Steven Sharp
- Co-Founder and Editor, Urbanize LA
- Co-Founder and Editor, Urbanize Seattle
- Author, Urbanize DC
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Articles by Steven Sharp
Costco-anchored project adds more housing at 5035 Coliseum St. in Baldwin Hills
The developer behind a mixed-use residential project that will bring a Costco to Baldwin Hills is dialing up the density, according to a new application filed this week with the City of Los Angeles. The project from Thrive Living, which began work earlier this year at 5035 W.
Southern California transportation projects awarded new state funding
The California State Transportation Agency has announced $1.3 billion in funding for 28 projects through its Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. Southern California jurisdictions took home more than $100 million of that total, going toward projects that enhance existing passenger rail and bus services.
11 townhomes planned at 7916 Long Beach Blvd. in South Gate
A redevelopment agency site in South Gate is set to give way to new for-sale housing, according to a recently-published environmental report. Azure Development, listed as the applicant behind the project at 7916 Long Beach Boulevard, is seeking to clear vacant commercial buildings and surface parking lots to make way for the construction of the Alma Homes. Plans call for the construction of 11 residential units in a mix of three- and four-bedroom layouts.
Large art installation underway at Washington/National in Culver City
Just south of Apple's massive new L.A. office campus, construction is underway for a large piece of public art at the intersection of National and Washington Boulevards in Culver City. Installation began last month for "A Frame for a Tree," a new sculpture designed by artist Charles Gaines. The approximately 56-foot-by-98-foot rectangular metal structure which will frame the large ficus tree which abuts the E Line's Culver City Station, as well as the mixed-use Ivy Station complex.
County-owned lot at 7700 S. Central Ave. in Florence-Firestone could become affordable housing
A County-owned lot in unincorporated Florence-Firestone could be put up for redevelopment with affordable housing, under a motion recently adopted by the Board of Supervisors. The property, a 13,000-square-foot lot at 7700 S. Central Avenue, could be packaged with other parcels along Central Avenue under a plan from the Apex Collaborative. Apex, which has built more than 4,500 residential units according to a staff report, is negotiating with Center of Hope Community Development Corp.
152 apartments planned at 2315 Marine Ave. in Gardena
A pair of vacant sites in Gardena are poised for redevelopment with housing, according to a recent presentation to the City's Planning and Environmental Quality Commission. The proposed project, slated for a site at 2315 Marine Avenue, calls for the construction of a five-story building featuring 152 one-bedroom apartments - all approximately 450 square feet in size - as well as an automated parking structure on a neighboring parcel with capacity for 148 vehicles.
State Awards Funding for Caltrain’s ‘Portal’ Extension to Downtown San Francisco
The California State Transportation Agency has awarded $1.3 billion in funding for new projects across the state, including a big chunk of money for the planned extension of Caltrain to the Salesforce Transit Center. The Transbay Joint Powers Authority will receive $750 million in state funding for the effort - known as The Portal - which will involve the construction of a two-mile tunnel from Caltrain's existing terminus at Fourth and King. The total cost of the project is more than $7.5 billion.
SCAG released revised SB 79 map for Southern California
The Southern California Association of Governments has released its latest SB 79 map for the region, refining the location of under-construction and planned Metro rail stops within Los Angeles County. SCAG's initial SB 79 map, which was released in June, was criticized for excluding stops on various planned rail lines such as the Sepuleveda Line and the K Line's northern extension.
Affordable housing takes shape at 3455 Slauson Ave. in Hyde Park
In Hyde Park, framing is nearing its peak for a new affordable housing development from RMG Housing. Located a short walk from the K Line's Hyde Park Station at 3455 Slauson Avenue, the project will consist of a six-story building featuring 75 apartments with parking for 10 vehicles. Project approvals require for the apartments to be reserved for low- and moderate-income households.
