The skyline of Los Angeles’ Arts District remains on track to be transformed by a series of major developments flanking the LA River.  Along Mesquit Street, a Bjarke Ingels Group-designed development of four towers has submitted a final environmental impact report, while a neighboring tower by EYRC Architects recently overcame an appeal which sought to block its construction.

BIG’s scheme at 670 Mesquit was first unveiled in 2016 and now constitutes four buildings stepping in height along the riverfront, crowned by roof terraces. The tallest tower, measuring 378 feet in height and containing 32 stories, will be dedicated to residential and hotel uses, while the remaining towers will contain a mix of retail, restaurants, gyms, offices, an event space, and a museum. 

Between the development and the river, an expansive public realm is proposed, extending over and above the railway line running adjacent to the waterfront.

“The Arts District is experiencing a rapid renaissance, drawing creatives from all fields from fine arts to engineering,” Bjarke Ingels has previously said about the scheme. “We have asked ourselves if we can renew the arts district by embracing rather than replacing the qualities that have spawned this unique urban culture.”

The scheme recently moved forward with the submission of a final environmental impact report to Los Angeles City Planning. Within the report, the team also set out an alternative schedule of accommodation for the development, which would reduce the volume of retail, increase the office allowance, and include a charter school, all without altering the external form. If approved, the scheme is expected to take five years to construct.

Meanwhile, across the street from BIG’s proposal, the EYRC Architects-designed 655 Mesquit has also taken a step closer to realization, having cleared an appeal seeking to block its construction. The Los Angeles City Council unanimously rejected the appeal from an alliance of building trade unions, which argued that the project should be subject to a full environmental impact report like that submitted on BIG’s scheme.

The 14-story building will rise 195 feet in height, holding a mixture of office and commercial space behind a corrugated metal façade. The tower will also sit directly adjacent to another EYRC-designed structure, Produce LA, which was completed last year. The three-story office and commercial building shares its future neighbor’s façade articulation, with corrugated material panels interspersing an irregular rhythm of glazing.

Having cleared the appeal, 655 Mesquit is expected to begin construction next year, with completion slated for 2025.