What's Happening LA?: January 2013

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Moscow's First-Ever Integrated Mixed-Use Destination Under Construction

The first-ever, integrated mixed-use destination in Russia designed by the Jerde Partnership, a Los Angeles-based architecture firm renowned for creating experiential destinations, is under construction in central Moscow. Kuntsevo Plaza – a vibrant new live, work, shopping and entertainment village occupying a full city block – will deliver a modern community gathering place rooted in art, nature, and urbanity. Providing a stage for lifestyle, the pedestrian-oriented center is made up of geometric buildings that vary in size and shape, and topped with terraces and undulating glass features, to create a new landmark for the city.

The project provides a vital connection to the nearby transit line through the grand exterior plaza, multiple entryways and various street connections. Intentionally designed to allow the community to naturally flow through it, the development will seamlessly connect commuters and visitors arriving from the nearby subway to the neighborhoods and urban areas surrounding the development.

Kuntsevo Plaza recently was awarded the Future Retail Project Award at the Cityscape Conference for Emerging Markets held in Dubai. The first phase of the project is scheduled to open to the public in April 2014.

Renderings courtesy of The Jerde Partnership

Model photos by Erich Koyama

Friday, January 11, 2013

RELATED CALIFORNIA BREAKS GROUND ON $120 MILLION, 19-STORY APARTMENT TOWER

Related California started construction on a $120 million, 19-story apartment building at 225 N. Grand Avenue between 2nd and 3^rd Streets, the first residential phase of its Grand Avenue Project. With 271 residences, including 20 percent affordable apartments, the building will bring the first apartments to Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles in more than a decade and add 500+ new residents. The project will create 417 construction jobs over the next two years.

Located next door to The Broad, the new contemporary art museum now under construction and set to open in 2014, the apartment tower will front on Grand Avenue in the heart of downtown’s cultural core. It is within walking distance of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center, MOCA and the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall as well as Grand Park, the new park between Grand Avenue and City Hall financed by a $50 million contribution from Related.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Council Members Jan Perry and Jose Huizar, and Supervisor Molina joined Related California President and CEO Bill Witte at the official groundbreaking ceremony. The building is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Pictures of yesterday's ceremony: