Residential skyscraper for downtown L.A. mall clears hurdle to city approval

Los Angeles Times - Apr 18th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

A proposed 53-story residential skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles has received approval from the City Planning Commission, clearing a significant regulatory hurdle. The tower, to be built on top of the existing 12-story parking garage at the Bloc complex, would become one of the city's tallest. A final decision now rests with the City Council. The tower is planned to include 466 residential units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments or condos, with additional amenities like a swimming pool and recreational spaces. The development is part of an ongoing revitalization effort of the Bloc, a mixed-use complex that once served as a bustling mall and is now an urban hub with offices, hotels, and entertainment venues.

This ambitious project is set against the backdrop of Los Angeles' pressing housing shortage and a slowdown in new construction, as highlighted by a 22% decline in multifamily units under construction year over year. The development, overseen by National Real Estate Advisors, is seen as a step toward creating a balanced, 24-hour community in the area, integrating residential units with existing commercial and hotel spaces. The initiative has garnered support from local stakeholders, who believe it will transform the Bloc into a true mixed-use project. The project's completion is targeted for 2030, with market conditions guiding the decision to offer apartments or condos.

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RATING

7.4
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The news story about the planned residential skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles is well-researched and largely accurate, with key claims supported by external sources. It effectively combines historical context with future development plans, providing a comprehensive overview of the project. While the article is timely and addresses significant public interest topics, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation by including a wider range of perspectives, particularly those of local residents or urban planners. The lack of direct quotes from key stakeholders affects the overall source quality and transparency, though the article remains clear and accessible to a general audience. Its potential impact is somewhat limited by the absence of deeper exploration into controversial aspects of urban development, such as displacement or gentrification. Overall, the story offers valuable insights into a significant urban development project, but it could be enhanced by incorporating more diverse viewpoints and detailed explanations.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The news story is largely accurate, with key claims being verifiable and consistent with external sources. The planned residential skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles is indeed set to be built atop an existing parking garage, as reported. The details about the tower's height, the number of stories, and the breakdown of residential units are precise and supported by external planning documents. The historical context of The Bloc, including its transformation from Macy's Plaza and the renovations led by Wayne Ratkovich, are also well-documented and align with past reports. However, the article does not provide direct quotes from National Real Estate Advisors, which could have further strengthened the accuracy of the claims about future developments.

7
Balance

The story presents a balanced view of the proposed skyscraper project by including both the developmental aspects and the historical context of The Bloc. It mentions support from stakeholders like Rising Realty Partners, which adds a positive perspective on the project's potential impact. However, the article could have benefited from including perspectives from local residents or urban planners who might have concerns about the project, such as its impact on local traffic or infrastructure. This omission slightly affects the balance, as the narrative leans more toward the benefits of the development without exploring potential downsides.

8
Clarity

The story is well-structured and easy to follow, with a logical progression from the project's approval to its historical context and future plans. The language is clear, and technical terms are kept to a minimum, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of certain aspects, such as the specific challenges faced during the renovation of The Bloc or the implications of the housing market data presented.

6
Source quality

The article relies on information from public documents and historical data, which are credible sources. However, it lacks direct quotes or statements from primary sources like National Real Estate Advisors or city officials involved in the planning process. Including such sources would enhance the reliability and depth of the reporting. The absence of these authoritative voices leaves some claims, particularly those about future construction timelines and market dependence, less substantiated.

7
Transparency

The article provides a clear explanation of the project's background and the steps involved in its approval process, which helps readers understand the basis for its claims. However, it lacks explicit disclosure of the methodologies used to gather information or any potential conflicts of interest. The absence of direct quotes from key stakeholders also affects transparency, as readers are left without insight into the developers' perspectives or motivations.

Sources

  1. https://la.urbanize.city/post/plan-skyline-altering-tower-above-blocs-garage-moves-forward
  2. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIhgYpJz6Wy/
  3. https://la.urbanize.city/post/53-story-tower-above-blocs-garage-slated-completion-2030
  4. https://www.dezeen.com/2024/03/14/marmol-radziner-skyscraper-downtown-los-angeles/
  5. https://qresear.ch/?q=qlobal-change