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SCIFI at SCI-Arc
S
SCIFI : Downtown Los Angeles Research Studio Fall 2008
Austin Luckett Sasha Monge Bethsabee Sabbah Avani Sheth Faculty: David Bergman Peter Zellner
TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary
I
PART I HISTORY Los Angeles: A Historic Analysis
4
DEMOGRAPHICS Los Angeles: A Demographic Analysis
26
ECONOMICS Los Angeles: An Economic Analysis
56
ZONING Downtown Los Angeles: Zoning and Planning
86
PART II Site Vicinity Analysis
119
Bibliography and Sources
161
Summary Over the Fall 2008 semester SCI-Arc’s SCIFI program exhaustively analyzed Downtown Los Angeles with the goal of addressing the RFQ issued for Planning Alternatives for the former State Civic Center site at First and Broadway. Topics of study included: the History, Demographics, Economics and Zoning of Downtown Los Angeles. The goal of the research has been to quantify and qualify the physical development of the city within its urban context. Historical maps of Los Angeles have been compared to better appreciate how the city has been physically impacted since it was founded.
From studies conducted by Austin Luckett, Sasha Monge, Bethsabee Sabbah and Avani Sheth, under the guidance of Peter Zellner and David Bergman, it is argued here that downtown Los Angeles does not share the attributes of a traditional North American downtown. In fact, it differs from other Downtowns in terms of its historic growth, demographic patterns, economic development and zoning regulations. Using our findings, provocative statements have been formulated about the future of the city and its downtown in the hope to initiate constructive changes for Los Angeles. As a broader goal, this studio has sought to generate solutions for the current condition of Downtown Los Angeles as well as compelling new realities for the development of the City of Los Angeles.
Demography is the study of human populations, using statistical data to describe conditions of life. L.A. has been compared to Manhattan in order to determine the similarities and differences existing between the two downtowns in terms of demographics. Economics looks at the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, or the material welfare of humankind. This has been documented to understand the impact of finance on the city. Zoning commonly is used in urban planning as a system of land-use regulation, which is usually controlled by local governments such as counties or municipalities. The zoning study has revealed important facts about the growth of downtown Los Angeles.
I
PART I
HISTORY ANALYSIS
Los Angeles: A Historic Analysis History of Los Angeles is paradoxical. Los Angeles doesn’t seem to value it’s own history and a lot of history can fade quickly in this city. In comparison to other cities Los Angeles has a relatively short history. From studying different maps of Los Angeles you can begin to imagine what it would have been like in the early years of development. At one time the Los Angeles river would have been attractive and the wildlife would have made it interesting place to explore. Agricultural space next to downtown would have been a quick escape from any over-activity that might have occurred there. Walking around the numerous creeks and up into the hills would have offered amazing views as they still do today. Luckily the city did a fairly good job of protecting beach space for the public good. Of course, there are some very real problems confronting the beach areas today. However, the city has done a poor job of controlling watershed areas, incorporating parks, and planning for large influxes of people.
4
Layers of History
The city of Los Angeles was situated in an area of a low lying valley about 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by chaparral covered foothills. Los Angeles County was one of the original counties of California, created at the time of statehood in 1850. Parts of the county’s territory were given to San Bernardino Co. in 1853, to Kern Co in 1866 and to Orange Co in 1889. Looking at the development of the city we can begin to peel back the layers of history from 1849 to today.
6
Map: 1849
There was tremendous natural beauty surrounding the city. Views towards the Los Angeles river were pleasant. A grid pattern started to emerge out of the layout of the original streets.
8
Map: 1876
The development of the city moved outward from the center and began taking up more and more agricultural space. The grid started to grow.
10
Map: 1906
Many people sought the natural beauty and opportunity that Los Angeles had to offer and the physical development of the city exploded. The original grid was still there, but it too began to change.
12
Map: 2008
Los Angeles has become a city that has been built on speculation and has had a hard time dealing with massive growth and the planning of open spaces including parks, parkways, and public spaces.
14
City within the County
Downtown Los Angeles will continue to be swallowed by the massive growth and development of the county. Los Angeles County now consists of 2,599,040 acres of land.
16
Infrastructure Many of the original streets and thier location still exist today. Most have grown in length and some have changed names. Infrastucture will continue to define the city.
The growing belief of Los Angeles as a land of opportunity will continue bring more people the city and will impact the physical development of the city.
18
Applied Precedent Study: Central Park in LA? Parks and Open Space Parks will continue to become scarce, freeways choked with cars, and public spaces devoid of people.
L.A. has not been able to implement large scale plans for a large city within a large county. L.A. has lacked and will continue to lack the ability to think big when it comes to planning.
20
“Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.� Frank Lloyd Wright
22
DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Los Angeles: A Demographic Analysis Demography is the study of human populations, using statistical data to describe conditions of life. In my study of Downtown LA and Los Angeles at large, I considered a range of contextual information such as the size and density of populations, economic standing, education level, and race. These characteristics provide important insights for understanding the City and its evolution. Historically, Downtown Los Angeles has been at the center of attention, yet it failed to become the center or heart of the city. If Los Angeles is now regarded as the archetype of the decentralized metropolis, then what is the meaning of Downtown LA as a place? How different is Downtown LA from other North American Metropolitan centers? In an attempt to answer these questions, I decided to compare Los Angeles and New York, more specifically Downtown Los Angeles and Manhattan, and explore their differences and similarities in terms of demographics. Manhattan is the quintessential healthy and vibrant downtown that boosts the economic well-being and quality of life in the city. On the other hand, Downtown LA appears to have lost its functions. The results of my research did not lend provocative new information, but the already-recognized disparity between the two cities. Yet, the trends over time of social and economic characteristics of the population of Downtown LA help frame its singularity as a city center. The main findings relate to: residential population patterns, density, educational attainment, median household income and race. Aside from residential population and race patterns, Downtown LA is diametrically different from Manhattan.
26
Density
LA county
LA city
"Central city" 14,000
13,665
13,345 11,311 10,399
10,420
9,984
7,444 6,024
7,877
8,000
6,357
5,317 4,222
1,023
1950
1960
1970
1980
New York City
2,447
2,345
2,183
1,842
1,732
1,488
1990
2000
2003
Manhattan
89,091 77,182 69,955
26,132
1950
25,768
1960
26,146
1970
64,909
23,417
1980
67,636
24,248
1990
69,873
26,517
2000
70,179
27,110
2003
Historically, Downtown Los Angeles has been the most densely populated area of Los Angeles City and County. Yet, it fails to match the densities of traditional metropolitan centers such as Downtown New York.
28
Income LA county LA city DTLA
$51,315 $45,000
$43,518 $36,687
$34,965 $30,925
$15,900
$10,290
$10,535
$6,896 $3,107 $2,879 $1,593
1950
$12,432
$7,046 $4,033
1960
$12,010
$5,657
1970
1990
New York City Manhattan
2000
$47,030
2003
$48,631 $45,343
$38,293
$32,262 $29,500
$12,000
$8,983 $3,297
$2,347
1950
$5,500
$5,338
1960
1970
1990
2000
2003
Downtown Los Angeles has been home to the lowest median household incomes in the City and County of Los Angeles since the 1950s, whereas Downtown New York continually attracted households earning higher median incomes.
