Rem Koolhaas‘s firm OMA is one big step closer to building its first big LA project. According to the Santa Monica Daily Press, a committee has picked OMA’s design for a huge mixed-use project–to be developed by Metropolitan Pacific Capital, DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners, and Clarett West Developers–for the “opportunity site” at Fourth Street and Arizona in downtown Santa Monica, and will be recommending that the city council vote in August to start negotiations with the firm. The proposed Plaza at Santa Monica would be more than 400,000 square feet and stretch to 148 feet (12 stories). It would include “a 225-room boutique hotel, restaurants, shops and a marketplace as well as cultural areas for both children and adults.” The plans also call for a central space that can be used as a performance venue, water feature, or winter ice-skating rink. The team says it would require a $330-million investment, and they’d pay the city $1.3 million in ground rent per year. Read more.
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.