Members of the Los Angeles Ice Theater perform at the opening of the 2009-2010 Downtown on Ice season at Pershing Square. Photo by Eric Richardson.

The first of Downtown's two outdoor ice rinks had its official opening this morning, as Pershing Square's Downtown on Ice returned for its 12th season. The ice is open seven days a week through January 18, 2010.

An hour on the 70 foot by 50 foot sheet of ice is $6, plus $2 for skate rental.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilwoman Jan Perry joined Recreation and Parks General Manager John Kirk Murki in commemorating the opening.

Both Villaraigosa and Murki made comments that seemed to be aimed at Downtown's other ice rink, the LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live. The Mayor noted that the Pershing Square was the city's largest outdoor rink, while Mukri made a point of emphasizing that it was also the cheapest.

The L.A. Live rink opens December 3, with one hour of skating running $10 (including rental). While early reports backed up the Mayor's size comparison, L.A. Live's website now says the rink will be the same size as the one at Pershing.

Hours for the Pershing Square rink are 12pm to 10pm, Monday through Thursday, and 10am to 10pm Friday through Sunday. Special holiday hours from December 18 to January 10 will have the rink open from 10am to 10pm every day. On Thanksgiving, the rink will open at 2pm.

More information, including a schedule of live entertainment, can be found on the Pershing Square website.

By Eric Richardson.

This is it, folks! We've arrived at the final weekend of the outdoor flea season and luckily it looks like the weather is going to cooperate both days. And for those of you who like to plan ahead, remember that the Gifted holiday market launches the day after Thanksgiving in the old Tower Records space on Lafayette and East 4th in Manhattan. The Brooklyn Flea is held on Saturdays from 10 to 5 at the Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene (176 Lafayette Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt Avenues; take the C or G trains to Clinton-Washington) and on Sundays from 11-6 in Dumbo underneath the Brooklyn Bridge at the corner of Water and New Dock Street. Map and directions here.

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) has announced the winners of Portland’s 2009 Office Energy Showdown. Now in its third year, the Showdown recognizes Portland-area office buildings that have made significant achievements in energy efficiency.

Participation saw a nearly 30 percent increase in the number of participants from the previous year and added nearly four million square-feet of office space to the friendly competition.

Winners were chosen from among 32 properties, representing over 11 million square-feet of office real estate. Challenged to assess their buildings’ energy performance, all participants demonstrated market leadership in quantifying their energy use and establishing baseline data that can be used to track future gains in operating efficiency.

The Grand Prize winner, which receives the “Power Broker” trophy for a property, team, or company achieving an outstanding accomplishment in all-around energy performance was the Melvin Mark Companies, a commercial real estate broker. Melvin Mark's portfolio includes the Sunset Center at Tanasbourne as well as the Columbia Square (pictured above) and Crown Plaza buildings downtown.

Three projects were also singled out for demonstrating the highest energy performance ratings. 1st Place went to the 200 Market Building, managed by the Russell Development Company. 2nd Place was the Gus Solomon Courthouse, managed by the General Services Administration (which probably uses little energy by virtue of being largely empty), and 3rd Place went to the Kruse Woods V project, managed by Shorenstein.

Then there were awards for 'Greatest Improvement', for the properties demonstrating the most significant gains in energy performance rating over the year. 1st place went to the ODS Tower in downtown Portland managed by Ashforth Pacific (now if they could only do something about the hideous sculpture in the front of the building) and designed by ZGF. 2nd Place was Montgomery Park, the Northwest Portland landmark managed by Bill Naito Company. 3rd Place was a tie between the Liberty Centre (Ashforth Pacific) and 1915 Amberglen, managed by KG Investments Management.

If they'd needed to break the tie, I'd have disqualified Liberty Centre for spelling "Centre" like Canadians. That said, Liberty Centre is also noteworthy in that it was originally to be a design by internationally renowned architect Cesar Pelli, before ultimately being designed by Portland's GBD Architects.

Design afficionados (or "designistas", as developer Dennis Wilde has called them) may snicker that many of these buildings are visually unattractive or, in some cases, located in some far-off suburban office park surrounded by surface parking lots. I mean, you never hear someone say, "Have you seen that Kruse Woods V office building in Lake Oswego? What a gorgeous work of architecture! What is that, Koolhaas? Piano, Meier?" But energy efficiency is one of the biggest movements of our time, and part of a regional effort to reduce the need for coal-fired power plants by cutting our power addiction. What some of these projects lack in looks or location, they admirably atone for by being as efficient as they can be.

