USC Village- Bye-bye, for now (Westwood: 2014, renters, hotel)

[theraven24]

I've lived near USC since birth, and would visit the Village from time to time. Over the years, things just got worse over there, especially the movie theater. It got to the point where the only places I'd visit were Denny's and maybe the Baskin Robbins over there. I know SC has had plans to demolish the Village in favor of a more upscale look. It sounded like nothing but talk...until now. My mom and I were driving nearby and noticed every single building in the lot is now empty and behind tarps and gates. It's like a ghost town. They're finally starting the new project, which will include shops, eateries, a grocery store, a hotel, a movie theater and even dorms for students, I believe. The fire station is also getting a makeover. I believe the same man behind The Grove and The Americana is doing this renovation.

I'm excited for this. What do you guys and gals think?



UV Renovation Plans Progress After Public Hearing | ATVN



USC : Curbed LA



USC VILLAGE | SB Architects



Will University Village Reconstruction Affect Farmer's Market?



USC VILLAGE | SB Architects



It takes a village*|*Daily Trojan

[jm1982]

I graduated from USC and I have been hearing about this project for a while . I think it's great . The former "uv" was a shame with marginal businesses that were not appealing .

I know a lot of people criticize the grove and Americana for being fake , but they are better than shopping centers filled with business like the uv had

USC is a world class college / institution and it deserves to have decent amenities nearby .

Even now there are a ton of better places than I was there in the early 2000s .. But with this new project it will probably surpass Westwood village in appeal.

Progress and development in la too often gets delayed .
USC has been very generous with the neighborhood from what I can see.

Looking forward to seeing this project done

[theraven24]

Lucky you, I very much want to be a Trojan. Congrats, by the way.

I go to Mount St. Mary's (MSMC), specifically the campus near UCLA, and Westwood is boring to me. I'm sure it's because my peers and I always go there, but it really is tired. I believe this new project will definitely surpass Westwood, especially in terms of aesthetics.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by jm1982

I graduated from USC and I have been hearing about this project for a while . I think it's great . The former "uv" was a shame with marginal businesses that were not appealing .

I know a lot of people criticize the grove and Americana for being fake , but they are better than shopping centers filled with business like the uv had

USC is a world class college / institution and it deserves to have decent amenities nearby .

Even now there are a ton of better places than I was there in the early 2000s .. But with this new project it will probably surpass Westwood village in appeal.

Progress and development in la too often gets delayed .
USC has been very generous with the neighborhood from what I can see.

Looking forward to seeing this project done

Boy isn't that true: I am excited for the area and the students plus everyone else around the university. I did not go to USC (wanted to) but I have always been an SC fan and the area has needed something like this for decades. "uv" just didn't cut it.

[CDJudge]

Looks awesome!

[simbared]

I think it is LONG overdue. We went to the Galen Center for the first time this weekend, and it is a very nice arena. I'm amazed they were able to squeeze so much between Figueroa and Flower. I'm sure the new development will be equally successful. USC needs a nice place for shopping and entertainment that is within walking distance, and the new project looks very well thought out.

Westwood Village was the happening place for L.A. a few decades ago (not just for neighborhood locals and UCLA), and it is a shame what it has turned into. Someone needs to come up with a master plan -- it could be a gold mine in the right hands.

[jm1982]

Development happens slowly oftentimes it seems in LA.

The USC village probably would of been built already if roadblocks weren't thrown up by certain groups

This is an example
Neighbors Worried The Village at USC Will Be Too Gentrifying - Around Campus - Curbed LA

I guess there are a lot of people against change . I bet most of these people will end up agreeing that the Village project is the better alternative to the old UV once it's done .

The argument that rents might go up and displace long term renters out of the area is a weak one because most structures in the area are old enough to be under rent control

There are also lots of longtime homeowners around the area , some of which could see their property values go up which is a plus .

Wanting to keep rents low and property values low seems to be a bad strategy

Also better jobs will be available most likely so that will benefit the community

Regarding Westwood village , the residents there are also notoriously anti development .

Bottom line : there are plans that would work and make areas better , but roadblocks can delay them or make them never happen .

The subway is a good example of this , residents and politicians blocked it for decades if they hadn't we would of had it built already .

It seems that things eventually get done after the court battles anyways after the lawyers get their payouts.

[genjy]

Originally Posted by simbared

Westwood Village was the happening place for L.A. a few decades ago (not just for neighborhood locals and UCLA), and it is a shame what it has turned into. Someone needs to come up with a master plan -- it could be a gold mine in the right hands.

I think partly is because Westwood Village is a really tough place to drive to nowadays. The freeway, exits, and local streets are all awfully congested. No doubt that a few decades ago (even 20-30 years ago), there were fewer cars and less traffic. And once you actually get there, the parking situation becomes your next hurdle.

The USC Village is different--it's served by the Expo Line. No driving necessary. USC really has hit the jackpot with its couple new Metro Rail stations.

[theraven24]

A flyover of...dirt and posts. I will be bumping this thread as the project moves along.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvozs_hI_wc

[StreetLegal]

Originally Posted by genjy

I think partly is because Westwood Village is a really tough place to drive to nowadays. The freeway, exits, and local streets are all awfully congested. No doubt that a few decades ago (even 20-30 years ago), there were fewer cars and less traffic. And once you actually get there, the parking situation becomes your next hurdle.

The USC Village is different--it's served by the Expo Line. No driving necessary. USC really has hit the jackpot with its couple new Metro Rail stations.

Plus the jackpot of a once dormant downtown finally coming to life over the past 15 years. That has also increased USC's appeal.