Downtown L.A. Development: A Comprehensive Guide

From $100 million in upgrades to Dodger Stadium, to the decades-long effort to revitalize the Los Angeles River, to the construction of the tallest building west of the Mississippi, discover the status of 85 projects underway in downtown L.A.

1 minute read

February 26, 2013, 9:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


As we've read recently, development in downtown L.A. is booming again after a short slowdown during the recession. While still below the levels of construction seen seven years ago during "the era of irrational exuberance," the area is humming again with activity and investment.

With so many projects in the works, who can keep track? Richard Guzmán, Jon Regardie and Ryan Vaillancourt is who. The three reporters with the Los Angeles Downtown News provide updates on 85 projects that are bringing thousands of construction jobs to downtown. 

Jobs aren't the only thing flowing into downtown. "There’s big money flowing here too," say the reporters. "The Wilshire Grand hotel replacement is a $1 billion project, and the Regional Connector runs nearly $1.4 billion. The replacement for the Sixth Street Viaduct will cost $400 million, and the new Federal Courthouse in the Civic Center is expected to have a similar price. Then there’s the big question mark of Farmers Field."

"The point is, the Downtown development scene in the first quarter of 2013 is extremely busy, and almost everywhere one looks, work is proceeding on housing, civic, cultural and other projects. The face of the community is still in the midst of a major change."

Monday, February 25, 2013 in Los Angeles Downtown News

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Wind turbines and solar panels against a backdrop of mountains in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours

The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.

April 24 - Fast Company

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

View of Dallas city skyline with moderately busy freeway in foreground at twilight.

AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth

Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.

April 24 - Dallas Morning News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.