30
Per Capita Income, 2006 Downtown Los Angeles min: $0 max: $74,571 mean: $14,950 median: $12,022
Legend 0 1- $10,000 10,001- $15,000 15,001- $20,000 $20,001 +
source: ESRI
Manhattan
USA
DTLA $50,740 $47,030 $48,631 $32,262
$41,994
$30,925
$11,419 $4,237 $2,347
$1,593 1950
$5,620 $5,338
$8,983
$4,033
$5,657
1960
1970
$12,432 1990
$12,010 2000
$15,900
2003
32
Education
High School Graduates
Total population
College Graduates
2000 1990 1980 1970 1960 1950 1940 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Educational attainment for the residents of Downtown Los Angeles has been low since 1940s; an average of 20% of its residents are high school graduates and less than 5% are college graduates. On the other hand, Downtown New York has been a magnet for graduates, forming one of the highest concentrations of highly educated people in any North American downtown.
34
High School Graduates
Manhattan
USA
DTLA 84% 76%
79% 80.4% 75.2%
53% 41.1% 35% 28%
1940
52.3%
41%
34.3%
24.5%
12.0%
66.5%
19.8%
19%
18.2%
17.2%
18.0%
14.0%
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
College Graduates
USA
Manhattan
DTLA 57% 54%
42%
24.4%
21% 20.3% 16% 11% 8% 4.6%
6.2%
4.5%
6%
1940
1950
16.2% 10.7%
7.7%
7.3%
7.7%
1960
1970
9.3%
1980
11.0%
1990
13.7%
2000
36
Ethnicity
Los Angeles City other 0.3%
other 0.1%
black asian 2.7% 2.2%
black asian 3.1% 2.2%
black 13.5%
asian 3.0%
white 83.2%
white 94.6%
white 94.8%
1940
other 0.3%
1960
1980
New York City asian 0.2% other black 0.1% 1.0%
white 98.7%
1900
asian 0.2% other 0.1% black 4.6%
asian 0.6% other 0.1% black 14.0%
white 85.3%
white 95.1%
1930
1960
Los Angeles, as well as its downtown are becoming more diverse. It is also the case for New York and Manhattan.
other 23.4% white 52.8%
other 32.7%
white 47.1%
asian 9.8% asian 10.6%
black 14.0%
black 9.6%
2006
1990
other 12.0% other 18.8%
asian 7.0%
white 52.3%
white 44.7%
asian 9.9%
black 28.7% black 26.6%
1990
2006
38
Downtown Los Angeles
black 4.0%
asian 7.1%
asian 14.7%
other 1.7%
white 39.2%
other 43.7%
black 9.7%
white 88.9%
white 73.9% asian 5.6%
1940
1960
black 11.5%
1980
Manhattan asian 1.5%
asian 0.7% other 0.1%
other 0.2%
black 15.7%
other 14.3%
black 23.4%
asian 5.1%
black 21.7%
1940
white 58.9%
white 74.9%
white 83.5%
1960
1980
other 32.6%
white 29.9%
white 24.6%
other 34.4%
black 16.6% asian 18.8%
black 18.7%
asian 24.4%
2006
1990
other 12.3%
other 16.9%
asian 7.4% asian 9.4%
white 58.3%
black 22.0%
white 56.3%
black 17.4%
1990
2006
40
Residential Patterns
128,946
119,922 97,330 82,654
80,435 69,138
56,030 41,578
Downtown Los Angeles 1940
2,332
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2003
2,284 1,867
1,890
1,960 1,698
1,539
1,428
1,488
1,537
1,612
Manhattan (x1,000) 1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
A comparable pattern of depopulation and repopulation defines the history of Downtown Los Angeles, Manhattan as well as any prototypical North American Downtown. However, Downtown L.A. has never reached Manhattan’s level of residential inhabitation historically.
According to Robert Fogelson in Downtown: its rise and fall, 1880-1950, as New York City grew and its economy expanded, the structure of the city was transformed: beginning in the 1850s, downtown meant “the business district and uptown the residential” (11). The depopulation of downtown, which started by the end of the 19th century in New York, “was a function of the basic laws of economics”, meaning that as businesses grounded themselves in downtown, land values increased and forced residents to relocate (20).
42
Density: Projection
2003 Site L.A. County L.A. City Downtown L.A. San Francisco New York City 0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
30000
35000
50000
30000
35000
50000 +
2015 Site L.A. County L.A. City Downtown L.A. San Francisco New York City 0
5000
10000
15000
2030 Site L.A. County L.A. City Downtown L.A. San Francisco New York City 0
5000
10000
15000
What would happen if the density of Downtown L.A. were to reach by 2030 the actual density of New York City? Zoning changes will have to be made to allow affordable high density housing to develop.
44
Income Parity
Per Capita Income, 2006 Downtown Los Angeles min: $0 max: $74,571 mean: $14,950 median: $12,022
Legend: 0 1- $10,000 10,001- $15,000 15,001- $20,000 20,001 + source: ESRI
Median household income is reflective of the economic well-being of a city. In order to revitalize Downtown L.A., measures have to be adapted to attract a wide range of individuals by affecting housing, work, shopping, culture, entertainment, etc. Per Capita Income, 2015 Downtown Los Angeles min: $0 max: $100,000 mean: $20,950 median: $17,315
Legend: 0 1- $10,000 10,001- $20,000 20,001- $30,000 30,001- $100,000 source: ESRI
46
Per Capita Income, 2030 Downtown Los Angeles min: $0 max: $400,000 mean: $102,950 median: $98,315
Legend: 0 1- $30,000 30,001- $50,000 50,001- $70,000 70,001- $400,000
source: ESRI
$64,433 Westside
$57,260 Downtown L.A $46,800 Mid-City/ Hollywood $43,980 Long Beach $37,039 East L.A.-Eagle Rock $29,677 South L.A. $43,066 L.A. County
0 Avg. Annual Wage by Region, 2006
$108,433
Downtown L.A
$87,260 Westside $76,800 Mid-City/ Hollywood $63,980 Long Beach $57,039 East L.A.-Eagle Rock $49,677 South L.A. $63,066 L.A. County
0 Avg. Annual Wage by Region, 2030 48
Educational Attainment
23,894 residents
28,878 residents
13.5% hold undergraduate or graduate degree
76.5% hold undergraduate or graduate degree
46.1% work in DT
55.1% work in DT
50 % are single
60 % are single
median age: 39 6 out of 10 residents are men
median age: 30-39 6 out of 10 residents are men
source: Downtown L.A. Market Report, 2007. Downtown Center Business Improvement District
Residents of Downtown Los Angeles are increasingly educated; a 400% increase was measured from 2000 to 2006. In the future, educational levels will remain high.
55,878 residents
150,000 residents
79.5% hold undergraduate or graduate degree
84.5% hold undergraduate or graduate degree
75.1% work in DT
87.5% work in DT
65 % are single
70 % are single
median age: 30-39 6 out of 10 residents are men
median age: 20-35 5 out of 10 residents are women
50
Residential Population: Projection
Population (Block Groups), 2000 Downtown Los Angeles Total Population: 23,894
Legend: 1 dot= 50
Source: ESRI
Residential patterns in Downtown will stabilize and rise in the future as efforts to encourage pedestrian activities and public gatherings are promoted through the development of public spaces.
Population (Block Groups), 2030 Downtown Los Angeles Total Population: 148,894
Legend: 1 dot= 50
Source: ESRI
52
Conclusion
Los Angeles, 1890s
New York, 1890s
Los Angeles, 1930s
New York, 1930s
In terms of demographics, Downtown Los Angeles does not share the characteristics of the archetypal North American Downtown; in fact historically, Downtown Los Angeles and Manhattan appear to have had dissimilar patterns of density, income, education, etc. Thus, is Downtown L.A. really a Downtown?
