Warner Center Revitalization Plan

The Warner Center
Revitalization Plan
John Lai
ID# 87800258101
USC School of Policy, Planning,
& Development
Core Laboratory/Workshop
PPD 531L

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Sorted by Section)
PART I.
Introduction...(Pg 1)
I. Site Context...(Pg 2-4)
1. Regional Context...
2. Local Context...
II. Local and Regional Market Trends...(Pg 5-11)
III. Challenges and Opportunities...(Pg 12-15)
IV. Current City Initiatives...(Pg 16-18)
V. Summary...(Pg 18)
PART II.
Introduction...(Pg 19)
I. Spatial Organization and Physical Form of Warner Center
and its Context...(Pg 19-21)
II. The Contribution of Preservation and
Design in Solving Planning Problems...(Pg 22)
III. Signiﬁcant Design Issues...(Pg 23)
IV. Schematic Sketch and Proposal...(Pg 24-25)
Final Summary (Pg 26)
End Notes & Bibliography...(Pg 27-28)

PART I: INTRODUCTION
The Warner Center in Woodland Hills, CA
Source: Google Images
The Warner Center Speciﬁc Plan Area located in the San Fernando Valley is one of the nation’s largest entertainment
industry centers and is home to numerous people and jobs. At present, the Speciﬁc Plan is one of several city initiatives aimed
at integrating transportation, land use, urban design elements, and public improvements to promote mixed use, transit oriented
development, and walkability. The purpose of the case study presented here is to analyze the current initiatives as well as to give
a general background on the site and its context. Additionally, the study also serves as a mechanism through which additional
proposals are derived and presented - either complementing the current city initiatives and goals or serving as an alternative.
Regardless, the ultimate goal of the study is to create an economically, environmentally, and socially viable environment for the
people of Warner Center and the San Fernando Valley, but other cities and communities in the region as well.
1

Warner Center Regional MapWarrnerr CCenter Regiig onal MMapp
Introduction: The Warner Center Specific Plan
is a 1.65 square mile area located in the San Fernando
Valley – a “geographical region roughly bounded by the
Santa Susana Mountains to the north and west, the Santa
Monica Mountains to the south, and the San Gabriel
Mountains to the east. It lies wholly within Los Angeles
County and includes the cities of Burbank, Calabasas,
Glendale, Hidden Hills, and San Fernando, as well as the
Valley portion of the City of Los Angeles.”1
Specifically situated in the community of
Woodland Hills – one of 27 “named” communities
that make up the Los Angeles portion of the Valley –
the Warner Center Specific Plan area is bounded by
Vanowen Street to the north, the 101 Ventura Freeway
to the south, De Soto Avenue to the east, and Topanga
Canyon Boulevard to the west.
Implemented on June 23, 1993 by the Los
Angeles City Council, “the Warner Center Specific Plan
has regulated all development in the area for the past 15
years.”2
PART I: SITE CONTEXT
Warner Center
Specific PlanSpeSpep cificifi
Source: CSUN Economic Forecast for the San Fernando Valley (2007)
Source: Warner Center
Specific Plan
Source: Google Maps (edited by John Lai)Source: Google Maps (edited by John Lai)
Community Plan Area (CPA)
SF Valley Communities
Burbank
Glendale
Tujunga
Semi Valley
N. Hol-
lywood
Encino
Van Nuys
Studio City Universal City
Woodland
Hills
West Hills
Canoga
Park
Winnetka
North
Hills
Chatsworth
Tarzana
Reseda
Granada Hills
San Fernando
Sylmar
Stonehurst
Panarama
City
Sherman
Oaks
Valley
Village
Northridge
Mission
Hills Pacoima
Arleta
Lake View
Terrace
Valley
Glen
Hidden Hills
Santa Monica Mountains
Santa Susana Mountains
Santa Susana Mountains
Santa Gabriel Mountains
Warner CenterWarner Center
Warner Center Specific Plan Boundaries (Enlarged)WWarnnner CCennteer SSppeecifificc Plaan BBounndaarries ((Ennllarrggedd))Cities and “Named Communities” of the San Fernando Valley
yyyy
Citties anndd “Naamed CCommmmunitiees” ooff the San Ferrrnandoo Vallleyyyy
2

