Downtown Van Nuys : Building Called Model for Revival
Mayor Tom Bradley and business leaders opened a $3-million, brick-and-glass office building Tuesday in the heart of downtown Van Nuys, hoping it will become a model for high-quality construction in the aging commercial district.
The developer of the Honda Financial Centre, David S. Honda of Northridge, received a $500,000 city loan for the building as part of a program to attract private investment in deteriorating areas.
City and business leaders lauded the design of the 25,000-square-foot structure at 14546 Hamlin St. It features a three-story arched glass facade framing the entrance, and greenhouse-style windows surround the first floor. Hot-pink neon light accents the lobby and a parakeet-green railing lines the walkway.
“This is the type of building you see in Beverly Hills,” said Marcia Mednick, director of economic development for Vitalize Van Nuys, a nonprofit economic development corporation affiliated with Van Nuys Area Chamber of Commerce. “Other buildings in Van Nuys are usually cinder-block and stucco.”
Working for Rejuvenation
Vitalize Van Nuys has been working more than 10 years to change the decayed Van Nuys Boulevard retail strip into an office and business center. In the last five years, more offices and business supply stores have emerged among the hodgepodge of pawn shops, small clothing stores and an adult bookstore.
The new business has been spurred largely by development of the Valley Administrative Center, which includes the new 10-story Van Nuys Municipal Courthouse. But Mednick said what has been missing is “Class A” office buildings that will attract more upscale business firms.
“We really feel that this could be pivotal to the future development in the area,” Mednick said.
Bradley agreed, saying he is “sure this will stimulate others to build and rebuild in Van Nuys.”
Honda, who grew up in San Fernando and attended Cal State Northridge, said he wanted to build in Van Nuys because he knew what a bustling downtown center it had been and wanted to lead the way in its revitalization.
Most of the offices have been leased to lawyers, accountants and business consultants, he said.