Los Angeles, 1960s
New York, 1960s
54
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Los Angeles: An Economic Analysis Los Angeles’ economy has undergone many changes in the past century. Between 1900 and 2008, it went from being L.A. County’s central, focal point for finance and economic development, to sharing the spot light with other economic centers such as Wilshire district and Culver City. The decentralization of Downtown L.A. as the center of L.A. County has made it suffer many ups and downs. Downtown L.A. is currently undergoing a great effort to refocus economic attention to itself so that the economy is centered in one place and so that there can be a true downtown.
For the past two decades, there has been an effort in revitalizing and re-centralizing Downtown L.A. Old empty buildings are being converted into residences, public amenities are opening up, places of entertainment are being built, and public transportation is being renovated. Downtown is being given a face lift in the hopes that it will regain it’s position as a true center and downtown. This way it is not a dead city of waste and decay.
When L.A. was first founded in 1781, its economy depended on the trade of hide, cattle and raw goods. Later on, thanks to the availability of water, agriculture became very popular, specially citrus goods. The discovery of oil in L.A. in 1892 and the establishment of the Los Angeles port in 1907, transformed L.A. from a predominantly agricultural community to a multifunctional, industrial city. The extension of the transcontinental railroad in 1876 also changed L.A.’s day to day dynamic. L.A. could now be reached by anyone in the East and Midwest. The railroad facilitated trade and carried products from the port to Downtown to be stored or manufactured right in the center of the city. By 1890’s, Downtown was developing as the center of finance and economy, where all the money and important people would go. Banking centers started opening up their businesses as early as 1871 exclusively in Downtown. Even during and after the World Wars, L.A. was not heavily affected by the war like other cities were. On the contrary, it experienced “one of the most rapid industrial growths of the nation” due to its oil, aircraft and war supplier industries. In the 1950’s and 1960’s the suburbs started to flourish and the construction of highways made it easy to move from one suburb to the next and to Downtown. As quickly as Downtown had risen, it fell as people, banks, commerce, money, and power moved westward and outward. Downtown was no longer the center or the place to be. It was just a temporary location where people went only for a few hours a day and only if necessary. Overnight, Downtown was empty and lonely and would continue to be for several decades.
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Banking Centers Over the Years
10 1 TE E
PL M
1S T
0
11
2N D
FIG
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RO A
3R D 4T H 5T H
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ILS
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6T H
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HO
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FL OW
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9T H
Internet & New York
Encino
OA D
HI
8T H
W AY
LL
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IV
GR
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7T H
IN MA
The internal migration of the banking center from Spring St. to the New Financial District and other western cities caused a decentralization of banking. This decentralization is the death of banking for Downtown L.A New Downtown = New Financial District
1967 Union Bank 1971 Arco Plaza - Citi National Bank Paul Hastings Bank 1972 (Former) First Interstate 1974 Bank of America 1983 Wells Fargo 1985 Citi Corp Late 1980’s Pacific Stock Exchange 1989 Home Savings Tower, U.S. Bank Tower, Sanwa Bank
“The Wall Street of the West” : Banks from 1871 to 1959 1871 Farmers & Merchants Bank 1904 Continental Building 1910 Trust and Savings Bank Secutity 1st National Bank 1914 Citizen National Bank (Crocker Bank) 1918 Barclay’s Bank 1920 Security Trust and Savings Bank 1923 California Canadian Bank National City Bank Bartlett Bank Van Nuys Bank 1930 Bank of America 1931 L.A. Stock Exchange Fidelity Building and Loan Co. 1959 California United Bank 60
Public Investments: Approximately $3.4 Billion Public Investment Note: Size and shape of symbol is representative of investment amount and place of investment. Million Tree Iniciative
10
Distributed Investment
E
PL
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TE
9
2N D
FIG
UE
RO A
3R D
1 5T H
W
ILS
4T H
5 2
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HI
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7
1
1S T
3 4
10
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6
OA D BR
8
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2
Public investments in Downtown are generally directed towards public transportation, infrastructure, general maintenance and public use buildings. The city has a lot of good ideas but has had trouble executing their many public projects which is the cause of Downtown’s slow transformation into a hub. 1. Pacific Electric Railway - $1.25 Mill. Subway Terminal Bldg. 1925 2. Measure R - $700,000 in 1994 $1.1 Million in 2003 Alameda Corridor 3. Related Cos. for Grand Avenue $1.8 Billion, First Phase 2004 4. DCBDID - $4,682,695 Invested in 2007 in public safety, maintenance community services, economic development and special projects. 5. L.A. Conservatory - $1 Million 2007 Restoration of facades for Broadway Initiative 6. Metro Gold Line - $859 Million 6 mile extension, 2009 7. Exposition Blvd. Light Rail $555 Million, DT to Culver City 8. Convention Center Hotel Complex $300 Million with public money 9. Million Tree Iniciative - Volunteer Public-Private Non-profit 10. LAUSD - $230 Million High School 2009 62
Private Investments: Approximately $15.2 Billion Private Investment Note: Size and shape of symbol is representative of investment amount and place of investment.
10 1 TE E
PL M
9 1S T 2N D
FIG
UE
RO A
3R D 4T H
GR
AN
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3 W
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5T H
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6T H
PE
ER
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HO
7T H
5 W AY
OA D BR
8T H
HI LL
5
9T H RI
NG
IN MA
SP
FL OW
1
ILS
6
7
8
9
Private investments provide a much larger monetary input but alot of the revenue goes back to private hands instead of Downtown. Post-occupancy of the buildings, the projects don’t necessarily generate any profit for the city. In example, the Staples Center costs the city $30 million a year. 1. Staples Center - $ 375 Million AEG, 1999 2. $17 Million in Private Investments 1999 3. AEG - $2.5 Billion L.A. Live, 2004 4. Morgan Stanley - $80 Million 2004 5. Residences - $12 Billion 2005 6. L.A. Fashion Center - $80 Million Jade Enterprises, 2008 7. Stanford Wholesale Mart - $64 Mill. Falcon, CA 2008 8. Stanford Regency Plaza - $80 Mill. KI Group, 2009 9. 135 more projects approved for construction
64
Unemployment in L.A. County
L.A.C. Unemployment
Manufacturing
U.S. Unemployment
50% 41% 36%
8.8%
14.84% 14%
9%
8.9%
8% 8.5% 7.7%
5.5%
5.7%
7.1% 7.2% 7%
6%
8.1%
6.5%
5.8%
5.8%
6%
5.4% 5.6%
5.3%
4.9%
5.1% 4.6%
4.5% 4%
1960 1965 1970 1975 1976 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2006 2008
Ralph’s Closes
1950 Airspace Market
SUBURB SPRAWL Commercial/Banking Center moves Westward Dept. Stores Move Away
RECESSION, UNEMPLOYMENT increases
1980 1970 1960 Banks Discriminate Globalization 50% Manufacturing Stressfull Economic Time
2000 1990 Downtown Subway lines added Day home for the commuter Multifaceted Development
Despite being the largest manufacturing center in the West, manufacturing as a viable source of employment has been decreasing for years. As manufacturing decreases, unemployment increases. Outsourcing is taken over the manufacturing industry where labor is cheaper and more readily available.
Unemployment in L.A. County is constantly fluctuating. It has gone from a low 5.5% in 1960 to a high 9% in 1976. Comparatively, United States has had a low of 4% unemployment rate to a high 8.5%. Both fluctuate at a similar rhythm, when L.A. County has a low unemployment rate, so does the United States, which goes to show that the nation’s economy affects L.A. as it does other cities. However, there have been other factors that have made L.A.’s unemploymnet rate be overall significantly higher than the nation’s. Los Angeles is the largest manufacturing center in the West and has one of the biggest ports in the U.S., serving not only the U.S. but also the international markets.
