Ginny-Marie Case on March 29, 2011, at 10:21PM – #1

I'll wait for some PPTs, video, BlogDowntown coverage and then submit my two cents. (Maybe). Why not livestream it! Do they have internet in South Park? :-)

Eric Wang on March 30, 2011, at 09:02AM – #2

I hope we can keep this piece of news that L.A. Observed noticed in focus: http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2011/03/anschutz_assurances_on_st.php

William Crandell on March 30, 2011, at 07:25PM – #3

I'd say that all of the talk about an unequivocal AEG guarantee of bonds for a replacement convention hall is excessive and misplaced. For many years city officials have spoken of plans for a further addition to the convention center, of an expansion of West Hall northward across 11th Street to better position L.A. in competing with other west coast convention facilities.

Now, with the stadium/event center prospect, everyone is falling all over themselves with talk about bonds and all we've seen so far in respect to the design of a replacement facility is mediocrity. Only one councilperson has voiced concern in this regard. With a new stadium, the likelihood of added convention space (above the amount in West Hall) would be moot. Who owns that unbuilt plot of land across 11th Street and who'd want to get it's hands on it? (80 story office/condo/hotel tower thereat? Have all of the unused air right of the convention center been sold off yet?)

Frankly, AEG ought to hire Frank to design the replacement for West Hall. His firm could originate some very interesting ideas regards the interstice between the stadium/event center and the replacement hall and more importantly, use up some of the underutilized wind-swept plaza facing Figueroa for a fantastic welcoming statement for the new complex. He and his crew could formulate elements such as these to the degree that we'd be left breathless at the prospect. Given that, I'd say that the city ought to help underwrite Frank's portion of the project.

If we were to end up with a mish-mash or mediocre grade replacement hall (which presently appears to be exactly where we're headed) it would be a very, very unfortunate outcome to what is more than a once in a lifetime opportunity for Los Angeles. Downtown in particular.

David McBane on March 30, 2011, at 08:33PM – #4

William Crandell - I can answer one question you have - none of the air rights for the Convention Center have been sold by the City. It's an idea that has been kicked around for awhile but buying anything from the City is such a pain in the ass that no one has been able to complete a sale with the City though only a few have even attempted to try.

I would love to see a great addition - architecturally-wise - to the CC but I'm pretty sure it will be mediocre. I can't think of any convention center that isn't mediocre architecturally. I don't know if that is because of what the buildings have to do on the inside or because almost all convention centers are publicly owned and the politicians don't want to have their voters screaming bloody murder if they think they spent more on "architecture" instead of just a dumb box, but it looks like mediocre is probably what we will get. The only solace in that is that mediocre is a huge step-up from what the West Wing is now.

Twirly Burly on March 30, 2011, at 10:49PM – #5

I was at the EIR scoping meeting. The people who showed up were very concerned about traffic jams, tailgating spilling over to random areas, and fans parking and loitering in the residential neighborhood on the other side of the 110 freeway.

William Crandell on March 31, 2011, at 09:41PM – #6

David McBane - do not forget who it was who "broke the box." If he were to produce a Bilbao for the convention/exhibition trade, the world would beat a path to our door.