Work underway for affordable housing at 6144 N. Hazelhurst Pl. in North Hollywood
In North Hollywood, work is underway for a new affordable housing complex just off of Lankershim Boulevard, according to permit filings with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. The project Los Angeles-based Avenue Homes, located on a narrow property at 6144 N. Hazelhurst Place, calls for the construction of a four-story building featuring 49 one- and two-bedroom apartments without on-site parking.
Construction begins for mixed-use project at 11111 Jefferson Blvd. in Culver City
Lincoln Property Company and McCourt Partners have broken ground on a mixed-use project in Culver City, the companies announced last week. ElevenOneEleven, which is named for its address at 11111 Jefferson Boulevard, will transform a more than three-acre property into a six-story development featuring 344 homes - including 52 affordable units - above 2,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.
Affordable housing rising at 2626 Cullen St. in Mid-City
Near the intersection of La Cienega and Venice Boulevards in Mid-City, vertical construction is full swing for a new affordable housing complex. The project from co-applicants Kourosh Zoghi and David Hanasab, located at 2625 Cullen Street, replaced five existing homes with what will be a six-story building featuring 70 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as at-grade parking for 26 vehicles.
Senior housing to start work at 861 E. Walnut St. in Pasadena
Harrison Street Asset Management and Harbert South Bay have announced a joint venture that will bring a new senior housing complex to Pasadena. The Palmer, planned at 861 E. Walnut Street, construction of a six-story, approximately 83,000-square-foot building containing 68 assisted living units, 26 memory care units, and basement parking. VTBS Architects remains the design firm attached to the project, which is depicted in renderings as a contemporary podium-type building.
Your Next Client Won't Google You: 94% of B2B Buyers Use AI When They Buy.
Buyers are asking AI chatbots questions like these about your services. Imagine a developer needs to find an architect for a 200-unit project. A few years ago, the search would have started with Google. Today, it starts with a question posed to ChatGPT or Claude: “Which architecture firms are best for mid-size multifamily?” A few seconds later, the developer has a shortlist of three to four names, each with a sentence explaining why they’re a good fit.
Fresh renderings for West Hollywood's Melrose Triangle development
A presentation to the West Hollywood Planning Commission's Design Review Subcommittee offers a look at fresh renderings for retooled Melrose Triangle development. The Charles Company, which has long sought to redevelop the nearly 2.7-acre block-spanning site at 9060 Santa Monica Boulevard, has proposed several versions of the project going back over 10 years.
Cerritos College plans 102-unit student housing complex
Cerritos College is preparing to join the ranks of local community colleges building affordable housing for students. The Cerritos Community College District recently filed an environmental notice with Los Angeles County for a new housing project which would rise on the western side of its campus along Studebaker Road near its intersection with Falcon Way.
Site prep begins for housing at 2301 N. Sepulveda Blvd. in Manhattan Beach
A commercial building just south of Marine Avenue in Manhattan Beach has made way for a new multifamily residential development. The project at 2301 N. Sepulveda Boulevard, which recently advanced to the permitting phase, calls for the construction of a seven-story building featuring 40 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments above a parking garage with space for 47 vehicles. Matt Moore of 2301 N.
Six homes planned at 1420 S. Point View St. in Mid-City
An empty lot just south of Pico Boulevard in Mid-City is set for redevelopment with small lot homes, according to a new application to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. Planned at 1420 S. Point View Street, the project would consist of six townhome-style units, each including three bedrooms above a two-car garage. Tracy A. Stone is designing the homes, which would stand three stories in height and have a modern appearance.
Nithya Raman wins, CicLAvia to Pasadena on Nov. 15, and more
Election day has come and gone, and a seismic shift seems to have occurred in Los Angeles (and nationally, of course). Six years after shocking the City Hall establishment by unseating an incumbent member of the City Council, Nithya Raman did it again by ousting Mayor Karen Bass.
$90 million awarded for Caltrain's Broadway grade separation in Burlingame
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded more than $90 million to grade separate Caltrain's crossing of Broadway in Burlingame, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority announced this week. The project, which is backed by $380 million in local funding, will allow an aerial crossing of a corridor that sees more than 30,000 vehicles each day. The crossing was ranked as the top-priority grade separation by the California Public Utilities Commission, according to SMCTA.
