Wilshire Grand Redevelopment

Wilshire Grand Redevelopment

Tom Walsh

Richard Slawson


Councilwoman Jan Perry


With the Wilshire Grand Staff


James A. Thomas

Yesterday, Hanjin International Corporation and Korean Air, working with developer Thomas Properties Group, announced the redevelopment of the Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre at a press conference.

This project will transform a full city block at the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles by replacing the existing, aging Wilshire Grand Hotel and office building with a new mixed-use development including a new four-plus star hotel, a new office building, residential, and amenities including restaurants, retail shops, and landscaped pedestrian plaza.

The good news are that this project will also create an estimated 7,000 on-site construction jobs and an additional 5,000 construction-related jobs for the city of Los Angeles.

http://www.tpgre.com/

Downtown Women's Center- Grand Opening! (Pictures)

CONRAD N. HILTON Foundation Kicks Off 5-Year Drive To End Chronic Homelessness in Los Angeles with $13 MILLION in Grants

Supporting an initiative by the Los Angeles Business Leaders Task Force on Homelessness to end chronic and veteran homelessness in Los Angeles County within five years, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation today announced $13 million in grants to fund key components of the campaign.


- $9 million to catalyze the creation of 2,500 new permanent supportive housing units
- $3.6 million to identify and house 4,500 of the most vulnerable people on the streets
- $330,000 to The Downtown Women's Center to implement Critical Time Intervention, an innovative program of intensive services for 80 chronically homeless women to help them transition into permanent housingfor an innovative pilot program to ease the transition into housing
- $200,000 to engage faith leaders and communities in the campaign

For more information, please visit http://www.hiltonfoundation.org/

SKID ROW LADIES WALK THE RED CARPET AS DOWNTOWN WOMEN’S CENTER PREMIERES ITS NEW HOME IN RESTORED HISTORIC BUILDING

Walking the Red Carpet for the premiere of the Downtown Women’s Center’s new home will be dozens of Skid Row women during a grand opening celebration starting at 10:00am on Friday, December 10th. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilwoman Jan Perry and other VIPs will roll out the Red Carpet to welcome the DWC ladies to their new home.

The festivities will kick off with a Mardi Gras-inspired procession of DWC ladies and staff, accompanied by dancers and drummers from musical group Viver Brasil, from DWC’s original building on Los Angeles Street to its new location on San Pedro Street via Winston Street.

A community festival throughout the day will include performances from a diverse group of local musicians and performers including the DWC D.I.V.A.S. (Dames Investing in Very Authentic Storytelling) and an all-female Mariachi Band, as well as tours of the new building, public mural painting, holiday crafts and food.

Friday, December 10th from 10 am – 2 pm

• 10-10:30 am: Procession from original DWC facility at 325 S. Los Angeles Street (at 4th St.) to DWC’s new home at 442 S. San Pedro Street (at 5th St.) via Winston Street
• 10:30 am: Grand opening ceremonies featuring Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilwoman Perry and DWC’s Lisa Watson
• 10:50 am: Ladies walk the Red Carpet
• 12:30 pm: Performances by the DWC D.I.V.A.S. and the all-female Mariachi Band; additional speeches by VIPs
• 11:00 am-2 pm: Public invited to take tours of the new building, enjoy food, participate in holiday crafts, listen to musical performances

http://www.dwcweb.org/

NEW HOLIDAY PRODUCTION MAGICALLY TRANSFORMS THE AMERICANA AT BRAND INTO A WINTER WONDERLAND – MAKES U.S. DEBUT BLACK FRIDAY

“Winter Wonderland”– Step inside a magical world of light and sound as The Americana at Brand transforms into a virtual winter wonderland — an original program, never before seen in the U.S., only at The Americana at Brand.
Guests will gather on The Green to witness the transformation of the four-story building to the east into a holiday showcase. The narrator tells the simple tale of a child’s wish that when he awakens it will be Christmas, as the scene begins to change with elves climbing up the building, icicles forming, the appearance of holiday trimmings and finally a snow fall. The original “Winter Wonderland” show, only at The Americana at Brand, will leave the audience wondering, “How did they do that?”
Following the Black Friday debut, visitors will be able to enjoy the show nightly at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. through Christmas Eve.