66
Home Ownership Compared to Population of L.A. County
L.A. County Home Ownership
Population
West Coast Home Ownership
10,275,914 9,519,338 8,863,164 7,477,657 7,032,075 60%
61.25% 6,039,834 4,151,687 58.4% 2,785,643 2,208,492
60.6% 54.9%
63.5%
63.5%
58% 55.6%
52.3% 47.9%
55.9%
54.3%
936,455 43.4% 504,131 46.1% 170,298 49.5% 46.3% 43.7% 1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
1950 Ralph’s Closes
1960 Banks Discriminate Globalization
2007
RECESSION UNEMPLOYMENT increases
SUBURB SPRAWL Commercial/Banking Center moves Westward
1940 Death of the Railway Airspace Market
2000
1980 Stressful Economic Time
1990 Subway lines added
The growth of homeownership is parallel to the population growth for the first 60 years. Starting around 1960, there is an increasing disperity between homeonwership and population which suggests that cost of homeownership has gone up and mortgages are harder to keep.
In 1930, the banks offered 30 year mortgages which allowed families to buy homes in the city. Around the 1950’s and 60’s there was a fast outward movement towards the suburbs of the city. The suburbs meant lower mortgages and more reasonable prices for bigger homes. Homeownership Rate: Number of households that are lived in by owners divided by total number of households.
68
Car Ownership and L.A. County Population
Population
L.A.C. Car Ownership
18,654,930
10,275,914
9,948,081 9,519,338
10,363,850
9,191,251
5,850,140 4,825,512
2,208,492 936,455 170,298
1,200,000
101,454 403,000 1 1897
1,600 1904 1923
1876 Railroad in Greater L A. & 1st Ralph’s opens in Downtown
1930
1998
2000
1st Car
PRIVATE CARS
1897
1920 L.A. Boom
2005
2006
2007
1930 Banking Market on the rise
2008
DEATH of the RAILWAY
SUBURB SPRAWL
1940
1960
Car ownership in L.A. County is growing exponentially compared to the population to the point that sitting traffic, smog, parking nightmares are part of the L.A. culture. New freeway construction is almost null which just adds to traffic congestion. L.A. car owners are emotionally attached to their cars and they have a complete disregard to the negative consequences of traffic jams and air and noise pollution.
Specific Freeways and Miles 101 134 210 116mi
5 117mi Miles of Freeway
14 118mi
87 2mi
462.5 mi
90 22 91 57 60 75mi 605 70mi 10 66mi 62mi
405 72mi
345 mi 10 46mi
110 710 49mi
110 26mi
17 mi 1940- 19601959 1979
19801999
20 mi 20002008
Year Construction Started
110 6mi
10 12mi
47 3mi
40 43 45 47 52 55 57 58
210 71 105 20mi 16mi 17mi
61 63 64 65 66 68 70 71
93
03
Year Construction Started 70
Decentralized Banking
San Francisco
1S T 2N D 3R D
Beverly Hills 4T
H
A
0 11
FI
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If migration describes the past development of banking in Downtown, then in the future there will be the evacuation of the banking center from Downtown. Decentralization, consolidation, and internet banking will leave Downtown with one or two banks at the most and with no Financial district.
Decentralized Banking Bank of America Wells Fargo 1996 Union Bank merges into UnionBanCal Corp. Headquarter’s in San Francisco City National Bank Headquarter’s in Beverly Hills 1996 First Interstate merges with Wells Fargo
72
Public & Private Investments Landscape Investments
Public Investment Private Investment
Present
10 1 TE
Future
E
PL M
1S T 2N D
FIG
UE
RO A
3R D
GR
AN
D
4T H
W
5T H
OL IV
ER
H
RE
6T H
HO PE
OA D
HI BR
8T H
W AY
LL
7T H
9T H SP RI NG
FL OW
E
ILS
IN MA
Disperesed Investments
Public investments need to match private investments to positively impact Downtown and generate profits with which Downtown can benefit from. Downtown needs more money to stay within the city so that it can be re-invested in the city. Downtown would benefit from more privatepublic investments because these have some of the benefits of private investments but with the public welfare in mind.
74
Employment in L.A. County: Top Industry Markets
2000
2008
2016 19.64 18.96 18.25
14.57
14.84 13.14 11.51
11.60 10.77 9.86
8.00 5.52
Manufacturing
Education
Professinal - Scientific
9.86%
5.52%
8%
10.77%
Health & Social Services
11.6%
14.84% 14.57% 13.14% 18.25%
11.51%
2000
Manufacturing
18.96%
19.64%
2008
Professinal - Scientific
2016
Education
Health & Social Services
Los Angeles will cease to exist as the largest manufacturing center in the West. Outsourcing’s popularity will continue to grow and unemployment will continue to rise with the lack of manufacturing jobs. People will have to change their way of life to adapt to the changing job market.
The Los Angeles Port will continue to be the point of connection between the Far East markets and their American clients. The Port will continue to generate economic activity and jobs for years to come. At the rate manufacturing is decreasing as a source of employment, manufacting will be close to 1% by 2030. Other markets such as technology, science and aircraft will continue to provide jobs, but this will mean that people will be expected to have higher education levels.
76
L.A. City of Renters
Rent or Own Residences - 2006 Rent
Own
Primary Residence - 2006
Other
62.6% 89.1%
30.2%
3.7%
4.5% 1.2%
0.8% Own by Own by Rent Rent Self Other Apartment Condo
2.1%
0.8%
Company Other Provided
DT
3.4% 0.6%
1%
L.A.C. Orange, San Diego Other Outside Riverside, County CA CA San Bernardino, Ventura Counties
Downtown Multifaceted Development
Adaptive Reuse Ordinance
1999
2000 Day home for the commuter
2006 +7,500 Residential Units under construction
Downtown RESIDENSES increase
2007 Change in Zoning Ralph’s re-opens
2008 “Employment Protection Zones”
2009 Arts High School
L.A. will be a city of renters. Rental living will rise as an alternate to the rise in homeownership cost. The life of the renter is more public and open to sharing and therefore, public life in Downtown will flourish as renters move in to the area. The American Dream will be redefined where living in an apartment, having rooftop access and having breakfast with your neighbor at the downstairs coffee shop will be the new ideal.
78
Life Expressed Through Cars
Yearly Cost of Car Ownership
Cars Per Person
$23,000
Freeway Construction
4
$19,000 3
$15,000
$10,604
1.8
1.9
2
$7,853
2000 2006 2008 2010 2020
2008 2010 2020 2030 2040
2008 2010 2020 2030 2040
By 2040, there will be 4 cars per person in Los Angeles. People in L.A. will continue buying cars despite traffic congestion and despite the increasing cost of car ownership. L.A. will very soon be a city of unnecessary and selfish car surplus.
Car ownership costs are the second largest household expense. Los Angeles is third in costliest car ownership cities. Detroit and Philadelphia are first and second respectively. Los Angeles has fewer lane-miles per capita. It ranks 31st our of 39 metroplitan areas in the study. In 1999, it had approximately 0.419 lane-miles per 1,000 people. Instead of new freeway construction, freeways will be renovated, upgraded and extended. What to do in the face of a pending nightmare? Invest in upgrading public transportation, expanding the railway system, providing more bike lanes, building less parking structures and forcing the people to use public and shared transportation.