Construction goes vertical for affordable housing at 21155 Califa St. in Warner Center
In Warner Center, a tower crane has appeared at the intersection of Califa Street and Variel Avenue, where work is underway for a new affordable development from Elysian Housing. "The Green," which is rising at 21155 Califa Street, will consist of a seven-story complex featuring 316 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments above parking for 300 vehicles when complete.
Fresh renderings for Santa Monica apartments at 1338 5th St.
A recent presentation to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board offers a look at Tishman Speyer's plans to transform a parking lot at 1338 5th Street into housing. Located on the west side of 5th Street to the north of Santa Monica Boulevard, plans call for the construction of an eight-story, 110-unit market rate apartment complex with a three-level subterranean parking garage. Plans show a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units.
Affordable housing planned at 1135 N. Westmoreland Ave. in East Hollywood
A vacant lot just north of Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood is to be redeveloped with affordable housing, according to a new application to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. The proposed development from Farhad Manavi of City Real Estate Holdings, LLC would rise from a parcel located at 1135 N. Westmoreland Avenue. Plans call for the construction of a new four-story building featuring 23 apartments without on-site parking.
Data center pitched for golf course at 1509 Workman Mill Rd. in City of Industry
Struggling golf courses in the Los Angeles area have often given way to housing. Ramus Development, Inc. has different plans for the California Country Club property in the City of Industry. This week, Ramus announced plans for the LA Recreation and Technology Park ("LARTP"), which calls for reconfiguring 18 acres of the property at 1509 Workman Mill Road to incorporate a nine-hole golf course and a data center.
Affordable housing on the rise at 3990 S. Wade. St. in Mar Vista
Just north of Washington Boulevard in Mar Vista, wood framing is rising for a new affordable housing complex from ELAD Investment, LLC. The project, which replaced a single-family home at 3990 S. Wade Street, will eventually consist of a five-story building featuring 21 apartments without on-site parking.
Excavation underway for affordable housing at 1248 N. Cherokee Ave. in Hollywood
Construction is underway for a new affordable housing complex near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Highland Avenue in Hollywood. The project from Seachange Partners, now taking shape at 1248 N. Cherokee Avenue, calls for the construction of a five-story building featuring 45 one- and two-bedrooms without on-site parking.
16-story residential tower planned at 8240 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood
New signage recently posted at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Harper Avenue reveal plans to bring an AB 2011 high-rise to the Sunset Strip. The project, slated to replace existing commercial uses at 8240 Sunset Boulevard, is described as a 16-story, approximately 158,000-square-foot building featuring 115 residential units above 2,282 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and two levels of subterranean parking.
123 homes planned at 902 W. Washington Blvd. in University Park
After more than a decade of quiet, plans to build housing on a commercial site just south of the 10 Freeway in University Park have suddenly reemerged. The project from Anastasi Development Company, which would rise from a corner site at 902 W. Washington Boulevard, was last seen in 2013, when plans had called for the construction of 134 condominiums. The proposal was to include a six-story structure fronting Washington, with smaller three-story townhomes lining Oak Street to the south.
377 apartments rise next to Brea Mall
Concrete and rebar are rising next to the Brea Mall in Orange County, where AMLI Residential is hard at work at its latest Southern California development. AMLI Brea, a joint venture with mall owner Simon at 1650 Brea Mall, will consist of an eight-story, approximately 760,000-square-foot apartment complex featuring 377 residential units and parking.
Financing secured for affordable housing at 1820 Rumrill Blvd. in San Pablo
A long-vacant site in San Pablo is poised for redevelopment, per a social media post from TCA Architects. Novin Development Corp. has secured vital tax credit financing for Rumrill Commons, a 40-unit affordable housing development at 1820 Rumrill Boulevard. Plans call for a four-story, modular structure with 1,470 square feet of ground-floor community space and parking for 17 vehicles.