WHEN: Friday, November 26
Show begins promptly at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Americana at Brand, on The Green

http://www.americanatbrand.com/


Happy Thanksgiving!

Tree Lighting at The Americana at Brand was a total success!!

It was a really cold night at The Americana at Brand.... but that didn't stop thousands of people waiting to get the perfect spot to see the Christmas Show.
The show was a total success culminating with the visit of Santa Claus at the end of the evening. An amazing burst of fireworks colored the night sky just moments after Santa's announcement of the lighting of the 100-foot Christman tree. It was a magical moment.

Seems like Christmas is here! but before it officially comes: Happy Thanksgiving!

http://www.americanaatbrand.com/

WONDERLAND BAKERY -- OPENS SECOND LOCATION AT THE GROVE

Popular southern California confectioner, Wonderland Bakery, opened its doors at The Grove on Monday, November 8, bringing its one-of-a-kind goodies—custom-made cupcakes, cakes and cookies—to the greater Los Angeles area. Along with providing tasty treats in the bakery’s signature whimsical style, The Grove location features a private party room and the first-ever Enchanted Garden where guests can design their own cookies and cupcakes.

Launched in 2005 in Newport Beach by mother-daughter team Sondra and Allyson Ames, Wonderland Bakery offers customers more than 21 delicious flavors of cupcakes from traditional favorites to the more adventurous such as Cookies & Crème and S’mores and cookies in more than 1,000 imaginative shapes, sizes and themes. The Party Room is the perfect place to host a birthday party, shower or other special occasion and the first-ever Enchanted Garden will debut at The Grove location providing the perfect back-drop for tea parties, cookie and cupcake decorating, date nights and other special events.

With its eye-catching storefront featuring two towering pillars topped with colorfully decorated cupcakes, the Wonderland Bakery is located across the street from the Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at The Grove.

Store hours are:
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

http://wonderlandbakery.com/

http://www.thegrovela.com

THE MAGICAL OUTDOOR ICE RINK RETURNS TO THE LAKES AT THOUSAND OAKS

On Tuesday, November 16, Southern Californians will once again enjoy the enchantment of the holiday season when The Lakes Holiday Ice Rink, the only outdoor ice rink in Ventura County, returns for another season. Surrounded by snow, festive garlands and glistening lights, the rink will stay open through Monday, January 17. One-hundred percent of proceeds from admission and skate rentals on opening day will be donated to the Conejo Schools Foundation.

The expansive 60 x 60 feet ice rink, surrounded by bustling holiday shops and restaurants, is open daily with one-hour skate sessions starting Sunday through Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and ending at 9:30 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Starting December 16 through January 1, the rink will operate from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (On December 24th, Christmas Eve, the last session is 11 p.m. and on December 25th, Christmas Day, the first session is 10 a.m.)


Admission to The Lakes Ice Rink is $9.00.

Skate rentals are $3.00 for figure skates and $4.00 for hockey skates.

http://www.shoplakes.com/

http://www.thousandoaksicerink.com/

http://www.conejoschools.org/

LANVIN FOR H&M DEBUTS AT THE AMERICANA AT BRAND

The Americana at Brand will host hundreds of early morning shoppers clamoring to be among the first to own pieces from the new Lanvin for H&M line when the doors open at 8:00 a.m, on November 20.

Shoppers have previously slept out overnight to be the first in the door for other exclusive H&M designer collections.

The Americana at Brand offers a beautiful outdoor setting with scores of shoppers, an ideal backdrop for reporting on the Lanvin for H&M debut as we dive in to the holiday shopping season

Remember: Saturday November 20, 2010
Throngs of Fashionistas will be waiting for doors to open at 8:00 a.m!!






http://www.americanaatbrand.com/

REGAL HOLIDAY TREE ARRIVES AT THE PROMENADE AT WESTLAKE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8

The Promenade at Westlake’s beautiful 65-foot Christmas tree will arrive on Monday, November 8 at 6:00 a.m. The white fir tree from Victor’s Strictly Custom Christmas Trees of Southern California will be delivered on a flatbed truck, hoisted by a large crane and inserted in the ground adjacent to the popular Farfalla Trattoria restaurant.

