, office space, hotel rooms and a college campus, began this summer. Workers broke ground in June on the revitalization of existing buildings on San Pedro and San Julian between 11th and 12th streets. This initial phase of the project, dubbed City Market South, is a partnership with developer the LENA Group. It is slated to open in summer 2015. Designed by Downtown architect Doug-
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Development
las Hanson, the first phase in the 10-acre mega-project calls for transforming two aged buildings: One would hold 150 residential units and the other would be an office structure. The City Market, being pushed by developer Peter Fleming, ultimately would include 945 housing units, 210 hotel rooms, 225,000 square feet of retail and 295,000 square feet of creative office space. It could be 20 years before the entire project is complete. At citymarketla2.com. FIGUEROA CENTRAL The 4.6-acre site immediately east of Staples Center was sold late last year for $200 million to Beijing-based Oceanwide Real Estate Group, which intends to pursue a mixed-use complex, though specifics of what would rise have not been revealed. The seller was New York-based Moinian Group, which for years planned to build a campus with 45- and 33-story towers, 220 hotel rooms and retail and commercial space. The South Park site has been entitled. The property is currently being used as two surface parking lots. HERALD EXAMINER RENOVATION According to the most recent available information, San Francisco-based Hearst Corporation is preparing to begin work on the long-awaited renovation of the 1914 Herald Examiner Building at 11th Street and Broadway. Hearst officials had said they hope to start renovations of the structure in spring 2015. The historic two-story building designed by Julia Morgan was formerly the headquarters of William Randolph Hearst’s Los Angeles newspaper. The developer plans to convert the first floor (35,000 square feet) into retail space and the second floor (another 35,000 square feet) into creative office space. No budget has been revealed. MACK URBAN SOUTH PARK Developer Mack Urban bought six acres in South Park last October for $80 million. Now it is gearing up to start construction of the first phase, which will be a pair of seven-story structures on a parcel bordered by Pico Boulevard and Olive and Hill streets. The company hopes to break ground by the end of the year, accord-
rendering courtesy Harley Ellis Devereaux
ing to project representative Nadene Gallagher. The plans from architecture firm AC Martin call for 362 condominiums, including 23 townhome-style residences, with about 4,000 square feet of street-facing retail space. Designs are also being finalized for a residential tower and hotel on a nearby parcel bounded by Grand Avenue and 12th and Olive streets. Mack Urban is aiming to start work on those buildings by the third quarter of 2015, Gallagher said. Mack Urban is partnering with AECOM Capital on the entire South Park development, which has an estimated total budget of $750 million.
lis in June. The first two towers will be a 38-story condominium building with about 300 units and a 19-story hotel with 350 rooms; they will be connected by a pedestrian plaza with two levels of retail. In July, Greenland revealed plans for a second phase featuring a 54-story tower with 700 condominiums and another condo building with 40 stories and 510 residences. Those towers would sit on an eight-story podium with two levels of street-facing retail. The first phase is slated to be finished in 2016, with the second phase arriving in 2019. Amenities for all towers include pool decks, gyms, green space and barbecue areas. Metropolis was first broached nearly three decades ago, and has gone through different owners and designs before the current plan. The 6.33-acre site is bounded by the 110 Freeway and Francisco, Eighth and Ninth streets. The design comes from Downtown-based architecture firm Gensler. The entire project is budgeted at more than $1 billion.
MEDALLION 2.0 Developer Saeed Farkhondehpour is still working on securing entitlements for the second phase of his Medallion project, which would create approximately 500 residential units in three buildings facing Third and Main streets. The timeline has been pushed back, and Farkhondehpour said he hopes to start construction in one year. The opening of a food complex in the empty retail space in the first portion of the Medallion, at Fourth and Main streets, is pending final city permits. The eateries will include Uzbek restaurant Samarkand Cafe, Bread Bar bakery and casual eatery Dante’s Kitchen.
ONE SANTA FE Move-ins are scheduled to begin this month at the massive Arts District development One Santa Fe. In addition to 438 apartments, the $160 million project across from the Southern California Institute of Architecture includes a 78,000-square-foot retail area; initial tenants are Manhattan Beach-based Grow Market, vegan eatery Café Gratitude, skin and hair business Malin + Goetz and a Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop. The project offers a pair of six-story residential structures along with a 47,400-square-foot plaza facing Santa Fe Avenue, a 99-seat theater and 802 parking spaces. Amenities include a gym, a pool, an outdoor dining area and a common room with TVs and a pool table. Rents start at $1,860 for a studio, $2,135 for a onebedroom apartment and $2,470 for a two-bedroom residence. The Michael Maltzan-designed One Santa Fe comes from developers Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds Investments, McGregor Company, Polis Builders, Cowley Real Estate Partners and Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group. At osfla.com.
METROPOLIS The U.S. arm of Chinese developer Greenland began construction on the first phase of the mixed-use mega-project Metropo-
THE GRAND The next major step in developer Related Companies’ $850 milContinued on page 14
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PROJECT UPDATES, 13 lion project to reinvent the upper reaches of Grand Avenue is the submission of schematic designs, which will occur at the end of October, said Bea Hsu, senior vice president of development for Related California. Those designs, from architect Frank Gehry, will be considered by the joint powers authority that oversees the project site, and other governmental entities will also weigh in. The Grand had initially been proposed before the recession, but stalled during the economic downturn. It was resuscitated last November, in part because Related teamed with SLS Hotel owner Sam Nazarian. Current plans call for a project with a 300room SLS Hotel that will contain 25-35 condominiums. There will also be a residential tower that will be approximately 420 feet tall with 380-450 apartments. The other major component of the development is a podium with a stacked mix of shops and restaurants that would be situated around a central plaza that opens to Grand Avenue. Related has begun a pre-leasing effort to find tenants for the retail, food and entertainment space. The goal remains to begin construction in December 2015 and open by the end of 2018.
Wilshire Grand Hotel have reached street level. Sean Rossall, a spokesman for the $1 billion project that is being developed by Korean Air and designed and managed by AC Martin, said the concrete core of the building continues to rise. Workers are now moving forward on the podium of the tower, which will ultimately have a sloped roof and 900 hotel rooms atop 400,000 square feet of office space, along with retail and restaurant space. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2016 and open the following year. At wilshiregrandcenter.com. CIVIC AND NONPROFIT
WILSHIRE GRAND REPLACEMENT
ARTS DISTRICT PARK The design for a $1.6 million, half-acre park at Fifth and Hewitt streets in the Arts District has been chosen, said Rick Coca, a spokesman for 14th District City Councilman José Huizar. Money for the park, which will replace a parking lot south of Urth Caffe, has been secured through Quimby fees, which developers pay for park creation. The project will include an eight-foot wall for mural art, outdoor eating areas and plaza space, a playground, shade trees around the perimeter, concrete seating and nighttime lighting.
Construction crews building the 73-story replacement for the
BROADWAY REVITALIZATION The “dress rehearsal” phase of the Broadway streetscape plan was completed in late August. The biggest impact has been the cutting of driving lanes: Six lanes (four were primarily used for traffic) have been reduced to two northbound and one southbound lane from Third to 11th streets along Broadway. The reduction of lanes created room for temporary public plazas, “extended” sidewalks, planters and new seating areas. The dress rehearsal phase cost $1.5 million. Next up is the creation of permanent changes, which is expected to cost $5 million-$6 million per block. The office of 14th District City Councilman José Huizar has pulled together about $5 million for the permanent build-out thus far, and the money has been earmarked for improvements on Broadway between Fourth and Fifth streets and Eighth and Ninth streets. The work occurs as Huizar’s office con-
photo by Gary Leonard
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tinues to seek to lure tenants to old buildings on the street, both street-level and on upper floors. At bringingbackbroadway.com. BUDOKAN OF LOS ANGELES The Little Tokyo Service Center continues to push forward with the fundraising effort for its proposed $22 million sports and activities center, said Scott Ito, the project manager. The long-anticipated development is expected to break ground in 2016, with completion approximately 12-14 months later. The Budokan of Los Angeles would be a 40,000-square-foot facility on Los Angeles between Second and Third streets. Highlights would include a two-court gymnasium, a mezzanine with an outdoor terrace, community space and a rooftop park. An array of sports, athletic tournaments, special events and community programming would take place in the Little Tokyo building. At budokanoflosangeles.com. FEDERAL COURTHOUSE
photo by Gary Leonard
Construction on the $323 million Federal Courthouse began in summer 2013 and is approximately 20% complete, according to Traci Madison, a representative for the U.S. General Services
New Metro Fares Now in e=ect
Metro Briefs New Metro Fare Structure In E=ect Metro has adjusted its bus and rail fares e=ective September 15, 2014. The new structure allows customers to transfer to connecting lines to complete their one-way trip on a single fare when paid with a TAP card. For complete details, visit metro.net/fares. Also >nd out if you are eligible for a reduced fare at metro.net/riderrelief. Four Blue Line Stations Closed As part of a major Blue Line update, the 5th Street, 1st Street, Downtown Long Beach and Paci>c Avenue stations are closed for refurbishing through mid October. Free bus service is available between the closed stations and Anaheim Station. More at metro.net/bluelineupgrades. Go Metro to College Football Fall is football season and Metro is the smart choice for fans attending USC and UCL A home games. To reach the L A Coliseum, connect with the Metro Expo Line and exit at the Expo/Vermont or Expo Park/USC stations. For UCL A games at the Rose Bowl, take the Metro Gold Line to Memorial Park Station in Pasadena. Get Metro News, Service Alerts On Twitter Twitter is a great way for instant information, so it’s only right that Metro uses it to send immediate rider updates. Stay informed on L A County transit topics and service alerts in your area. Sign up and follow Metro at twitter.com/metrolaalerts and twitter.com/metrolosangeles. metro.net @metrolosangeles facebook.com/losangelesmetro
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Administration, which is building the Civic Center structure. The project on the southwest corner of Broadway and First Street is scheduled to open in fall 2016 and will hold 24 district courtrooms and 32 judges’ chambers; it will also house employees of the U.S. Marshals Service. Architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merill designed the 600,000-square-foot structure as a large cube with a skin of serrated glass that will help light the building while cutting solar heat gain. FIGUEROA CORRIDOR BIKEWAY Construction has begun for the street lighting elements along the Figueroa Corridor, said Tim Fremaux, a transportation engineering associate for the city. That is the first part of an effort to make the street friendlier to pedestrians and bicyclists. Plans call for trimming vehicular lanes and establishing protected areas for two-wheeled travelers. However, the project will also preserve entrance and exit points for auto dealerships and other businesses along the three-mile section of Figueroa Street between the Financial District and Exposition Park. Fremaux said officials are still in the process of requesting an extension for the Prop 1C bond money that will cover the project, and they expect to receive an OK by the end of the year. The budget for the development also known as My Figueroa is $20 million. At myfigueroa.com. FIRST AND BROADWAY PARK Site demolition work, including excavation, backfill, re-compaction and grading, has been substantially completed, said Tonya Durrell, a spokeswoman for the city Department of Public Works. The city will soon begin the initial outreach process to get community input for the features of the park at First Street and Broadway. The park would rise on the site of a former state office building that was razed after the 1971 Sylmar earthquake. The new facility is expected to complement Grand Park, which lies directly to the north. The $10 million Civic Center project has secured $4.3 million in Quimby fees, which are charged to developers for the creation of green space. The city Department of Recreation and Parks anticipates that the remaining $5.7 million will come from a combination of future Quimby fees and department allocations. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL MEDICAL PAVILION The $80 million Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Pavilion is on pace to open in the third quarter of 2015, according to hospital spokeswoman Katrina Bada. A topping-out of the seven-story medical office building at Wilshire Boulevard and Witmer Street in City West took place in January. The 190,000-square-foot development, being designed by Ware Malcolmb, will hold the Frank R. Seaver Ambulatory Surgery Center, with eight operating suites. Additionally, the project will hold a pharmacy, outpatient clinics and physician offices including the hospital’s Surgical Specialties Clinic, which includes hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery, said Bada. The builder is Millie Severson. HALL OF JUSTICE
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The $234 million renovation of the 1925 Hall of Justice, at 211 W. Temple St., is complete save for a few final interior and exterior details. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for Oct. 8, but the building will likely start operating in full by the beginning of 2015, said Kerjon Lee, a public affairs officer with the County of Los Angeles. The renovated building will house the District Attorney’s office as Continued on page 16