Seattle Awards $13.6M for Affordable Housing
Last month, the Seattle Office of Housing announced $13.65 million in funding for five developments that will create homes for families earning up to 80 percent of the area median income level. “Owning a home is one of the best ways for families to build wealth and put down roots in their community,” said Mayor Katie Wilson in a news release. “Too many people who work and raise their families here have been priced out. These awards help change that.
Work begins for La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum revamp
At a ceremony late last month, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County commenced work on a long-awaited revamp of the La Brea Tar Pits. The museum complex, which closed for two years over the summer, is being refreshed under a master plan developed by Weiss/Manfredi. The initial phase of the project will include an expansion of the George C. Page Museum, as well as the removal and expansion of berms at the exterior to create new outdoor gathering spaces and access points.
CSU Dominguez Hills completes new dorms + rec center
Construction is complete for a trio of new buildings at the Cal State University, Dominguez Hills campus, C.W. Driver Companies announced late last month. Among the projects are: A more than 69,000-square-foot new health, wellness and recreation center which includes a fitness center jogging track basketball court, multi-use court, and resort-style pool across a three-story structure.
Affordable housing taking shape at 5749 S. Brynhurst Avenue in Hyde Park
Just north of Slauson Avenue in Hyde Park, wood framing is on the rise for an affordable housing complex from HVN Development. Located on the former site of two single-family homes at 5749-5753 S. Brynhurst Avenue, the project is to consist of a four-story building featuring 53 two- and three-bedroom apartments without on-site parking. According to plans included with the case filing, the project would cater to households at the low- and moderate-income levels, as is the case with all HVN projects.
Eight homes planned at 17916 Chase St. in Northridge
A single-family home in Northridge is poised to make way for new townhomes, per a recent application to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. The project, proposed by Igor Latsanovski, calls for subdividing the property to enable the construction of eight townhomes. While plans were not included with the filing, a similar development proposed by Latsanovski in North Hills calls for a string of contemporary two-story homes featuring three bedrooms and two-car garages.
Long Beach ADU boom, L.A.'s low homeownership, and more
Here's what we're reading this week: Stop saying Los Angeles will run out of water "How an LA of 10 million can build an abundant, sustainable, and climate-proof water supply" (The Future is LA) Redondo Beach Installs Curb-Protected Bike Lanes on Palos Verdes Blvd.
City Planning Commission approves Chinatown offices at 130 W. College St.
A proposal to replace a bus storage lot near Chinatown Station with an office complex has cleared the Los Angeles City Planning Commission. This project from the Riboli family, which filed an application for the site at 130 W. College Street in 2023, calls for the construction of a five-story building featuring approximately 225,000 square feet of offices above approximately 8,200 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and a parking garage.
Fresh renderings for Tishman Speyer projects in Downtown Santa Monica
Recent presentations to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board offer a look at fresh renderings for two Tishman Speyer projects in Downtown. The first, planned next to the Santa Monica Library at 1325 6th Street, calls for the construction of an eight-story building featuring 110 apartments above 95 basement parking stalls. The second, planned one block away at 1323 5th Street, a five-story, 100 percent affordable housing development containing 35 residential units.
Affordable housing underway at 5403 S. Inglewood Blvd. in Del Rey
A few blocks north of Playa Vista, a 1950s triplex has made way for the latest affordable housing complex from HVN Development. The project, which will rise from a corner lot at 5403 Inglewood Boulevard, was approved in 2025, and calls for the construction of a five-story building featuring 46 one-bedroom apartments without on-site automobile parking.
25 apartments completed at 11013 Hartsook St. in North Hollywood
In North Hollywood, construction is complete for a new multifamily residential development just off of Lankershim Boulevard, architect Sam Aslanian announced last month. NoHo Moderno, developed by Pyramid Development Group, replaced a four-unit apartment building at 11013 Hartsook Street with a new podium-type building featuring 25 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments above parking for 13 vehicles.