The installation will take approximately two hours. The tree, brought from Mt. Shasta, will later be decorated with 4,000 sparkling lights and 2,500 holiday ornaments and make its grand debut on Friday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m. when the community is invited to The Promenade’s yearly spectacular holiday celebration. The festivities include the dramatic lighting of the tree, live musical performances, surprise guests, the arrival of Santa Claus and a breathtaking fireworks show.DON'T MISS IT!

http://www.shoppromenade.com/

THE GROVE WELCOMES ITS EYE-CATCHING 100-FOOT CHRISTMAS TREE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1

The beautifully decorated Christmas tree will debut during the annual public tree lighting and holiday show at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 21

On Monday, November 1The Grove will welcome a majestic 100-foot, white fir Christmas tree to its holiday home where it will be visible throughout the region. The tree will arrive on a flatbed truck, driven the length of the main street starting at the historic Farmers Market, to The Park. The tree will be hoisted by a giant crane soaring above the buildings and installed in the center of The Grove. The white fir from Northern California will be elaborately decorated with more than 10,000 lights and 15,000 ornaments in time for the holiday tree lighting show at The Grove on Sunday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m.

http://www.thegrovela.com/

June Wayne Tapestries Open New Textile Galleries at Art Institute of Chicago

An exhibit of Los Angeles artist June Wayne’s Narrative Tapestries “Tidal Waves, DNA, and the Cosmos” will open the newly refurbished Textile Galleries at the Art Institute of Chicago on November 3, 2010.

A pioneer in the revival of lithography during the early 1960s, Wayne has been a major figure in the national and international art scene for decades. This exhibit brings together 11 dynamic tapestries inspired by Wayne’s innovative graphic designs and woven between 1970 and 1974. These works showcase not only Wayne’s unique vision but also the rich possibilities of uniting contemporary ideas with a centuries-old medium.

Known as the founder of the Tamarind Lithography Workshop in Los Angeles, Wayne turned to tapestry in the early 1970s after a friend and leading tapestry scholar introduced her to some of Paris’s most revered weaving Ateliers. Wayne embarked on her four-year tapestry project, involving herself intimately with each and every aspect of the process. From adapting and reworking full-scale cartoons of her lithographs to selecting the precise shading of colors and thickness of the yarns to checking the weavers’ progress weekly, Wayne took a very hands-on approach to seeing that her designs were carried out precisely to her wishes. On December 4, 1974, her tapestries were unveiled to great success at the noted Galerie la Demeure in Paris. Eleven of these works are reunited in this exhibition at the Art Institute.

http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/exhibition/junewayne

http://www.junewayne.com/

ARRIVAL OF THE MAGNIFICENT 100-FOOT WHITE FIR CHRISTMAS TREE

On Wednesday, October 27 at The Americana at Brand the region’s first Christmas tree, a more than 100-foot, white fir, will be installed symbolizing the start of a joy-filled holiday season.

The tree will arrive on a flatbed truck and will be suspended above The Americana at Brand by a giant crane that will hoist the tree into place where it will be visible throughout the entire area.

The tree will be decorated over the next couple of weeks with 10,000 lights and 15,000 ornaments in time for its grand debut at the holiday Christmas show at The Americana at Brand on Thursday, November 18.

"SPIRIT OF AMERICAN YOUTH” STATUE AT THE AMERICANA AT BRAND GETS A NEW SHEEN

The “Spirit of American Youth” statue – a centerpiece of The Americana at Brand – is getting a new sheen in Rosa Noble Italian manufactured 23-carat gold leaf applied by master gilder William Adair and his team of experts.

The delicate gold leaf gilding process will take place over two days, beginning Wednesday, October 13 at 7 a.m. and continuing through Thursday, October 14 at 5 p.m. Standing more than 18 feet tall and weighing more than 2,500 pounds, the bronze statue is a replica of one that was created in 1949 by American sculptor Donald Harcourt De Lue for The Omaha Beach Memorial in France to commemorate D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy, which was a turning point in WWII.

Seems like a really interesting process and they will do it on-site at The Americana at Brand. It's a unique experience to watch! Don't miss it!!

http://www.americanaatbrand.com/

9900 WILSHIRE, ACQUIRED BY TROPHY PROPERTY INVESTORS FROM HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE

One of the highest profile real estate properties in the U.S. – 9900 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills – has been acquired by major trophy property investors from Hong Kong and Singapore for US$148.3 million. The investors plan to create a landmark development on the eight-acre site which sits at the prominent intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards.

