Leading developers, attorneys, and realtors are preparing for a morning of exciting discussion on all things development related on the Westside, with Century City Chamber of Commerce’s State of the City to be held Tuesday at Constellation Place.
The panel discussion and networking event has been designed to draw opinions and perspectives on the new directions and trends for real estate and construction in the pivotal neighborhood, according to the Chamber.
“Century City is the residential and business heart of the Westside,” said Susan Bursk, Chamber President and CEO. “The panelists represent the various projects that are currently underway and those that are on the horizon.”
Speaking on the panel are: Tom Priselac, President and CEO, Cedars Sinai; Sarah Shaw, VP Development and Operations, JMB Realty; Jon Meir, Vice President, SM10000 Property; John Marshall, Senior VP Development, Westfield; and Mark Armbruster, Land Use Counsel, Next Century Associates.
Los Angeles councilman Paul Koretz (District 5) will offer opening remarks. The event will be moderated by Brenton Garen, Mirror Media Group Executive Editor and will focus on investment perspectives in the growing urban landscape including: development permitting and regulations; building state-of-the-art amenities; social and economic impacts; and preservation vs. renovation.
There will be much to talk about, commented panelist Sarah Shaw, VP of Development and Operations, JMB Realty.
“Significant new investment and improvements are on the horizon that will help propel Century City into the future,” she explained. “This unique Westside business headquarters is primed and ready to become a model for Los Angeles in Green Design and economic development.”
Shaw will give an overview of JMB Realty’s office project, Century City Center, while Jon Meir, VP of SM10000 Property, will share the firm’s residential project at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd., and Moreno Dr.
“These projects are major contributors to the economic vitality of Century City and a key indicator of investment throughout the region,” Bursk said.
John Marshall, Senior VP Development for Westfield will review their major re-development plans for the shopping center and hopefully share some of the new tenants that will be making their new home here in Century City, the Chamber president added.
Of major interest to Century City is the redevelopment of the Century City Doctor’s Hospital as the California Rehabilitation Institute, a partnership between Cedars Sinai and UCLA. Tom Priselac, President and CEO of Cedars Sinai, is set to share all that is planned for the facility during the event.
Priselac has been associated with Cedars-Sinai since 1979. Prior to being named President and CEO, he was Executive Vice President from 1988 to 1993. He is a past Chair of the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees and past Chair of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
The high caliber of panelists and the increasing number of development projects in Century City is indicative of the increasing importance of the area as a hub of commerce and industry, according to the Chamber.
“Century City’s zipcode, 90067, has been ranked by CNN Money the 7th richest zipcode in the country…and with all of the investment and reinvestment in this community, there is much to share and much to learn,” Bursk said.
“When it was first developed from the back lot of 20th Century FOX Studios over 50 years ago, the vision was to create a city within a city where people could live, work, shop and visit,” she explained. “Here we are, 50 years later and the vision continues with an emphasis on re-developing some of those five sectors…retail, residential, office, healthcare, and hospitality.”
Another major project in Century City is the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Mark Armbruster, Land Use Counsel for Next Century Associates, owners of the project, will speak on the major plans for the iconic hotel.
Armbruster is one of Southern California’s leading land use attorneys, having successfully worked on numerous major real estate development projects in the region since 1978.
He has served as President of the City of Los Angeles Environmental Affairs Commission for six years and has successfully represented clients in many major commercial, industrial, retail and residential projects including all of the new high-rise buildings on Wilshire Boulevard near Westwood, the Century Plaza Hotel, Cypress Land Company, and J.H. Snyder Companies, among many others. In 2013, the Los Angeles Business Journal recognized Armbruster as a top real estate lawyer in its “Who’s Who in L.A. Law.”
Century City State of the City runs from 7:30 am – 10 am, Tuesday March 24, at Constellation Place, 10250 Constellation Blvd., 14th floor, Century City. Tickets are $55 for Chamber members, $65 for non-members, and $75 at the door. A continental breakfast and complimentary parking are included. Register at www.centurycitycc.com or call 310.553.2222.
