Airport!

After several contentious months, the City Council has finally approved a massive $4.67 billion dollar expansion to our beloved LAX.  Once completed, the additions will help streamline the airport's sluggish operations, and allow for more efficient and effective takeoffs and landings.

Eater News

Eater has information on a host of new openings for us.  First, The Salon at Heirloom, a ritzy new wine bar and restaurant at York and Verdugo, is finally ready to open its doors to public.  Next in line is Twist, a bakery / cafe on La Brea and 3rd which, we are told, will open later this weekend.  Third is an announcement that G&B Coffee will open a new branch inside Grand Central Market, sandwiched between Broadway and Hill on 3rd Street.  Fourth is information on the opening of Sonny's Hideaway, a gorgeous restaurant and bar, on York and Avenue 52 of all places.  Then there is news that a Chic-Fil-A is coming to Le Conte and Westwood.  And, finally, the super blog sheds light on a mystery restaurant opening inside of Nordstrom at The Grove.  Whew.

Retail and Residential in Eagle Rock

Curbed is reporting on two developments in LA's Eagle Rock community.  First, a small eight home development on Mount Royal Drive is currently undergoing initial government screening by the Neighborhood Council's Land Use Committee.  The project is being developed by Stan Fargeon, and designed by Franklin Studios.  Second, Safeway is in the initial phases of planning a strip mall style annex for its Vons grocer located at the corner of La Loma and Figueroa.

Market and Park

More exciting news for Downtown.  Blogdowntown reports that a large 'etsy' style flea market, featuring finer vintage and modern goods, will open this summer on Spring Street, between 2nd and 3rd.  Additionally, the Downtown News gave us an update on renovations to the Historic Park, which is temporary closed until 2014.

Yoga and Fashion in the Historic Core

This weekend, blogger Brigham Yen sounded the alarm on two new openings in Downtown's Historic Core; Evoke Yoga, located at the corner of 7th and Spring, and high end men's clothier, Beautiful Ful, located at 5th and Main.  There is little doubt that both businesses will be wildly popular with the local-burgeoning-retail-starved population.

Food News

Probably the biggest news day ever for foodies in LA:

First, Eater announced the impending opening / expansion of not one, not two, but five--count em', F-I-V-E--new LA restaurants: Tsukita L.A. Artisan Noodles Annex at Mississippi and Sawtelle, Hambone's BBQ at Belmont and Bellflower, Badmaash at 2nd and Main, SQIRL at Marathon and Virgil, and The Bank of Venice Public House and Gastropub at Windward and Pacific.

Then Hayley Fox, over at Blogdowntown, announced the opening of Peddler's Creamery at 4th and Main.

And finally, Brighman Yen, at DTLA Rising, told us about Plan Check Kitchen and Sweet Cream, which will both open shortly at the new project on Wilshire and Bixel.

Yum.

Bike LA

According to the Downtown News, the City Council has begun laying the foundation of what will become a comprehensive city wide bike sharing program.  In time, 400 rental stations will be constructed, allowing travelers to rent bikes in the same manner that has already been done in several other cities such as New York and Washington DC.

Parks, Theme Parks, and a Little Theater

Big news this morning for our beloved little city:

According to the Times, the Los Angeles County Supervisors will vote today on zoning variances that would, if approved, allow for a proposed $1.6 billion dollar expansion of the beloved Universal Studios Theme Park.  The expansion calls for two new hotels, a freeway exit ramp, and a Harry Potter themed ride, as well as 2 million square feet of new office and studio space.

After obtaining City Council approval, public television Channel 35 is moving its headquarters from Little Tokyo to the historic Merced Theater at The Pueblo, reports the Downtown News.  In order to make it official, the move still required the Mayor's signature, which is expected later this week.

Finally, Curbed reports that the newly renovated Spring Street Park is, at long last, nearing completion with the inclusion of cement walkways and young trees.  Grass, benches, art, and a playground are all that remain before the development on the park can be considered truly finished.

Juicing Downtown

Earth Bar fans rejoice!  The inter-gym juice joint, famous for its fabulous smoothies and vegan cookies, recently opened a new location inside Equinox Downtown.  Be sure to pick up a 'gimme greens' after that next spin routine.  Thanks to Eater for the news.

Coffee and Pastries Announced for Grand Central Market

The Times reports that a second vendor has been announced for the retail space portion of Grand Central Market.  Valerie Confections, a pastry and coffee shop by Valerie Gordon of farmer market fame, will soon begin serving market patrons from 8 A.M. - 3 P.M. daily.

More Lofts for Arts District

The final phase of Barker Lofts, on Hewitt, between 4th Place and Palmetto, saw construction commence this weekend.  According to the Downtown News, the project will feature 68 condo and apartment units, and will open later this year.

Food for the City, Juice for the Beach

The high end buffet bar, Larder, is opening its third location on the corner of Burton and San Vicente, near La Cienega.  The cafe will feature tantalizing dishes like Grilled Salmon and Farro, and Bucatini and Lamb Meatballs with Spiced Tomato.  In other news, New York Juicer, Blueprint, is setting up shop on Abbot Kinney, near Venice.  Cleansers rejoice.  Thanks to Curbed for the heads up.

'Runway' for New Mixed Use

Construction on Playa Vista's large mixed use 'Runway' project, located on Jefferson and Lincoln, is finally under way.  According to the Times, the project will include 420 apartments, 35,000 square feet of office space, and a 35,755 square foot Whole Foods grocer.