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PROJECT UPDATES, 15 well as the Sheriff’s Department. The first floor will feature a gift shop and a display of some historic elements from the structure, including a cell block that formerly housed Charles Manson. There is also a 1,000-stall underground parking structure. The building has been empty since the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, which left it substantially damaged. LOS ANGELES RIVER In May, the Army Corps of Engineers announced its support of an estimated $1 billion Los Angeles River revitalization plan, dubbed Alternative 20, instead of the $450 million Alternative 13 the Corps had initially proposed. The decision marked a victory for Mayor Eric Garcetti, who had lobbied strongly for the more expansive project. Alternative 20 would revive the waterway on a larger scale and would include the building of a connection to Los Angeles State Historic Park. The Corps’ decision marks the start of an effort to find city and federal funding for the revitalization; Garcetti in the past expressed willingness to have the city take on 50% of the project cost. The city’s efforts will include land acquisition, the remediation of adjacent properties (many of them formerly industrial sites), and construction of recreational spaces along the river. Other efforts to restore parks along the river continue, including the Albion Riverside Park in Lincoln Heights and the Taylor Yard Bridge project in Elysian Valley. At lariver.org. LOS ANGELES STATE HISTORIC PARK The 34-acre park on the edge of Chinatown closed in April for a year-long renovation that
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will bring dramatic changes to the landscape. The first pieces being constructed are a large pedestrian bridge that will give sweeping views of the park, a ranger station and a welcome center, according to the state Department of Parks and Recreation’s Stephanie Campbell. Other planned features include two acres of restored wetlands, a tree-flanked promenade, permanent restrooms and a paved parking area. The approximately $20 million renovation is on track to be finished in the summer of 2015, Campbell said. Construction has resulted in the discovery of some unexpected relics, including an old trash pit and the foundation of a demolished building. At lashp. wordpress.com. LOS ANGELES STREETCAR
rendering courtesy Los Angeles Streetcar Initiative
A draft report by project manager URS Corp. estimated the cost of the Los Angeles Streetcar at $270 million, lower than the worst-case estimate of $327.8 million in a city analysis last year. The report is being finalized, and officials with the office of 14th District City Councilman José Huizar said the actual cost could
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be lower, as the project will not stretch up to Grand Avenue. The 3.8-mile transit system would run from South Park to the Civic Center with a main spur on Broadway. The project is being funded by multiple sources, including $85 million in special tax funds that would be collected from Downtown property owners along the streetcar route. The city is applying for $75 million in federal grants, and is also pursuing public-private partnerships to cover the remaining $100-million-plus gap. The project’s environmental impact report is expected to be complete early next year. Huizar hopes to have the streetcar open by 2019. At streetcar.la. MERCED THEATRE AND MASONIC HALL The city Bureau of Engineering this summer started the design phase for the renovation of the city-owned Merced Theater and the adjacent Masonic Hall. The design process will last about one year, and the city department El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument (which oversees the buildings) plans to hold a public hearing to review preliminary designs by early winter, said El Pueblo General Manager Chris Espinosa. Last year, the city approved a proposal to reactivate the vacant theater and hall by moving the city’s Channel 35 studio, which airs City Council meetings and programs related to city government, into the structure. The $23 million project will also create a firstfloor space for public forums and cultural activities as well as offices for city staff. The project is expected to be finished by late 2017. METRO BUS FACILITY The Metropolitan Transportation Authority expects to open a new bus services complex in May 2015. Although work on the $104 million Division 13 Bus Maintenance and Operations Facility was delayed in the wake of a March construction accident, Metro has caught up, and the project topped out in August. All utilities have been installed and all the street work is finished, and crews are now working on interiors, framing walls and putting in infrastructure equipment such as bus lifts and vehicle washers. The project will hold 200 buses and contain a multi-level garage, a fueling depot and areas for washing vehicles. The facility on the northeast corner of Vignes Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue is being designed to meet Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards and will have, among other elements, a green roof, solar panels and a storm water reclamation system with an underground 275,000-gallon retention tank. The project will also create 397 parking spaces for Division 13 employees. At metro.net. PARKER CENTER REPLACEMENT City staff is preparing the final environmental impact report for the Parker Center replacement, said Tonya Durrell, a spokeswoman for the city Department of Public Works. The plan calls for Parker Center, the former headquarters of the Los Angeles Police Department, to be demolished and replaced by a 750,000-squarefoot building. A recommendation from Public Works and the Bureau of Engineering released in May calls for building a 27-story tower. The project, with an initial budget of $475 million, would house multiple municipal departments such as General Services, Personnel and possibly Public Works, allowing the city to bring together employees from some far-flung locations. The decision to demolish the 1955 structure came after the city considered several alternatives, including reusing all or part of the dilapidated Civic Center building. The property that fronts Los Angeles Street was vacated in
2009 when the LAPD moved into the $440 million Police Administration Building. REGIONAL CONNECTOR The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $1.42 billion Regional Connector is moving forward on the funding and construction fronts. In July, the Metro Board of Directors gave the green light to execute final designs and begin construction, and agency workers have been meeting with the contractors’ design team. A $927.2 million construction contract has been awarded to Skanska USA and Traylor Bros. Preconstruction work including moving utilities is occurring in multiple places in Downtown (resulting in numerous street closures), and Metro expects to start tunneling in the third quarter of 2015, according to project head Girish Roy. The 1.9-mile project will connect area light rail lines to streamline cross-county travel and will create three new Downtown stations at Second and Hope streets, Second Street and Broadway, and First Street and Central Avenue. SIXTH STREET VIADUCT REPLACEMENT The planning for the replacement of the Sixth Street Viaduct has been completed, with highlights including a “ribbon of arches” design that will include staircases and a viewing deck. The city Bureau of Engineering worked with a design team led by HNTB, architect Michael Maltzan and others to hone the look of the structure that will replace the 1932 bridge, which needs to be replaced because of a chemical condition causing its concrete to weaken. The replacement for the 82-year-old structure, which stretches between the Arts District and Boyle Heights, will offer improved pedestrian access with 10-foot wide walkways as well as bike lanes. Construction on the $401 million project is slated to begin late this year, but work is not expected to be complete before 2018. At sixthstreetviaductreplacement.org. CULTURAL/ENTERTAINMENT DELIJANI BROADWAY THEATERS The renovation of four historic Broadway theaters owned by the Delijani family — the Los Angeles (615 S. Broadway), Palace (630 S. Broadway), State (703 S. Broadway) and Tower (802 S. Broadway) — is ongoing with no firm timeline to completion, according to project consultant Kate Bartolo. The Palace and Tower theaters are seeing more substantial work at this point, she added. Plans for the theaters call for nearly a dozen restaurants, lounges and bars; permits were secured from the city and county this year. The family has not revealed a budget figure or any specific designs. FARMERS FIELD
rendering courtesy of Gensler
A deal between the city and Anschutz Entertainment Group to build a 68,000-seat football stadium in South Park is set to expire in October. Although it could be extended, the city has already begun looking at an alternative use for the 15-acre parcel. Dubbed Plan B, it would concentrate on finding a developer to build a 1,000-room hotel adjacent to the Los Angeles Convention Center. AEG for years has
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Development
been working on plans for a $1.4 billion stadium, and former company President and CEO Tim Leiweke previously said that tens of millions of dollars had been spent on the effort, including a lengthy environmental impact report. However, no deal has been inked with a team and the NFL, and AEG has refused to begin construction without a signed commitment from a team and the league. The plan called for a stadium with a “deployable,” or removable roof, and was slated to include a $10 million expansion of the Blue Line’s Pico Station as part of AEG’s effort to have 25% of game attendees utilize public transit. At farmersfield.com. ITALIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM The restoration of the façade continues and work crews are readying a new museum entrance on Main Street, said Italian American Museum Executive Director Marianna Gatto. Restoration of the 1908 mosaic floor will commence in September, with the museum employing a specialist whose projects have included the Vatican. The long-awaited project is expected to open in early 2015, Gatto said. Exhibitions are approximately 60% completed, she added. The $4.5 million development in the building known as the Italian Hall, at 125 Paseo de la Plaza near Olvera Street, will display rare photos, documents, maps and artifacts illustrating the legacy, contributions and influences of Italian Americans in the region. At italianhall. org.
Designing new communities for a vibrant Downtown
REGENT THEATRE The exterior has been painted and the interior has been renovated, putting the Historic Core’s Regent Theatre in line to host its first concert. The project at 448 S. Main St. is led by Mitchell Frank, who owns concert promotion company Spaceland Productions. According to the Spaceland website, the first show would be Oct. 6, an appearance by Beach Fossils, and additional shows are scheduled through the fall. Original plans called for a pizzeria to open in the space. At spaceland.tv. THE BROAD
photo by Gary Leonard
The steel support structure for the “veil” that wraps around The Broad has been installed and work is continuing on affixing the 2,500 concrete panels to the exterior, said Karen Denne, chief communications officer for the Broad Foundation. The $140 million The Broad, being designed by the New York firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is rising on Grand Avenue, directly south of Walt Disney Concert Hall, on top of a three-level, 370-car garage. The 120,000-square-foot facility will house Eli and Edythe Broad’s 2,000-piece contemporary art collection. Work crews have already installed 318 third-floor gallery skylights and the lobby’s 23-foot-high glass curtain wall, which is comprised of 4,000-pound laminated glass panels. Additionally, the 100-yearold olive trees in the public courtyard at the museum have been planted. The Broad, which will also have a ground-floor restaurant and a space for lectures, is expected to open in 2015. Admission will be free. At thebroad.com. TRACTION AVENUE BREWPUB According to the most recent information available, 213 Nightlife is working to secure paperwork for an Arts District brewpub on Traction Avenue. The bar, from Downtown nightlife proprietor Cedd Moses, would have 258 seats. According to Eddie Navarette, chief consultant for F.E. Design & Consulting, which is representing the project, more than half of the Continued on page 18
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Development
PROJECT UPDATES, 17 17,320-square-foot business would be dedicated to the brewery and kitchen. Moses’ license would allow 5,000 barrels of beer to be sold off-site annually. The brewpub, which would occupy the former Crazy Gideon’s electronics store, would also offer 27 skeeball lanes. BUSINESS
house, a bakery and a tiki bar. The building, which will reopen as Clifton’s Cabinet of Curiosities, has seen a steady increase in its budget and lengthy delays since Meieran acquired the property in 2010. The construction budget has again increased from an earlier estimate of about $7.5 million, but Meieran declined to specify the new figure. At cliftonscafeteria.com. DESMOND BUILDING