Source: Metro Quarterly 2005
Image: Shows the Metro Orange Line terminating at Warner Center on the left and connecting to the Metro Orange Line on the bottom
right.
SSoourcee: Meetroo Quarteerly 20005
IImmage: Shoowss the Meetro Orraange Line termminnatingg at Warrner Ceenter onn the leftft and coonnectinnng to thhe Metrro OOrannge Line on thhee bottomm
rrigght.
Metro Orange LineMMettro Oraange Liine
As part of the Canoga Park-Winnetka-
Woodland Hills-West Hills Community Plan Area
(CPA), the Specific Plan is currently under revi-
sion by the planning department of the City of
Los Angeles – the goals of which are to
1) coordinate orderly commercial and residential
development while integrating transportation
improvements 2) protect residential
neighborhoods from traffic 3) establish a
hierarchy of land use intensity with decreasing
density away from the Warner Center 4)
encourage mixed-use development and 5)
improve the jobs/housing relationship.3
Additionally, through the “establishment
of urban design, landscaping and sign control
standards, encouraging art work in public
spaces, and by providing child care facilities for
employees of Warner Center businesses, the
Warner Center Specific Plan also aims to create
a vibrant environment with daytime as well as
nighttime activities, preserve existing high tech
industries, and promote walkability”4
in order to
ensure the future growth and sustainability of the
region.
PART I. Site Context cont’d...
Canoga Park-Winnetka-Woodland
Hills-West Hills Plan Area
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HHiHiHiHillllllllls-s-s WWeWeWWWeststtsstt HHHHililiillslsslls PPPPlalaallaannnn AArArAAAreeaeea
1. Regional Context: Warner Center
and the San Fernando Valley
Initially designed as an edge city
with the purpose of alleviating congestion
and decreasing density in Los Angeles, the
San Fernando Valley has become a hub for
commercial and economic activity all its own.
Transitioning from “a suburban bedroom
community supplying workers to jobs elsewhere,
to a major job center during the last two decades, the San Fernando Valley currently has a workforce
of more than 825,000 and is home to one of the nation’s largest entertainment industry clusters.”5
Additionally, it is home to nearly 1.8 million people and 50,000 businesses, including a high-tech
aerospace industry as well.
Located within Woodland Hills, the Warner Center draws upon
the immense population from the surrounding communities to sustain
its growth as an economic and industrial center for the San Fernando
Valley. Canoga Park, West Hills, and Winnetka for instance, consist
of large residential neighborhoods that supply much of the housing
needed for the population directly surrounding Warner Center.
Along with Woodland Hills, these communities alone house 183,516
residents and has a population and housing density about 80% that of
the City of Los Angeles. With a workforce 4.5 times the size of CPA’s
immediate population, the San Fernando Valley is very much a vital
part of Warner Center’s economic prosperity and growth.6
Warner Center
Located along the 101 Ventura Freeway and as the terminus for the Metro Orange Line that
connects with the North Hollywood Metro Red Line station, the Warner Center is conveniently linked
to downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding metropolitan region. This gives it easy access to labor
outside the Valley. At the same time, it gives consumers outside the Valley easy access to it as well.
Source: CSUN Economic Forecast (2007
imim
p
L t d l th 101 VV
SSouuuo rrcee: CSSUUUC NN EEN cocoonoommmicc FFooreeo cacaastt ((200002 77)
3

While the San Fernando Valley region
has made a dramatic shift from a residential
bedroom neighborhood to a cultural, economic,
and industrial core, a number of issues pose
threats to its continued prosperity. The “lack
of affordable senior housing, oversupply of
retail strip malls on major thoroughfares, poor
aesthetics, erosion of the aerospace industry,
job losses in the manufacturing sector, lack
of buffers between residential and industrial
uses, and the limited number and size of parks
and open space in the community,”7
are all
threats to the future of the San Fernando Valley
and Warner Center as a center of activity. To
maintain the regions bustling economy, these
issues need to be addressed. Alternatives
include transit-oriented developments (TOD)
around the Metro Orange Line, mixed-use,
aesthetic design, and linking industries to
expanding sectors of the economy.
Although these opportunities do not fully
resolve all of the issues the San Fernando Valley
and Warner Center face, it is a start to creating
an environment that is not only economically
and socially viable, but sustainable as well.
2. Local Context: Warner Center
Specific Plan Area
PART I. Site Context cont’d...
At present, the Warner Center is home
to two major shopping centers (Westfield
Topanga and Westfield Promenade), a high tech
aerospace industry (Boeing and Rocketdyne),
and is adjacent to one of the nine colleges
(Pierce College) of the Los Angeles Community
College District (LACCD). The Warner Center
Specific Plan area is also the site of the Warner
Center Towers, a hospital, and insurance giant
AIG. Other than a few pockets of multi-family
residential developments, small-scale commer-
cial, industrial and retail centers dominate the
site.
While these developments comprise
the basis of Warner Center’s economy, they
also serve as reminders of the deficiencies in
aesthetics, land use, and incompatibility with
the surrounding area. Surrounded by miles of
single-family residential housing, the Warner
Center lacks an adequate buffer separating its
industrial and commercial uses from its residen-
tial ones. Furthermore, its wide streets, large
blocks, single-use sites, and swaths of surface
parking make the site not only difficult to access
without automobile, but aesthetically unappeal-
ing as well.
In an attempt to maximize traffic flow,
the Warner Center neglects the primarily resi-
dential neighborhoods around and within it. In
contrast with the large traffic corridors and
surface parking available on the site, it accom-
modates a limited number of pedestrian friendly
walkways and only one park. With only three
transit stops, the Metro Orange Line further lim-
its the accessibility of the site by foot. Although it
allows for visitors to reach the site through public
mass transportation, it makes it difficult to reach
many of the major retail and industrial centers
around the site. While this poses problems for
visitors, it is an even greater dilemma for resi-
dents.
Similar to the issues and opportunities
faced in the regional context, the Warner Center
has much potential for improvement. The
downsizing of blocks, creation of mixed-use
developments, expansion of public transit, and
the development of underground or multi-level
parking for instance, would greatly reduce the
congestion, pollution, and amount of space used
by traffic into the area. At the same time, it would
allow more land to be allocated for the creation
of parks, pedestrian friendly paths, and easier
access to retail and industrial sites within the
Warner Center. Located just south of the L.A.
River Revitalization Plan, the Warner Center
has the potential to use the river as a buffer
between the residential and commercial districts,
using it as a complementary recreational area
as well. Pierce College on the other hand – with
an annual enrollment of 20,000 students and
located east of the plan area8
– provides the
Warner Center with an additional consumer
base and an educated workforce. Additionally, it
offers a large piece of agricultural land that can
be converted to green space. To access them
however, connectivity must be established to
these sites.
In order to sustain its continued growth
and prosperity, the Warner Center Specific Plan
must take advantage of the opportunities around
it and create an environment more easily acces-
sible to consumers and those who work there.
Convenience and aesthetic appeal would also
make the area not only more receptive to jobs
and people, but investment as well.
4

