A decade ago, complaining about the price of apartments in Downtown LA was unfathomable—it would’ve sat securely atop our list of things Angelenos never say. Now, DTLA’s Historic Core is cementing its future in, well, cement as developers scramble to take advantage of the rise of cool capitals like Grand Central Market and the Ace Hotel. With so many new apartment complexes going up, we thought we’d start budgeting our imaginary assets for these on-the-horizon, beautiful buildings. Instead of looking at all of the lavish, on-again, off-again proposals—the Ross and Rachel of Downtown developments, if you will—we’re grading these three Historic Core projects that’ve been making the rounds lately.
1. 525 South Spring Street
Photograph: Courtesy Steinberg/TSK Architects
This sleek, revised rendering bears more than a passing resemblance to Chicago’s Aqua, but great artists steal, right? Spring Street developer Joseph Heller has been kicking around plans for the block since the early ‘90s; whereas an initial proposal called for the demolition of the adjacent Roxie, Cameo and Arcade theaters, this latest version would renovate them into entertainment or shopping spaces.
Floors: 40
Completion date: Initial plans could be filed with the city by the end of the summer. In other words, don’t break your lease just yet.
To eat: It’s right next door to the Spring Arcade Building, home of Gelateria Uli and Guisados, as well as within a block of Cole’s, Nickel Diner and Bäco Mercat.
To drink: Perch, The Varnish
Getting around: If your own two feet won’t do, the prospective building will sit a block away from the proposed Downtown streetcar line.
Our super scientific rating: 3 out of 5 French dips from Cole’s
2. 4th & Hill
Photograph: Courtesy TCA Architects
We’re going to give the developers behind this Grand Central Market-adjacent tower an unprompted pitch: throw in some sort of subscription service to the food hall and people will throw money at lease agreements. Stocked with the usual amenities and then some, the 33-story tower is set to include a rooftop lounge underneath a pompous, glowing beacon.
Floors: 33
Completion date: An expected two-year construction process could begin in early 2016.
To eat: Eggslut for breakfast—everyday—and the rest of the GCM lineup. Similar options as the previous building, plus Badmaash.
To drink: Along with Perch and the Varnish, Bar Amá and the Edison.
Getting around: It’s literally on top of one of the entrances to the Pershing Square Red Line stop. Plus, if Angels Flight ever reopens, you’re a 50-cent funicular ride from the top of Bunker Hill.
Our super scientific rating: 4 out of 5 Belcampo meatballs
3. Broadway Palace
Photograph: Courtesy GH Palmer Associates
We’ve slammed Geoffrey Palmer’s stunted Italian fortresses in this past, but thanks to Broadway’s distinctive set of design guidelines, this brick-looking building falls in line with the rest of the block. On the plus side, you’re in the middle of Ace-fueled Broadway and next to Banksy’s “Parking” mural, set to receive its own public plaza as part of the project. But good luck trying to explain to people that the proposed plebian-avoiding skywalk over Olympic isn’t elitist—on the other hand, a sidewalk bypass for the line outside Upstairs would be fine by us.
Floors: 10
Completion date: This one just broke ground and is expected to open by early 2017.
To eat: Alma, Umamicatessen, LA Chapter
To drink: Broadway Bar, Upstairs
Getting around: Another project along that fabled streetcar line; for now, you’ll have to hoof it just under a mile to the Pico and 7th/Metro stops.
Our super scientific rating: 2 out of 5 Banksy murals