The Buena Vista Project moves forward as approvals and new plans rush in. Overlooking Los Angeles State Historic Park, the project aims to establish a vibrant, mixed-use community near Chinatown. The development is expected to transform the Broadway corridor near the Chinatown Metro Station with new housing, retail, and public space.
Highlights
- The Buena Vista Project continues to move forward with new approvals and plans.
- It is a housing, retail, and open space project.
- Affordable housing and new open spaces are some of the project’s features.
Buena Vista Project Splits into Two Phases
New and intriguing projects continue to change the skyline of LA. One of the most spectacular upcoming projects is the Buena Vista Project. The project is set on a narrow strip at the intersection of Chinatown, Solano Canyon, Lincoln Heights, and the State Historic Park.
First proposed in 2016, the project has undergone several rounds of revisions and community input. Located at 1251 North Spring St., 1030 – 1380 North Broadway, the scenic views are a part of the planning. This 986 residential units project will also consist of 200 affordable units. Plans include new pedestrian pathways linking the development to the park and Chinatown Metro Station.
Project Details
The Buena Vista brings together housing, retail, and open spaces. The project will include 986 residential units, including 200 designated as affordable housing. It will also feature 15,000 square feet of retail space, 23,800 square feet of restaurant space, and 116,610 square feet of outdoor areas. The development spans approximately 8.08 acres.
The project site will be divided into two portions- the South Parcel and the North Parcel. As the name suggests, they will be at the southern and northern portions of the site, respectively.
The South Parcel includes a six-story podium structure connecting a 26-story tower and a 22-story tower. The North Parcel features a 15-story building, a Courtyard building, a six-story building, and a Retail Block Building, which will consist of 3 stories. Parking will be available across three partially below-grade levels on both the North and South Parcels.
Together, the project will include 1,245,536 square feet of floor area and approximately 1 acre of publicly accessible open space.
The project will also focus on improving pedestrian walkability. The plan emphasizes wider sidewalks and improved pedestrian access throughout the site.
Construction Timeline
While the project is still at the Public Comment Period, the plan is to begin construction in 2028. The project will be divided into two phases once construction begins. Phase 1 will begin in 2028 and aim to finish by 2031. Soon after, phase 2 will begin in 2031 and finish by 2034. However, these dates may change depending on the pace of approvals required to begin the construction.
The development is expected to significantly alter the built environment around Broadway and Spring Street. Designs aim to preserve existing sightlines while prioritizing resident comfort and accessibility. Planned features include public green space, improved walkability, and easy access to transit.