353 S. BROADWAY Developer David Gray continues to work on a $7.5 million renovation of the building at 353 S. Broadway. Gray, who is both the developer and the designer, has restored the structure’s historic façade and plans to turn the five-story edifice into creative office space. Additionally, he has filed permits for a 4,577-square-foot bar with two patios and 212 seats in the building. In June, the 12-foot tall ficus tree growing out of the exterior of the top floor of the structure was cut down, and its 60 feet of roots were removed. 420 BOYD ST. Legendary Developments is in the midst of a $10 million renovation of two long-vacant adjacent buildings at 420 Boyd St., said project developer Dilip Bhavnani. The five-story structure at the corner of Boyd and Omar streets in the Toy District will house five tenants, with each occupying a full floor. The neighboring edifice will hold a microbrewery. The exterior of the buildings has been updated and covered with a large mural. The rooftops of the buildings will be activated and used by the tenants and their guests, Bhavnani said. CASE HOTEL Developers Channing Henry, Frank Stork and the Kor Group continue to work on a plan to renovate the Case Hotel. The team hopes to break ground early next year on a full historic rehab of the 1924 building at 1106 S. Broadway, with the aim of turning the 107,000-square-foot structure into a four-star boutique hotel with 151 rooms. Downtown architecture firm Omgivning is handling the designs, and Henry said they hope to open in the first half of 2016. The team acquired the 13-story property across the street from the Herald Examiner Building last year for $13.5 million. Though currently empty, the Case Hotel recently housed facilities for the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles. CLARK HOTEL New York-based Chetrit Group has completed most of the transformation of the 1912 Clark Hotel, but a battle with a union makes it uncertain when the renovated 348-room hotel will open. The property at 426 S. Hill St. received its certificate of occupancy over the summer, but appeals to the project’s environmental review process from hospitality workers’ union Unite HERE Local 11 have prevented the hotels from receiving final permits. The dispute will be heard by the Central Area Planning Commission in this month, and while a vote in favor of Chetrit would smooth the process, a ruling for the union could lead to significant delays. As it stands, the hotel needs about six more months of work, according to project representative Elizabeth Peterson. The project currently features a gleaming lobby with marble and chrome accents, and finished rooms have lively design details, such as zebra-print wallpaper, with modern furniture and pop-art touches. CLEANTECH MANUFACTURING CENTER Construction of the shell of the largest building in the 370,000-square-foot Cleantech Manufacturing Center is nearing completion, and construction crews are in the process of creating the wall panels for the third and final building, said Trammell Crow Development Manager Philip Tsui. The 20-acre campus at 2455 E. Washington Blvd. is being developed by Trammell Crow and Principal Real Estate Investors. The developers are seeking clean technology and other tenants looking for state-of-the-art industrial and manufacturing space. At ctmc.info. CLIFTON’S RENOVATION The long-delayed restoration of the 1935 Clifton’s Cafeteria at 648 S. Broadway has hit more delays. The goal is now to open the four-story dining and nightlife hub by the end of the year, said property owner Andrew Meieran. The project will create multiple eating and drinking establishments inside the building, including a version of the classic cafeteria, an old-school steak-
photo by Gary Leonard
In July, Anschutz Entertainment Group announced plans to move more than 500 employees from across Los Angeles into the 1917 Desmond building at 11th and Hope streets, allowing them to be close to AEG’s corporate headquarters at L.A. Live. The building will primarily house the company’s AEG Live and AXS Ticketing divisions. The move is slated for April 2015, after building owner Lincoln Property Company finishes renovations on the edifice. Upgrades to the 97-year-old structure include infrastructure improvements, seismic retrofitting and the creation of a sixth floor, dubbed the “Glass Pavilion,” on what is currently the roof of the five-story building. Lincoln also plans to bring a ground-floor cafe to the 82,000-square-foot structure. EMBASSY HOTEL As with the Clark Hotel, South Park’s Embassy Hotel, owned by the New York-based Chetrit Group, is facing appeals from the union Unite HERE Local 11 based on claims that the project’s environmental impact review was insufficient. A Central Area Planning Commission hearing this month will either allow Chetrit Group to secure final permits and move toward opening the building, or create an uncertain future. Meanwhile, a renovation of the 11-story building at the northwest corner of Grand Avenue and Ninth Street continues. Many of the guest rooms have been completed and furnished, and the property’s historic Trinity Auditorium is being restored. A pool deck has been built on the roof, and a nearly 10,000-square-foot outdoor patio is being constructed along Ninth Street. It will take about a year to complete renovations, said project representative Elizabeth Peterson. LA KRETZ INNOVATION CAMPUS Construction on the La Kretz Innovation Campus is progressing and the project is on track to open in the second quarter of 2015, said Fred Walti, executive director of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator. The 30,000-square-foot clean technology project and business incubator at 525 S. Hewitt St. in the Arts District will serve as a home for young companies, and will include conference facilities, research and development labs and other tools. It will vastly increase the number of entrepreneurs the current building houses and helps. The project will include a small park with a water feature, Wi-Fi, grass and tables. The DWP paid $11.1 million for the site. The department’s Energy Efficiency Group is also expected to house its testing and demonstration labs on site. At laincubator.com. RENAISSANCE HOTEL A proposed 450-room hotel at the northeast corner of Olympic Boulevard and Georgia Street continues to be in a holding pattern. Portland-based developer Williams & Dame Development, which recently opened the Marriott Tower in South Park, con-
September 15, 2014
Development
tinues to work with the investment group Ren L.A. Limited Partnership in the effort to determine the financial feasibility of the project. The proposed Renaissance Hotel would also provide 28,000 square feet of meeting space. Williams & Dame acquired the 60,000-square-foot parcel near L.A. Live from Anschutz Entertainment Group. Although the project had an initial budget of $200 million, no current price tag or timeline has been determined. THE BLOC
air space on the street level, with the towering, unfriendly brick walls being replaced by windows and dining terraces. There will be a new suite of shops and restaurants, and the project’s Sheraton hotel is undergoing a $40 million renovation. At theblocdowntown.com. OPENED IN THE PAST FOUR MONTHS AVA LITTLE TOKYO Move-ins began Sept. 6 for the first phase of Avalon Bay Communities’ Little Tokyo project. The six-story complex, at 236 S. Los Angeles St., offers studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 642-1,309 square feet. According to the website, the smallest studio starts at $2,065 per month. One-bedrooms run $2,125 and two-bedrooms go from $2,915. Phase one will bring 104 apartments above 13,500 square feet of street-level retail. The second phase, with 176 apartments and townhouses, is scheduled to open in 2015. Ava Little Tokyo includes a pool, rooftop deck, landscaped courtyards, fitness accommodations and an amenity the website calls a “chill lounge.” At avalittletokyo.com. BROADWAY ARTS TOWER
Logo_Group_001.pdf 1 8/18/2014 1:34:07 PMA 1928 structure at 529 S. Broadway has been transformed into
photo by Gary Leonard
Last month, The Bloc owner The Ratkovich Company and Texasbased Alamo Drafthouse announced that a nine-screen movie theater will open in The Bloc when the transformation of the shopping, office and hotel complex is complete late next year. The theater, with a total of 800 seats, will be in the southwest corner of The Bloc, next to the third floor of the Macy’s department store. Developer Wayne Ratkovich purchased the 41-yearold, former Macy’s Plaza last summer and is in the midst of a $180 million upgrade of the complex bounded by Seventh, Eighth, Hope and Flower streets. Plans call for creating an open-
a creative office hub. It opened in August following a two-year renovation led by a coalition of investors. The five-story building, the former Schulte United Department Store, has a total of 38,000 square feet. Although the ground floor has long housed retail vendors, the four upper levels have remained empty for more than four decades, according to project representative Joelle McTigue. The largest new tenant is Blankspaces, which provides 7,500 square feet of co-working tech space on the top floor. The renovation preserved much of the interior’s brick, marble and crown moldings, added restrooms on each floor, and transformed a central elevator shaft into a glass well to bring in natural light. Rents are $2.75 a square foot. At 529artstower.com. EIGHTH AND HOPE APARTMENTS A $120 million apartment complex from Atlanta-based devel-
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Downtown News 19 oper Wood Partners opened in August. The 22-story structure at 801 S. Hope St. features 290 luxury apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. Rents begin at about $2,900 for a onebedroom unit and rise to about $7,000 for a three-bedroom residence (penthouses are approximately $9,500). Every unit has a balcony, and amenities include a sixth-floor pool deck, a roof deck, two club rooms, a conference room, a theater and a car wash. The building also has something dubbed “The Ground Floor Project,” which is an exhibition space and program for local music, theater, art, crafts and more. Wood Partners acquired the tower’s site in 2008, but put plans on pause as the recession hit. At 8thandhope.com. MARRIOTT HOTELS A grand opening was held July 1 for a 23-story, 393-room South Park project with two Marriott brand hotels in a single building. The $172 million effort from Portland-based Williams & Dame Development (which previously developed a trio of South Park condominium buildings) and Seattle’s American Life Inc. came in on time and on budget. The building at 901 W. Olympic Blvd. has a single lobby that is shared by the two hotels. The project holds 174 Courtyard by Marriott rooms that range from about 350-480 square feet and are marketed at business travelers on a relative budget. There are also 219 Residence Inn rooms, which are larger and come with full kitchens, and are directed at extended-stay travelers in town for conventions and families on vacation. The project, designed by Portland-based GBD Architects, has an exterior with dozens of LED strips and a large LED board at Olympic Boulevard and Francisco Street. SPARKLE FACTORY A Tarina Tarantino jewelry and accessories store is expected to open on the second floor of the building at 908 S. Broadway, also known as the Sparkle Factory, in early fall, said Alfonso Campos, Tarantino’s business partner and husband. The couple, who own the 1914 building across from the Ace Hotel, have secured two leases, including Oak, an upscale New York boutique, which opened a street-front space in March. There are seven floors in the 26,800-square-foot edifice.
20 Downtown News
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
September 15, 2014
DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL
photo by Gary Leonard
a special advertising supplement
Everything You Need Under One Roof TENTEN Wilshire Helps Small Business Thrive in Downtown Los Angeles
T
ENTEN Wilshire is the ideal place for entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals to live, work and play. Perfect for start-ups and entrepreneurs in industries including high-tech, entertainment, fashion, law, finance, consulting, real estate and advertising, TENTEN Wilshire provides the per-
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS fect blend of amenities and necessities to fulfill the 24/7 needs of an entrepreneur. You have heard the phrase “Live, Work and Play” countless times, but nowhere else have all three been combined into a comprehensive, single lifestyle solution. TENTEN Wilshire’s community goal is to offer a space for entrepreneurs, small businesses and young professionals to grow, network and expand across Downtown. Helping to fuel a rebirth of the area, TENTEN Wilshire houses 227 fully furnished live/work units, and more than 243,000 square feet of space for businesses to rent and expand into as
their companies grow. The building is designed to eliminate many of the major barriers to budding entrepreneurs including distribution of capital between living space and office space. By providing a flexible, turn-key environment with equally flexible lease terms, TENTEN Wilshire has been able to sustain a 90% or better occupancy rate every year since opening. Additionally, due to exceptional zoning regulations, TENTEN Wilshire provides qualified individuals and all companies located on the premises special tax benefits including: live/work tax deductions, hiring credits, sales and work opportunity tax credits, utility cost savings, and expense and interest deductions. TENTEN Wilshire, through its green standards, a coming major expansion, and keen focus on inspiring, promoting and helping entrepreneurialism, hopes to be the catalyst for 16,000-plus long-term jobs for Los Angeles. Located within walking distance of the center of Downtown, TENTEN Wilshire is an ideal place for meeting people and networking, providing guests and residents an unparal-
leled professional and social environment. TENTEN Wilshire, together with its sister communities of Plug and Play Technology Center and Hollywood Production Center, are home to more than 600 technology and entertainment entrepreneurs, startups and companies. TENTEN Wilshire is dedicated to fostering community growth amongst its residents through constant contact and the sharing of resources. With key multi-industry relationships including access to Continued on page 26
September 15, 2014
Where Everyone Knows His Name Bill Cooper’s The Loft Expert! Group Has Its Finger on the Downtown Pulse
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f you live, work or play in Downtown, chances are you have met Bill Cooper or heard his name. Cooper has specialized in lofts since his first loft sale in 2001. He moved to Downtown in 2002 to establish
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS his real estate business, long before most people would even consider visiting the area. Cooper’s vision to help create a successful, thriving residential community in Downtown led him to launch the loft expert! Group. with years of experience from Keller williams Realty, Coldwell Banker Residential Realty and loftway Homes and lofts, Cooper has enjoyed helping many Downtowners find their niche in the ever-changing environment they now call home. Cooper’s passion for Downtown plays out in his involvement with the development of Downtown’s real estate as well as its communities. He teamed up early with local movers and shakers, forging long-term relationships with the best in the community. He helped found, organize and currently leads the Downtown Real estate association as its president. Cooper is also passionate about preserving and creating green space in Downtown and has worked on several park projects. He currently serves as treasurer of the Pershing square
Downtown News 21
Downtown ResiDential
Park advisory Board. at the loft expert! Group, Cooper has endeavored to learn everything he can about Downtown’s lofts and condo residences, and shares his insights with his clients, whether they are purchasing or selling, firsttime buying or looking for a second home. His passion for service, knowledge of the marketplace, and understanding of what it takes to complete any transaction with the least amount of problems is matchless in Downtown. Here are just a few things his clients have written about their experiences with Cooper this past year: n “i highly recommend Bill. He knows the area, he’s responsive and a true professional.” n “we are so happy. and you have done an amazing job, so thank you Bill. we couldn’t have done it without your expertise.” n “Bill is extremely knowledgeable about Downtown l.a. and was always professional, available and timely. Because of our inexperience in the l.a. market, Bill was invaluable in all aspects of the process: from the offer, to the inspection, to securing the loan on time and arranging move-in. we truly believe Bill has helped us find the perfect spot for our lives in l.a.” For more information call (213) 598-7555 or visit TheLoftExpertGroup.com.
