A report commissioned by the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority bosts of robust economic development surrounding the stations on the northern leg of the light rail line, which runs between Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles and Azusa.

The report, which was first highlighted by the Source, states that the existing and proposed segments of the Gold Line has generated approximately $6.7 billion in private investment since opening in 2003, which translates to 12,500 new housing units, 3.6 million square feet of commercial space and 1,400 hotel rooms.  The study goes on to estimate that the proposed second phase, which would run from Azusa to the Montclair Metrolink Station, could spur an additional $9 billion of investment, including 17,000 housing units, 10 million square feet of commercial space and 250 hotel rooms.

Although not all of this development can be attributed to the presence of the Gold Line, the neighborhoods surrounding several stations have unquestionably transformed themselves following the arrival of the train.  These includes:

Chinatown Station

The last three years have brought the completion of both the Jia and Blossom Plaza apartment complexes, which feature market-rate and affordable housing units above pedestrian-oriented commercial space.  Similar developments in the pipeline include proposals at the shuttered Velvet Turtle site and on Spring Street.  Larger projects are also on deck for a large vacant lot which sits across the street from the elevated station, as well as for a slender property overlooking Los Angeles State Historic Park.

Lincoln/Cypress Station

Located just east of the L.A. River, the opening of the Lincoln/Cypress Station was almost immediately followed by the construction of the Puerta del Sol condominiums and the Camino al Oro senior housing development by AMCAL.  Other projects in the pipeline include the redevelopment of two nearby warehouse complexes as a combination of residential and office space.

Del Mar Station

The second of six stations within Pasadena city limits, Del Mar Station is fully enveloped by a 347-unit apartment complex which seamlessly connects to the passenger platforms.

Memorial Park Station

Seated in the underbelly of the Holly Street Village Apartments, Memorial Park Station is a posterchild for transit-oriented development.  The station also sits a short distance east of a new Residence Inn by Marriott, as well as a large property that serves as the headquarters of the Parsons Corporation.  The parking lots that surround the mid-rise building are slated for the 100 West Walnut development from AMLI Residential and Lincoln Property Company that will create up to 475 apartments and 210,000 square feet of office space above pedestrian-oriented shops and restaurants.

Other projects planned or underway along the path of the Gold Line include MODA at Monrovia Station, the Marmion Way Apartments, Eight-Twenty in South Pasadena and a collection of townhomes in Highland Park.