Light-rail is almost always a boon to commuters, but a consistent problem with above-ground rapid transit is the speed of trains—coexisting with cars, pedestrians, and traffic lights slows down the process. On the new Gold Line Eastside Extension, riders have noticed that the monorail-esque portion of the line that traverses the 101—between Union Station and Little Tokyo—is frustratingly slow, 10 miles an hour to be exact. Apparently, the curves are tight on the overpass, and Metro engineers are extra careful to avoid sending a train tumbling onto the 101 during rush-hour. But there's a plan to boost the speed. "Metro is purchasing new software that will allow the train to increase their speed so the traveling time will be reduced by 1 minute on this segment by the end of next week," writes Metro's Jose Ubaldo. "Stay tuned. The segment is from Union Station to Little Tokyo." The trip between the two stations should be cut from four minutes to three. [Photo courtesy Metro]
· Even More Coverage of the Gold Line Extension [Curbed LA]

Taking a page from our sister site Racked LA, we're asking you to look at this home and vote on whether you like or dislike it—your choices are 'That's Rather Lovely!,' 'So close,' 'I feel strangely ambivalent about it,' or 'That's Rather Hideous!'

Click the image above to view the full photogallery.

We're not quite sure what to make of this "modern architectural statement" in the hills in Eagle Rock. The three-bedroom, three-bath was built in 2000 and according to the listing, "the space is filled with sleek lines and prominent angles meant to stir the light within its walls." What does that even mean? The listing also notes there are additional offices and work spaces "that blur the lines between home space, work space and art space." The listing keeps laying it on rather thick: "Look beneath the surface and the quality of its craftsmanship is evident in the custom materials and the details of its construction." The last sale price (pre-construction) was $185,000 back in 1995. Today's asking price: $849,000. Listing is here.

Our polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Click the image above to view the full photogallery.

We squealed like a 13-year-old girl when we saw that Wolf's Lair is back on the market. When the eight-bedroom, six-bath replica Norman castle (with bonus Lautner-designed guest house, secret tunnels AND space to house your pet monkeys) first went on the market in June 2008 it had a hefty price tag of $7.5 million. Later that summer, the price was reduced to $5.99 million. And now it's back, after a year's absence from the MLS. Oh, how we've missed you, Wolfie. According to the listing, the property sits on three acres, "has been home to cinematic royalty, barons of business & even a fairy tale or two," and features coffered ceilings, turrets, gable windows, linenfold paneling, and stenciled beams. Newest asking price: $4.695 million.
· 2869 Durand Dr Los Angeles, CA 90068 [Redfin]

A handful of NFL teams are now using the new Industry stadium--and a possible move to the area--as a bargaining chip in getting their own hometown stadiums upgraded or rebuilt. The latest team that's said to be eying LA is the Minnesota Vikings, according to the Twin Cities' Pioneer Press while Raider Nation is said to be staying put. [Pioneer Press/NB4]

While admitting it's a "pie in the sky" idea and only in the exploratory phase, City Councilman Paul Koretz is looking into an above-ground personalized rapid transit system for the city. This summer, he formed a small task force to study the system, which is currently being used at Heathrow's Airport, and consists of pods traveling on a track. "We’re talking either a track or hanging maglev, essentially units that fit 2-4 people, and you program in your destination," said Koretz, describing the idea yesterday at a Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum luncheon at the Wilshire Grand. "[The pods] just take you to your destination, and there’s no stopping, except when you arrive at your location.” Yes, listening to him speak blew our minds, so this morning we called up Marty Taft, who is heading up the three-person task force (which sounds fairly casual in a nature). "From the valley, along the 405, all the way to the LAX, that would be the first backbone route," said Taft, a former engineer for Aerojet Electrosystems. "And then there would be loops alongside that would allow people from places like Century City to use it."

Koretz said that if he could get approvals for a pilot line, he probably seek to make Sherman Oaks to Westwood to Century City the direction of the pilot program. And the councilman seemed prepared to accept that this proposal may never happen. “I am at least studying it," he said. "Whether it comes to fruition, it’s way too early in the process.”

Such technology has been considered in Los Angeles on previous occasions, and an April 2, 1972 Los Angeles Times story covered a similar proposal (excerpt and old-timey photos after the jump.)

Via the Los Angeles Times article:

'Based on the “corridor concept” of the Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD), with service radiating from a downtown “hub” to a peripheral area, one monorail line begins in the Lawndale-International Airport area and loops through Los Angeles then back near the Harbor Freeway to the Lawndale terminus. Cars travel one way in loops.

Along the elevated rail are stations increasing in number to the Wilshire District and downtown Los Angeles. Traveling on the rail are small four to six passenger square, buglike cars which are the heart of the concept."

And later in the article:

Los Angeles city officials who have seen the Aerospace system in early stages were impressed by several points. A ‘personal” system, they say, appeals to the well-known independence of the Los Angeles driver who has refused, at least to date, to take buses or trains to his bosom.

They also point out that a personal system, where the passengers travel alone or with friends or family is far safer than, for instance, the New York subway system where muggings and robbery on the trains are common.”

· Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) or Personal Automated Transport (PAT) Quicklinks [Official Site]

All the construction netting on the Fifth Avenue Committee's supportive housing project on 5th Avenue and 16th street has come down, and it's now possible to see progress on the corner of the structure. The rendering above shows how it's supposed to turn out.
Development Watch: 575 5th Avenue Gets Its Brick On [Brownstoner]
Development Watch: 575 5th Avenue [Brownstoner]
Development Watch: 575 5th Avenue [Brownstoner]
575 Fifth on a Roll [Brownstoner] GMAP P*SharkDOB
DOB Green-Lights 575 5th Avenue [Brownstoner]
City Planning Approves FAC Project at 575 5th Ave [Brownstoner]
Marty DK's Fifth Avenue Housing Project [Brownstoner]
City Planning Considers 5th Ave Housing Facility [Brownstoner]
FAC Development at 575 Fifth Avenue [Brownstoner]

South, the new bar in the former Vin Rouge space on 5th Avenue between 17th and 18th streets, has opened. According to BlackBook, South is run by the same people who own the Brooklyn Ice House in Red Hook and has half a dozen beers on tap.
StreetLevel: New South Slope Bar on Tap [Brownstoner] GMAP

Here are the questions and responses from the live chat with DDOT Director Gabe Klein that had to do with cycling (and there were quite a few). Gabe Klein's responses are in blue.

As a commuting cyclist, I am delighted with the southbound bike lane on 15th St. Marking the northbound lane for cyclists’ and motorists’ joint use does not make cycling any safer northbound. I propose that the dedicated cyclists’ line on the west side of 15th be marked for bicycle traffic in both directions, perhaps with a line down the middle and signs warning that it is a two-way bike path. At the abrupt end of the bikeway at Massachusetts, it would be useful to have signs directing cyclists onward and to warn motorists to watch for bicycles.

Thank you Marie for your thoughts. We are evaluating the cycle track on an ongoing basis and are adding leading pedestrian intervals and other improvements. We will send your comment to the cycling team 

I've read that DC will be expanding its bike sharing program, but will not be using Clear Channel's SmartBike system. Is this true? If so, do you know what bike sharing system will be used? And, will the two systems be compatible with each other? Lastly, when will this expansion take place?

We are looking to expand bikesharing in the Spring of 2010.   More precise details will be announced in the coming weeks.   We hope to make this a push into bikesharing being a "transit-system" 

The [bike] route from DC to the Wilson Bridge is circuitous and hilly. What is DDOT doing to make a better connection?

Thanks for your comments.   I am going to need to talk to our Bike Group as I am not sure I understand who's jurisdiction this broad expanse belongs to.

Thanks a bunch for spending some time with us today. Can you provide us with an update on when we can expect to see a more robust bike sharing system implemented in DC

May 2010!

Is there a plan for a bike station at the new does bldg? something like union station.

We are right now assessing more bike stations around the city using a modular design, that would be focused around transit of course, and large employment centers. 

[Comment From bikerchic: ] Is anyone looking into adding more bike racks throughout the city? Not the fancy Union Station ones, but just simple ones that I can lock my bike to? There seems to be a great shortage that leads people to locking bikes to trees, etc

First off, I like your screen name.  I agree with you, and we are having a problem keeping up with bike parking (which is great). We are installing 1000 per year, plus the BID's are installing them.  We are also working on tree box/bike rack combos, and are looking at ways to use old meter poles for racks, and are requiring bike parking in all new developments in public space.

What are the prospects for physically protected bike lanes on radial roads with heavy bike traffic (and many, many speeding cars)?

Very good prospects... send us your requests

It's great that DDOT is focusing on bike and pedestrian initiatives throughout the city, along with improvements in driving conditions. The problem, as I see it, is a lack of enforcement on the part of MPD. Stand on any corner downtown and you'll see drivers, bikers and pedestrians doing crazy, dangerous things but it's rare you'll see any enforcement from MPD.

We have been working closely with MPD Traffic Division, and the targeted enforcement seems to be having an impact on driver respect at unsignalized pedestrian crossings.  We have also empowered our own Traffic Control Officers to write tickets for these offenses.   Chief Lanier definitely gets it. There are a lot of priorities for them, but they have really stepped it up in their partnership with DDOT.

Can your provide an update on the met branch trail?

We are making dramatic progress actually. The second segment is under active construction, and working on a permitting issue on the third segment. We will put out   weekly updates on the website going fwd: http://www.metbranchtrail.com

There was also an ongoing poll of what users would like to see DC focus on, with bike and pedestrian projects doing very well.

Public Transit ( 38% )

Bike & Pedestrian Programs ( 29% )

Traffic Congestion ( 5% )

Road & Bridge Construction ( 5% )

Tree Planting & Maintenance ( 24% )

Click the image above to view the full photogallery.

The fire sale on pedigreed architecture continues unabated. Is Lautner's Elrod House too flashy for you? Frank Lloyd Wright La Miniatura too small? Then maybe Schindler's How House is more to your liking. The gem in the MAK Center's recent architecture tour, the meticulously restored 1925 house first went on the market in September 2008 for almost $5 million. Owned by preservationist Michael LaFetra and declared a Historic Cultural Monument, the house suffered a serious pricechop in June to $4 million. After failing to sell, the house was delisted in September, but it's back and quite frankly, we think priced to sell. Given the cost of the home and the extensive renovation (the redwood had suffered from termite damage, there was water damage and LaFetra also removed the asbestos), the asking price is likely close to what LaFetra has spent on the house. New asking price: $2.795 million.
· 2422 Silver Ridge Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039 [Redfin]