Mixed Use Projects Get Off the Ground

Big news from Curbed on two mixed use projects.  The blog reports that Developer Fifteen Group has announced construction dates for both the Morton Village Project, located on Morton Avenue in Echo Park, and the Coffee Table Project at Rowena and Avenel in Silverlake.  The first will break ground in May, and the second in September.

More Residential for Medallion Mixed Use

The Toy District's Medallion Mixed Use Project, which opened in 2010 on the corner of 4th and Main, is set to see much of its retail space exchanged for 300 residential units and a large open farmer's market.  The Downtown News reports that the change is due to the dismal reception given to, what was intended as a primarily retail development.  With a current residential vacancy of only 2%, it is anticipated that the project's new units will go quickly.

Mid City Goodies

Two new dessert centric eateries are poised to open soon.  Milk Jar Cookies, an old style bakery and teahouse located at Wilshire and Cochran, will open its doors tomorrow morning at 11:00.  Meanwhile, the owners of Toast Bakery Cafe, located 8221 West 3rd Street, are preparing to launch their sweet shop, Leave Room For Dessert, next door.  Thanks to Eater for the heads up.

Acne Downtown

The high end fashion retailer, Acne Studios, will soon open its second US store in the heart of downtown.  Brigham Yen reports that the swedish based company's new location will be at the corner of 9th and Broadway.

Luxury Living for Less Fortunate Seniors

Curbed reports that Del Rey Square, a 124 unit housing complex designed for low-income and homeless seniors, opened officially opened its doors on Friday.  The project, developed by Thomas Safron and Associates in conjunction with Los Angeles City, features a gym, jacuzzi, and library.

Mid Wilshire's New Museum and Hardware Store

According to Curbed, development on the new Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, located at Wilshire and Fairfax, is under way.  The museum, designed by Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali, will house 30,000 square feet of exhibition galleries, and 15,000 square feet of public plaza, and will open in 2017.  Additionally, construction has begun on the new Orchard Supply Hardware Store, located just around the corner at 4th and La Brea.

Downtown Movies

According to the Times, the cherished Electric Dust Drive-In Theater has found a new home at the San Pedro / San Julian corridor, between 9th and 12th.  While there are plans in the works to construct an elevated theater, for now, patrons will enjoy films on the ground floor.  In other news, the Downtown News reports that the Medallion Project development, located at Main and 4th, will soon receive its very own eight screen Alamo Draft House.  Welcome news for downtown cinephiles.

Where Hollywood Meets Highland

According to Curbed Los Angeles, Hollywood will soon receive 248 new luxury apartments.  The building will be constructed at the corner of Highland and Selma, just south of Hollywood Boulevard, and will feature five stories of luxury living, with retail on the ground floor.

Tacos, Baby. Tacos.

LA Eater reports on an exciting bit of news for foodies.  After a sad shutdown, the owners of Henry's Tacos of Studio City fame, have decided to grant the taqueria a second birth, at a new location on the corner of Moorpark and Tujunga.  Que vive el taco.

Mr. Baguette on Figueroa

LA Eater reports that a new Mr. Baguette, the bakery and deli known for delicious Vietnamese sandwiches and soup, has opened downtown on 4th and Figueroa.

Walmart in China Town

According to Southern California Public Radio, construction has begun on the new 33,000 square foot Walmart, located on the corner of Ceser Chavez and Grand.  Its advent will no doubt help to stimulate the local economy, by bringing in a host of steady jobs, and improving access to affordable consumer goods.

At the Corner of Fashion and Art

The Architect's Newspaper reports on an exciting development on 7th and Alameda; Evoq Properties is transforming four large industrial warehouses, including the headquarters of American Apparel, into a chic modern mixed use project that is intended to join the burgeoning Arts and Fashion Districts.  Fantastic news for those that believe in the evolution of what once was Downtown's most dilapidated areas.

Grand Central Sticky Rice

According to LA Weekly, Grand Central Market, located on 3rd Street, between Broadway and Hill, just received its first restaurant - tenant in the form of chef Johnny Lee's Sticky Rice, an original fusion inspired Thai Bar with a kick.  Check it out when you get a chance.

Veggies for Encino, Beer for Whilshire

Today, LA Eater announced the opening of two new restaurants.  Veggie Grill, located on Ventura Boulevard in Encino,  offers a green friendly menu, and is now open for both lunch and dinner.  Brewdog Pub will offer fifty different taps of craft beer, as well as a modern menu of Japanese fusion, when it opens its doors next Wednesday.

Fairfax Theater Development Moves Forward

After overcoming some aggressive public pushback, the Fairfax Theater mixed use development finally received the approval of the Los Angeles City Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  The classy five story building will sport 71 apartments, a rooftop pool, and the now officially historic Fairfax Theater facade and entrance.  Head over to LA Curbed for more info.

More Mixed Use in Hollywood and Sherman Oaks

Curbed Los Angeles is reporting on two new mixed use developments that are, very quickly, getting off the ground.  The first, to be located just north of Hollywood, between Las Palmas and Cherokee, will feature 225 apartment units and a whopping 378 square feet of retail space.  The second, consisting of both apartments and a grocery store, will be built on Riverside and Hazeltine in the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood.

Spinning on Larchmont

Los Angeles Magazine reports that the well known spinning gym, Flywheel Sports, will soon open a new location at Larchmont and Beverly, just in time for summer.  The gym presents a high tech, user friendly twist on traditional spinning.