Whitnall Gardens Project in North Hollywood

Councilmember LaBonge digs-in during a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the Whitnall Gardens project on March 3rd, 2011.

(March 3rd, 2011; Los Angeles) – These days, it’s not enough to create a new greenspace in the City of Los Angeles. Like the rest of us, it has to multi-task. And, that’s exactly what the Whitnall Gardens Demonstration Project will do. Planned for a DWP right-of-way on Whitnall Highway, between Cahuenga Boulevard and Clybourn Avenue that is – let’s be honest – downright ugly, the Whitnall Gardens project will certainly spruce-up the area, with drought-tolerant landscaping to replace the bare-dirt that turns into a quagmire with each heavy rain there. It will include a walking-path that provides area residents a place to get out and exercise or just stroll; and drinking fountains along the way. But this project goes deeper – literally. There will be a storm-water catch-basin and permeable pavers that will reduce urban flooding in the area, using a series of gutters to direct runoff into the catch-basin and any overflow into nearby storm-drains. The captured storm-water will be allowed to percolate naturally into the San Fernando Valley Groundwater basin, much as nature intended – with a little help from our engineers and the excellent soil in the area, which allows for sponge-like infiltration at a rate of 8.2 feet per day.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge welcomed community members and city officials to the ground-breaking event for this multi-benefit project, which will cost around a million-dollars to complete. “This is a great collaboration among my Council office, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Bureau of Sanitation, the MidTown North Hollywood Neighborhood Council and the community.” The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Water-Systems is kicking-in $200,000.00 for the project, as well as lifting restriction on use of the easement itself. Councilmember LaBonge says, “It’s something we’ve been working on for a long time, and I’m so pleased that we’re now able to break ground on this important recreation and beautification effort here in North Hollywood.” Construction is slated to begin at the site in the summer of 2011.. Michael A. Coia, Assistant General Manager of the LADWP Power System said, “In addition to beautifying the community by the addition of a drought-tolerant garden, we are creating an open interactive space and a stormwater capture site all in one.”

North Hollywood Recreation Center Lighting

The North Hollywood Recreation Center rehab project will provide lighting repairs and electrical upgrades as necessary, as well as renovation of the gymnasium.

Construction on this project is currently underway.

Tiara Street Intergenerational Center

Designs are underway for a 2,200-square-foot intergenerational center, a community park with a new playground, picnic areas, a 22-car parking lot, an outdoor amphitheater, and board game area on Tiara Street. This $2.1 million project will be built on a 1.56-acre property that is currently undeveloped. Construction is expected to be completed by next year.

Campo De Cahuenga

The renovation of the Campo de Cahuenga, the historic adobe at 3919 Lankershim Boulevard, is underway. The adobe, where the Mexican-American War ended in California with the 1847 signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga, has never had the equipment to properly preserve its historic documents and artifacts in a museum-quality atmosphere.
The $250,000 renovation project (funded through Prop K) includes several elements including the installation of air conditioning for the first time. Heating and lighting will also be upgraded, as will the electrical system to accommodate these upgrades. New grill work over the windows will provide security and add historic character to the building’s facade.

River Supply Conduit

An aging water supply line that stretches from the North Hollywood Pump Station to Ivanhoe Reservoir in Silver Lake will be replaced over the next decade as part of a major water quality improvement project by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
The River Supply Conduit is a 70-year-old pipeline that transports water from the San Fernando Valley to central Los Angeles. Its replacement will be 36,000 linear feet of new pipe of varying widths. The massive project has been divided into an Upper and a Lower Reach.
The Upper Reach portion of the project will connect the North Hollywood Pump Station to the new Headworks Reservoir that is to be constructed adjacent to Griffith Park. Construction will begin in March 2010 and finish in July 2012.
For more information, visit LADWP.com.

See our story about the March, 2009 Lower Reach Unit 3 groundbreaking.

Metro Universal proposed development

Councilmember LaBonge has pressed developers to scale back the size and density of this project, proposed for Lankershim Boulevard in Studio City. Click here to read more about this issue.

NoHo Gateway

The gateway by artist Peter Shire has been completed and installed. For more information on the project click here.

NoHo Commons

Phase II of this multi-phase development project on Lankershim Boulevard includes a new office/theater/restaurant complex. The project is a public-private partnership between the City of Los Angeles, the JH Snyder Company and Laemmle Theaters. Click here to read more.