Cultural Connection The Towers Deliver a Rich Downtown Experience
D
owntown los angeles: Here, the living experience goes unmatched anywhere in the west. it’s a lifestyle richly embellished with art, music and the cultural events that make headlines. Downtown breeds success, housing prominent firms in impressive architectural sculptures com-
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS posed of glass, steel and stone. Yet historical elements of yesterday also remain — artifacts of this city’s rich past. From the faithful climb of the renowned cars of angels Flight to the fantastic urban spectacle of California Plaza, daily life in the towers’ neighborhood remains unsurpassed. extraordinary fountains, garden alcove retreats, gourmet dining and first-run entertainment provide the perfect setting for a lifetime of enjoyment. Downtown holds all the essentials to fulfill the most demanding lifestyles. During the day, you are moments from the business district, minimizing or even eliminating a commute. evenings become immersed in a flood of nightlife, movies and culture beneath the brilliant lights of the city. Day and night, the Continued on page 22
22 Downtown News
September 15, 2014
Downtown ResiDential
the towers, 21 towers place residents among all the excitement Downtown offers. Promenade towers greets guests via a two-story lobby embellished with a tranquil indoor waterscape. Four impressive towers embrace a breathtaking pool, spa and fitness center in an oasis of flowing fountains and immaculate landscaping — a true departure from the ordinary. Promenade towers’ individual design includes apartments with balconies, contemporary solariums and angular rooms as exciting as the property’s unique exterior styling. Grand tower’s sensuous granite exterior distinguishes this landmark development as the address that reflects success. the 24-hour manned lobby provides impressive passage to spacious apartment homes with balconies and a rooftop pool, spa and fitness center with beautiful mountain and city views. adjacent to the renowned California Plaza, entertainment can be found virtually at your doorstep. Museum tower neighbors the beautiful Museum of Contemporary art. this fine collection of apartment homes features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. exhibit your most precious belongings amidst the outstanding backdrop of the city skyline. a controlled access lobby, pool, spa and fitness center
provide the upscale amenities Downtown residents desire. Double Assurance of Quality: For more than 50 years, shapell industries and Goldrich & Kest industries have established themselves among america’s most successful and most honored residential developers. today, their nationwide reputation for providing exceptional housing is earned through a consistent dedication to quality craftsmanship and design. as a result, many of their joint ventures have been cited as model developments. Marina Park in san Diego, town square in santa ana and the Promenade and Promenade west in the Bunker Hill district of los angeles have all achieved unparalleled success in these prominent urban centers. together, they bring to the towers apartments a vast combination of experience, talent and integrity. each has proven its dedication for a total of more than 90 years. it is that strong combination of experience, innovation and commitment to quality that makes shapell industries and Goldrich & Kest industries a team you can rely on for excellence. For leasing information at the Promenade Towers, 123 S. Figueroa St., call (213) 617-3777. For leasing information at the Grand Tower, 255 S. Grand Ave., call (213) 229-9777. For leasing information at the Museum Tower, 225 S. Olive St., call (213) 626-1500, or visit TowersApartmentsLA.com.
The Curious Case of ‘Dr. Ink’ Medical Student-Turned-Entrepreneur Builds a Thriving Downtown Business With 123 Refills
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imitris Constantinou’s entry into the imaging aftermarket boiled down to a matter of economics. as a student at the University of southern California, Constantinou bought a printer and was
FroM oUr ADVertIsers stunned by the price of the accompanying inkjet cartridges. Fueled by sticker shock, Constantinou learned to refill the cartridge himself. while attending UsC medical school in the early 2000s, he ventured into the ink refilling business with less than $1,000. He would go on to earn his degree in medicine, but decided the business world was where he wanted to stay. subsequently, 123 Refills was born. Constantinou, 35, is now looking at the brand becoming a fixture, both as a noted online selling machine and as a brick-and-mortar model, with its flagship store in Downtown los angeles — at 705 s. olive st., next to the upcoming whole Foods. “what inspired me to think of remanufacturing ink and toner cartridges? it was like a lot of the best ideas — born out of necessity,” Constantinou explains. “as a medical student i printed out endless drafts of papers and reports, using reams of paper and gallons of ink. i was spending a small fortune on ink cartridges, and then i realized that many other people were facing the same expense. that’s when the light bulb went on and 123 Refills was born.” Constantinou saw a clear, universal way to save himself and other consumers time and money. He also recognized the vital environmental impact that
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He got his medical degree from USC, but is better known as Dr. Ink.
refilling ink cartridges could make. He found this idea so compelling that after receiving his medical degree, he left the profession to pursue his business dream. Constantinou started out of his apartment (actually, out of his medical school desk), and soon thereafter opened an outlet in Downtown los angeles. the company’s headquarters are now in irwindale, Calif., encompassing more than 5,000 square feet of distribution and ecommerce space. the 123 Refills brand has since expanded to more than 30 locations in europe, but Constantinou still owns and operates the brand’s pilot store for the U.s. market, which is in the heart of Downtown los angeles (between seventh and eighth streets). 123 Refills saves its customers an average of about 50% on their ink and toner. they have a reputation for high quality, low cost and expeditious service. At 705 A S. Olive St., (213) 488-9404 or 123refills.com.
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September 15, 2014
Full STEAM Ahead at Pilgrim School Award-Winning College Preparatory Prepares Students for Complex Problem Solving
Downtown News 23
Downtown ResiDential
Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore! It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency Call Now Fo is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one r bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant, heated pool, spa, complete fitness center, sauna and recreation room Move-In Spec with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and ial slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses s ready to support your pampered downtown lifestyle. With spectacular cultural events nearby, even the most demanding tastes are satisfied. Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore. Visit the Towers Apartments today.
Grand Tower
255 South Grand Avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room
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ilgrim school may be 56 years old this year, but the energetic and innovative faculty and administration continue to come up with classes and programs that put Pilgrim on the cutting edge of both art and technology.
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)
On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS Pilgrim is a college preparatory school and believes that all students need a firm footing in a well-rounded traditional education (including fine arts and athletics), but faculty and staff are constantly exploring innovations in education, teaching techniques and learning technology. Continued on page 26
Promenade Towers
123 South Figueroa Street Leasing Information 213 617 3777
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies
Considering a Move to Downtown L.A.?
Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking
Home & Lifestyle DTLA Explains Why Now Is the Optimum Time
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museum Tower
225 South Olive Street Leasing Information 213 626 1500 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room
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he buzz over the emergence of a vibrant, energetic, modern urban community in Downtown l.a. is anything but hype. and there is no time like the present to become part of the action.
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FROM OUR ADVERTISERS over the past decade, the residential renaissance has taken Downtown l.a. from an area to be avoided, to a favored and influential real estate destination. the beautifully repurposed historic buildings with modern, hip living space have created the highest demand for condo-lofts in California, with 14 diverse and stylish districts. Continued on page 26
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dish washer (most units) ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)
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24 Downtown News
September 15, 2014
Downtown ResiDential
The Credit Union Difference Become a Member-Owner and Reap the Benefits at WPCCU By Linda Heidtke oday’s credit unions are often sophisticated, full-service financial institutions, offering everything from home mortgages to credit cards and investment services. and water and Power Community Credit Union (wPCCU) is no exception, offering everything a member might need.
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Union Bank Program Offers LowTo Moderate-Income Households Competitive Interest Rates and No PMI
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS wPCCU has rolled out a variety of home loans, including everything from home equity loans to conventional, Va, FHa and adjustable-rate mortgages, all with great rates and fast funding. the average time to close on home purchases is 25 days once all documents are submitted. For the summer months, wPCCU is adding a housewarming gift for new first mortgages (purchase or refinance): a $795 check at loan closing to help new homeowners feather their new nest. and if you like your new home loan and refer a friend, another $100 will come your way. You might ask what the difference is between a credit union and a bank. Unlike banks, credit unions are member-owned and have volunteer board members instead of a paid board of directors, who focus on making members’ financial lives better. like wPCCU, many credit unions offer free confidential credit counseling to members who find themselves trapped and overburdened by debt and late payments. wPCCU is linked to the Co-oP network of atMs and shared branches, providing fee-free withdrawals at 25,000 atMs and account access through thousands of credit union branches nationwide. at these “shared branches” you can access your account with just three things: your government-issued picture iD, your account number, and the name of your credit union. there you can perform the following services: n Make deposits n Request a cash loan advance n Make a loan payment by check
n transfer money within your credit union accounts n Check balances n Get your recent account history showing your last 10 transactions You must be a member to use the services of a credit union. Credit unions operate under a state or federal charter as a member-owned, not-for-profit organization, meaning that they take their revenue and return it to their members in the form of lower loan rates and reduced or eliminated service fees. to join wPCCU, you need only to live, work, attend church, or a post-secondary school in los angeles. as a resident or employee of a company located in the san Fernando Valley or anywhere in the laDwP service area, you’re in. wPCCU was formed in 1936 by 10 members of the los angeles Department of water and Power. today wPCCU has more than 32,000 member-owners who come from the communities surrounding its branches in westchester, Granada Hills, sun Valley and Downtown los angeles. Linda Heidtke is the director of marketing for the Water and Power Community Credit Union. For more information about membership call (800) 300-9728 or visit wpcu.org.
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Are You Eligible For an Economic Opportunity Mortgage?
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he Union Bank economic opportunity Mortgage (eoM) Program is designed for low- to moderate-income households interested in purchasing a home or refi-
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nancing an existing loan. with competitive interest rates and no private mortgage insurance (PMi) required, the eoM ProContinued on page 25
September 15, 2014
Downtown News 25
Downtown Residential
Phase One of One Santa Fe Now Complete
UNION BANK, 24 gram is the perfect home loan program that provides lower monthly payments versus traditional loan programs.1 Program Features: n Fixed interest rates give you a predictable monthly principal and interest payment for the full term of your loan. n No Private Mortgage Insurance required n Can be used in conjunction with eligible down payment assistance programs If you have limited or no established traditional credit, the EOM Program considers alternative credit items such as utility and rent payments when making a decision on your loan. Are you eligible? You may be eligible for the EOM Program if you meet one of the following requirements: 1) Your property is located within a designated census tract; or 2) Your annual household income falls below the Area Median Income levels for the county where the property is located: a) Less than or equal to 120% of the Area Median Income for all California counties. For more information contact Robin Vahoviak NMLSR #765375, vice president and branch manager of the Union Bank Los Angeles Main Office, (213) 236-7711. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ECONOMIC OPPORT.UNITY MORTGAGE LOAN: 1 This is a fixed-rate loan with fixed monthly principal and interest payments for the life of the loan. Loan amounts available on 1-unit properties up to $417,000 for refinance transactions and up to $500,000 for purchase transactions. In certain high-cost counties in CA and WA higher loan amounts may be available. Ask your Union Bank mortgage consultant for details. Minimum credit score requirements apply for loans over 90% LTV. Mortgage insurance is not required for loans exceeding 80% LTV. Other restrictions may apply. Loans subject to credit and collateral approval. Financing available for collateral located in CA, OR, or WA. Terms and conditions subject to change. ©2014 Union Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Dynamic Arts District Mixed-Use Community Welcomes Residents
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ith a remarkable 510,000 square feet of distinctive living, unique shops and dining, and community-driven art spaces, the first phase of the visually stunning One Santa Fe recently
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS opened in Downtown’s much sought-after Arts District. The remaining phases are due to open by November. “We are thrilled to welcome our first residents to the building,” said Bill McGregor, a partner in The McGregor Brown Company. “In building One Santa Fe we wanted to provide the most innovative, state-of-theart features and amenities that appeal to the creative individuals and businesses that are drawn to this area.” One such person is Reed Alvarado, who recently moved from Hollywood to One Santa Fe. “There is something amazing about it,” Alvarado said. “Almost like a skyscraper turned on its side. Of all the different apartments I have seen, this building is far more unique. It’s cool when you say you’re living in One Santa Fe and people know exactly where you live.” Sitting on four acres along Downtown’s eastern edge, the Michael Maltzandesigned building features 438 designer studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each home features distinctly modern touches with interiors and finishes that include: spacious floor plans, designer stain-
less appliances, quartz stone counters, advanced technology and panoramic views. Resident amenities include: zero-edge salt-water pool, custom pool-side cabanas, rooftop garden, three whirlpool spas, fitness club, private yoga, resident clubhouse, business center and full concierge services. The community also features ample parking and is pet friendly. At the ground level is The Yards at One Santa Fe, a curated collection of 25 unique designers, specialty boutiques, and renowned chefs surrounding landscaped walkways for an experience unlike any in Los Angeles. Manhattan Beach-based GROW Market will anchor the dynamic
shopping and dining community that will also feature a 99-seat theater and 2,000-square-foot gallery, Malin + Goetz, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Café Gratitude and many more. One Santa Fe is a joint development among McGregor Brown, Cowley Real Estate Partners and Polis Builders, Ltd. Canyon Realty Advisors (Canyon Realty), through its Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund III, is a joint venture partner in One Santa Fe. Visit osfla.com for residential leasing information or call (855) 652-6071. The leasing office is at 255 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite 100, on Santa Fe Avenue and Third Street in the Arts District.
