The LA River in the Cleantech Corridor
Urban Land Institute Study
The 2010 Urban Land Institute Technical Advisory Panel was sponsored by the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA / LA) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to provide recommendations and alternatives to guide the future of development in the CleanTech Corridor. ULI has been conducting Advisory Panels since 1947 providing strategic advice on difficult local land use issues where an “outside point of view” is appropriate.
Summary
In the CleanTech Corridor study, the ULI Advisory Panel consisted of land use and real estate experts from within the membership of the Urban Land Institute. Prior to the panel dates, the ULI analysts received briefing materials summarizing the land use, economic, transportation, environmental and demographic profile of the corridor. The panel spent 5 days in Los Angeles (May 16-21, 2010) touring the study area as well as conducting nearly 100 interviews with private stakeholders. The information was used to support their final recommendations and draft report. Their findings were presented on May 21, 2010 at the Kyoto Grand Hotel.
Recommendations
The ULI panel recommended a stronger focus on smaller, greener companies and fabricators than large manufacturers. The panel also suggested rezoning and creating a sustainable overlay zone. In the transportation arena, streets in the area were recommended to be improved immediately and the rail lines consolidated-- putting freight on the east side of the river and passenger rail (Amtrak and High-Speed) on the west. They also wanted to see the Red Line extended and three stops added, at Fourth, Seventh, and Olympic, which would allow the area to support new residential units. As a last recommendation they suggested changing the Cleantech Corridor name to the Industrial Arts District.
Conclusions from the Final ULI Report
“The panel suggests that the initial focus area for the CleanTech Corridor should start within the area bordered by SCI-Arc and the Arts District and extend south just beyond the site of the Clean-Tech Manufacturing Center near Interstate 10... Market analysis by the panelists supports the Arts District as an area ripe for cleantech, and it already has many viable uses that could align with cleantech. The Arts District contains many industrial buildings that are well-equipped for adaptive use as flex space that the market will support. The area also has a special appeal to potential users and residents who seek out an authentic, mixed-use neighborhood. With its adjacency to the river and proximity to Union Station, the Arts District is well positioned to enjoy the benefits of the Los Angeles River revitalization and is an ideal location for possible extension of rail service... The panel recommends that the city institute a position with sole power and authority for making decisions regarding the CleanTech Corridor. By using the strategies suggested by the panel, Los Angeles can one day enjoy a dynamic and vibrant CleanTech Corridor that revolves around a delicate balance of uses, users, and innovation.”
Published: Wednesday, May 04, 2011