80
Continental Building, 1904
Wall Street of the West, 1924
Inauguration of Santa Monica Freeway, 1943
Bunker Hill, 1890
South on Main St., c. 1917
South on Spring St., c. 1904
Farmers and Merchants Bank, 1905
Inauguration of Pasadena Freeway, 1940 82
ZONING ANALYSIS
Downtown Los Angeles: Zoning & Planning This study is concerned with how zoning and land use regulations have played an important role in the development of downtown Los Angeles. It focuses on a comparative study of historic zoning patterns, comparing it with the present conditions and delivering projective statements that can change the definition of ‘a downtown’ for Los Angeles. The project takes into account only the broad classification of land use for downtown Los Angeles for its experiments. In the development of this study, a preliminary research about the history of Los Angeles helped to build the theoretical hypothesis. Compiling data and Translating it into graphical representations was the primary task followed by drawing conclusions from it. The project aims to assert varied hypothesis by simulating imaginative scenarios for the future.
What is Zoning? Zoning is a term used in urban planning for a system of landuse regulation in various parts of the world. Zoning is commonly controlled by local governments such as counties or municipalities, though the nature of zoning regime may be determined or limited by state or national planning authorities. Why do we need Zoning? (General level) The practice of zoning designates permitted use of land based on mapped zones which separate one set of land use from another. In practice, zoning is also used as a permitting system to prevent new development from harming existing residents or businesses and to preserve the “character” of a community/ city. Zoning sets development standards for various parts/districts of a city. (Site level) Zoning may be use-based (regulating the uses to which land may be put), or it may regulate building height, lot coverage, setbacks and similar characteristics, or some combination of these. Zoning ordinances can be used to suggest a working program which fits the needs of the site with respect to the city as a whole.
86
District Map Of Downtown L.A.
What is a Downtown? ‘Downtown’ primarily refers to a city’s core, usually in a geographical, commercial, and community sense. It generally refers to a cities oldest/historic part from where it first originated as a town and grew into a city. Also referred to as the ‘inner core’, It is a densely integrated part of a city where social, political, commercial and economical activities are performed together. Downtown Los Angeles Today Los Angeles downtown boundary (as considered today) - 101 to the North - 10 Santa Monica freeway to the South - 110 harbor freeway to the West - Los Angeles river to the East The downtown of Los Angeles today comprises of 14 different districts -
Arts District Central City East Chinatown El Pueblo Figueroa Corridor Financial District Little Tokyo Civic Center Bunker Hill Historic Downtown Old Bank District Jewellery District Fashion District South Park
88
Detailed Land Use Map Of Downtown L.A.
‘Land use’ is also often used to refer to the distinct land use types in Zoning. Land use refers to the manner in which portions of land or the structures on them are used, such as commercial, residential, industrial, etc. A land use plan is a plan that establishes strategies for the use of land to meet identified community needs.
Legend High Medium High Light Heavy Community Regional Open Space Public Facility Other Open Spaces
90
Floor Area Ratio Map Of Downtown L.A.
The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is the ratio of the total floor area of buildings on a certain location to the size of the land of that location, or the limit imposed on such a ratio. The Floor Area Ratio is the total building square footage (bldg area) divided by the site size square footage (site area). As a formula: FAR = (Total covered area on all floors of all buildings on a certain plot)/(Area of the plot)
Legend 6:1 FAR except with transfer of floor area permitted by the los angeles municipla code and the CRA redevelopment plan. 6:1 FAR except as may be permitted by the CRA redevelopment plan. 3:1 FAR except with transfer of floor area as permitted by the los angeles minicipal code and the CRA redevelopment plan. 3:1 FAR except as may be permitted by the CRA redevelopment plan. 3:1 FAR 3:1 FAR not to exceed 6:1 FAR with city planning commission and CRA board approval.
92
Specific Area Plan Of Downtown L.A.
Specific area plan districts are the type of development planned for a specific area than is typically found in a comprehensive plan, zone map, or public facilities plan. The area covered by a specific plan can include multiple parcels and land owners, or a single large parcel. Specific plans usually focus on some unique feature of the site, such as natural resources, economic activity, or desired neighborhood character. Specific plans may be used for large undeveloped areas, or partially developed areas with potential for in fill and redevelopment.
Legend Los Angeles sports and entertainment district
94
Generalized Circulation Map Of Downtown L.A.
The purpose of the circulation plan is to establish a standard for the development and improvement of the transportation network and a long-range plan which ensures the community vision. Goals, policies, and programs established in the plan are implemented to ensure the orderly development of effective circulation systems. This circulation plan shows the various road networks within the downtown region.
Legend Freeway Major Highway Class II Secondary Collector Local
96
Historic events affecting zoning and land use patterns in Downtown L.A.
Zoning Legend The zoning legend diagram is formulated to understand categories and sub-categories of various zones that fall under the zoning and planning regulations of Los Angeles planning dept. The outer circle shows four major zones broadly classified as commercial, residential, industrial and public facilities which are each color coded. Then each successive circle shows the sub-categories that fall under the respective zones.
98
Comparative Study
The zoning in downtown Los Angeles has not been consistent over the years and it fluctuates each year. The planning and zoning pattern in downtown L.A. is reactive. It has not led to social development but has been led by the social development. Zoning in the past 100 years of history has failed to produce integrity of land use. Instead it has segregated the various land uses in downtown L.A. There are no links between each of the land uses. There has been a drift of residential from north to south along Broadway, the commercial has grown towards the east. The public facilities have shown a significant development in the recent years, though, the growth of commercial, residential and public facilities has led to the detriment of industrial areas
100
Comparative Downtown Maps
Comparative Zone Breakdown Maps
102
Comparative Data Analysis
Overall Data Analysis
104
Democratic Zoning
What if zoning and planning in downtown Los Angeles was democratic? Is zoning and planning limiting the development of downtown Los Angeles instead of promoting it?
106
Creating a Core for Downtown L.A.
What would happen if all the public/institutional/cultural and historically important buildings were not concentrated in one part of the city, but spread out in the periphery of downtown. Would they be able to generate a core for downtown L.A.?
108
Connecting Public Spaces
Why do public spaces not function in downtown Los Angeles? Are public spaces disconnecting downtown L.A., instead of connecting it?
110
A Shrinking Industrial Zone
What would happen if the industrial zone shrinks in Downtown? What happens to a city when its manufacturing area is eliminated?
112
Is Downtown Los Angeles really a True Downtown? Downtown LA is not geographically the city’s core, as it was not the originating point of Los Angeles. Unlike most other cities, Los Angeles developed from many surrounding cores and spread to the center.
A typical downtown has a core from where the city grows and spreads outwards, making the centre more and more denser.
Los Angeles does not have a core. Infact it orginated from many centres that spread across to form a city that does not really have a centre.
Politically, Los Angeles claims to be a democracy. But fundamentally, it believes in individuality.
In politics, individuality and democracy can not co-exist
114
Though L.A. has a short, fast-moving, revealing past, it also has a history of elimination. A system gets razed and another one is built upon. The city is built on speculation, with few traces of history.
Los Angeles, Pershing square, 1950
Manhattan, 1950
Los Angeles, Pershing square, 2008
Manhattan, 2008
Los Angeles’ social structure constitutes of divisions and separations. The extent to which L.A. is socially integrated is questionable.
