SPECIAL REPORT: Christopher Meany

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What brought you to this project? 

Terry Fancher of Stockbridge Capital introduced us to Hollywood Park in 2005. We were attracted to the site’s central location, its great microclimate, and compelling demographics. We came to know and appreciate the great community in Inglewood. More recently, Terry introduced us to Stan Kroenke, who is driving the amazing project that Hollywood Park has become.

Title: Co-founder and managing partner

Company: Wilson Meany, San Francisco

Project: The Hollywood Park mixed-use and stadium project. Wilson Meany is the development manager for Hollywood Park Land Co., a joint venture between Kroenke Group and Stockbridge Capital Group. Its role is to secure entitlements, manage the stadium infrastructure, lead development of the retail component, and construct the Hollywood Park Casino.

What projects prepared you to take on the Hollywood Park development?

We have been developing large mixed-use projects in urban California for approximately 30 years. Common themes include the engagement of the local community in sensitive locations, the importance of design and place-making, and authentic response to the contexwt of different locations. You find these themes in the Ferry Building, the historic Telephone Building, and the large-scale community developments at Treasure Island and Bay Meadows (all in the Bay Area).

What design features are most noteworthy?

The Kroenke Group is creating an entirely new urban district. Part of its power is its scale – an iconic stadium, a new regional retail district, hotels, offices, 2,500 homes, and 25 acres of parks. All of it is well-designed – contemporary, celebrating the best of our region. But as well-designed as it all is, I think the new stadium and performance venue will be what everyone talks about – they are destined to become defining landmarks of L.A.

What are your biggest challenges? 

Our biggest challenge is also our mission: to execute Stan Kroenke’s vision. The project is large, technically complex, and highly visible, which means the work is hard. When the public is enjoying its new landmark, I think we will all take great pride in having done that work.

What kind of impact will the stadium have on Inglewood?

The stadium will generate a significant number of jobs, both during construction and in the decades to follow. And while the stadium itself will have a great economic impact on Inglewood and the region as a whole, it is also a catalyst for the many other elements of the development. Inglewood and the communities within about five miles of Hollywood Park include nearly 1 million people that are underserved on many levels. Going forward, they will be the center of one of the most important retail and entertainment districts in the United States.

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