Just a few days after hearing that Silver Lake's Coffee Table lost its lease, Eating L.A. received this alert for the huge condo project proposed for the Coffee Table site. Developer Paul Pagnone says the Coffee Table will lease back a new space in the development, which makes sense since it's on a commercial block, and he says there will be plenty of parking. But this 64-unit planned development clearly seems way too big for that incredibly busy and cramped stretch of Rowena. Here's the gist:
URGENT ACTION ALERT
-64 condo development 3 stories high planned for Rowena Ave.
-buildings along 200 feet of Rowena to be demolished, including The Coffee Table, 3 lots engulfed by new construction
-traffic, parking, pedestrian safety: how will these issues be addressed?
Attend the community meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Ivanhoe School
Write or call councilmember Tom LaBonge (Tom.Labonge@lacity.org) and Chief Planning Deputy Renee Weitzer (Renee.Weitzer@lacity.org)
Contact the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council at (323) 661-7562 -- Urge them to downscale the project!
Visit www.rowenacommunityvision.com, make copies of the flyer and elevation and distribute them on your block.
archived comments:
cybele said:
Wow! I had no idea that's what was going on over there. I haven't been to TCT for a couple of months. I'm posting on blogging.la to try to get the word out.This is going to completely change Hyperion, and I don't think it's a positive step. Thanks for the heads up.
Anonymous said...
I think condo projects are a great thing for our city. We have a severe housing shortage and massive sprawl to the I.E. and the valley. More people living IN the city is a good thing... don't be afraid of urban infill! It actually creates less traffic and allows people to walk to more destinations. Rowena is a very busy street and would be the perfect place for this type of project.
Pat Saperstein said...
In general, I agree that we need more infill. But there are still tons of empty lots -- like the condos being built under Sunset Blvd. at Myra -- and that part of Rowena is already too congested. I also have a hard time with tearing down small-scale older buildings in order to put up much larger ones.
Anonymous said...
well, if i'm remembering correctly what order the buildings are in, we'll lose three awful ugly low density retail and one cute house (also retail). it could be worse.as a long time silverlaker, and someone who would like to own property in the hood, i'm in favor of this project. the density can only make silverlake an even better place to live. i don't believe that the width of the street dictates the proper or correct height of the buildings. in fact, i would even be in favor of slimming rowena down to one lane in either direction and painting in bikelanes, diagonal parking, and installing wide sidewalks (all the better for the new coffeetable). but of course, i've never studied such design, just lived in it.
Scott said...
64 condos is not that huge...
bza said...
I agree this is not a "monstrosity" on the order of what they were planning at the derby, but you have to admit that that intersection already has enough congestion. Don't be fooled into thinking just because there is a supermarket around the corner no one who lives there is going to be driving anywhere.
Anonymous said...
No further development of Rowena should happen without first taking measures to make walking, bicycling and driving in this area SAFE. Ivanhoe Elementary School is a block away. People run the light at W. Silverlake EVERY DAY. I know - I walk my daughter to school EVERY DAY. I live and walk here - DO YOU? Pedestrians have been seriously injured on several occassions trying to cross the street at Herkimer (from the Coffee Table, etc). 130+ parking spaces will only invite MORE TRAFFIC. To permit this new development (or any future development) to go in without properly addressing the horrible safety situation along Rowena is IRRESPONSIBLE and lacks foresight or concern for the community.The Pagnone development will set a precedent for other developers along Rowena. It is already a gauntlet for those who live, work, walk and ride. I am pro-develoment, but I am pro-sensible development. So far, no one has demonstrated that the 64-Unit Complex is sensible, responsible, or right for the community. For more information, please visit http://rowenacommunityvision.com and sign up for the mailing list. A community meeting on the subject will be held at Ivanhoe School Wed. February 22, 2006 at 7pm
Anonymous said...
