Los Angeles County, CA is a hub of development and innovation, and the projects currently underway are sure to revolutionize the city in the coming years. One of the most ambitious projects is The Grand, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. According to Rick Vogel, Senior Vice President of Related, it will become “the linchpin of the Grand Avenue Arts Corridor”. Despite the pandemic, the project is progressing and will include features necessary to navigate the new reality, such as contactless, frictionless and cashless technologies.
Developers are also committed to improving traffic flow in the area and promoting sustainability; 20 percent of the hotel's parking spaces will be adapted to electric vehicle charging. The Central City Association is investing in technological infrastructure and burying overhead power lines and telecommunications infrastructure along Olympic Boulevard. Distributed antenna systems are configured to offer 5G coverage, and Wi-Fi will be available in public and service areas. The project also addresses housing issues, with 121 affordable and workforce units included.
Security elements such as an air conditioning system that incorporates 100 percent outdoor air economizers and contactless functions in access controls, elevator systems and public restrooms are also part of the plan. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has made the local community and small businesses a top priority. The contract requires the use of small and local businesses, minority-owned businesses, businesses for disabled veterans, etc. The LAWA Airport Metro Connector and people transporter will provide a reliable connection to LAX.
The Sixth Street Viaduct project will stretch across the Los Angeles River with a 12-acre park in Boyle Heights and the Arts District. Both sides of the road will have pedestrian paths that will cross the river with stairs and access ramps for pedestrians and cyclists. The John Anson Ford Theater (JAFT) Trail Project is proposed as a “nature trail experience for urban recreational hiking” while La Brea Av Priority Bus Lane Project is an important step toward building a safer and faster multimodal transit network in Los Angeles. Metro is also evaluating an extension of the L (Gold) Metro Line further east from its current terminal in Pomona Bl and Atlantic Bl in east Los Angeles.
The Antelope Valley (AVL) Line Capacity and Service Improvement Program aims to improve frequency and reliability of service along the 76.6-mile-long AVL commuter rail corridor between Lancaster and downtown Los Angeles while Metro Rail Network Integration Study for Los Angeles County will analyze opportunities to integrate service between Metro's current and future network with the state rail system. The I-10 ExpressLanes Extension Project can improve traffic flow and provide additional travel options in Los Angeles County while Grand Av & Olive St Bus Priority Lane Project is an important step toward building a safer and faster multimodal transportation network in Los Angeles. Finally, Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS) is Southern California's main transportation hub connecting several counties with a combined total population of over 18 million people.
