Big Changes

Construction begins at La Cienega and Jefferson

I've been taking the Metro Expo Line for more than a year now to and from work. I usually take the train two days a week. Sometimes, getting to the parking structure at the La Cienega/Jefferson Expo stop takes more time than the train trip from La Cienega to my stop at 26th St./Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. The north-south traffic from Pico to Jefferson is legendary. 

This is NOTHING, compared with a 2017 traffic jam! Traffic Jam at Venice and La Cienega Blvds., 1953. UCLA Photo Archives

Within the last six months the land on the north-west corner of Jefferson and La Cienega (former home to radio stations KABC and KLOS) has been cleared for development. In addition to the radio station being located here for decades, this was also home to many small industrial buildings. Everything is gone now. The tractors are moving dirt around and construction will begin soon. Supposedly, a 30-story condominium tower will be built, surrounded by a campus of 10-story office buildings, including shops and a few restaurants.

You can read more about it here.

Proposed Development at La Cienega and Jefferson

Yikes! Unless La Cienega is widened and more access streets built, the traffic at this corner is going to be a nightmare! Homeowners in the area have already written a petition opposing a 30-story tower taking away their sunlight for many hours during the day. 

I'm not sure I would want to live in a condo tower at this location. Even if more restaurants and small stores are added to this development, there's really only one place to walk to....Target. Not that there's anything wrong with Target, but the developers keep comparing this project to Century City. NOT. Century City is full of fabulous department stores, restaurants, high-end shops, movie theaters, etc., ALL within walking distance. Of course, residents can hop on the train to Santa Monica or Downtown L.A. and access entertainment and shopping centers. If that is the reason for this development, it's time to add more tracks to the already overcrowded Expo Line.

Expo Line Artwork by Daniel Gonzales

Here is another interesting article about development near the Expo Line.