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Larchmont Chronicle
MAY 2021
SECTION TWO
Excitement builds for ‘The Grand’ opening By John Welborne For those who regularly work downtown and/or visit the Bunker Hill cultural venues on Grand Avenue — but who have not ventured to that part of town for more than a year because of COVID-19 — a big surprise is in store. Just as though magically dropped from the sky — on the site of the infamous, former “tinker toy” parking structure directly across Grand Ave. from Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall — there are two new, topped-out highrise buildings! At their base is a rapidly-evolving restaurant and retail hub, all on top of a through-block carriageway for arriving and departing vehicles. This is “The Grand” (sometimes being marketed as “The Grand LA”). It is what was to be the first part of The Related Companies’ multi-parcel re-imagining of the remaining vacant real estate on Bunker Hill. But as most people know, real estate economics led to delay of this, the primary project, while local politics managed to obtain what was to be the finalé — Grand Park — first. So, the public has been enjoying Grand Park since 2012, while the developers were waiting for funding that finally materialized in time for a February, 2019 groundbreaking for the full block of mixed-use construction now underway. Last month, the intricacies of the development project were shared with members and guests of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Attendees enjoyed a virtual site tour and learned about the project that will have
opening at Jerry Moss Plaza
THE GRAND features a multi-level “Center Plaza” with shops and restaurants between the two new towers with their hotel and residences, all directly across Grand Avenue from the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Rendering from Related Cos.
a transformational effect on downtown Los Angeles. Moderated by Clare De Briere, participants in the ULI seminar heard from three key representatives from The Related Group’s development team and Tensho Takemori of Gehry Partners. The speakers described the planned 176,000 square feet of available retail and restaurant locations. A main feature of the design is public space. A centerpiece is the 20-story,
309-room Equinox Hotel on the corner of First and Grand. There also will be residences in the two towers, including the taller at 39 stories. The 400 total residences not only will include premium units built to condominium specifications (although all residences will be rental for the foreseeable future), they also will include 20 percent affordable units. Anticipated completion of The Grand is sometime in 2022.
Spring is busting out all over, including in downtown Los Angeles, where the Music Center will kick off its first live performance of the season for the 18th annual “Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center,” at Jerry Moss Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave. For this year’s series, “Dance at Dusk,” patrons can buy a pod of four tickets for safe socially distanced seats to watch the performance live. The series will begin with a debut of “The Super Villainz:
A Tap Dance Act for the Modern Age,” featuring tap dancers with a jazz trio Wed., May 26 to Sun., May 30, with other performances to follow in June and July. Advance reservations will be required. Each pod accommodates up to four people, one household per pod. Masks are required. Outside food and beverages will not be allowed in, and no food and beverages will be available for purchase on site. Water will be available. (Please turn to page 14)
SERIES OPENER “And Still You Must Swing” features tap dancers and a jazz trio in May.
Hollywood Bowl, Ford to reopen for 2021 season The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has reopened its two outdoor venues, the Hollywood Bowl and the John Anson Ford Theater, for the 2021 season. The Bowl will kick off the season with four free concerts for healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers, while the Ford will make the first six shows of its season free to the public.
Based on Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health guidance, the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., initially will be able to open up to a limited capacity of approximately 4,000 attendees per performance in May and June. After the four free concerts scheduled for front line workers Saturdays May 15, 22, June 12 and 26, 14 weeks of concerts will
follow, including a Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. The Ford, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., will open in late July and operate for 15 weeks. The Hollywood Bowl is one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, and it has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its
official opening in 1922. The Ford is one of the oldest performing arts venues in Los Angeles, with an outdoor 1,200seat amphitheater and a rich history dating back to 1920. Programs, dates and ticketing will be announced Tues., May 11 for the Hollywood Bowl and Tues., May 25 for the Ford Theater. Visit hollywoodbowl.com and theford.com.