West Hollywood Concrete Plant Closes to Make Way for New Apartment Tower
The Cemex concrete plant on La Brea Avenue in West Hollywood has ceased operations to make way for a new 34-story apartment tower. The plant, which has been in operation for over a century, was a unique urban feature in its final years.
A Pioneering Concrete Plant
The Cemex Hollywood Concrete Plant was one of the first of its kind, offering ready-mixed Portland cement concrete in large quantities. According to a 1924 issue of Concrete magazine, the plant was described as "the pioneer mixing plant in the West."
A Major Player in Construction
The plant was a major player in the construction industry, providing concrete for buildings and roads across the Los Angeles region. By the 20th century, advances in truck technology made it practical to deliver concrete instead of mixing it on-site. The plant’s customers included major companies like Standard and Union oil, as well as movie studios such as Famous Players-Lasky, Buster Keaton, and Vitagraph.
A Simple but Effective Process
The plant’s process was straightforward: dry ingredients were lifted by nearly vertical conveyor belts and deposited into hoppers, where they were mixed with water and poured into waiting trucks. The trucks would then depart La Brea Avenue with their agitator drums turning.
Cemex Declines to Comment
The plant’s last operator, Mexican multinational building materials company Cemex, declined to comment on the closure. The company’s landlord, Los Angeles developer CIM Group, said that Cemex’s lease on the property was set to expire at the end of November and that it would clear the site of structures and vacate.
New Apartment Complex Planned
CIM Group is seeking approval from the city of West Hollywood to build a 514-unit apartment complex, called 1000 La Brea, on the former plant site and an adjacent parcel on La Brea Avenue. The complex would include rooftop gardens, a swimming pool, fitness center, yoga room, and library, as well as subterranean and above-ground parking and at least 20% of units designated as affordable with subsidized rents.
Conclusion
The closure of the Cemex concrete plant marks the end of an era in West Hollywood’s industrial history. The new apartment complex will bring new life to the area, providing much-needed housing and amenities to the community.
FAQs
Q: Why did Cemex close the plant?
A: Cemex’s lease on the property was set to expire, and the company opted not to renew.
Q: What is being built in place of the plant?
A: A 34-story apartment complex called 1000 La Brea, featuring 514 units, rooftop gardens, and various amenities.
Q: When is the project expected to break ground?
A: The project is expected to break ground next year, with completion targeted for 2028.
Q: What is the purpose of the new apartment complex?
A: The complex aims to provide much-needed housing and amenities to the community, with a focus on affordability and sustainability.