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PILGRIM, 23 This fall, Pilgrim students will take new classes in Computer Science and Engineering, while kindergartners will attend classes in Mandarin Chinese and woodworking — yes, with real hammers. Pilgrim students are entering a world where they will need to process, assess and synthesize vast amounts of information, and quickly find the relationships between seemingly unrelated elements in order to address the complex problems society and the planet face. It is becoming increasingly important that they have exposure to a wide range of multi-disciplinary, project-based learning experiences that exercise their minds in new directions and hone their problem-solving skills. In January 2015, every Pilgrim student and faculty member will be involved in STEAM Week, engaging the entire Pilgrim community in identifying, analyzing and working to address some of the most challenging problems on the planet using tools of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Problems such as hunger and water shortages will be addressed on a global, regional and local level by multi-grade-level groups of students and faculty, culminating in a special
STEAM Night where groups chosen by a panel of experts will give a series of TED-type presentations to the entire Pilgrim family. The goal of a Pilgrim School education is to develop well-rounded individuals and innovative thinkers, reflected in the wide range of fine colleges to which Pilgrim students are admitted —schools such as Williams, Art Center College of Design, Columbia, and UC Berkeley. Teaching students to incorporate creativity into every aspect of their lives is an important element of this approach, and Pilgrim’s unique Visiting Artists and Writers program introduces students to working professionals who share their work and creative process beginning with the youngest students. With regard to those youngest students, Pilgrim was chosen for the third year in a row as “Downtown’s Best Preschool” by readers of the Downtown News. Add to this the wide range of “no-cut” athletics available, and it’s clear that this fall is the beginning of another year of exciting and creative experiences for Pilgrim students and their families. Pilgrim School is at 540 S. Commonwealth Ave. For more information, call (213) 355-5204 or visit pilgrim-school.org. Pilgrim School is a division of First Congregational Church of Los Angeles.
HOME & LIFESTYLE, 23 The Downtown urban lifestyle allows walking to some of L.A.’s best restaurants, bars, a robust financial district, sports and entertainment venues and art galleries supported by an efficient public transportation system. The exciting news is that the Downtown L.A. renaissance is creating a great influx of renters and buyers. The challenge is that the city center has the highest demand for condo-lofts in Southern California with a shortage of housing. If you are considering buying or renting in this very competitive market, it is crucial to have a dynamic Downtown home-finding team at your disposal. This is where the services of Home & Lifestyle DTLA come in. The company helps potential residents identify the homes that resonate with their desired lifestyle, be they historic or sleek new building projects. Whether it is a live-work artist space, a penthouse condo with a view, a part-time studio, a pied-à-terre or even a longterm stay at one of the diverse hotels, Home & Lifestyle DTLA can help navigate the process. For those who may want to immerse themselves in Downtown’s urban culture before making an investment, renting or leasing is a great option to consider.
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Renting initially may position you to know when units hit the market for sale in a building. The company also provides access to its trusted VIP network of leasing agents, hotel personnel, staging, and design and furniture companies, to execute your design aesthetic. When it comes time to purchase an urban dream home, Home & Lifestyle DTLA can familiarize buyers with the best neighborhoods and refer them to specific buildings that meet their criteria in this high-demand market. Buyers will be referred to financing specialists who understand the unique Downtown market and will pre-approve you to increase buying power and position you for priority consideration on wait lists. Home & Lifestyle DTLA’s trusted Downtown realtor network is adept at uncovering the best condo-lofts with favorable amenities. Their relationships offer pocket listings for many desirable and sought-after buildings. For clients interested in being on the forefront of this unique, emerging real estate market while it is still affordable, call or email to utilize the specialized concierge services that will help you accomplish your urban lifestyle dreams. For more information about Home & Lifestyle DTLA, call (800) 614-4509 or visit homelifesyledtla.com.
sentials, etc.) n Entertainment (CBS, 20th Century Fox, BET, BBC, Merv Griffin Entertainment, etc.) n Business Development (M&A, Investing, Licensing) n Corporate Partnership Opportunities (Google, Cisco, Best Buy, Yahoo!, Ebay, etc.) At 1010 Wilshire Blvd. For more information call (213) 785-5100 or visit 1010wilshire.com.
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DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
By Donna Evans n the Central City Crime Report, we survey the recent week in public safety. All information is provided by the LAPD’s Central Division.
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Bad Service: A man who arranged for sex from a woman working at an escort service disputed the business agreement once she arrived at his room at the J.W. Marriott, at 900 W. Olympic Blvd., at 2 a.m. on Sept. 2. After the man refused to pay a cancelation fee, an associate working with the woman pepper sprayed him and stole his wallet. Bicycle Problems: A group of men approached a guy with a bike at 10 p.m. at Seventh and Olive streets on Sept. 5. They asked him questions, then punched him, pulled him off the bike and fled with his two-wheeler. Rite Aid Ruckus: Two men got into an argument with another man in front of the Rite Aid at Fifth Street and Broadway at 8 p.m. on Sept. 6. The assailants stabbed and kicked him. The victim was taken to a local hospital. Home Burglary: A man living at 550 N. Figueroa St. told police he was out of town from July 23 to Sept. 3. He came home to find that someone had smashed his glass door and stolen $7,000 worth of property, including an Xbox, a TV and a sofa. Always Lock Your Bike: A man left his unsecured bike outside the Rite Aid at Seventh and Hope streets on Aug. 31 at 9:30 p.m. Yes, someone stole it. Bike Thief Nabbed: Police officers observed a man cutting the lock to a bicycle in the 700 block of Figueroa Street just after midnight on Sept. 2. They arrested him.
At this point it seems there are four possible outcomes, which for Huizar range in damage from “Ouch” to “Catastrophic.” The first is nothing happens before the trial. While that could be a positive for the incumbent, it’s more likely to result in a slow bleed for Huizar, with incessant reminders that the dude on the ballot is being sued for sexual harassment. Godoy’s $90,000 salary hike during her time in office would be also be brought up every four minutes. Another possibility is a settlement and a judicial gag order preventing the parties from discussing specifics beyond the payout. This will hurt Huizar because it is going to be crazy expensive, and Team Molina and the media will constantly remind voters how much the councilman’s extracurricular activities cost taxpayers. Add this to the $185,000 the city paid following a Huizar car crash in Boyle Heights last year, and you’ve got dream fodder for political mailers. The third outcome is that the case goes to trial and Huizar wins. This would be a Pyrrhic Victory (go ahead; I’ll wait while you Google it), as any Huizar triumph would likely come after a flood of tawdry and explicit open-court testimony, potentially with allusions to naked Twister, Jell-O and SpongeBob SquarePants outfits (I’m just guessing here). The final outcome is that the case is decided before the runoff, Huizar loses and the city has to pay a steep judgment. If that happens the sexy dirty laundry is out and taxpayers get walloped. This is also known as HuizArmageddon. Some people might call that the epitome of ugliness. To Molina, who could position herself as the voice of reason and someone with the experience to get things done, it’s a window. Powerful Friends All of this means Molina romps to victory when voters hit the polls in March, right? Well, not so fast. It’s true, Huizar could endure months of Godoy-tinged bad publicity. That type of media bombardment is precisely what helped sink Carmen Trutanich in his run for district attorney and, after that failed, a city attorney re-election bid. If you get hit by enough negative stuff for long enough, voters, even
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those who barely pay attention, veer away. However, Huizar has a lot of powerful allies, including City Council President Herb Wesson, and who can forget Wesson’s 2013 on-stage fundraiser proclamation that, “Mr. Huizar is like my brother, my best friend on the council.” Favors will be called in, and saying no won’t be an option. It’s also not as if Huizar was unprepared. In the past year he has chased campaign cash like he’s part bloodhound, amassing an amazing $650,000 (by contrast, Wesson, who is also up for re-election, has pulled in just $213,000). Huizar’s war chest stuffing was an effort to scare off any big-name competition, but he had to operate as if D-Day would come. To be sure, Molina’s campaign coffers will swell, but even with hired guns that doesn’t happen automatically. She’ll have to spend countless hours in a room dialing for dollars. She hasn’t endured a stiff election challenge for decades, and Huizar is no cream puff. After all this time, is she really willing to do the hard work required to win? Also, the downside of being in politics so long is that plenty of actions can be spun against you. In the past Huizar’s campaign strategist Parke Skelton has been ruthless, a Machiavellian master of the hit piece. Expect Huizar’s camp to give as good as they get. Who wins? Who knows? I’ve already heard some politically savvy individuals make completely different predictions. Some point to Molina’s immense name ID and predict that her passionate supporters, in particular a base of older Latino women, will come out in force. That combined with the Godoy nastiness, they say, means Huizar gets waxed. Others think that the City Hall political cabal and the labor groups that have supported Huizar in the past will rally round him. Though it won’t be easy, they think voter familiarity and some very aggressive campaigning will allow him to weather Hurricane Gloria and get four more years. Whatever the case, there are six months until election day. If one thing is for sure, it’s that things are going to get dark. Very, very dark. Sit back, watch and pass the popcorn. regardie@downtownnews.com
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At Eighth and Hope, Things are Looking Up Atlanta Developer Opens $120 Million, 22-Story Tower By Donna Evans etting to know your neighbors in a residential high-rise can happen in any number of ways. The developers of the just-opened 22-story Eighth and Hope are banking on it happening in the mailroom. Atlanta-based Wood Partners opted to place rows of metal mail slots, encased in wood, in the lobby of the sleek $120 million structure. Company Development Director Brian Hansen said the open-air layout and placement of the mail in front of the concierge desk is a better way to propel community interaction than tucking it away in the back of the complex. “We’re community focused, the community within the building as well as Downtown Los Angeles,” he said during a recent mid-day tour of the property. Designed by Preston Partnership in Atlanta, the tower at 801 S. Hope St. began leasing in early August. Seventy of the 290 units have been rented and 35 are currently occupied, Hansen said. It’s the first Downtown Los Angeles project for the company, which owns rental properties in Irvine, San Francisco and 10 other cities around the country. Wood actually began eyeing Downtown in 2006, Hansen said, when the community was in the midst of another residential boom. The company purchased the site at the southern edge of the Financial District in 2008,
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which happened to be just when the recession hit Downtown and lending markets froze. Wood Partners was not able to move forward for nearly four years. A groundbreaking finally took place in October 2012. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise, Hansen noted: The softening of the construction market from the recession, he said, meant that Wood Partners was able to build the tower for less money than what it would have cost in 2008. Luxury Living The building offers one and two-bedroom residences with up to two bathrooms, and every unit has floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony. Prices start at $2,200 for 600 square feet and go up to $8,000 for 1,650 square feet. Rents of more than $3 a square foot make Eighth and Hope one of the most expensive buildings in Downtown. Hansen said the prices stem from luxury-oriented extras such as room-temperature controls that residents can operate remotely with their phones, as well an in-building concierge service. Staff can help residents secure tickets for events and arrange dog walking and laundry pickup and drop off. Additional amenities include a fitness center, a swimming pool on the fifth-floor deck with cabanas that feature TVs and sofas, and a fifthfloor club room with flat screen TVs. There is also a rooftop lounge area and dog run. Every morning, goods from Homeboy Industries are
September 15, 2014
set out in the lobby. The building offers 415 parking spaces, with two subterranean and four aboveground levels. The units are geared to professionals working Downtown who are established in their careers, as well as younger people whose parents are helping them, Hansen said. He added that other tenants are couples who chose to downsize to a one-bedroom apartment and are willing to pay more for a high-quality residence. New arrivals include Denise Lee, who moved into a one-bedroom apartment last month after four years at The Piero in City West. The building’s aesthetics, as well as the area’s abundant restaurants and the options at L.A. Live and the FIGat7th shopping center, compelled her to make the move, she said. Lee, who works at a financial investment company in photo by Gary Leonard the Wells Fargo Tower, actuAtlanta-based Wood Partners broke ground on Eighth and Hope in 2012. The $120 ally got an earlier view of the million project with 290 apartments recently began move-ins. building than most. She was shopping at Ralphs a couple of years ago when she noticed the construction can see the U.S. Bank Tower and other skyunderway at 801 S. Hope St. She donned a hard scrapers. The first night she slept in the apartment she was struck by a full moon beaming hat recently and visited the building, which she above her balcony. called “mesmerizing.” “This building just draws you in and the From her apartment on the 10th floor, Lee staff is so kind. I know I made the right choice,” she said. Also pleased with the property is Dave Ross, who helms Ross Financial Group in the Financial District. He and his wife are just staying temporarily, while they find a new home after their house in Long Beach was flooded. Still, he said he likes the amenities, and for the time that they spend in a one-bedroom, fifth-floor unit, he’ll be able to walk to Ralphs and head home for lunch. “It feels like we’ve got our own home here,” Ross said. Projects All Around While Eighth and Hope may stand out for its luxurious touches, there is plenty of coming competition. Rising southeast of the building will be a 33-story residential tower from CIM Group. A few blocks away, San Franciscobased developer Carmel Partners has two proj-
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Wood Partners Development Director Brian Hansen said the company became interested in Downtown in 2006. Amenities in the 22-story building include a fifth-floor pool and a club room with flat-screen TVs.
