Downtown architecture firm HansonLA has finalized the master plan for the proposed City Market development (CMLA) in the Fashion District, a key step for the transformative 10-acre mixed-use complex.

The project, which is among the largest in Downtown Los Angeles, would include buildings ranging between three and 38 stories, creating a total of 945 residential units, 210 hotel rooms, 225,000 square feet of commercial space and 312,000 square feet of educational space.  Approximately 60 percent of the property would be wrapped with elevated walkways, linking the sprawling site together and offering unobstructed views of the skyline.

Originally founded in 1909, CMLA would rise upon the former home of one of the oldest wholesale produce markets in the country.  CMLA President Peter Fleming's family has had an ownership stake in the market since its inception, and engaged the Lena Group to assist with the redevelopment of the property in 2012.

A first phase of the CMLA, an adaptive reuse project known as City Market South, is already complete and 98 percent leased.

HansonLA founder Douglas Hanson released a statement saying that "City Market is focused on bringing jobs and creating a neighborhood, inspired by the pedestrian experience that the old produce market used to facilitate.  Its sympathetic approach to the program allows it to retain the character of the Fashion District's local business while sensitively providing a mix of new uses.  A series of new corridors and open spaces enhance and blend public and private spaces at each level."

Renderings show that building facades are articulated to allow maximum sun exposure to the street and sidewalks, while also mitigating what could otherwise be an imposing streetwall.  Additionally, the buildings are oriented along the main axis of the internal courtyard of the former produce market, providing a not to the project's historic roots.

According to Mark Levy of CMLA, "We are excited to continue our efforts to revitalize this area of Downtown Los Angeles and bring back the economic engine that has existed here for many years."