Purchased for a record breaking $500 million in 2007 by jet-setting British developers Nicholas and Christian Candy and their CPC Group, the property fell into foreclosure early this year and was acquired by Carlos Slim ’s Banco Inbursa, one of the lenders. Banco Inbursa set up a private bidding auction that was won by Joint Treasure International Ltd., a Hong Kong-based private equity firm specializing in global real estate that represents major family investors.

“This is an incomparable site that cannot be replicated and we intend to build a superb project offering world class luxury residences,” said Daniel Yiu, Senior Advisor to Joint Treasure.

PRE-WORLD WAR II CARS ON DISPLAY AT THE AMERICANA AT BRAND

On Sunday, October 10, Caruso Affiliated will host the Concours d’Elegance presented by the renowned Petersen Automotive Museum at The Americana at Brand in downtown Glendale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will take a ride through the pages of history as they get a rare first-hand look at some of the finest classic automobiles ever built prior to World War II.


Showstoppers on display include Fred Astaire’s 1927 Rolls Royce Phantom I, a 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Custom Coupe owned by Clark Gable and Carol Lombard and the 1935 Duesenberg Model JN Berline by Rollston owned by Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and more additional cars that you can't miss!!!

Sunday, October 10- 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Americana!! and ITS FREE!!

http://www.americanaatbrand.com/

CITI, HIGHRIDGE AND COSTA Form National Affordable Housing Venture

Citi, Highridge Partners, a privately held, real estate investment company, and Michael Costa, a leader in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry, have agreed to form a new company operating as Highridge Costa Housing Partners (HCHP) to own General Partnership interests in and manage an existing $3.4 billion LIHTC portfolio of 275 affordable, multifamily housing communities which were built over the last 15 years and to pursue new opportunities.

Citi is contributing a previously foreclosed portfolio of which Costa was a partner. Highridge Partners, a contrarian strategy investor with roots in residential real estate, is providing required new equity capital, global capital markets relationships and strategic financial management perspective, while Costa brings a highly-regarded business operations and strategic planning background and unparalleled experience in the tax credit syndication and affordable housing development industry.

The Highridge Costa portfolio of 275 properties is comprised of family and senior apartment communities, housing 80,000 residents in 34 states and Puerto Rico, with almost 50 percent of the properties in California. All were developed using federal low-income housing tax credits.

http://www.citigroup.com/

http://www.highridgepartners.com/

New opportunities for livestock operations to gain financial benefits from reducing their GHG emissions

The Climate Action Reserve, North America’s largest carbon offset registry, released version 3.0 of the Livestock Project Protocol, providing updated guidelines for livestock operations to participate in the carbon market. Significant amounts of methane, which is over 21 times more potent to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, can be produced at livestock operations. With the updated livestock protocol, operations have more opportunities to reduce their methane emissions and earn offset credits that can be sold in the carbon market.

The Livestock Project Protocol ensures the integrity and long-term environmental benefit of installing manure biogas control systems at livestock operations, including dairy cattle and swine farms. With this protocol, operations that capture and destroy methane from livestock manure before it is released into the atmosphere receive carbon offset credits that can be traded in the carb
on market

The Climate Action Reserve is a private nonprofit organization representing international interests in addressing climate change and bringing together participants from the government, environment and business sectors.

http://www.climateactionreserve.org./

EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE GROVE’S WINS TOP PRIZE FOR AUSTRALIAN LAMB BURGER CREATION

Chef Anthony Jacquet, executive chef at The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at The Grove, received the top award in the fine-dining category of the Australian Lamb Burger Contest for his succulent grilled lamb burger.

The burger is featured on The Whisper Lounge menu as part of the restaurants $15 "Burger and Brew" special which includes the prized lamb burger and a draft beer of choice from one of their many premium selections at a reasonable price. The burger also may be purchase a la carte.

Chef Jacquet's outstanding recipe consists of a complex blend of flavors including, a fresh cramberry compote, creamy brie cheese and roasted jalapeno aioli served over perfectly seasoned grilled lamb.......Yummy!!!

