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| Image: Togawa Smith Martin, Inc. via the Downtown News |
Yet another mixed-use development is now pushing dirt in Downtown Los Angeles.
Earlier this week, Holland Partner Group broke ground on a new residential-retail complex adjacent to the deconsecrated Cathedral of St. Vibiana. The eight-story development, located at 222 South Main Street, will feature 238 apartments above 4,000 square feet of ground-floor retail or restaurant space. The low-rise edifice will feature numerous amenities, including a 247-car garage and a rooftop pool deck.
The project, slated to open in early 2017, is being designed by architecture firm Togawa Smith Martin. Their plan for the apartment complex are is a minor revision of an earlier proposal from the Weintraub Real Estate Group, which had called for a nine-story steel-framed structure on the property. The minor height reduction will allow Holland Partner Group to utilize less expensive wood-frame construction for the development.
The new apartment complex will continue to improve connectivity between Downtown's Historic Core and Little Tokyo, which was once separated by a six-acre expanse of surface parking lots known as "Block 8." Recent years have seen that gap fill in, thanks to new mixed-use complexes from developers Avalon Bay at the Sares-Regis Group. A variety of new eateries, including the popular Redbird, have also improved foot traffic through the neighborhood.
Holland Partner Group is also an active player in other parts of the greater Downtown community. In addition to their project on Main Street, the company is currently building a $200 million low-rise complex on the Westlake-City West border. The Washington-based developer is also in the planning stages for a 24-story apartment tower at the intersection of Spring and Eighth Streets.
- Housing Complex to Break Ground Next to Vibiana (Downtown News)
- New Look for the Vibiana Lofts (Building Los Angeles)
Hopefully, future residents will not encounter the ghost of Jacob Pfeister.
ReplyDeleteThe May 18th & 19th, 1885 editions of the Times recorded the wildest event that would ever occur in the adjacent cathedral (that is before the Taj Mahony would be constructed). Pfeister was not an escapee from the rescue mission then located across the street. He and his wife Clara had recently moved to the city from Ohio, lured west by the decreasing cost of travel by rail. During Sunday services, he could no longer contain himself, proceeded up and over the altar rail, took off every stitch of his clothes and stood naked before the burning heart of Jesus. Officer Fred Smith as well as the chief exemplar of the Knights of Columbus were also present and jumped up to intervene. A comic twenty minute opera ensued and the Times’ account of the 18th instant reports no dearth of screaming, yelling and running around bug-eyed. A follow-up account relates that by Tuesday, Mrs. Pfeister gave up on her miscreant, had telegraphed her brother in law and fled back home alone to Ohio. The brothers Pfeister soon proceeded north to the city by the bay. Jacob was not prosecuted; as apparents, the city fathers were glad enough to have him gone and hopefully, be forgotten. (No chance, Timmy.)
How is it that you always have a historic anecdote handy?
DeleteREAD my book. The title is 'Homage To Downtown - In Search of Place and Memory in Ancient L.A.' published by Visions of L.A. in large format. You can find copies at USC, the Huntington Library and at the history desk in the Main Central Library. It'll be featured in the Lulu.com Gallery at the upcoming LAT book fair. It's been recommended by Bert Green, Richard Schave and Warren Thomas. In June 2004, Kevin Starr recommended the manuscript to U.C. Press. However, I'd already had three go-rounds with that shack and the editor then hit the roof. The fourth submission probably set a record. They didn't like all of the graphics - "too costly."
DeleteWill look it up!
DeleteAny idea if this Holland Group is behind the Bob Baker Marionette Theater development as well? What's happening with that? I live next to the Echo Indoor Pool and would love to see that corner lot improved. Its next to one of the best kept secret parks in LA - Vista Hermosa - amazing DTLA skyline views.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe so, unless they've purchased the land since November.
DeleteAgreed on the view. Always thought the skyline looked awesome when viewed from the northwest.
This is a great location -- walkable to Little Tokyo, financial district, Broadway/Spring and Arts District. Also, I love the contrast between the modern and Vibiana. Very nice
ReplyDeleteShould be interesting to see what types of materials are used. Maybe this will lead to the retail stalls in the LAPD motor pool garage finally getting filled in.
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