Project Was ‘Doomed’

As a licensed architect for 41 years, I have devoted much of my career to developing innovative and cost-effective alternatives to existing low-cost housing. I knew the Franklin-La Brea Project in Hollywood (Times, March 3) was doomed as soon as I reviewed architect Adele Naude Santos’ conceptual drawings, and I reconfirmed that opinion when I later reviewed the detailed construction drawings.

The concept was complicated, expensive to build, non-innovative and did not improve on what was offered in the existing marketplace. Every person and every agency involved in this project has been negligent.

I recommend that the present plans be abandoned. If the CRA and Councilman (Michael) Woo want to recapture credibility and face, let them start over with a design-and-build competition from qualified teams in this area.

WILLIAM KRISEL

Los Angeles