DON'T MISS IT!!

http://www.thegrovela.com

Operation Smile Gala 2010

Tonight, held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, Operation Smile will honor John Stamos, Harrison Ford and Susan Casden (picture above) for their generosity toward this incredible organization.

The event will also feature a special performance by some of the members of the cast of the popular TV show "Glee".

With his Gala, Operation smile will try to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

Operation Smile is an international organization that mobilizes a world of generous hearts to heal children's smiles and transform lives across the globe. Their medical volunteers work worldwide to repair childhood facial deformities including cleft lips and cleft palates.

http://www.operationsmile.org/

LOCAL BUSINESS LEADER JANICE BRYANT HOWROYD HONORED BY CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS INSTITUTE

Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder, chairman of the board and CEO of ACT-1 Group, has been honored for business leadership by the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute's (CBS Institute) 21st Century Council.

Ms. Howroyd is active in a wide range of organizations both locally and nationally (she serves on the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, the Springboard Project, etc...).

The ACT-1 Group's AppleOne Staffing Services, Agile 1 Workforce Solutions and constituent business service brands provide global solutions for staffing, human capital and procurement solutions and a wide range of business services to business including many of the Fortune 500 companies.

http://www.act1group.com/

First New Apartment Community to Burbank in 25 Years

Yesterday, Casden Properties presented the Grand Opening of Empire Landing with an official ribbon cutting by Burbank Mayor Anja Reinke and Alan Casden, CEO of Casden Properties.

Located on the corner of Buena Vista Street and Empire Avenue, Empire Landing will feature 276 Craftsman style rental homes and townhomes, along with remarkable amenities and lush landscaping. This new transit-oriented development is within walking distance of the Bob Hope Airport Metrolink station and minutes from several movie studios, downtown Burbank and the Burbank Empire Center.

http://www.empirelanding.com/index.html

Downtown Women’s Center 13th Annual Fundraising Gala

Last night the Downtown Women's Center celebrated their annual fundraising at The Music Center of Los Angeles with more than 400 supporters.

Their mission is to provide permanent supportive housing and a safe and healthy community fostering dignity, respect, and personal stability, and to advocate ending homelessness for women.

It was a fabulous event which raised a considerable amount of funds, thanks to the efforts and support of the gala M.C., actress Jane Kaczmareck, and all the sponsors and donors that made this wonderful gala both possible and successfull.

If you would like to make a contribution to the DWC, please follow this link:

http://www.dwcweb.org/donate.htm

Paula Cole Wraps Up Summer Concerts at The Americana at Brand

The last concert at the Americana at Brand marks the end of summer. Grammy award-winning singer Paula Cole rocked the house last week singing songs from her new album, Ithaca. CBS' Rockstar:INXS finalist Ty Taylor of Vintage Trouble (below) and Tyler Hilton opened the show and got the shoppers at Americana on their feet dancing the last few hours of summer away. It was an awesome line up this year which included Steve Tyrell, Natasha Bedingfield, Frenchie Davis and Taylor Dayne.

Deluca's Deli Opens at The Americana at Brand

Guests can enjoy fresh and contemporary Italian deli fare now that Trancredi De Luca of the Amici Restaurant family has opened Deluca's at The Americana in Glendale. Dining in or on the go Deluca's offers a wonderful selection of imported cheeses, fine wines, combination salads and hot and cold sandwiches, such as the mouthwatering Panino Prosciutto Mozarella! Shoppers looking for a quick bite can pop in and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and authentic menu.

Paula Cole Will Be Performing Live at The Americana at Brand

Grammy award-winning singer Paula Cole will be performing love at The Americana at Brand on Wednesday August 25 at 6 p.m. closing the summer concert series. Recognized for her soulful lyrics and unforgettable voice, Paula is best-known for her breakout album This Fire with the smash tit songs "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" and Dawson's Creek theme song "I Don't Want to Wait." This live performance will celebrate the release of her much-anticipated new album, Ithica and debut songs from the album on The Americana at Brand stage.

Nate N' Al at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks Celebrates Anniversary

Last week Nate N' Al at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks celebrated the beloved deli's 65th anniversary. Vintage cars were on display as well as rollback anniversary prices on delicious food! If you're in the mood for good deli, head to The Lakes.