L.A.'s Revitalization Now Spreading South Of Downtown

One of the most exciting things to happen in the Los Angeles area over the last 5 years or so has been just how successful the revitalization of Downtown L.A. has been. From sold-out loft complexes to Grand Park to a wealth of world class dining and nightlife, Downtown has become of of the hottest spots in the Southland to visit, live and play. Now the L.A. Times is reporting that a $1-billion residential, hotel and retail complex is being planned south of the 10 Freeway Downtown as robust development promises to spread beyond the traditional boundaries of the neighborhood.

Called SoLA Village, the complex would occupy a block and a half just south of Washington Boulevard next to the former LA Mart, a large design center and showroom for the gift, interior design, and home furnishing industries that is now known as The Reef. The 1.66-million-square-foot development will be built in stages, most likely starting with a 19-story, 208-room hotel, while the other tall structures would be condominium towers of 35 stories and 32 stories. There would be multiple smaller apartment buildings as well that would breakdown to 900 condos and 549 apartments, including 21 "live-work" units for people who operate small businesses from their homes.

As with most new residential projects Downtown, SoLA would have a gym and yoga studio in addition to shops, restaurants, bars and a grocery store. Intended to be modeled after the successful Atwater Crossing, a mixed-use complex in the Atwater Village that incorporates housing, offices, manufacturing, a restaurant and live theater in an environment intended to nurture young firms in creative field, SoLA would also have an art gallery. In addition to 2,734 auto parking spaces, there will be 1,300 bicycle parking places to help support a bike-sharing program. The developers hope the bikes will encourage people to use the adjacent Blue Line light rail on Washington Boulevard.