670 Mesquit Development Clears Hurdle, Nears Construction in Downtown LA
A long-planned $1.4-billion real estate development at the foot of the newly famous Sixth Street Viaduct in downtown Los Angeles is closer to getting underway after receiving approval from the city Planning Commission.
Project Overview
The four-building mega development known as 670 Mesquit will have apartments, offices, a hotel, a charter elementary school, shops and restaurants if the City Council signs off on the plans to replace a cold storage facility on the west side of the Los Angeles River with the mixed-use complex designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels Group.
Timeline and Funding
Developer Vella Group is prepared to start work in about a year and a half and plans to complete the project by 2031, land use consultant Michael LoGrande said. The development will be funded by United Kingdom investment firm London & Regional Properties, LoGrande said.
Project Details
Plans call for 894 apartments, of which 144 will be offered at below-market rates for low-income households — a scale that would make it one of the largest residential projects to be built downtown.
The boutique hotel will have 271 rooms and should garner a four-star rating, LoGrande said. The development will also feature 676,000 square feet of office space, which was reduced from earlier plans due to the shift in demand for office space post-COVID.
Design and Amenities
Architect Bjarke Ingels has helped design corporate campuses for Google in London and Silicon Valley, among several other high-profile projects. The design for 670 Mesquit draws inspiration from the scale, materials, and details of the warehouses and factories in the Arts District, aiming to preserve and integrate their architectural character.
The project will also feature a broad deck extending over an active rail yard below that divides the Rancho property from the Los Angeles River. And there is to be a landscaped public space maintained and programmed by the owners with such events as farmers markets, movie nights and yoga classes.
Landscaping and Public Spaces
The deck, rooftops and ground level public spaces will be landscaped by Studio-MLA, which is led by architect Mia Lehrer. Her other projects include the Hollywood Park racetrack redevelopment and SoFi Stadium, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the Taylor Yard G2 Park on the Los Angeles River.
Conclusion
The 670 Mesquit development is a significant project that will bring new life to the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles. With its mixed-use design, the project will offer a unique blend of residential, office, and recreational spaces, making it an attractive destination for both locals and visitors.
FAQs
Q: What is the estimated cost of the 670 Mesquit development?
A: The estimated cost of the development is $1.4 billion.
Q: When is the expected completion date of the project?
A: The project is expected to be completed by 2031.
Q: Who is the architect behind the 670 Mesquit design?
A: The design is by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels Group.
Q: What is the total number of apartments in the development?
A: The development will feature 894 apartments, of which 144 will be offered at below-market rates for low-income households.
Q: What is the size of the office component in the development?
A: The office component will be approximately 676,000 square feet.
Q: Who is funding the development?
A: The development will be funded by United Kingdom investment firm London & Regional Properties.
