Barriers Down, LAPD Poises for Opening

With riot-strength chain link finally removed, curious downtowners are now able to get an early glimpse at the much-heralded landscaping improvements at the new LAPD headquarters across from City Hall. The 10-story building itself, begun in 2006, has been complete for some time. The controversy meanwhile, has been around the green space, as the site chosen for the headquarters was at one time intended to sustain a public plaza, according to some proponents. The now accessible public space boasts native planting, plentiful seating, and a near 1-acre lawn along 2nd St, according to blogdowntown.

The building, though constructed relatively quickly, has left a gaping void in one of the most newly dynamic corners of Downtown for almost three years now. Art walkers and farmers market-goers were forced to circumnavigate the peculiar site. Obtrusive construction fencing has left many wondering what kind of project could possibly have the privilege of being hemmed in by City Hall, CalTrans District 7 HQ, and the historic LA Times building. Who else, but the LAPD?

While officers and employees won't be able to move into the $440 million building until late next month, the 500,000 sf headquarters will be able to accommodate 800 more employees than the current Parker Center's 1,500. The DMJM-designed building and grounds are expected to receive a LEED Gold designation; a restaurant, a memorial to fallen officers, and a rooftop garden will also be featured.

Is anyone else thinking how great this building will look in the opening sequence of a futuristic cop drama?

Unfinished Concerto Sells Out in Hours

The developer of Concerto, the high-profile condo development at Figueroa and 9th Sts., was able to sell all 77 loft units in one busy day last Saturday, August 29. Phase I of the iconic, angled-glass tower is almost complete, with move-in scheduled for early next year. But the fire sale of the initial units will allow Astani Enterprises, Inc. to move ahead with phase II, regardless of the state of outside financing. At an average of $375 per sf, Astani says the buyers did get a deal on the building, which cost $500 per sf in construction costs.

But the lowered sales prices are well worth the $31 million cash infusion, according to Astani, because he does not have to worry about further construction lending. The cash will allow him to proceed swiftly on the second, 30-story luxury condo tower. Astani expressed concern over whether his lender, Corus Bank of Chicago, would be able to follow through with the final 5 to 10% of the $200 million construction loan. Corus has met with uncertainty thanks to sour investments following the real estate boom. Sonny Astani, head of the Beverly Hills development office, has already invested $55 million of his own money in the project.

The phase II condo tower is also almost complete and may begin sales as early as next month. Once complete, the complex will consist of twin 30-story condo towers, a 7-story loft building, and an acre of green space boasting firepits, a saltwater pool, cabanas, and...a Tai Chi park?

Roski Pushes to Bypass CEQA in Industry Stadium

Just days before this year's legislative session comes to a close, billionaire developer Ed Roski is lobbying the state's legislature to bypass key environmental and planning requirements for the proposed 75,000 seat football stadium. In a meeting with the state Senate Leader and Assembly speaker last week, Roski argued that the plan would provide "thousands of high-wage jobs" in an area with disparagingly high unemployment. Roski's proposal would also block litigation against the controversial project, including the pending suit filed by neighboring Walnut.

'Not so fast,' say Los Angeles County supervisors. Supervisor Gloria Molina argues that she supports the idea of a new football stadium in LA County, but that it can't justify a waiver of the strict California Environmental Quality Act regulations. "Hospitals, police stations, freeways and all sorts of valuable projects manage to be built without the necessity of CEQA exemptions," she says, and urges her companions to take the same stance. Highest among County's concerns are complications stemming from increased traffic to the area - a concern they say, that isn't felt at the state level.

But legislators in Sacramento have remained receptive to Roski's plea. Unfortunately, this is just the sort of misalignment between state and local viewpoints that has polarized all parties in talks over whether - and how - to sell the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for desperately needed cash. Of course many initial supporters of the NFL's return to LA liked the idea of a professional team playing in the historic Coliseum. But Roski's Majestic Realty Co. is probably correct in assuming that a shiny new stadium with sufficient parking and new traffic lights will make a bid to the NFL much more attractive. Legislators are due for a decision tomorrow, Friday, September 11.