Approximately 15 months after breaking ground, the Metric Hotel is topped out in City West.

The boutique hotel, which replaced a smaller motel at 285 Lucas Avenue, consists of a five-story building which will contain 28 guest rooms and amenities.

The owners of the property, who previously operated Jerry's Motel, expect that the Metric will cater to younger travelers.  The new development is intended to provide a less-expensive alternative to the larger hotels on the opposite side of the Harbor Freeway.

Aaron Neubert Architects is designing the hotel, which employs modular building components.  Plans call for a facade of glass and steel along the building's street-facing facade.

A short distance north at the intersection of 2nd and Emerald Streets, a series of small commercial buildings are slated to make way for a 24-story apartment tower.