The social structure of downtown Los Angeles needs to be interwoven so that it forms an integrated social fabric like seen in a typical downtown
116
PART II
Site Vicinity
Site vicinity area: - 101 to the North - 4th Ave. to the South - Figueroa to the West - Los Angeles street to the East This site vicinity was chosen as: -It incorporates the Grand Ave. project, all Civic Center buildings and the cultural revival area of downtown L.A. -It also includes the school and the LAWPD as they lie on the grand ave and the school will effect the day time population of the area. -101 is a natural barrier on the northern side. -Los Angeles street is the end of the civic district. Legend Site Site Vicinity The total Site Vicinity Area is 191 acres approximately. That is equivalent to 8340633.5 sq. ft.
120
Buildings Located within the Site Vicinity
8
20
7
1
19 6
18
5
24
4
22
3
10 9
31
27
15
2
28
23
17
35
16 14 13
12
26
21
30
25
11
34 33
29 32
Sr. no
Building Name
Year built
Architect
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
L.A. Dept. of Water and Power Grand Tower Parking Walt Disney Concert Hall Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Mark Taper Forum Ahmanson Theatre Music Centre Annex Two California Plaza One California Plaza Omni Hotel Colburn School Extention MOCA Collburn School Parcel Q future development site Parcel W future development site Stanley Mosle L. A.County Courthouse Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration The Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels High School 9 Vacant Plot Law Library Hall of Records
1963-64 1988
Albert C. Martin and Associates Nadel Architects
1988-2003 1964-69 1964-69 1964-69 1964-69 1985-92 1985-92 1991 2007 1973-74 1998
Frank O. Gehry and Associates Welton Becket, Cornell, Bridges & Troller landscape arch. Welton Becket and Associates Welton Becket and Associates Welton Becket Arthur Ericson Arthur Ericson Flatow, Moore, Bryan, Fairburn
1958 1956-61 2002 2007-08
Stanton, Paul Williams, Adrain Wilson, Austin, Field & Fry Stanton, Stockwell, William and Wilson, Austin, Field & Fry Jose Rafael Moneo’s Coop Himmelb
24.
County of LA Central Heating & Refrigeration Plant Times mirror square Site (Former State Building) Criminal Courthouse Hall of Justice LAPD Headquarters L.A. City Hall US Federal Courthouse Caltrans district 7 headquarters City Hall South City Hall East L.A. Mall
25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35.
1981 1961-62
1930 1931-35 1931 1933 1925 2008-09 1926-28 1938-40 2004 1960-70 1960-70 1973-74
Arata Isozaki; Gruen Associates
Richard J. Neutra & Robert Alexander & Honnold & Rex, Herman Charles Light and James Friend
Gordon B. Kaufmann Adrian Wilson associates Allied Architects of L.A. DMJM J.Austin, John & D.Parkinson, A. Martin, Austin Whittlesey Louis A Simon, Gilbert Stanley Underwood Morphosis
Welton Becket, Cornell,Troller& Hazlett, landscape arch.
122
Buildings Located within the Site Vicinity
8
20
7
1
19 6
18
5
24
4
22
3
10 9
31
27
15
2
28
23
17
35
16 14 13
12
26
21
30
25
11
34 33
29 32
Sr. no 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35.
Building Name
Estimate # Employees/ Peak population
L.A. Dept of Water and Power Grand Tower Parking Walt Disney Concert Hall Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Mark Taper Forum Ahmanson Theatre Music Centre Annex Two California Plaza One California Plaza Omni Hotel Colburn School Extention MOCA Collburn School Parcel Q future development site Parcel W future development site Stanley Mosle L. A.County Courthouse Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration The Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels High School 9 Vacant Plot Law Library Hall of Records County of LA Central Heating & Refrigeration Plant Times mirror square Site (Former State Building) Criminal Courthouse Hall of Justice LAPD Headquarters L.A. City Hall US Federal Courthouse Caltranz district 7 headquarters City Hall South City Hall East L.A. Mall
Building Age
Building Type
Sustainability Index
600 500 N/A 2,600 3,200 750 2,000 60 4,500 4,500 1,200 100 1,000 500 N/A N/A 13,400 3,000 3,000 1,800 N/A 50 300 50
45 20 N/A 5 44 44 44 44 23 23 17 1 35 10 N/A N/A 50 52 6 0 N/A 27 48 78
Tower- Offices Tower- Offices Parking Lot Concert Hall Music Center Music Center Music Center Offices Tower- Offices Tower- Offices Tower- Offices Educational facility Museum Educational facility Parking structure Parking structure Government Facility Government Facility Religious building Educational facility Vacant Plot Library Tower- Offices Service building
High Medium N/A High Medium-High Medium-High Medium-High Medium-High High High High High High High N/A N/A Low Low High High N/A Medium Medium- Low Low
1,300 N/A 800 N/A 1,000 2,000 400 2,400 450 450 200
77 77 75 83 0 82 70 4 48 48 35
Tower- Offices Vacant Plot Government facility Tower- Offices Tower- Offices Tower- City Hall Government facility Tower- Offices Tower- Offices Tower- Offices Underground Structure
Medium Low Medium- Low Low High Medium Medium High Medium Medium Medium-Low
Total Estimate Daytime / Nightime Population in Site Vicinity: 52,000 124
Building Typologies within the Site Vicinity Tower Cuboidal Mass Pavillion
Sr. no 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35.
Building Name L.A. Dept of Water and Power Grand Tower Parking Walt Disney Concert Hall Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Mark Taper Forum Ahmanson Theatre Music Centre Annex Two California Plaza One California Plaza Omni Hotel Colburn School Extention MOCA Collburn School Parcel Q future development site Parcel W future development site Stanley Mosle L. A.County Courthouse Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration The Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels High School 9 Vacant Plot Law Library Hall of Records County of LA Central Heating & Refrigeration Plant Times mirror square Site (Former State Building) Criminal Courthouse Hall of Justice LAPD Headquarters L.A. City Hall US Federal Courthouse Caltranz district 7 headquarters City Hall South City Hall East L.A. Mall
zone
Land use
PF CR PF PF PF PF PF PF CR CR CR CR CR CR C C PF PF CR PF PF PF PF PF
Public Facility Regional Commercial Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Residential Residential Residential Residential Residential Commercial Regional Commercial Regional Commercial Public Facility Public Facility Regional Commercial Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility
3:1 6:1 6:1 6:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 6:1 6:1 6:1 6:1 6:1 6:1 6:1 6:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 3:1
16
C PF PF PF PF PF PF PF PF PF PF
Regional Commercial Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility Public Facility
6:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 6:1 3:1 3:1 3:1
12
F.A.R No. of floors
8 5 4 1 52 42 17 13 3
6 6 6 5 3 12 6
21 14 11 28 15 12 7 20 16
Typology Cuboidal Mass Tower Cuboidal Mass Pavilion Pavilion Pavilion Tower Tower Cuboidal Mass Cuboidal Mass Cuboidal Mass Cuboidal Mass Pavilion Pavilion Pavilion Cuboidal Mass Pavilion Cuboidal Mass Cuboidal Mass Pavilion Cuboidal Mass Cuboidal Mass Cuboidal Mass Tower Cuboidal Mass Cuboidal Mass Cuboidal Mass Cuboidal Mass Pavilion
126
Programatic Elements: Existing Buildings VI SU AL
in
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ou
Li Law br ar y
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ll
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CITY County STATE Federal CULTURAL, REILIGIOUS, PRIVATE
STATE
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Insti
Instit
ution
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c
ic
Servi c Serv es ices Servi C ces i C vi
cultu ral
.