I don't buy it. Condo projects on the scale of this Rowena one belong near metro stops. Urban infill is OK only if the density of a community can sustain it. Does the developer live in Silver Lake? I doubt it. Anyone who shops at Trader Joes and lives near Rowena knows that Silver Lake is dense enough. It's not about what will be torn down, it's about the impact of what might go in. It doesn't look too bad but this modern thing is going to take up such a huge portion of the block we might all just as well be living on the westside. It's got no character and it's not responsible. It's just about money, not the community. Like I said, I don't buy it.
Anonymous said...
add another trader joes in the area and it'll be okay
Anonymous said...
I don't think Silverlake is all that dense, but it does have the worst drivers and parkers in the city. The TJ's lot is designed for mayhem. I doubt that 64 condos are going to change Hyperion/Rowena all that much--it's already a racetrack to the 2.
Donna B. said...
I saw the action sign the other night, but I had no idea Coffee Table was actually going to close. That is such a famous place, I have friends who want to go there before anyplace else around here. I hate Blairs, so over-priced with mediocre food, and there's no place else for pretty good, pretty cheap.But even more, it gives the area a kind of character that enhances the value of property here, whereas a condo would certainly detract from its value. And there are the cutest apartment buildings right next to the CT, with interesting spaces between them. The design is so fascinating that I've gone up there just to walk around! I've never seen apartments like that, but I guess they don't count for any kind of design status.As far as Rowena being busy, I find it impossible to cross the block during the daytime, and I have to, to mail anything down the block there. Trader Joe's is a joke, and how many accidents I've almost been in, and how many arguments have I gotten in with the crappy drivers? Too many. Everyone in my apt building agrees the TJ is the WORST, in the city! I'd rather go to others in the valley, that are bigger and cleaner and faster!I blame La Bonge for all of this overbuilding, and pandering to businesses and the higher bidder. I have lots of stories about him. I've been to several meetings, taken him on before, and I'll surely go to this one.
Anonymous said...
"Everyone in my apt building agrees the TJ is the WORST, in the city! I'd rather go to others in the valley, that are bigger and cleaner and faster!"If you want mayhem, try the TJ's on Beverly and La Brea.Sorry to see the Coffee Table go. I ate their regularly before its expansion.
Anonymous said...
to the person that said Rowena isn't going to change all that much: I hope Pat writes an article about you eating your words. I'll be there with condiments.
Instapi said...
I was told by a local activist distributing flyers against the new building project that the owner of the Coffee Table had actually chosen to sell to the developer: did the CT guy sell or did he lose his lease because his landlord wanted to sell? Thanks to the people in the know,
Donna B said...
Emmanuelle,I am wondering the same thing. It's very suspicious that suddenly the CT can't afford its rent now, but it knows it can afford it after it's all built up by this builder??? The CT is obviously in cahoots with the builder!I saw a notice last night put up by the builder, right underneath the Activist notice. It was sort of threatening, saying that if we don't let THIS builder do the job, some other builder won't listen to the community, and will do worse! (Of course, I took it down! :)
Anonymous said...
curious, I did some research. in eagle rock the same names pop up together: Sislin, Pagnone and Coffee Table. What the hell is going on? Is our community being coopted?
MCE said...
place the frustration where it's due ... with Trader Joes, theyre either really incompetent or sadistic ... they know perfectly well how popular their stores are and how much traffic they will generate yet they continue to build cramped stores no larger than mini-marts with insufficient parking ... if they had some vision/responsibility they would build something on scale with the Gelsons around the street ... Silverlake is not dense ... especially in the immediate area were talking about ... except for the odd apartment building the area is primarily single-family detached homes ... the only area even approaching some concept of density is the area further south ... furthermore, as stated, the CT isnt going anywhere, itll have a new space in the development ... I find it laughable that you all cite parking and congestion as a concern over a project that includes parking as opposed to an existing building that relies entirely on (non-existent) street parkingeveryone assumes the developer is evil ... what is wrong with investment in the community? these are people who want to move in and support businesses in the area and take advantage of the many amenities of this neighborhood ... dont villify these people for wanting the same things you already have ... I dont think the scale of the project matters, which for the record isnt that big, I think you would oppose any new development in favor of some unrealistic vision of what you want your community to be ... this is an urban neighborhood in flux, like everywhere else, projects like these help to create streetlife and bring new customers for businessesRowena is not all that, its a tired shabby street with a few bright spots that unfortunately have no relationship to each other because there are so many deadspots on the street ... the addition of street traffic from new residents could spur additional investment ... maybe it could be much more than a shortcut to the 2 and for the record, Im a resident
Anonymous said...
