Historic LA Filming Complex Could Get $1B Makeover

A revised plan for a revamped ‘Television City’ in mid-city Los Angeles was endorsed by the City Planning Commission, but faces more hurdles before full City Council approval.

1 minute read

September 17, 2024, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of Television City complex in Los Angeles, California.

The Television City complex in Los Angeles, California was built in 1952. | Walter Cicchetti / Adobe Stock

The Los Angeles City Planning Commission expressed support for a proposed $1 billion makeover of the Television City complex in the Fairfax neighborhood.

As Steven Sharp explains in Urbanize LA, the proposal includes revisions to a 2021 plan that reduce proposed office space and limit building height made at the request of City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky. But the project still faces challenges for full approval. “In addition to considering requests for a general plan amendment and a zone change to complete the project, the City Planning Commission was also tasked with reviewing nine appeals seeking to either alter or block construction of the project.”

According to Sharp, “The proposed project would also be accompanied by an approximately $6.4 million public benefits package, include funds for a traffic management plan, cycling infrastructure near the site, streetscape improvements, upgrades to nearby Pan Pacific Park, and affordable housing in Council District 5.”

Friday, September 13, 2024 in Urbanize LA

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Concrete Brutalism building with slanted walls and light visible through an atrium.

What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities

How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.

February 28, 2025 - Justin Hollander

Cars on a New York City street

USDOT Revokes Approval for NYC Congestion Pricing

Despite the administration’s stated concern for the “working class,” 85 percent of Manhattan commuters use public transit to enter the city.

February 20, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Tiny home village for unhoused reisdents in Torrance, California.

Tiny House Villages for Addressing Homelessness: An Interview with Yetimoni Kpeebi

One researcher's perspective on the potential of tiny homes and owner-built housing as one tool to fight the housing crisis.

February 20, 2025 - Mark Tirpak

Charred trees on hillside in Altadena, California after Eaton Fire.

Preserving Altadena’s Trees: A Community Effort to Save a Fire-Damaged Landscape

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Green is working to preserve fire-damaged but recoverable trees, advocating for better assessment processes, educating homeowners, and protecting the community’s urban canopy from unnecessary removal.

3 hours ago - LAist

Green electric Volkswagen van against a beach backdrop.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

4 hours ago - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Tent covered with camouflage tarp with American flag on front under freeway overpass in California.

Investigation Reveals Just How Badly California’s Homeless Shelters are Failing

Fraud, violence, death, and chaos follow a billion dollar investment in a temporary solution that is proving ineffective.

5 hours ago - The Associated Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.