A transformative skyscraper proposal in Downtown Los Angeles has received a major green light, with the Los Angeles City Planning Commission officially approving the project, marking a pivotal step forward for one of the city’s most ambitious real estate developments in recent years.
The project, spearheaded by prominent developer Onni Group, envisions a 60-story mixed-use tower that will rise on a 1.5-acre site at 1000 S. Hill Street in the heart of L.A.’s South Park district. Once complete, the high-rise is expected to house more than 700 residential units and roughly 15,000 square feet of commercial space, reinforcing South Park’s evolution into a live-work-play neighborhood akin to San Francisco’s SoMa or New York’s Hudson Yards.
Strategic Milestone Amid Market Uncertainty
The commission’s approval comes at a time when the broader commercial real estate market is grappling with macroeconomic uncertainty, tighter lending standards, and increased scrutiny over the viability of large-scale urban developments. Yet Onni Group’s project managed to clear planning hurdles thanks to its strategic location, alignment with transit-oriented development goals, and provisions for public amenities such as ground-level retail and pedestrian-focused design.
City planners noted that the tower’s proximity to major transit corridors, including the Metro Blue and Expo Lines, positions the development as a model for sustainable urban growth. The plan also includes improvements to streetscapes, expanded sidewalk zones, and dedicated open space, aligning with Los Angeles’ Downtown Community Plan goals.
“This project reflects our city’s long-term vision for high-density, transit-connected communities that support both housing and local economic development,” said Planning Commission President Samantha Millman during Thursday’s hearing.
Design and Community Engagement
Designed by Vancouver-based architecture firm IBI Group, the tower features a sleek glass-and-steel design that tapers elegantly as it rises, with setbacks that create terrace spaces on higher floors. The podium base will include amenities such as a fitness center, community rooms, and rooftop gardens.
The developer has also committed to a community benefits package, including workforce training programs and affordable housing contributions—an effort to mitigate concerns about gentrification and displacement in surrounding neighborhoods.
While some critics raised concerns about the project’s height and potential strain on local infrastructure, city officials emphasized that the environmental review process had addressed those issues and that the building complies with seismic and zoning codes.
A Bellwether for L.A.’s Development Future
The approval of 1000 S. Hill Street is being closely watched as a litmus test for future high-rise development in Downtown L.A. With office occupancy rates still lagging and financing conditions tightening, many developers have put new projects on pause. But Onni’s forward momentum could signal cautious optimism returning to the urban development landscape.
The timing is also significant as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Infrastructure upgrades and urban beautification initiatives tied to the global event have amplified interest in central city projects.
“This kind of vertical, mixed-use development is essential if Los Angeles is going to meet its housing targets and create a more resilient urban core,” said urban planning consultant Teresa Gonzalez.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, pending final building permits. If completed on schedule, the tower could open as early as 2029, just in time for the Olympic spotlight.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, Urbanize LA, Curbed LA, City of Los Angeles Planning Commission