development is welcome as long as it fits. And by the way, there isn't any vision for Rowena unrealistic or otherwise. And that's the problem. Where's the planning?
Anonymous said...
I'm going to the community meeting. Hope everyone else here is.
Anonymous said...
to the person who said..."Rowena is not all that, its a tired shabby street with a few bright spots that unfortunately have no relationship to each other "This project will widen the dead spots even more...this development plan has way "less character" ...it looks sterile and boring to me and I am wondering how this is going to affect the other businesses on Rowena.... I doubt that this condo project is going to improve the foot traffic in that area. It only means more cars and more congestion.I agree that if TJ's would find a better spot in Silverlake with sufficient parking (perhaps somewhere along Riverside Dr.) it would improve the craziness along Hyperion and maybe people wouldn't use Rowena as a shortcut to the 2 FWY.
Anonymous said...
I suggest that anyone commenting on this look at the illustration of what this building will look like -- there is no visible commercial space at all and it is an enormous monolith that looks nothing like Silverlake and literally dwarfs anything around it. Also, what no one is saying is that one of the best things about our neighborhood is being able to walk to great, funky boutiques and restaurants that really epitomize the Silverlake feeling -- and this project will replace four of our commercial buildings on one of the most prominent streets with one huge residential structure. This would detract from the neighborhood and works against the principles of urban infill, which is supposed to be about less driving, not more. I support additional housing and don't have a problem with condos that make sense for the neighborhood (I actually work for one of the largest residential developers in the country) -- but this doesn't make sense. And for those of you who think this will create affordable housing, look at the history of what these types of condos go for and think again.
Anonymous said...
I second what some folks said earlier. Just because people will be living within walking distance of TJs doesn't mean for one dang second that they will actually WALK there. As an Angeleno who doesn't mind walking blocks upon blocks to avoid using valets in most of the city, ($8? That's a drink at the bar, man), I'm always shocked to see my coworkers driving to lunch when it's a mere 5-10 minute walk away. citizenrobot.com
Wow! I had no idea that's what was going on over there. I haven't been to TCT for a couple of months. I'm posting on blogging.la to try to get the word out.This is going to completely change Hyperion, and I don't think it's a positive step. Thanks for the heads up.
Anonymous said...
I think condo projects are a great thing for our city. We have a severe housing shortage and massive sprawl to the I.E. and the valley. More people living IN the city is a good thing... don't be afraid of urban infill! It actually creates less traffic and allows people to walk to more destinations. Rowena is a very busy street and would be the perfect place for this type of project.
Pat Saperstein said...
In general, I agree that we need more infill. But there are still tons of empty lots -- like the condos being built under Sunset Blvd. at Myra -- and that part of Rowena is already too congested. I also have a hard time with tearing down small-scale older buildings in order to put up much larger ones.
Anonymous said...
well, if i'm remembering correctly what order the buildings are in, we'll lose three awful ugly low density retail and one cute house (also retail). it could be worse.as a long time silverlaker, and someone who would like to own property in the hood, i'm in favor of this project. the density can only make silverlake an even better place to live. i don't believe that the width of the street dictates the proper or correct height of the buildings. in fact, i would even be in favor of slimming rowena down to one lane in either direction and painting in bikelanes, diagonal parking, and installing wide sidewalks (all the better for the new coffeetable). but of course, i've never studied such design, just lived in it.
Scott said...
64 condos is not that huge...
bza said...
