Development Springs Up Along the River

The Los Angeles River redevelopment project—an estimated $1 billion project that is still in its infancy—is giving developers a new stomping ground for multifamily development. Developer Terra River has completed the Bend, a 40-unit creative living campus along the Los Angeles River designed by KFA Architects. The project redeveloped an existing 1947 structure, and is one of the first development projects to open along the river.

“Much like other major urban cities, rivers create park, gathering and circulation spaces for residents. The plans to redevelop the LA River are centered on creating a vibrant community amenity along the river that winds through the city, linking neighborhoods and creating a network of green space from the mountains to the sea,” Lise Bornstein, a Partner at KFA Architects, tells GlobeSt.com. “As a piece of this emerging mosaic, the project will create a welcoming and engaged edge along the river, opening up the façade along the bike path, and tearing down and existing 8 foot CMU wall that once formed a barrier to the site. The architectural language and materials were inspired by an eclectic mix of local industrial vernacular combined with the soft organic natural influence of the river.”

The project was designed to integrate into what will become a vibrant Los Angeles park and gathering place for Angelenos. “The project connects to the new L.A. River revitalization efforts and master plans for embracing the river including the newly completed Marsh Park to our north,” adds Bornstein. “It is just south of the Glendale Narrows and part of the river that has a natural, earthen bottom. We can imagine that residents who live here will have active interaction with the river – kayaking, biking and exploring along the water's edge, showcasing a river that has been ignored for such a long time. The river's edge is becoming a front yard for people who live and explore the area.”

KFA approached the project as a seamless part of the river and its impending transformation into a network of green spaces and parks. “The project, while mid-sized, embodies all of the components that reflect and reinforce this transformation: live/work units that support entrepreneurial business owners and artists and commercial spaces in the new building as well as the existing bow-string truss warehouse that engage the river and street,” adds Bornstein. “This provides an architectural framework to our client's vision for embracing the river's edge and creating a welcome stop along the bike path.”

To bring the river into the project, KFA designed open spaces with panoramic views of the river. The space is open and accessible space while maintaining the integrity of the historic structure. “One of our solutions was to create a feature of our walkway and stairs at the end of the courtyard, adding a common roof deck above and seating areas for the commercial tenants below, encouraging people to explore, mix, and enjoy the river view,” adds Bornstein. “We had fun playing the industrial history and vernacular of the site off of the organic river influence.”

The Los Angeles River redevelopment project—an estimated $1 billion project that is still in its infancy—is giving developers a new stomping ground for multifamily development. Developer Terra River has completed the Bend, a 40-unit creative living campus along the Los Angeles River designed by KFA Architects. The project redeveloped an existing 1947 structure, and is one of the first development projects to open along the river.

“Much like other major urban cities, rivers create park, gathering and circulation spaces for residents. The plans to redevelop the LA River are centered on creating a vibrant community amenity along the river that winds through the city, linking neighborhoods and creating a network of green space from the mountains to the sea,” Lise Bornstein, a Partner at KFA Architects, tells GlobeSt.com. “As a piece of this emerging mosaic, the project will create a welcoming and engaged edge along the river, opening up the façade along the bike path, and tearing down and existing 8 foot CMU wall that once formed a barrier to the site. The architectural language and materials were inspired by an eclectic mix of local industrial vernacular combined with the soft organic natural influence of the river.”

The project was designed to integrate into what will become a vibrant Los Angeles park and gathering place for Angelenos. “The project connects to the new L.A. River revitalization efforts and master plans for embracing the river including the newly completed Marsh Park to our north,” adds Bornstein. “It is just south of the Glendale Narrows and part of the river that has a natural, earthen bottom. We can imagine that residents who live here will have active interaction with the river – kayaking, biking and exploring along the water's edge, showcasing a river that has been ignored for such a long time. The river's edge is becoming a front yard for people who live and explore the area.”

KFA approached the project as a seamless part of the river and its impending transformation into a network of green spaces and parks. “The project, while mid-sized, embodies all of the components that reflect and reinforce this transformation: live/work units that support entrepreneurial business owners and artists and commercial spaces in the new building as well as the existing bow-string truss warehouse that engage the river and street,” adds Bornstein. “This provides an architectural framework to our client's vision for embracing the river's edge and creating a welcome stop along the bike path.”

To bring the river into the project, KFA designed open spaces with panoramic views of the river. The space is open and accessible space while maintaining the integrity of the historic structure. “One of our solutions was to create a feature of our walkway and stairs at the end of the courtyard, adding a common roof deck above and seating areas for the commercial tenants below, encouraging people to explore, mix, and enjoy the river view,” adds Bornstein. “We had fun playing the industrial history and vernacular of the site off of the organic river influence.”