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Servi c Civ es
Service s cu ltural cu Servi c l e tur s Servi ces a l Civ
a t l u t i Ci onal vic Ci Civi cC vic ivic
Inst
Services Civic Institutional Cultural Commercial
ivi c C ic c Co ivic mm
Serv ices
Programatic Elements: Program Categories
128
Figure Ground Plan
Nolli Map
130
Generalized Land use within Site Vicinity Regional Commercial CR, C1.5, C2, C4, C5, R3, R4, R5, RAS3, RAS4
22 %
Open Space
8%
Public Facility 70 %
Detailed Land within Site Vicinity OS
8%
R2, RD, RMP, RW2, R3, RAS3, R4, RAS4, R5 C1, C1.5, C2, C4, C5, CR, CW
5% 17 %
PF 70 %
132
Floor Area Ratio within Site Vicinity 6:1 FAR
5%
15 %
6:1 FAR 3:1 FAR 3:1 FAR
28 % 54 %
Buffers within Site Vicinity Existing Schools/Parks Proposed school Inside 500ft Buffer Outside 500ft Buffer
134
Local Infrastructure Major Streets
State-wide Infrastructure Freeway
136
Circulation within Site Vicinity Freeway
32 % Roads
Major Highway Class II Secondary road
68 % Plots
Transportation Map Metro Liner Service Metro Express Line Metro Rapid Dash Metro Rail
CE CIVIC NT ER
138
Energy Energy/ Co-generation
Parking Facilities Parkings Lots/ Structures Underground Parking
140
Parking Facilities Located within the Site Vicinity
5 11
1 10 4
15
9 3
19 14
8 2
7 6
13
17 22
12
16
21 18 20
No.
Facility
Garage/ Lot
Location
No. of Spaces
Users
1 2 3
DWP Parking Prestige/ 5 Star Lot Walt Disney Concert Hall (County Lot) Music Center (County Lot)
Garage Surface lot Garage Underground
Hope GTK Way Lower Grand Avenue
600 400 2,288
Public & Employees Public Jurors, Public, Concert
Garage Underground
Grand Avenue
1,203
5 6
Music Center Annex California Plaza California Plaza and MOCA
Grand Avenue Lower Grand/ Olive Lower Grand/ Olive
30 1,300
7
Surface Lot Garage Underground Garage Underground
8
Parking Structure (County Lot) Mall Garage (County Lot) Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels LAUSD School County Lot st Hill St at 1 Street
Garage- Above grade Garage Underground Garage Underground Garage Surface Lot Garage Above ground Garage Underground
Corner of Grand and 1st Grand/ Hill Avenue Temple
1,062 (849 usable) 1,274
Public, Events, Visitors to County bldg and courthouse Employees Public, Office employees and visitors Public, MOCA, Office employees and visitors. Omni hotel Jurors, public
Grand Olive and1st Hill
Not available 370 42
Hill/ Broadway
646
Surface lot Garage Above ground Surface Lot
Hill 2nd street
10 350
Spring/ Broadway
600
Garage Underground Surface Lot
2nd street
700
Main
70
Garage Underground Garage underground Garage Underground
Los Angeles
1,142
Main/ Los Angeles Temple
1,500
4
9 10 11 12 13 14
Court of the Flags (County Lot)
15 16
Central Heating Times
17
County Mall at Spring Street
18
Police Building
19 20
US Federal Courthouse CalTrans
21
City Hall East
22
L.A. Mall
1,170
750
600
Permit Only. County and Court employees, judges Public, Cathedral employees and visitors Students and Faculty Public Public Permit. Registered use by employees, law enforcement, Grand Jurors Employees Public, Employees Public, County criminal courts building employees and visitors Employees Court employees, Grand Jurors Employees, visitors Visitors and Permit Only for employees Public 142
Total
14,600 parking spaces
Public Safety: Site Lighting Light Poles
Building Lights
Public Safety: Security Cameras / Barriers Security Camera 1 Security Camera 2 Fences / Bollards
144
Public Safety: Heat Map
Public safety in the site vicinity is, in general, sparce. The major civic institutions such as City Hall and Hall of Administration seem to be the most secure areas. However, the public spaces are by far the least secure. The lack of appropriate lighting, of security personal, security cameras and call boxes are more than lackly some of the major reasons why these park areas are not used after dusk. If the security and safety factor were increased in the area as a whole, people would be more inclined to enjoy the public spaces at all times of the day. Highest Level of Safety Medium Level of Safety Low Level of Safety Lowest Level of Safety
146
L.A. Assessor: Land Value $0.00 - $1,428,000.00 $1,428,000.01 - $4,954,573.00 $4,954,573.01 - $10,321,602.00 $10,321,602.01 - $17,186,024.00 $17,186,024.01 - $65,544,887.00
L.A. Assessor: Land Value Per Square Foot $9 - $39 /sq.ft. $40 - $79 /sq.ft $80 - $119 /sq.ft. $120 - $159 /sq.ft $160 - $199 /sq.ft $200 - $550 /sq.ft
148
Glendale
m
ho Bis
iu ad
er ly
2006
St
Be v
2007
Sunset
Properties Sold in Downtown in the Past 5 Years
ps
2005
3r d
ing Spr Main
V U 110
2004
Alp i
2003
ne
d 2n h
h 8t
ym Ol
h 4t
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7t
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7th
M
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3r d
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Los Angeles
ter
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5t
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Ch av
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r Sp
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W
Properties Sold in Project Area in the Past 5 Years Sold before 2003
2003
2006
2004 2006
2007
2004
2006 2004
2007
150
Commercial Properties for Sale in 2008 1
548 S Main St.:
$5,450,000 22,000 SqFt $242 / SqFt
2
1611 Hope St.:
$18,500,000 75,358 SqFt $246 / SqFt
3
Project Site: Sale Potential:
85,955 SqFt $21,488,750 $250 / SqFt
10 1
1s t 2n d HO PE
Commercial Properties for Sale
3r d 4t
7t
h
8t
h
2
BR O AD SP W RI AY NG M AI N
h
1
3
Office Spaces For Rent: November - December 2008 Project Site - Potential Rental for Office Space: $20 - $25 /SF $18 /SF / Yr @ Wilshire/Grand $21.96 /SF / Yr @ U.S. Bank Tower $23 /SF / Yr @ 433 Spring St.
10 1
$26.04 - $30 /SF /Yr @ 601 W 5th St. $27 - $30 /SF /Yr @ 200 S. San Pedro $27.96 /SF /Yr @ 818 W 7th St. $30.24 /SF /Yr @ 108 W 2nd St.
1s t 2n d HO PE
$39 /SF /Yr @ Broadway and 2nd
3r d 4t
7t
h
8t
BR O AD SP W RI AY NG M AI N
h
h
152
Site Analysis: Site use, Landscape and Urban Envelope
Open Space
Circulation
Concrete
Water 154
Open Space Open Space
Accessibility to Park Future Civic Park Main Entry Doors Secondary Access No Access
156
Walkability Map
10 minutes
5 minutes
Disability Map ADA accessible Accessible path
158
Sun and Shade Study Winter Solstice - December 21
8:00 AM
12:00 PM
4:00 PM
Summer Solstice - June 21
Autumn Equinox - September 22
8:00 AM
12:00 PM
4:00 PM
160
Bibliography and Sources HISTORY Ord. Map. 1849, Plan de Ciudad de Los Angeles Stevenson. Map. 1876, City of Los Angeles
- Population Density: Population and housing unit density are computed by dividing the total population or number of housing units within a geographic entity (for example, United States, state, county, place) by the land area of that entity measured in square kilometers or square miles.
