Viewfinder: Vacant and Abandoned in Playa del Rey
At the corner of Culver Blvd. and Vista del Mar in Playa del Rey there are some vacancies.
It's a historic location in Playa del Rey. A site where beauty abounds at the edge of LA. Unfortunately, vacancies abound. At the corner of Culver Blvd. and Vista del Mar, are two vacancies in the 200 building, across from popular "The Shack" restaurant and other local favorites. What do you think should be placed in these locations? Please offer up your suggestions.
William Ballough
6:26 am on Friday, September 23, 2011
This topic was obviously initiated by the developer who owns both parcels and wishes to use the condition of the properties to build support for replacing them with large developments.
Oceanview11
10:57 am on Friday, September 23, 2011
I agree with William. The owner of the property in the photo is planning several huge developments that are completely out of character with the neighborhood.
Paul Chavez
11:38 am on Friday, September 23, 2011
The topic was NOT initiated by the developer, it was initiated by me, the editor of this site to spark conversation about what should be developed in lower Playa del Rey. All comments are welcome, but falsehoods will be corrected. So, what do you think should be built that will maintain the character of the neighborhood?
William Ballough
1:34 pm on Friday, September 23, 2011
Yes, and what sparked your interest? I live in that neighborhood, and no one has complained regarding that property. As a matter of fact, it just got a new roof.
Paul Chavez
1:54 pm on Friday, September 23, 2011
William,
My interest was sparked by some Patch colleagues around the country who have been running photo features highlighting vacant and abandoned properties and asking members of their communities what they would like to see there. I knew about the empty lots in lower Playa and the ad hoc committee out of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa that has been talking to the developer aboutt plans there, so I thought it would a good photo feature and conversation starter.
Bonnie Mishelevich
10:43 pm on Friday, September 23, 2011
Originally before Playa Vista unexpectedly sold this property to Ed Czucker, the developer, Playa Vista promised that it would be an attractive park. Most citizens of lower PDR were happy with this idea. Perhaps, as a courtesy to the community, the developer could afford to implement this now until such time that he either sells it or develops it.
Raul
12:41 pm on Friday, September 23, 2011
what would maintain the character of the neighborhood would be low-density housing with plenty of parking! We could also use a small pizza place.
William Ballough
3:58 pm on Friday, September 23, 2011
Thanks for the info Paul.
D Fasone
5:23 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011
The problem with any development in this area is parking...and required parking by zoning. You can't go down as the property is below sea-level and would flood, you can't go up because of neighborhood objections and you can't go back deep because of the Wetlands.
William Ballough
9:03 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011
The developer is planning two below sea level parking levels. The developer is planning pumps, and containment vessels to store the water which could collect around the outside of the basement walls, because it cannot be discharged into the street.
Actually, the basement is free, because the footings must in any event extend down to bedrock, and the building fastened to it to keep the building from popping up from water pressure.
TC
1:33 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
They should bring La Marina back and put it in that space!! So fun!
M & S
10:53 am on Friday, February 10, 2012
a bike shop, a grocer, restaurants: the time is NOW! it's a no brainner.
Russ Mark
12:58 pm on Friday, February 10, 2012
Developers have a history around here of changing the projects after they have initial approval. You can bet whatever anyone does will be more of a blight than an abandoned building. In other words, no matter what they promise, we will get less parking and more traffic issues.
Paul Chavez
3:37 pm on Friday, February 10, 2012
D Fasone -- Thanks for your comment. I made sure to follow up on that in our latest story:
Developer Legado Presents Outline of Plans for Lower Playa del Rey
A small grocery store, a bike shop, two restaurants and a 72-unit residential complex are planned for 138 Culver Blvd., also known as The Triangle. http://patch.com/A-qyFW