The nostalgia and restrained elegance of the Century is meant to offer a sophisticated alternative for wealthy Angelenos ready to ditch their hillside mansions. It resembles a Park Avenue condo tower, but the lush landscaping places it miles from Manhattan. The 42-story tower, on the site of the razed St. Regis Hotel, will include 140 units, with the penthouse priced at about $25 million. It is slated to be completed in late 2009.
Developer:
Related Cos., New York City
Architect:
Robert A.M. Stern Architects, New York City
Contractor:
Webcor Builders Inc., San Mateo, Calif.
Engineer:
Magnusson Klemencic Associates Inc., Seattle
In David Wine’s nearly 30 years with Related Cos. he has worked on a variety of projects in a variety of places. But none more significant than Time Warner Center in New York City.
The $1.7 billion mixed-use development at Columbus Circle off Central Park was overseen by Wine and was one of the largest projects ever built by the commercial real estate firm.
Wine, who joined Related in 1978, calls the center a “dream project,” but in the same breath he considers his company’s forthcoming Century condo tower in Century City more modest in comparison another dream.
“I’ve worked on a lot of fantastic projects,” said Wine, vice chairman of Related.
Before beginning his work for Related, Wine worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. At Related his work has also focused on the residential market. He now oversees the company’s $3.6 billion residential portfolio.
“I started at Related in my early 20s, and I helped build it,” said Wine, who got his undergraduate degree in economics and urban studies from Columbia University and an M.B.A. New York University. “I really have had great personal satisfaction in building quality building after quality building.”
Wine is also working on a second local project: downtown’s Grand Avenue, the multibillion dollar mixed-use development that will transform the area around Walt Disney Concert Hall with new residences, retail and public spaces.
The Century, which is slated to open in late 2009, offers a unique opportunity for the New York developer. While the company does include green space and gardens in its upscale New York condo projects, the chance to develop a nearly 4-acre site in Century City has been a different experience.
While L.A. may be getting denser, it still has nothing on Manhattan.
“To have this opportunity with the Century with nearly 4 acres even in L.A. it is unusual,” said Wine. “Most buildings in L.A. don’t have that luxury of space.”
Wine said the company is emphasizing green space at the site, which will include two outdoor dining rooms and kitchen pavilions for parties. “We want people to feel connected in the way Angelenos are connected to the outdoors,” Wine said.
Wine, who is director of New York’s Public Art Fund, said that he is looking for more projects in Los Angeles and other markets outside of New York.
“We think California is ready to embrace the lifestyle that a carefully executed development can bring,” Wine said. “We are bringing Related to different markets around the country.”
– ARCHITECT: ROBERT A.M. STERN
Founder and Senior Partner, Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP
Notable Projects:
The Chatham residential tower in New York and Walt Disney Co.’s Feature Animation Building in Burbank.
The Century:
“The Century will be an oasis from the buzz of Los Angeles.”
Architecture:
“We enjoy the ebb and flow of fashion but we do our best to avoid getting caught up in it.”
– CONTRACTOR: ANDREA ANDERSON
Project Manager, Webcor Builders Inc.
Notable Projects:
The W Hotel in San Diego and the Californian on Wilshire.
The Century:
“The project began with the interesting challenge of demolishing the existing St. Regis hotel and removing the remaining debris and caissons from the soil. The unique exterior will feature two-color pre-cast panels and travertine stone cladding imported from Italy.”
Local Favorite:
U.S. Bank Tower
Contracting:
“I am passionate about construction and enjoy the hands-on nature of the work. Being able to see the tangible results of my efforts is particularly gratifying.”
– LANDSCAPER ARCHITECT: PAMELA BURTON
President, Pamela Burton & Co. Landscape Architecture
Notable Projects:
Yahoo Center, Santa Monica; Cipriani Hotel, Beverly Hills; Santa Monica Public Library and Rockefeller Center, New York City.
The Century:
“The Century has expansive and elaborate gardens designed to encompass a hierarchy of spaces and activities. Unusual drought tolerant materials are combined with luxurious features to create the ultimate California garden.”
Local Favorite:
“The Schindler House, a memorable integration of landscape and architecture in which the indoor and outdoor spaces are all linked and woven together.”
L.A.:
“What Los Angeles needs is a more systematic and consistent design approach to its public streets, trees, and sidewalks.”
Dream Project:
“To work on an art museum’s outdoor spaces, from its sculpture garden to its connecting pathways to its garden rooms.”
Landscape Architecture:
“As landscape architects, we are in a position to transform these areas into sustainable and beautiful spaces for everyone to cherish and enjoy.”
– DEVELOPER: DAVID WINE
Vice Chairman, Related Cos.
Notable Projects: Time Warner Center and Chatham residential tower, both in New York.
The Century:
“Our goal is to redefine the way Angelenos look at high-rise condominium living.”
Local Favorite:
2000 Avenue of the Stars office building. “Look at the geometry of the building and see it juxtaposed with the Century Park East office buildings; it is really an amazing placement of shapes.”
L.A.:
“We all need to build buildings that are more environmentally sensitive and that are more green. I mean green in the literal sense, with green roofs and greenery and gardens.”