Whitlock. Map. 1906, City of Los Angeles “Los Angeles, CA.” Map. “http://maps.google. com/”http://maps.google.com/” “Central Park, NY.” Map. “http://maps.google. com/”http://maps.google.com/” “Proposed Orange County Great Park: Irvine, CA.” Map. http://www.ocgp.org/flashpaper/cmp/OCGP_ CMP_Map.swf” “Bunker Hill, CA. Image. “http://upload.wikimedia.org/ wikipedia/en/8/8f/Downtown-LA-1900.jpg” DEMOGRAPHICS US Census Bureau Books, 1940-2000 Census. R- 317. 3U53 LA Public Libary U.S. Bureau of the Census. 1990-2000-2006. http://www.census.gov. September/October 2008 Fogelson, Robert. 2001. Downtown: its Rise and Fall, 1880-1950. Terms for US Census Glossary: http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/phc-2-a.pdf - Enumeration rules: Each person whose usual residence was in the United States was to be included in the census, without regard to the person’s legal status or citizenship.
- Educational Attainment: Data on educational attainment are tabulated for the population 25 years old and over. People are classified according to the highest degree or level of school completed. - Hispanic or Latino: Origin can be viewed as the heritage, nationality group, lineage, or country of birth of the person or the person’s parents or ancestors before their arrival in the United States. People who identify their origin as Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino may be of any race. - Household: A household includes all of the people who occupy a housing unit. (People not living in households are classified as living in group quarters.) A housing unit is a house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room occupied (or if vacant, intended for occupancy) as separate living quarters. - Median income: The median divides the income distribution into two equal parts: one-half of the cases falling below the median income and one-half above the median. For households and families, the median income is based on the distribution of the total number of households and families including those with no income. The median income for individuals is based on individuals 15 years old and over with income. Median income for households, families, and individuals is computed on the basis of a standard distribution (see the ‘‘Standard Distributions’’ section under ‘‘Derived Measures’’). 161
ECONOMICS Banking Centers Davis, Mike. City of Quartz. Chapter 2. Verso: 1990. Dear, Michael J. Rethinking Los Angeles. Sage Publications: 1996. “List of Bank Mergers in the United States.” Wikipedia. http://www.en.wikipedia.org Payne, James H.The Heat of Los Angeles Map. LA, CA: 1931 Roseman, Curtis C. The Historic Core of Los Angeles. Arcadia Publishing: 2004.
Kotkin, Joel. “Don’t feed the white elephant.” Los Angeles Times. July 9, 2006. http://articles.latimes. com/2006/jul/09/opinion/op-kotkin9 Los Angeles Downtown News.Com. http://www.ladowntownnews.com Unemployment and Manufacturing Dear, Michael. Post-Recession Southern California: Economy & Community. USC Studies Center: February 10, 1998. 21 Facts in 60 Years Report & Recommendations of the California State Unemployment Commission. H. Hammond Publisher: November 1932
Roseman, Curtis C. and DeVerteuil Geoffrey. Housing “Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour.” USC Geography. http://www.college.usc.edu/geography/ la_walking_tour/ Investments 07 Annual Report: The Renaissance Continues. Downtown Center Business Improvement District. 2007.
Case, Frederick E. Inner-city Housing and Private Enterprise. New York. Praeger Publisher: 1972. “Los Angeles County, California.” City Data. http:// www.city-data.com Sitton, Tom and Deverell, William. Metropolis in the Making: Los Angeles in the 1920’s. University of California Press: 2001
2008-2009 Mid-year Update: Economic Forecast and Industry Outlook. Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. July 2008.
Hymon, Steve. “ L.A. Limits rezoning of industrial land downtown. L.A. Times. Friday, January 4, 2008.
“Downtown Los Angeles Goes Upscale.” National Real Estate Investor. December 1, 2007. http:// nreionline.com/property/office/downtown_la_upscale/
Profile of the Los Angeles Metropolis: Its People and its Homes. University of California Los Angeles: 19631965.
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Car Ownership and Freeway Construction Conversations with Caltrans. Caltrans: September October 2008. “Costliest car-ownership cities.” CNN Money. September 5, 2006. http://money.cnn. com/2006/09/01/autos/costliest_car_ownership_ cities/index.htm “Policy Information: Highway Statistics.” U.S. Department of Transportation: Federal Highway Administration. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov The Historic Arroyo Seco Parkway. Caltrans. April 17, 2008 “The Real Cost of Car Ownership Calculator.” Bikes at Work Inc. http://www.bikesatwork.com/carfree/costof-car-ownership.html
Eisenman, Peter. Diagram Diaries. Universe Publishing: 1999. Tufte, Edward R. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. Graphics Press: April 1998 Tufte, Edward R. Envisioning Information. Graphics Press LLC: August 1999. Tufte, Edward, Beautiful Evidence. Graphics Press LLC: May 2006. Tufte, Edward. Visual Explanations. Graphics Press LLC: May 2006. Mau, Bruce and the Institute without boundaries. Massive Change. Phaidon Press Limited: 2004. Shane, David Grahame. Recombinant Urbanism, Conceptual Modelling in Architecture. Urban Design and City Theory. Wiley Academy London: 2005.
Miscellaneous Economy Los Angeles Almanac. http://www.laalmanac.com The Downtown Los Angeles Market Report and 2006 Demographic Survey of New Downtown Residents. Downtown CBID: February 2007.
Steffen, Alex. World Changing, Users Guide to the 21st Century. Abrams: 2006 Abrams, Janet and Petre Hall, Else/Where Mapping. University of Minnesota Design Institute: 1988. KM3, MVRDV, Excursions on Capacities. Actar: 2005
U.S. Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/ ZONING AND PLANNING
“The zoning and planning in downtown Los Angeles”, http://www.cityplanning.lapl.org
Allen, Stan. Points+Lines, diagrams and projects for the city. Princton Architectural Press: 1999.
“Changes in zoning proposed in Los Angeles”, http:// www.downtownnews.com/dtvg/welcome.html
Van Berkel, Ban and Cardine Bos. Unstudio Design Models. Thames and Hudson Ltd.: 2006
http://www.edf.org/article.cfm “Piecharts, Graphs, diagrams”, 163
http://www.juiceanalytics.com/chartchooser/ http://www.lapl.org “Historic maps of Los Angeles”, http://www.livemaps. com “Zoning and planning Information”, http://www.zimas. lacity.org/map http://www.nextamericancity.com
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Overview: The Fall 2008 SCIFI studio introduced incoming SCIFI students to the core ambitions of the program, its tools and a grounding in historical city formation by working for one semester on the ground in Los Angeles, the paradigmatic global city. This book, the first in a series of SCIFI at SCI-Arc research publications, presents the program’s initial findings. SCIFI students investigated and developed potential new urban uses for the former State Civic Center site at First and Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles. Responding to a request for Planning Alternatives issued by the Department of General Services, Real Estate Services Division, Asset Management Branch of the State of California in association with the City and the County of Los Angeles, the SCIFI Studio examined and assessed the baseline Planning Alternatives issued by the State and then created five alternatives to the alternatives by looking at the broader historical, demographic, economic and zoning trends in Downtown Los Angeles. The parcel, which was originally the site of the former State Office Building (demolished in 1977) was declared surplus in 1982. Using the site as a case study, students tackled Land Use and Entitlement processes, government relations, transportation and infrastructure studies, environmental impact analysis, land residual evaluation and highest and best use economic analysis. Using Los Angeles as a context for research, students examined fundamental concepts related to history of the city, urban and regional development methods, and city planning and city management policies. The consequences of state based urban planning and policy on the development of Los Angeles are understood and presented here in terms of real impacts on buildings, infrastructure, open spaces, economies and landscapes.
David Bergman Peter Zellner