Which Way Grand Avenue?

latimes.com/local/la-me-grand-avenue-20130930,0,2927079.story

Hello Everyone:

We are edging towards 4,000, can we do it?  Yes, we can.  I know you all won't let me down  Do I dare to hope for 5,000 by year end?  A girl can wish, can't she?

Grand Avenue with view of the Disney Concert Hall
Los Angeles, California
narrowstreetsla.blogspot.com

In my ongoing effort to get through the pile of articles accumulating in my dropbox folder, I pulled this one out for today.  The subject is the proposed redevelopment of Grand Avenue, one of downtown Los Angeles' main thoroughfares. In an article published in the Los Angeles Times, "Grand Avenue Project At Turning Point," writers Seema Mehta and David Zahniser discuss the direction of the proposed transformation of a section of this avenue into the "Champs-Elysees" for the City of Angels. The project has encountered many obstacles and delays for years.  This audacious plan to create an upscale cultural destination centered on Frank O. Gehry's landmark Walt Disney Concert Hall has already been scaled back because of the economic downturn.  Recently, a key deadline has come and gone and the centerpiece of the project: two luxury condominium towers, a hotel, high-end shops, and restaurants is facing another test.

Proposed plan drawing for Grand Avenue
latimesblog.latimes.com

At a little noticed meeting on September 23, 2013, county Supervisor Gloria Molina and other officials unanimously rejected the conceptual plan for the $650 million redevelopment project.  I could only imagine what that money could be used for.  Supervisor Molina criticized the  design and project developer Related Cos, saying that the plan failed to create an enticing public space in addition to the up-scale shops and restaurants.  I don't know what Ms. Molina had in mind but as I look at the plan, I'm not seeing a lot of green space or a focal element such as a fountain or public art.  The rejection of the plan put the project in jeopardy, according to concerned business leaders and government officials.  The agreement between Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority and Related has expired.

Aerial view of model for Grand Avenue
skyscrapercity.com

Carol Schatz, president and chief executive of the Central City Association was "shocked and angry" over the committee's rejection of the Related Cos' plan, which already committed $120 million to the project. Cutting it so close to the dealing for the contract's ability to go forward, the vote cast dispersion on whether or not the project can even proceed with Related.  "After nine years, that was shocking to hear," said Ms. Schatz.  The Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority is made up of representatives from the city and county, voted the proposal down 3-0, and important milestone.  Authority officials and their spokespeople were quick to point out vote was merely a rejection of the proposed plan, not the developer.  It kind of sounds like the "it's not you, it's me" argument.  However, a report prepared ahead of the September 23rd vote, plainly stated that a rejection of the plan would effectively kill the plan.

Grand Avenue model showing Disney Concert Hall
nytimes.com

Further, if this project falls apart, the county could face a major legal liability mainly because Related Cos already put into the expansion and reconstruction of the section of Grand Avenue that stretches from the Music Center to City Hall.  Related is already building a residential tower as part of the Authority's attempts to remake this portion of Grand Avenue.  Given the possible legal consequences of the negative vote, the matter was quickly reconsidered and Related's contract was extended before the midnight Monday September 30 deadline.  A meeting to extend the contract-which the Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority stated was not a vote on a new plan-was quickly arranged.  During the September 23 meeting, both Ms. Molina and county Chief Executive Warren T. Fujioka were quite clear about their displeasure with the plan.  Both said  they did not see how it could be a high caliber project for Grand Avenue.  Really?  Check out the models and plan drawings; decide for yourselves.  Ms. Molina criticized the "boxiness" of the of the proposal and complained that one entry point lacked "any architectural interest whatsoever."  Again, you be the judge.

Rendering of Grand Avenue project
articles.latimes.com

 Gloria Molina went on to further say, "There's nothing there that lends itself to any aspect to a design that promotes any kind of of pedestrian activity, any street activity, or anything."  I suppose Ms. Molina would consider an armed fortress more conducive to pedestrian activity. Also, "It is still a continuation to me of the fort-like conditions down Grand Avenue."  Are we missing something here?  Mr. Fujioka, who voted down the proposal with Ms. Molina and her fellow county Supervisor Steve Valenzuela said during the meeting that was "very, very disappointed" with presentation.  Absent in the meeting was City Council member Jose Huizar, who represents the area.  Who appointed these so-called arbiters of architectural design?  Bill Witte, the president of Related California remains committed to the project.  "We have in good faith fulfilled all of our obligations through every step of the process, had multiple meetings on the Conceptual Plan and were therefore surprised and disappointed that it wasn't approved," said Mr. Witte

Grand Avenue
pps.org

Since the September 23 vote, county officials had to struggle to explain what happened and what would come next.  On Friday September 27, Ms. Molina's spokesperson Roxane Marquez said the panel voted to "remove Related from the Grand Avenue project," then back pedaled a bit saying that, too, could change at the meeting on September 30.  On Sunday September 29, Ms. Molina's aide Gerry Hertzberg, corrected the statement that the plan was not presented at the September 30 meeting and the committee "did not vote to terminate" Related's contract.  "If they don't approve a new agreement...by Sept. 30 then [the] Related's contract terminates,"  Mr. Hertzberg wrote in an email.  Martha Wellborne, the former chairperson of a nonprofit committee that initially began promoting a Grand Avenue effort in the early 2000's stated that she was"very concerned" by the authority's actions.  "This was always seen as the flagship of the project.  It's right across from Disney Hall," said Ms. Wellborne.  Any further delays could mean "a more uncertain future at the top of Bunker Hill and the impact that the project can have."  Ms. Schatz hopes that the Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority and Related can come to terms quickly.  "There is no more time to wait...The project must move forward now."

Time is also running out for the Tower Records building on the Sunset Strip  A West Hollywood City Council meeting is back on Monday November 18, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.  Please go to http://www.change.org and sign the online petition.  Also email Council Member Stephanie Reich at sreich@weho.org to let her know why this building should not be demolished to make way for another high-end mixed used development.


Like me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/lenorelowen
Follow me on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/glamavon and on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/glamtroy
Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Lenore/Lowen

Google+ and Instagram