ects: a 27-story residential tower at Eighth and Olive streets, which is still in the planning phase, and a seven-story, 700-apartment complex at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue. That building, which will contain a 42,000-square-foot Whole Foods, is expected to open next year. Carol Schatz, president and CEO of the Downtown Center Business Improvement District and the Central City Association, called the explosion of market-rate residences in the community “extraordinary,” but added that even with 5,000 rental units set to come online within the next two years, Downtown remains underhoused. With 53,000 people living in the
Downtown News 29
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Central City and an estimated 400,000 working here, the jobs-housing balance is still off. Still, when she thinks about how different the landscape looked 10 years ago, she is happy. “We are very pleased the development community feels so strongly about Downtown that they are coming from other states and all over the globe to build here,” Schatz said. “This will continue to be a much-coveted place to live.” Another big project is even closer. Immediately north of 801 S. Hope St. is The Bloc. The former Macy’s Plaza is undergoing a $180 million renovation and a
number of new shops and restaurants are planned. The first announced new tenant, slated to open late next year, will be a nine-screen Alamo Drafthouse movie theater. Hansen believes there is another lure, this one right in Eighth and Hope: On the street level is an 1,800-square-foot space that 75% of the time functions as a lounge for residents. The rest of the time the space becomes an art gallery or a special events venue with music, theater and dance. Dubbed the Ground Floor Project, it is intended to focus on emerging local artists. A kickoff event on Sept. 5 featured an installation honoring construction workers who erected the steel and glass tower. During the show’s opening, building staff slid open the windows, eight feet high and 35 feet wide, exposing the exhibit to passersby on the street. With music and conversation pouring onto the sidewalk, pedestrians were intrigued. “People stopped, looked in and came in to see what was going on,” Hansen said. “That’s the point. That’s what we want.” As construction workers traipsed in and out of the lobby last week — the building will receive its temporary certificate of occupancy for floors 11-22 by the end of the month — and bulldozers whirred from blocks away, Hansen said his company made the right choice to buy the property six years ago. “We made an early bet that Downtown would continue to grow,” he said, “and it has snowballed.” donna@downtownnews.com
Spring St. park, 6 guard are coming to the park. Patti Berman, who sits on the board of directors of the Friends of Spring Street Park, the nonprofit that operates the nearly one-acre attraction, said rampant drinking and drug use, as well as some simply unexpected behavior, have caused the park to deteriorate. Recently, Berman said, a park visitor reported a woman was teaching her child to swim in the fountain. Another visitor complained about dog excrement smeared across some playground equipment. “We want to get some programming started, and all sorts of good things happening, but we need to straighten it up a little bit first,” she said. The upgrades are possible because of a $250,000 payment from the developers of the $1 billion Wilshire Grand project. In erecting the 73-story tower, owner Korean Air had to buy what are known as “air rights,” allowing the building to be taller than otherwise allowed. As part of that process, and the community benefits agreement that is a component of the deal, the Spring Street Park will get the funds. The $8 million park at Fourth and Spring streets opened in June 2013. The large grassy mound at the northern end of the facility withered soon after the debut, as dogs ran free and urinated on the area. Families also complained of dogs dashing through the small toddler’s playground, which is next to the grassy area. Although dogs were always required to be on leash, many pet owners ignored the directive. Berman said a security guard will be on site from 7:30 a.m. to dusk. She believes the beefed-up presence will eliminate other issues, such as skateboarders and bikers wheeling into the facility. Additionally, some planters will be replaced and a park advisory board will be formed, allowing members to create public programming. Berman expects the money to arrive this month and for the park improvements to begin immediately. donna@downtownnews.com
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in the spring, creating a Figaro trilogy of sorts. Closing out the season are a pair of offbeat pieces in Hercules vs. Vampires and Dog Days. Hercules pushes boundaries in a way similar to last season’s Magic Flute, with live singing over a screening of the 1961 cult film Hercules in the Haunted World. Dog Days is also a departure from the norm. It will be mounted at REDCAT and combines heavy metal influences with classic opera singing in an apocalyptic wartime setting. “We’re always looking at programming a little differently,” Hemmings said. “But everybody is figuring out what the next trends need to be. L.A. Opera is willing to do things more risqué, but many companies are, too.” The company has a $43 million budget this season, which Koelsch said is similar to the last few budgets. The real challenge, he said, is figuring out how to use that money as audiences change. “Our subscription sales are very strong, but in the long term you see that system is going to be unreliable,” Koelsch said. “It’s getting harder to get people to come to everything, so works may be more targeted.” It also means finding ways to minimize financial risk for new productions, especially avant-garde or unfamiliar works such as Dog Days. On the opposite end of the spectrum is going wide with the warhorses, hence the Santa Monica simulcast of La Traviata, which company leaders hope will ultimately bring new viewers to Downtown. Plácido Domingo, meanwhile, remains optimistic about the future of opera, though he also recognizes the challenges it faces. “Ticket sales for this season are doing well, and we had a terrific sales season last year,” he said. “But opera is such an expensive art form, so it will always be challenging to raise the money needed to perform up to our high artistic standards.” With the opening of La Traviata, the artistic standards are front and center. That means Plácido and Marta Domingo may have some notes to discuss at the dinner table. La Traviata runs through Sept. 28 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001. Information and a full L.A. Opera schedule are at laopera.org. eddie@downtownnews.com
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By Eddie Kim ast Monday afternoon, Marta Domingo wandered through the halls of Los Angeles Opera’s offices in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, looking for one of the leading men in the show she is directing. Then his head poked out from behind a doorway. “Ah, Marta!” She grinned and patted the chest of his butterscotch suit. “You look good, Plácido.” That was, of course, her husband, the legendary tenor Plácido Domingo, who also serves as general director of L.A. Opera. In an unusual move, he is being directed by his wife in the seasonopening rendition of Guiseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, which kicked off L.A. Opera’s 2014-15 season on Saturday, Sept. 13. Six additional shows, including two this week, continue through Sept. 28. Though Verdi set his tragic tale at the beginL.A. Opera’s ning of the 18th century, Marta Domingo’s verseason debuts sion transports the story to the gilded years of L.A. Opera Opens with a Jazz the Roaring ’20s. It’s one of several twists that Age take on Its Season With the L.A. Opera has infused into the new season, Guiseppe which features eight productions (the same as Warhorse ‘La Traviata,’ Verdi’s La in 2013-14) and a recital from American sopraTraviata. Then Mixes Classics no Sondra Radvanovsky. It plays at The season represents an attempt to balance the Dorothy With New Works classic shows with adventurous works. In that Chandler regard it’s the quintessential 21st century opera Pavilion through company challenge: L.A. Opera must please existSept. 28. ing subscribers and draw in new customers, said company CEO and President Christopher Koelsch. “It’s about trying to push /L.A the .Do artwn form nNews towforebook.com volves overhauling the costumes and set pieces, “Barrie’s a revolutionary figure in the world ward,” KoelschFac said. “I think we’re moving more of opera, in my opinion,” Koelsch noted. “He’s which include a gorgeously refurbished 1929 dramatically in that direction this season, and Playing Likethe Downtown News onbutFacebook irreverent Chrysler. Still, Marta Domingo, who directed the bringing a sense of fun to opera. It’sNow it’s reflecting creative energy in L.A. in terms of approach but his shows are wildly same production in 2006, said the romance at also about listening to ourto audiences. ” & Be Entered Win Movie Tickets! moving and entertaining.” the heart of the show is timeless, which makes A Roaring Romance November also brings a revival of Florencia en it so adaptable and so attractive to performers. La Traviata follows a beautiful courtesan, Viel Amazonas, composer Daniel Catán’s Spanish“If you asked many directors what their first oletta, who has long attracted the adoration of choice to stage would be, it would be La Travia- language work. It is followed in February by a a young nobleman, Alfredo, though only from new production, The Ghosts of Versailles, which ta,” she said. “It’s such a perfect love story and a a distance. uses The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of FiThe two finally meet, fall in love and move to perfect opera in music, just something you fall garo as important plot points. Not coincidentally, in love with.” a peaceful home in the countryside. Their idylthose two operas hit the Dorothy Chandler stage In a unique twist, La Traviata will be livelic life is torn asunder, however, with the arrival streamed on Wednesday, Sept. 17, to a large of Giorgio, Alfredo’s father, who convinces Vioscreen set up on the Santa Monica Pier. The siletta to split from his son in order to preserve mulcast took about a year to develop, said Sethe family’s royal reputation. nior Director of Production Rupert Hemmings. La Traviata stars powerhouse soprano Nino Starts Sept 12/Sept 19 The event is free and tickets are online (though Machaidze as Violetta, Mexican tenor Arturo there’s a $1 processing surcharge). Chácon-Cruz as Alfredo and Plácido Domingo E-NEWS ntownNews.com N UP Machaidze Sign up at Dow Pushing Boundaries as SIG Giorgio. and Plácido Domingo La Traviata is followed by a combined proare returning to the stage together after winUpseason’s for Ourclosing E-News Blasts duction & pairing two very different one-act opning ravesSign with last produceras: Dido and Aeneas, written in the 17th cention, Thaïs. saidto heWin is particularly BeDomingo Entered Movie Tickets! tury by Henry Purcell, and Bluebeard’s Castle, excited about digging into a role that he only an early 19th century work by Béla Bartók. The sang for the first time last year. Oct. 25-Nov. 15 run marks the return of direc“Now it’s one of my favorite new roles,” he tor Barrie Kosky, who earned praise last season wrote in an email. “Verdi’s father figures are alwith a take on Mozart’s The Magic Flute that ways really interesting characters, and his mufeatured lots of projected imagery and imagisic is absolutely wonderful.” native staging. Bringing La Traviata into the Jazz Age in-
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Coming in October is a double bill of the one-act operas Dido and Aeneas, (shown here), written in the 17th century by Henry Purcell, and Béla Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle.