I agree this is not a "monstrosity" on the order of what they were planning at the derby, but you have to admit that that intersection already has enough congestion. Don't be fooled into thinking just because there is a supermarket around the corner no one who lives there is going to be driving anywhere.
Anonymous said...
No further development of Rowena should happen without first taking measures to make walking, bicycling and driving in this area SAFE. Ivanhoe Elementary School is a block away. People run the light at W. Silverlake EVERY DAY. I know - I walk my daughter to school EVERY DAY. I live and walk here - DO YOU? Pedestrians have been seriously injured on several occassions trying to cross the street at Herkimer (from the Coffee Table, etc). 130+ parking spaces will only invite MORE TRAFFIC. To permit this new development (or any future development) to go in without properly addressing the horrible safety situation along Rowena is IRRESPONSIBLE and lacks foresight or concern for the community.The Pagnone development will set a precedent for other developers along Rowena. It is already a gauntlet for those who live, work, walk and ride. I am pro-develoment, but I am pro-sensible development. So far, no one has demonstrated that the 64-Unit Complex is sensible, responsible, or right for the community. For more information, please visit http://rowenacommunityvision.com and sign up for the mailing list. A community meeting on the subject will be held at Ivanhoe School Wed. February 22, 2006 at 7pm
Anonymous said...
I don't buy it. Condo projects on the scale of this Rowena one belong near metro stops. Urban infill is OK only if the density of a community can sustain it. Does the developer live in Silver Lake? I doubt it. Anyone who shops at Trader Joes and lives near Rowena knows that Silver Lake is dense enough. It's not about what will be torn down, it's about the impact of what might go in. It doesn't look too bad but this modern thing is going to take up such a huge portion of the block we might all just as well be living on the westside. It's got no character and it's not responsible. It's just about money, not the community. Like I said, I don't buy it.
Anonymous said...
add another trader joes in the area and it'll be okay
Anonymous said...
I don't think Silverlake is all that dense, but it does have the worst drivers and parkers in the city. The TJ's lot is designed for mayhem. I doubt that 64 condos are going to change Hyperion/Rowena all that much--it's already a racetrack to the 2.
Donna B. said...
I saw the action sign the other night, but I had no idea Coffee Table was actually going to close. That is such a famous place, I have friends who want to go there before anyplace else around here. I hate Blairs, so over-priced with mediocre food, and there's no place else for pretty good, pretty cheap.But even more, it gives the area a kind of character that enhances the value of property here, whereas a condo would certainly detract from its value. And there are the cutest apartment buildings right next to the CT, with interesting spaces between them. The design is so fascinating that I've gone up there just to walk around! I've never seen apartments like that, but I guess they don't count for any kind of design status.As far as Rowena being busy, I find it impossible to cross the block during the daytime, and I have to, to mail anything down the block there. Trader Joe's is a joke, and how many accidents I've almost been in, and how many arguments have I gotten in with the crappy drivers? Too many. Everyone in my apt building agrees the TJ is the WORST, in the city! I'd rather go to others in the valley, that are bigger and cleaner and faster!I blame La Bonge for all of this overbuilding, and pandering to businesses and the higher bidder. I have lots of stories about him. I've been to several meetings, taken him on before, and I'll surely go to this one.
Anonymous said...
"Everyone in my apt building agrees the TJ is the WORST, in the city! I'd rather go to others in the valley, that are bigger and cleaner and faster!"If you want mayhem, try the TJ's on Beverly and La Brea.Sorry to see the Coffee Table go. I ate their regularly before its expansion.
Anonymous said...
to the person that said Rowena isn't going to change all that much: I hope Pat writes an article about you eating your words. I'll be there with condiments.
Instapi said...
I was told by a local activist distributing flyers against the new building project that the owner of the Coffee Table had actually chosen to sell to the developer: did the CT guy sell or did he lose his lease because his landlord wanted to sell? Thanks to the people in the know,
Donna B said...
