Nine-Story Steel-and-Glass Structure Could Rise Next to Vibiana

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Six years ago, with the Downtown residential revolution in full swing, a literally high-minded proposal was floated for a lot next to an approximately 130-year-old historic cathedral: A development team wanted to build a 41-story condominium tower.

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That project, which called for 300 residences, never got off the ground, in part because of the recession that froze most development in Downtown.

Now, the site is back in play. The high-rise vision, however, is long gone.

Weintraub Real Estate Group is in the early planning stage for a nine-story steel-and-glass housing complex that would rise just south of the former St. Vibiana’s cathedral. The project would include 238 residential units with 3,600 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

The project comprises seven parcels of land totaling approximately 83,000 square feet, and extends south of Second Street through the block between Los Angeles and Main streets. The project would include three levels of underground parking for residents.

Jim Pugh, an associate in the real estate, land use and environmental practice group at law firm Shepherd Mullin, presented the plans to the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council’s Planning and Land Use Committee last week. Pugh said the project is at the site review stage, having received approvals from the Department of City Planning’s Urban Design Studio and the city’s Office of Historic Resources. The next step is a Zoning Administration hearing, which should be scheduled in the next few weeks, Pugh said.

Financial details and a timeline for the project have not been released.

The project would stand in sharp contrast to the 1876 deconsecrated cathedral. Developer Tom Gilmore purchased the earthquake-damaged building for $4.6 million and, with partner Richard Weintraub (head of the Weintraub Real Estate Group), spent $8 million turning it into a private events space.

The environmental impact report that was previously approved for the proposed 41-story tower is still intact, Pugh said. He added that the revised plan from Nadel Architects includes a recreation area on the roof with a pool and spa, as well as pedestrian walkways connecting Los Angeles to Main streets on the north side of the project.

The proposal drew a positive response from the DLANC committee members, which has only advisory powers on projects.

“This is more appropriate for the neighborhood than what we had before,” committee member Russell Brown said.

Renderings of the steel and concrete structure, projected onto the wall, prompted questions from Simon Ha, an architect and co-chair of the DLANC committee. The drawings showed balconies and a more pronounced depth to the windows on the Main Street side of the edifice, with a seemingly flatter design on the north side facing the cathedral, and the rear of the structure on Los Angeles Street.

“These designs look very conceptual to me. I just want to make sure what you’re presenting to us is what’s getting built,” Ha said, pointing out that the building is several stories taller than the cathedral.

 Nadel architect Dale Yonkin said the Los Angeles Street side would match the depth and design of the front. Pugh added that the intent is to build what the renderings represent, with room for minor changes.

Both Brown and DLANC president Patti Berman raised concerns about a loss of public parking, as the project site is currently a lot used by patrons of Pitfire Pizza, Groundwork Cafe and the Downtown Independent theater, all of which are across the street.

The committee voted 7-0 to send a letter in support of the project to the city.

The project would not be the only new addition to the area. Gilmore is part of a group looking to turn a portion of the cathedral’s former rectory into Red Bird, a restaurant that will be helmed by chef Neal Fraser. Bill Chait, a partner in establishments including Downtown’s Bestia and Rivera, is also involved with the project.