The 670 Mesquit project reshapes Los Angeles’ Arts District skyline

The Arts District of Los Angeles is on the verge of a major transformation, led by the ambitious 670 Mesquit project. Designed by the esteemed Bjarke Ingels Group, this development embodies a daring vision for the future of urban living and working environments. Announced eight years ago, the project is now approaching its final approval stages and is set to redesign the skyline along the Los Angeles River.

The 670 Mesquit initiative sprawls across the west bank of the river between the Sixth and Seventh Street viaducts. It includes around 676,000 square feet of office area, 894 residential units, and various commercial venues like retail shops, dining establishments, and gallery spaces. Significantly, it will also feature a charter elementary school addressing community educational demands.

A team effort by Bjarke Ingels Group, Gruen Associates, and Studio-MLA, the project encompasses multiple high-rise structures that are connected, with the peak reaching up to 34 floors or 388 feet in height. The architectural blueprint draws influence from the industrial essence of the Arts District, merging contemporary comforts with classic elements to pay tribute to the area’s distinctive artistic heritage.

Adapting to Changing Demands

The 670 Mesquit project has been significantly revised in reaction to changing office space demands in Los Angeles. Initially planned to encompass up to 1 million square feet of office space, the project has shifted focus towards primarily housing. This modification echoes a wider trend in city development, favoring residential spaces over commercial ones.
Current plans have reduced office space by over 300,000 square feet while increasing residential units to 894. Out of these, 144 units are set aside for very low- and extremely low-income households, addressing Los Angeles’s pressing affordable housing challenges. In addition, the proposed hotel has been expanded to include 271 guest rooms, boosting the project’s allure to tourists and visitors.

Strategically located just south of the freshly completed Sixth Street Viaduct, the development is poised to utilize a deck above the Los Angeles River to forge new park space. Integrating green spaces stands central to the project, offering both residents and visitors a slice of nature amid the urban scape.

Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward

The path of the 670 Mesquit project hasn’t been without obstacles. Recently, the project submitted a final environmental impact report to the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, crossing a crucial milestone in its progression. The City Planning Commission’s approval is vital, yet it still requires a general plan amendment and a zoning change, necessitating a City Council vote.

Simultaneously, the adjacent development at 655 Mesquit, a design by EYRC Architects, has also progressed towards actuality. This 14-story structure, due to rise to 195 feet, recently circumvented an appeal that aimed to hinder construction. The Los Angeles City Council’s unanimous rejection of the appeal clears the way for construction to begin next year, with an expected completion in 2025.
Developments at 670 and 655 Mesquit form part of an integral revival in the Arts District, attracting creatives from various fields. As Bjarke Ingels stated, the aim is to renew the Arts District by embracing its distinct urban culture rather than supplanting it.

Our Advice on the City

Visitors to Los Angeles will find in the Arts District a rich mix of history, culture, and cutting-edge modernity. As these transformative initiatives unfold, the area is likely to become an even more vivid destination. We suggest exploring local galleries, eateries, and community spaces to fully engage with the creative pulse defining this city segment.

For casual visitors, the Arts District offers a front-row seat to witness the evolving dynamics of urban landscapes. Consider participating in a guided tour to immerse in the historic and emerging facets of this iconic locale. Seasoned travelers can delve deeply into the district’s architectural advancements and urban planning strategies driving its transformation.

In closing, ventures like the 670 Mesquit project and the adjacent developments signal a novel chapter for Los Angeles’ Arts District. As this metropolis continues its evolution, such initiatives underscore the essence of thoughtful, community-focused development that recognizes the past while advancing towards the future. Ұhether an initiates or seasoned traveleriş, the Arts District provides a window into Los Angeles’s vibrant urban fabric.