Emmanuelle,I am wondering the same thing. It's very suspicious that suddenly the CT can't afford its rent now, but it knows it can afford it after it's all built up by this builder??? The CT is obviously in cahoots with the builder!I saw a notice last night put up by the builder, right underneath the Activist notice. It was sort of threatening, saying that if we don't let THIS builder do the job, some other builder won't listen to the community, and will do worse! (Of course, I took it down! :)
Anonymous said...
curious, I did some research. in eagle rock the same names pop up together: Sislin, Pagnone and Coffee Table. What the hell is going on? Is our community being coopted?
MCE said...
place the frustration where it's due ... with Trader Joes, theyre either really incompetent or sadistic ... they know perfectly well how popular their stores are and how much traffic they will generate yet they continue to build cramped stores no larger than mini-marts with insufficient parking ... if they had some vision/responsibility they would build something on scale with the Gelsons around the street ... Silverlake is not dense ... especially in the immediate area were talking about ... except for the odd apartment building the area is primarily single-family detached homes ... the only area even approaching some concept of density is the area further south ... furthermore, as stated, the CT isnt going anywhere, itll have a new space in the development ... I find it laughable that you all cite parking and congestion as a concern over a project that includes parking as opposed to an existing building that relies entirely on (non-existent) street parkingeveryone assumes the developer is evil ... what is wrong with investment in the community? these are people who want to move in and support businesses in the area and take advantage of the many amenities of this neighborhood ... dont villify these people for wanting the same things you already have ... I dont think the scale of the project matters, which for the record isnt that big, I think you would oppose any new development in favor of some unrealistic vision of what you want your community to be ... this is an urban neighborhood in flux, like everywhere else, projects like these help to create streetlife and bring new customers for businessesRowena is not all that, its a tired shabby street with a few bright spots that unfortunately have no relationship to each other because there are so many deadspots on the street ... the addition of street traffic from new residents could spur additional investment ... maybe it could be much more than a shortcut to the 2 and for the record, Im a resident
Anonymous said...
development is welcome as long as it fits. And by the way, there isn't any vision for Rowena unrealistic or otherwise. And that's the problem. Where's the planning?
Anonymous said...
I'm going to the community meeting. Hope everyone else here is.
Anonymous said...
to the person who said..."Rowena is not all that, its a tired shabby street with a few bright spots that unfortunately have no relationship to each other "This project will widen the dead spots even more...this development plan has way "less character" ...it looks sterile and boring to me and I am wondering how this is going to affect the other businesses on Rowena.... I doubt that this condo project is going to improve the foot traffic in that area. It only means more cars and more congestion.I agree that if TJ's would find a better spot in Silverlake with sufficient parking (perhaps somewhere along Riverside Dr.) it would improve the craziness along Hyperion and maybe people wouldn't use Rowena as a shortcut to the 2 FWY.
Anonymous said...
I suggest that anyone commenting on this look at the illustration of what this building will look like -- there is no visible commercial space at all and it is an enormous monolith that looks nothing like Silverlake and literally dwarfs anything around it. Also, what no one is saying is that one of the best things about our neighborhood is being able to walk to great, funky boutiques and restaurants that really epitomize the Silverlake feeling -- and this project will replace four of our commercial buildings on one of the most prominent streets with one huge residential structure. This would detract from the neighborhood and works against the principles of urban infill, which is supposed to be about less driving, not more. I support additional housing and don't have a problem with condos that make sense for the neighborhood (I actually work for one of the largest residential developers in the country) -- but this doesn't make sense. And for those of you who think this will create affordable housing, look at the history of what these types of condos go for and think again.
Anonymous said...
I second what some folks said earlier. Just because people will be living within walking distance of TJs doesn't mean for one dang second that they will actually WALK there. As an Angeleno who doesn't mind walking blocks upon blocks to avoid using valets in most of the city, ($8? That's a drink at the bar, man), I'm always shocked to see my coworkers driving to lunch when it's a mere 5-10 minute walk away. citizenrobot.com