37-unit affordable housing complex underway at 3751 S. Delmas Ter. in Palms
Just north of Venice Boulevard in Palms, wood framing is taking shape for a new affordable housing complex from Seachange Partners. The project, located at 3751 S. Delmas Terrance, will consist of a five-story building featuring 37 one- and two-bedroom apartments without on-site parking. Approved with density bonus incentives to permit a larger building than otherwise allowed by zoning rules, the apartments are to be set aside for a combination of low- and moderate-income renters.
L.A. City Council approves Arts District towers at 2143 E. Violet St.
The Los Angeles City Council has signed off on revised plans from Onni Group to build a mixed-use development near the L.A. River in the Arts District. The project, planned at 2143 E. Violet Street, calls for the construction of 30- and 20-story towers featuring a combined 474 one-, two-, and three-bedroom dwellings above just over 2,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial uses and subterranean parking.
390 apartments underway at 6615 PCH in Long Beach
Truist has announced $152 million in construction financing for a mixed-use complex now rising in southeast Long Beach. The Marina Shores project, which is being developed by San Francisco-based Carmel Partners, replaces an office building at 6615 E. Pacific Coast Highway. Plans call for a six-story development featuring 390 apartments and approximately 5,400 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.
Affordable housing starts work at 400 Centinela Ave. in Inglewood
Weeks after closing on construction financing, Venice Community Housing, Linc Housing, and the Social Justice Learning Institute have commenced work on a mixed-use affordable housing development in Inglewood. Sankofa Place at Centinela, which will rise at 400 Centinela Avenue, will create a new 25,000-square-foot home for the Social Justice Learning Institute, as well as 120 units of affordable housing catering to residents earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income level.
Modular affordable housing takes shape at 4301 S. Vermont Ave.
In Vermont Square, modular units are now in place for a new housing complex from prolific local developer SoLa Impact. The project, which broke ground earlier this year at 4301 S. Vermont Avenue, calls for the construction of a five-story, 188-unit apartment complex on a site previously occupied by a commercial building and parking. Plans call for a fully income-restricted development consisting of one-bedroom apartments reserved for low- and moderate-income households.
Groundbreaking held for mixed-use project at 3800 W. 6th St. in Koreatown
Six years after plans for a hotel tower fell through, the owner of a large, vacant property in Koreatown is set to instead build housing. Developer Leo Lee, who set out one decade ago to redevelop the lot at 3800 W. 6th Street, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for what could eventually be an eight-story building featuring 219 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments with 8,748 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and two-level, 173-car basement parking garage.
12 homes pitched for 2315 S. Oakwood Ave. in Venice
A pair of single-family homes in Venice is set to give way to multifamily housing, according to a new application filed with the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. The project, slated for a site at 2315 S. Oakwood Avenue, would y8ield a new four-story building featuring 12 two- and three-bedroom homes and parking for eight vehicles at street level.
Study: L.A. has two of California's deadliest intersections
The danger's to pedestrians and cyclists on L.A.'s streets are well known. One author famously crowned Los Angeles as "Worst Bike City in America," in 2018, and the City's saw an increase in traffic fatalities despite it's decade-long Vision Zero initiative to eliminate such deaths. A new study now claims to have identified the five deadliest intersections in the entire State of California, and to little surprise, all of them are located in Southern California. The report by Steven M.
Alveare affordable housing topped out at 1405 S. Broadway in DTLA
In Downtown Los Angeles, framing is complete for Alveare, a new affordable housing complex from Related California. Located on a full city block at 1405 S. Broadway, the completed project will eventually feature 303 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing with a 6,000-square-foot pocket park at the northwest corner of the site.
New look for proposed apartment complex at 5600 Hollywood Blvd.
SPF:architects has unveiled new plans for a modular housing complex steps from Metro's Hollywood/Western Station. Slated for a vacant lot at 5600 Hollywood Boulevard, the more than 230,000-square-foot development would consist of twin seven-story buildings featuring 168 residential units. Proposed entitlements would include development bonuses through the Citywide Housing Incentive Program. In exchange, 20 apartments would be set aside as affordable housing.
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