Transforming North Hollywood: The Launch of District NoHo Mixed-Use Development
As part of an ongoing Metro initiative aimed at enhancing real estate and community infrastructure around transportation hubs, a groundbreaking mixed-use development named District NoHo is set to rise adjacent to North Hollywood’s Metro terminal. This project is designed to support urban living and contribute to the area’s vitality, making it a focal point for both residents and visitors alike.
Los Angeles City Council Approves Ambitious 15-Acre Project
On Friday, the Los Angeles City Council made a significant decision to greenlight this expansive 15-acre project, which will encompass a total of 1,481 residential units, along with designated space for offices, retail establishments, and restaurants. This comprehensive approach aims to create a vibrant, self-sustaining community that meets the diverse needs of its inhabitants, fostering economic growth and accessibility.
Commitment to Affordable Housing: A Quarter of Units Rent-Restricted
In a move to address the pressing need for affordable living options, a quarter of the residential units within District NoHo will be rent-restricted, significantly exceeding the requirements outlined by the city’s density bonus. This commitment to affordable housing underscores the project’s intention to be inclusive and accessible to a wider demographic, ensuring that residents from various economic backgrounds can thrive.
Creating a Transit-Oriented Community Experience
City Council President Paul Krekorian emphasized the transformative potential of District NoHo, stating, “This is a truly transit-oriented development that will enable hundreds of Angelenos to live, work, study, shop, and enjoy recreation without the reliance on cars.” By promoting public transportation, this initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, aligning with sustainable urban development principles.
Enhancing Infrastructure: Parking and Public Spaces
In addition to residential units, the development will introduce 750 parking spaces dedicated to Metro customers, addressing current transportation needs. Furthermore, it promises to deliver 2 acres of open space for community enjoyment, alongside three shopping centers designed to cater to the daily needs of residents and visitors, contributing to the overall livability of the area. The North Hollywood terminal is already Metro’s third busiest, making this development even more crucial.
Pioneering Joint Development: A Model of Collaboration Between Metro and Private Developers
District NoHo stands out as one of Metro’s many joint development projects, exemplifying successful partnerships between public transportation authorities and private developers. This collaboration aims to create more housing options around transit hubs, ultimately enhancing the accessibility and convenience of urban living in Los Angeles.
Revamping North Hollywood’s Metro Terminal for Improved Accessibility
The project will also bring much-needed upgrades to North Hollywood’s Metro terminal, including a new entrance for the B Line metro on the west side of Lankershim Boulevard, enhancements to the G Line busway terminus, and the addition of new internal roads and pathways. These improvements are essential to effectively manage the expansive development site and improve overall transit access for residents and commuters alike.
Aiming for 10,000 New Housing Units by 2031 to Tackle the Housing Crisis
Metro has set an ambitious goal of constructing 10,000 housing units throughout Los Angeles County by 2031, a strategic effort aimed at tackling Southern California’s housing crisis. As part of this initiative, half of the proposed units are intended to be rent-restricted, catering to low- to moderate-income households and making strides toward alleviating the housing shortage.
Community Voices: Calls for Greater Affordable Housing Solutions
While District NoHo includes 366 rent-restricted units, some community members argue that the project falls short in addressing the need for affordable housing comprehensively. The initiative, led by the nonprofit NoHo Home Alliance, advocates for an increased number of budget-friendly units to ensure that the development serves a broader spectrum of the community.
Critiques of the Project: Concerns Over Affordability and Community Impact
Desmond Faison from Reimagine District NoHo voiced concerns, stating, “The government’s obligation is to do the most good for the most people.” Critics argue that the project may cater primarily to wealthier residents, with Glenn Block, another community member involved with Reimagine District NoHo, suggesting that the potential of the 15 acres could be better utilized for more inclusive housing solutions.
Increased Affordable Housing Units in Revised Plans
According to Metro project manager Marie Sullivan, the final proposal will feature nearly 100 additional rent-restricted units compared to initial plans. However, funding limitations from various sources contribute to the overall scarcity of affordable housing units. “There’s only so much affordable housing funding that comes from federal, state, and local sources each year,” Sullivan noted.
Funding Public Benefits Through Market-Rate Units
Metro is strategically leveraging revenue from market-rate units to finance other essential components of the development, such as parks and shopping areas, which are crucial for enhancing community engagement and quality of life. “We need the revenue from market-rate homes to fund a lot of these public benefits,” Sullivan explained.
Job Creation and Economic Impact: Boosting Local Employment Opportunities
District NoHo is poised to significantly contribute to the local economy by creating approximately 10,000 jobs during the construction phase, with an additional 2,500 jobs connected to ongoing operational needs. The anticipated construction investment is projected to reach $1 billion, further solidifying the project’s role in revitalizing the area.
Demolition of Existing Structures: Preparing for New Development
The development process will involve the demolition of nearly 50,000 square feet of surface parking and commercial spaces, making way for the new mixed-use facilities that will define District NoHo. This transition is part of a broader vision for sustainable urban development that prioritizes efficient land use and community needs.
A Vision for Sustainable Urban Development: A Game-Changer for the Valley
Having been in the planning stages since 2015, District NoHo represents a progressive model of sustainable development that could serve as an example for future projects throughout the region. Krekorian remarked, “This is a game-changer for the Valley,” highlighting the potential impact this initiative will have on shaping a more sustainable and equitable urban landscape.
