Over two years after initially announcing plans, architect Frank Gehry has unveiled renderings for a proposed expansion of The Colburn School in Downtown Los Angeles.
The project, first reported by the Los Angeles Times, would replace surface parking lots bounded by 2nd, Olive, and Hill Streets with a pair of concert halls.
The larger of the two venues, planned at the southeast corner of 2nd and Olive, would be a glass-enclosed structure with seating for up to 1,100 attendees. Plans call for a rounded interior which could serve as a performance space for the Colburn School and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, according to the Times.
The smaller hall, fronting 2nd and Hill, would have a boxy, metal exterior and seating for up to 700 people. The Times reports that the second venue would be used for dance, opera.
At the southeast corner of 2nd and Olive, The Colburn has secured control of a small surface parking lot from CRA/LA, which plans call for converting into a new plaza space flanked by a video screen and sound system which would project live events.
The total budget for the proposed expansion is estimated at $310 million, although fundraising efforts are currently paused.
While a separate project, The Colburn's proposed expansion would complement new developments built with the neighboring Grand Avenue project - including Grand Park, the Emerson apartment tower, The Broad contemporary art museum, and a $1-billion hotel and condo complex now rising just north across Olive. A future phase of the Grand Avenue Project - a joint effort between developer Related Cos. and the City and County of Los Angeles - would redevelop a neighboring parking lot on 1st Street.
