Century City May Be Looking Up

The district has been a nonstop construction zone for several years, as office spires, including the MGM Tower, have risen on empty lots or in place of razed structures. Now developers are in the early stages of planning two residential projects that would create the first condos in the commercial core.

The constant construction and growing density have riled residents in nearby communities. Many homeowners groups have put developers on notice that they would vigorously resist any further office development because of fears that it would worsen the Westside's already heavy congestion.

They have yet to weigh in officially on the two condominium projects. But some residents acknowledge that condos might signify smart growth.

"People who are going to move to these [condos] want to drive less and walk to the mall and the movies," said Gretchen Lewotsky, who heads the Westside Neighborhood Council's land use committee and works in the area. "It's a great idea. If I had the money, I'd do it myself."

Developers, who have seen the success of high-rise living along the Wilshire Corridor in Westwood, say they hope construction of the condo towers will satisfy some of the pent-up demand for a commodity in short supply on the Westside.

Related Cos., based in Los Angeles, plans to tear down the 32-story St. Regis Hotel, long considered an eyesore, on Avenue of the Stars and replace it with a 39-story tower containing 145 condominiums.

Just down the avenue, at the corner of Constellation Boulevard, Century City Realty Co., a division of JMB Realty, has proposed erecting 483 condos in two 47-story towers and a 12-story loft building. The new buildings would replace City National Bank and the Century Club on a 5.5-acre plot.

Across the street at 2000 Avenue of the Stars, the Shubert Theatre and ABC Entertainment complex have already been dismantled, and a new mixed-use office building is rising in their place.

Los Angeles City Councilman Jack Weiss, who represents the area, said the new condos could help reinvigorate Century City. Nearing completion is an upgrade of the Westfield Century City shopping center, where the aging AMC multiplex is being replaced with new movie theaters. The redevelopment project at 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Weiss added, will include a cultural facility.