Downtown continues to simmer with activity.

Residential Tower to Make Heavy Use of Greenery

Developer Crescent Heights and architecture firm ODA have released new renderings of 1045 South Olive, a 70-story residential tower planned for downtown Los Angeles, Skyrise Cities reported in September. Based on the renderings, the 247-m-tall building will be notable for its use of vegetation in landscaping and as prominent features on the building itself. It will feature 12,504 sq. ft. of ground-level retail and an eight-story parking podium. The building is scheduled for completion in 2023.

“Kaleidoscopic-Like Landmark” Planned

A 58-story skyscraper at 811 West Olympic Boulevard in downtown L.A. would be, according to architect Nardi Associates, a “kaleidoscopic-like landmark,” Construction Dive reported. The L.A. Department of City Planning has issued a draft environmental impact report for Olympic Tower, which would include 374 condominiums across 24 stories and a 373-room hotel on 17 stories. Also on the drawing boards are 14 levels of parking — eight aboveground and six below. Concerns about issues such as increased traffic and pollution are often outweighed by a development’s revenue and job-generating potential, the source noted. Developer Olymfig26 LLC hopes to break ground within two years.

Plans for Hudson’s Site in Detroit Get Taller

A skyscraper being developed by Bedrock LLC in downtown Detroit on the site of the former J.L. Hudson’s department store could rise from a planned 800 to 912 ft., Crain’s Detroit Business reported. In October, demolition of an underground parking garage on the Woodward Avenue site was nearly complete, paving the way for a development that will include residences, “possibly a hotel and other uses.” Bedrock principal Dan Gilbert said the height increase would allow him to get the most flexibility out of the property. Initially planned at 734 ft. tall, this is the second time the proposed height has increased. If the 912 ft. height is approved, the tower will be one of the tallest in the U.S. Barker Mohandas LLC is the project’s vertical-transportation consultant.