L.A. Live

Since its completion in 2000, the Staples Center, Los Angeles' world-class sports arena located adjacent to the old convention center, has been a powerful catalyst for the renewal of the city's downtown. Eager to continue with this revitalization, the facility's owner hired RTKL to generate a master plan for a 33-acre urban district along the downtown area's southern edge. Under the expectation that the district would attract six million visitors annually, RTKL envisioned a mix of compatible and synergistic uses that would complement the arena and convention center. The centerpiece of the plan was the new L.A. LIVE mixed-use development, an exciting, 24-hour-a-day attraction. In addition to providing planning and urban design for the entertainment district, RTKL provided architecture and environmental graphic design for L.A. LIVE's two mixed-use anchor buildings made up of retail, restaurant, office, museum and entertainment space, a 720-seat theatre, a 1,000-room condominium hotel, and the west coast broadcasting headquarters for ESPN sports television. Complete with a 40,000-SF pedestrian friendly public plaza. L.A. LIVE underscores the city's eputation as one of the world's most dynamic entertainment hubs. The open-air space serves as a central meeting spot and boasts state-of-the-art lighting, LED-screens and signage displays. The technology-enhanced accents captivate audiences and decorate building facades. Additionally, RTKL's design offers convenient ground-level access from the plaza to a wide selection of shops, restaurants and leisure activities. L.A. LIVE, utilizing a phased delivery, creates a vibrant urban community catering to visitors and city denizens alike.