photo by Monika Rittershaus
September 15, 2014
Downtown News 31
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photo by Michael Lamont
his character on “Dexter,” Lee makes Andy sympathetic and admirable at the same time. His stammers, uncomfortable nods and over-exuberance are awkwardly endearing, and it’s easy to see why Ilana might fall for him. Lina ably displays Ilana’s sadness while also showing a sense of frustration that she’s unable to let go of the past. The character of Suresh is less defined, but Talwalkar overcomes that weakness in the script by filling in the blanks with an appropriate sense of overall confusion. Chang’s restrained direction and deliberate pace allow the story and emotions to, pardon the pun, unfold. She is abetted by Naomi Kasahara’s no-frills set, which provides easy location changes. The wealth of origami creations hang-
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with this material is a case of less is more. The tone for the entire two-plus hours is set within the first few minutes, as shy and meek Andy (C.S. Lee, best known for his role as Vince Masuka on the TV show “Dexter”) stands in the rain and talks through an intercom to a disheveled and distraught Ilana (Tess Lina). As the treasurer of the American Origami Society, Andy says he has come to bring some returned mail to Ilana, a renowned origami artist. She has been holed up in her art studio/home for two months after a divorce and the disappearance of her beloved three-legged dog. Andy has ulterior motives. First, he has a big crush on Ilana, who doesn’t even remember meeting him at the origami conventions. Second, he wants Ilana to tutor his high school calculus student Suresh (Kapil Talwalkar), who is a paper-folding prodigy and who also has experienced a recent tragedy. Mild-mannered and seemingly milquetoast, Andy has a quirk of literally counting his blessings by numbering and writing them in a journal. Many appear to be unpleasant, but he has found a way to turn them into a positive. Suresh, a hip-hop devotee, displays a tough, rude attitude, but a phone call with his dad makes clear that it’s mostly an act. All three lonely characters are dealing with past pain. The question becomes whether they can help smooth out the creases in each other’s lives. Chang refrains from using a heavy hand, but there are plenty of laughs, elevated greatly by Lee’s engaging performance. Far afield from
ing throughout the theater also helps set the mood, as does Melanie Chen’s bits of transition music. At 40, Joseph’s career isn’t a decade old. None of his past or future works may make the same splash as Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, but Animals Out of Paper is another example of why he is considered one of today’s strongest American playwrights. East West Players, on the other hand, is the old man of L.A. theater, but this vibrant start to its golden anniversary is proof that the company is in its prime. Animals Out of Paper runs through Oct. 5 at East West Players, 120 Judge John Aiso St., (213) 625-7000 or eastwestplayers.org.
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By Jeff Favre ost people define who they are by their experiences, achievements and the memories they store. Sometimes this is a positive thing. A childhood tragedy or a failed relationship, however, can haunt someone decades later. Like a crease in a once flat sheet of paper, that alteration can seem permanent. Rajiv Joseph beautifully incorporates this analogy in Animals Out of Paper, the quiet, elegant and moving production that opens the 50th anniversary season of East West Players. Directed with subtle elegance by Jennifer Chang, the three-character, humor-infused drama that debuted last week runs through Oct. 5 at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Little Tokyo. Animals Out of Paper was well received during its 2008 premiere in New York, and like other early works by Joseph, its reputation increased after the opening of his follow-up, the Pulitzer Prize finalist Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. That show premiered in Los Angeles and, after a stint at the Mark Taper Forum in Downtown, it had a Broadway run starring Robin Williams as the tiger. Both plays cover “meaning of life” issues, but they are near polar opposites in style and scope. Bengal Tiger was a violent wartime existential black comedy. Animals Out of Paper, on the other hand, uses understated humor and quiet sadness to make its point. It’s clear Chang and the cast members understand that success
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September 15, 2014
A longtime Los Angeles venue this week welcomes a longtime Los Angeles artist. On Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 21-22, alt rock staple Beck visits Broadway’s gorgeous Orpheum Theatre in support of his ethereal album Morning Phase.. Old-school fans need not worry: Beck still has a devil’s haircut and potentially two turntables and a microphone. Tickets were still available at press time, so come on loser, shave your face with some mace in the dark and take a night off from that trailer park. At 842 S. Broadway, (877) 677-4386 or laorpheum.com.
Music fans, poet sycophants, comedy enthusiasts and all those who appreciate a neighborhood art party can book out their Saturdays for the rest of the month. The Step and Repeat performance series is taking place at the MOCA Geffen Contemporary every Sabbath day this month, offering a host of acts and curiosities from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, features Los Angeles-based Wu Tsang, visceral performance artist boychild and DJ Marina Rosenfeld (shown here), among many others. Tickets are $10 for MOCA members and twice that for those not in the fold. So why not join? After all, former Director Jeffrey Deitch is long gone. At 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org.
Fall is upon us, Halloween is approaching, and with it comes notes of the macabre and the spectacle of horror. No, it’s not because of another season without football in L.A., but rather Bree Pavey’s Will You Save Them?, which plays at the Loft Ensemble theater in the Arts District. The company’s horror play involves an encounter with three strangers: one weeps, one is unconscious, one bleeds. The big question: Which one will you date? Sorry, that’s “The Bachelor.” Rather, will you save them? Hmmmm. Experience this grotesque and illuminating production with shows each Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. through Nov. 2. At 959 E. Second St., (213) 680-0392 or loftsensemble.org.
Steampunk, silent film, rock opera accompaniment and a story about a masked mystery man collide in the first of four two-day runs of Vox Lumiere — Phantom of the Opera at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. The opening shows are Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-20. Expect singers, dancers, live musicians and clips from the 1925 film version of Phantom of the Opera. No need to worry if you miss out on the first two shows, because this be-goggled adaptation of Phantom will return — why does the phantom always return? — for one weekend in October, November and December. At 514 S. Spring St., (213) 489-0994 or thelatc.org.
TuESDay, SEPTEMbER 16 Mexican Independence Day El Pueblo De Los Angeles, 125 Paseo De La Paz or elpueblo. lacity.org. 12-4 p.m.: Two hundred and four years later, you can still heed El Grito de Dolores and celebrate the independence of the big country just south of ours. WEDNESDay, SEPTEMbER 17 Malcolm Margolin at Aloud Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org. 7:15 p.m.: The fiercely independent head of Heyday Books celebrates four decades of subverting the dominant ideology of biblio-economics with his heartfelt commitment to California books of substance. Margolin will be in conversation with writer/ editor Kim Bancroft. FRIDay, SEPTEMbER 19 Dance Downtown Salsa Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org. 6:30 p.m.: Free dance lessons, a DJ and loose BYOB policies make this one of the most joyously attended events in Downtown. SaTuRDay, SEPTEMbER 20 Women’s Leadership Conference St. Mary’s College, 12001 Chalon Road, (213) 628-8241 or
photo courtesy Vox Lumiere
MONDay, SEPTEMbER 15 Science Fiction at Zocalo MOCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 626-6222 or zocalopublicsquare.org. 7:30 p.m.: From Isaac Asimov to Jules Verne, the modes of science fiction have anticipated the future. Alas, sometimes expectations and fears are set a bit high. Where does reality fall? You’ll have to attend this Zocalo Public Square event to find out. Live Arts Exchange Bootleg Theatre, 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Sept. 15-21: For a week, the strange accumulation of warehouses on Beverly Boulevard becomes a safe haven for sundry forms of local performance art. Multimedia, dance, theater, spoken word and many other demi-mediums collide in this standout affair. Diana Ackerman at Aloud Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org. 7:15 p.m.: With everyone talking about Earth’s entrance into an era of human-modified ecology, poet-naturalist Diana Ackerman joins anthropologist Dr. Amy Parish for a somewhat upbeat discussion of environmental co-existence.
By Dan Johnson | calendar@downtownnews.com
Television’s doing big things these days. By way of celebration of the medium’s boom, and the clothing that comes with it, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising’s museum has mounted its eighth annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design exhibit. Unfortunately, it is coming to an end, and Saturday, Sept. 20, will be your last chance to ogle attire and accessories from “Orange Is the New Black,”“Downton Abbey,”“Salem” and numerous other highlights of the small screen. The South Park museum is closed Monday, but is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. At 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-1200 or fidmmuseum.org.
photo courtesy ABImages
Street Food Cinema at Exposition Park 700 Exposition Park Dr., at streetfoodcinema.com Check out a screening of Aliens at Exposition Park on Sept. 20. The planet from Alien (1979) has been colonized, but contact is lost. The rescue team, this time, has impressive firepower. But will it be enough? Reserved seating is $17, general seating is $12. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the band So Many Wizards goes on at 6:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 8:30 p.m. Food vendors include Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Farmer’s Belly and Let’s Roll It. The lot next to Exposition Park is $10 per vehicle. The venue is located off the Expo Line’s Expo/USC stop. Friday Night Flicks by Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/ pershingsquare Catch a free screening of Benny & Joon at Pershing Square on Friday, Sept. 19. A mentally ill young woman (Mary Stuart Masterson) falls in love with her brother’s (Aidan Quinn) eccentric houseguest (Johnny Depp), who models himself after Buster Keaton. Julianne Moore, Oliver Platt and Dan Hedaya round out the cast. The movie will begin at 8 p.m., and well-behaved dogs are allowed. Parking can be found in the Pershing Square garage.
Beck Is Back, Artsy Fun at MOCA and a Totally New Phantom
photo by Bryan Spencer
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townhall-la.org. 8 a.m.: Border Grill co-owner Susan Feniger is the keynote speaker for this empowerment seminar. Step and Repeat Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org. Sept. 20, 6 p.m.: MOCA’s Little Tokyo auxiliary stuffs a lineup of DJs, live music, performance art and lectures into its spacious interior each and every Saturday this month. Appearing tonight are Wu Tsang, boychild, Oxbow, Fred Moten and many more.
ROCK, POP & JAZZ Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. Sept. 15: Mia Doi Todd. Sept. 16: Somi: The Lagos Music Salon. Sept. 17: The great and wise Matthew Yeakley, Downtown jazz practitioner, debuts his latest effort with the Matthew Yeakley Quintet. Sept. 18: Kaveh Rastegar Group. Sept. 19: Quartetto Fantastico. Sept. 20: Harold Lopez-Nussa Trio. Sept. 21: Joey Sellers’ Jazz Aggregation. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Sept. 16, 9 p.m.: Casual indie-interloper Coolzey shills out his hard-earned synth work. Sept. 17, 8 p.m.: FouseyTube is apparently an Internet prankster. Should be a really enthralling evening. Sept. 17, 10 p.m.: With innovative ensemble play and a digital DIY sensibility, Vulfpeck is on to something. We’re not sure what, but it’s something. Sept. 18, 8 p.m.: Singer/songwriter Becca Stevens has schlepped her whole band from New York City. Sept. 19, 8 p.m.: Malmo, Sweden’s finest piano pop artist Alice Boman will regale you will songs from her back catalogue as you gaze luridly from one of many cocktail tables spread out on the Bootleg’s floor. Sept. 21, 8 p.m.: Kimbra’s Space Jam 3 promises new and unexpected musical collaborations… and Kimbra, which is a major selling point. Club Nokia 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com. Sept. 20, 9 p.m.: Prepare to rock the casbah as Tehran’s Sami Beigi takes the stage. Escondite 410 Boyd St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com. Sept. 15, 10 p.m.: We Are the West. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. Continued on next page
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circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon 888-304-7039 888-685-5426 distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles 3300 S. FIGUEROAdistributioN ST. • FELIXCHEVROLET.COM 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • PORSCHEDOWNTOWNLA.COM AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla
PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez
email: Meteor Gray/Black, Sports Pkg., Bluerealpeople@downtownnews.com Tooth. A150039D1-1/045947
129
$
per month for 36 mos
Plus tax 36-month closed end lease on approved credit. Total Customer Cash Down is $4,669, which includes the first payment plus the first payment tax. Includes $2,240 Cash Incentive plus $750 USAA discount. $0 security deposit. $0.25/ mile over 10,000 miles/yr. Based on Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris MSRP of $34,995. Everything subject to Mfg. changes. 1 at this price EU142543. GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin
2006 Toyota Corolla ...............................
$10,988 $14,998 $15,998
NEW ’14 PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS LEASE FOR ONLY
1,099
$
per month for 48 mos
$9,995 CAP REDUCTION
10k miles per year, residual $40,971, 1 at this price. Down payment excludes tax, dmv fees, $895 Bank Acquisition fee, first payment and document fees. Rates based on approved Tier 1 credit through Porsche Financial Services. P14673/VIN#ELA77393
2014 Cayenne S ......................................
$75,898 $98,898 $98,898
Jet Blk/Blk, CPO, Nav, 21” Whls, Prem. Pkg plus, 6kmiles. ELA55177 ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim 2011 Chevy Impala ................................. 2013 Panamera GTS .............................. coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese CPO, Bose, Pk Assist Camera, Full Lthr, 17kmiles. DL075593 Gray/Gray. F15507D-1/210986 coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible ............. 2014 Carrera S ......................................... S I N C E 19 7 2 Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield White/Gray. UC1743R/218384 CPO, PDK, Chrono, Prem.Pkg plus, Park Assist, 4kmiles. ES120603 Los Angeles Downtown News Art dirEctor: Brian Allison 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 Red/Gray. F14576-1/551497
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
34 Downtown News Continued from previous page Sept. 16, 10 p.m.: Trevor Menear and Boom Boom Boom will be doing a dosey-do as they pleasure your eardrums. Sept. 17, 10 p.m.: Tunes by committee with Wicklow Atwater and The Vibrometers. Sept. 18, 10 p.m.: Are Zach + Bridget siblings, lovers or mere friends? The world may never know. Sept. 19, 11 p.m.: The Downtown Train pulls into the Escondite. Sept. 20, 10 p.m.: Cliff Wagner & The Old #7 kick out that oldtyme music while you drink your face off. Win/win. Sept. 21, 10 p.m.: RT N the 44s will be providing their superla-
CD RELEASE PARTY JANIE STEELE &
PACIFIC ELECTRIC @
Cody Bryant’s Viva Cantina
tive LA honkytonk. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. Sept. 19: Arnej and Photographer. Sept. 20: Green Velvet with Harvard Bass. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum. org. Sept. 15, 8 p.m.: Writer/actor/next-gen hip-hop figure Childish Gambino is the star attraction in this sold-out program. Sept. 16, 8 p.m.: Traffic and Fleetwood Mac strummer Dave Mason will chat it up.
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Sept. 18, 8 p.m.: It’s going to be difficult to listen to this conversation with Yanni when you keep finding yourself staring into his dreamy eyes. Ham and Eggs 433 W. Eighth St. or hamandeggstavern.com. Sept. 15, 9 p.m.: Paper Sails. Sept. 16, 9 p.m.: High-caliber taste comes in droves with vinyl specialist Turtle Puberty. Sept. 18, 9 p.m.: Roman Roze. Honeycut 819 S. Flower St., (213) 688-0888 or honeycutla.com. Sept. 15, 9 p.m.: TGIM. Sept. 17, 8 p.m.: Actual Disco. Sept. 19, 10 p.m.: Jack of All Tracks. Sept. 20, 8 p.m.: DJ Aaron Castle. Mayan 1038 S. Hill, (213) 746-4287 or clubmayan.com. Sept. 18, 8 p.m.: Bearded, L.A. underground hip-hop icon Gaslamp Killer plies his trade. Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. Sept. 19, 8 p.m.: Guests at tonight’s Yanni show are encouraged to live their didgeridoos at home and let the pros do the blowing.
Gourmet Fast Casual Restaurant Since 1973 7 Days-7am to 10pm • FREE Parking • We Cater 1657 W. 3rd St. at Union Ave. • 213-483-8885
*ANY PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE. 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER, PER VISIT. EXPIRES 9/30/14
Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews. com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.
September 15, 2014
2 YOUR EVENT INFO
EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT
4 WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar 4 EMAIL: Calendar@DowntownNews.com
Email: Send a brief description, street address and public phone number. Submissions must be received 10 days prior to publication date to be considered for print.
LAST WEEKS ANSWERS
September 15, 2014
DT
CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL home for sale
AUTOS & RECREATIONAL pre-oWned
WHAT’S YOUR LOFT WORTH? Free Online Home Evaluation
LALOFTEVAL.COM lofts for sale
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Bill Cooper
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Nearly Every Make & Model Visit us online
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3093 Knob Drive Mt. Washington 2BR/ 2.5 Ba 2000sq. ft. Brand new. Panoramic views
Rene: 213.304.7004 $3,650/mo.
rene@vaughanbenz.com loft/unfurnished
old Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts from $1,295 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge Call 213.253.4777 LAloft.com
to help L.A. company achieve maximum sales profitability. Mail resume to E.S.E. Electronics, Inc., 1111 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021. general
Downtown News 35
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
To place a classified ad in the Downtown News please call 213-481-1448, or go to DowntownNews.com Deadline classified display and line ads are Thursday at 12pm. FORfor RENT All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
computers/it IT COMPUTER/REPAIR SERVICE, Wifi, Routers, DSL, MAC & Windows, Free diagnostic; Onsite or remote technical help on phone/online. Call for free quote/ consultation. 213-923-9349 health & fitness NeeD theRApy SeRviCeS for your child with Autism? Call today! www.buildingblockresolutions.com (424) 272-5238 home improvement RUBEN GARCIA: Experienced painter of interiors and exteriors. Does very good work. Reasonable prices. Call for a quote 323 - 622- 9583. housekeeping MiRiAM’S Cleaning house, Apartments, Offices & Condominiums. References, honest, Responsible 213-5003062 or 310-857-0636.
ANNOUNCEMENTS volunteer opportunities Need homestay family for Indonesian male 17 who will attend local high school, can help with rent, guardian is retired local. Contact Gordon. 213-3047972
Department of the Treasurer and Tax Collector Notice of Divided Publication Pursuant to Sections 3702, 3381, and 3382, Revenue and Taxation Code, the Notice of Sale of tax Defaulted property Subject to the Power of Sale in and for the County of Los Angeles, State of California has been divided and distributed to various newspapers of general circulation published in said County for publication of a portion thereof, in each of the said newspapers. Public Auction Notice (R&TC 3702) Of Sale Of Tax-Defaulted Property Subject To The Power Of Sale (Sale No. 2014A) Whereas, on June 17, 2014, I, MARK J. SALADiNO, treasurer and Tax Collector, was directed by the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County, State of California, to sell at public auction certain tax-defaulted properties which are Subject to the Power of Sale. Public notice is hereby given that unless said properties are redeemed prior thereto, I will, on Monday, October 20, 2014, and Tuesday, October 21, 2014, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. at the Fairplex Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Building 5, Pomona, California, offer for sale and sell said properties at public auction to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check in lawful money
of the United States for not less than the minimum bid. If no bids are received on a parcel, it will be re-offered at the end of the public auction at a reduced minimum price. The minimum bid for each parcel is the total amount necessary to redeem, plus costs, as required by Section 3698.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. Following the public auction, unless redeemed prior thereto, I will re-offer for sale and sell unimproved properties that remain unsold at the end of the public auction beginning Monday, November 17, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. (PT) and will run continuously until Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. (PT) at online auction at www.bid4assets.com/ losangeles. Prospective bidders should obtain detailed information of this sale from the County Treasurer and Tax Collector. Pre-registration and a $5,000 deposit in the form of cash, cashier’s check or bank issued money order is required at the time of registration. No personal checks, two-party checks or business checks will be accepted for registration. Registration will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., beginning Monday, September 15, 2014, at the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office located at 225 North hill Street, Room 130, Los Angeles, California, and will end Friday, October 3, 2014, at 5:00 p.m.
U.S. GOVT JOBS NOW HIRING
legal notices
FOR SALE
Civil Service / Postal Clerks No Experience. Job Security. $20-75 an hour and Benefits CALL NOw! (855) 631-0850
The Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) in this publication refers to the Assessor’s Map Book, the Map Page, and the individual Parcel Number on the Map Page. If a change in the AIN occurred, both prior and current AINs are shown. An explanation
A list explaining the abbreviations used in this publication is on file in the Office of the Treasurer and tax Collector, 225 North hill Street, Room 130, Los Angeles, California 90012, or telephone 1(213) 974-2045. I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Los Angeles, California, on August 26, 2014.
MARK J. SALADiNO Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector State of California The real property that is subject to this notice is situated in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and is described as follows: PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE OF SALe OF tAX-DeFAULteD pROpeRty SUBJeCt tO the POWER OF SALE(SALE NO. 2014A) 3165 AIN 5151-016-124 TONG,WILLIAM P LOCATION COUNty OF LOS ANGeLeS $7,335.00
SERVICES
ST. VINCENT de Paul Thrift Store. For free pickup by truck of your donations 1-800-974-3571. 210 North Avenue 21, Los Angeles 25% off w/ this ad. Expires 10-1-14.
Bill Cooper 213.598.7555
County of Los Angeles
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Seven Acres Los Ranchos
open house sundaY 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
3234 CHAPMAN ST., LA 90065 Spacious House on large lot, 4BR 2BA with 1BR Guest House in Glassell Park
Call 323-661-0221
Casaloma L.A. Apartments Clean unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $600/mo. with private bath at $745/mo.
• 5 minutes from shopping • 9 miles from downtown Albuquerque • 8817 4th Street, NW
For appointment call Alex Sanchez 505.898.3934 or cell 505.362.6488 One of the few remaining property of this size in the North Valley
TM
Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site. Gated building in a good area. 208 W. 14th St. at hill St. Downtown LA
For English Call Pierre or Terri 213.744.9911 For Spanish Call Susana 213.379.4743
Landmark 1936 “Chateau Alpine” Historic Art Deco Condo: 1 BR, 1 BA, 1,091 sq. ft. Located in the heart of hip K-Town/Wilshire District– High ceilings, classic liv rm & formal dining, W/D, garage. Walk to subway, restaurants. Asking $519,000 For appointment call David Raposa, City Living Realty 323-573-4202 davidr@citylivingrealty.com
Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA.
Bill Cooper 213.598.7555
DoWNtoWN TheLoftExpertGroup.com l.a. aUto Voted BEST Downtown Residential Real Estate Agent! groUp DRE # 01309009
Prime area, by El Pollo, McDonalds, Burger King, Good Will & minutes from Americana & Glendale Gallaria
For SALe
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donation pick-up
• Beautiful view of Sandia mountains • Great for large homes • Alfafa field with irrigation
According to law, if redemption of the property is not made by the close of business on the last business day prior to the first day of auction, Friday October 17, 2014, at 5:00 p.m., the property will be offered for sale. If the property is not sold at the public auction, the right of redemption will revive and remain until Friday, November 14, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. If the property is not redeemed by Friday, November 14, 2014, at 5:00 p.m., it will be scheduled for the follow-up online auction as indicated above.
of the parcel numbering system and the maps referred to are available from the Office of the Assessor located at 500 West Temple Street, Room 225, Los Angeles, California 90012.
LEGAL
apartments/unfurnished SENIOR APARTMENTS 62 + Studio $881 1 Bedroom $937. Balcony, Full Kitchen, A/C, Clubhouse, BBQ, Resource room, Laundry, SEC 8 O.K. Visit GSL SAN LUCAS.com 213623-2010.
If the property is sold, parties of interest, as defined by Section 4675 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, have a right to file a claim with the County for any proceeds from the sale, which are in excess of the liens and costs required to be paid from the proceeds. If excess proceeds result from the sale, notice will be given to parties of interest, pursuant to law. All information concerning redemption, provided the right to redeem has not previously been terminated, will upon request be furnished by MARK J. SALADiNO, treasurer and Tax Collector.
TheLoftExpertGroup.com BRE #01309009
Over 1000 vehicles on Sale Now!
Monthly from $700+ utilities Nearly Every Make & Model paid. Visit us online (213) 612-0348 dtlamotors.com
LOFT LIVING your number 1 source for Loft sales, rentals and development! D ow n t ow n N ew s . c o m
Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.
Monthly from $795 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151
36 Downtown News
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
September 15, 2014