Households
The San Fernando Valley:
Looking at Charts 1 and 2, it can be
seen that roughly two-thirds of all house-
holds in the San Fernando Valley are family
households and that each household contains
an average of 3 persons.
Warner Center:
The Warner Center Specific Plan Area
however, deviates from this trend. Non-family
households in the Plan area comprise 55.1% of
Warner Center’s households.
A major factor contributing to this
trend is marital status, of which 58.1% of the
population above 15 years of age have never
been married, are widowed, or are divorced.9
As Table 1 illustrates, this results in small 1-2
person households.
PART I. LOCAL & REGIONAL MARKET TRENDS
Located within the San Fernando Valley,
the Warner Center Specific Plan Area is heavily
dependent on and influenced by the communi-
ties that surround it - which provide it with a
labor supply, consumer base, land, and vari-
ous industries that drive the local and regional
economy. In order to fully comprehend the
impact of these communities on the Plan Area,
it is important to understand past, present, and
future market trends in terms of demographics,
socio-economics, and land use patterns; only
then can we plan a better future for the region’s
population.
1. Demographics Despite a high proportion of 3 person
family households throughout the Valley, Warner
Center’s household composition as well as the
number of family households looks to remain
relatively unchanged in the coming years (See
Table 2). With mostly 1-2 person households and
increases in the number of family households
likely to remain insignificant, apartment
complexes, luxury lofts, and mixed-use
properties (Image 1) will likely be in high demand.
Chart 1. % of Households that are Family Households in the
San Fernando Valley
CChChhChhhararrarrttt 11.1. %%%%%% oooooofff HooHHHoususuuussehehehholololdsdsddds ttthaahhattt ararrarreeee FaFaFaamimimimiilyllly HHHHououuouuseeseehoholdllldssss inin ttttheheh
yySaSaSannnn FeFeeFFerrnrnanannaannddodododdo VVVV laalallleeeleeyy
Household Size Households Percent of Households
1-person household 1,702 40.41%
2-person household 1,458 34.62%
3-person household 574 13.63%
Source: The CSUN Economic Forecast for the San Fernando Valley
(2007)
Despite a high proportion of 3 person
SSouSououurcrcecerccee: TT: Theehhhe CSUSUCCCCCSUUN EN EEN EEcoonconnomomimiommicc Fccc FForreorecacasascaasst fft fforooor ththhethhhe SSaSSann FFn FFerrnerrnanndanndoo Voo Valllallleyye
(2(2020(200077)0707)07))
Source: Claritas Inc. Site Reports (2008)
Table 1. Household Sizes in Warner Center
Specific Plan Area
Year Households Percent Growth
2013 Projection 4,395 4.34%
2008 Estimate 4,212 6.12%
2000 Census 3,969 5.39%
1990 Census 3,766
Source: Claritas Inc. Site Reports (2008)
Table 2. Projected Increase in Warner Center
Specific Plan Area’s Households
pp ope es ( g ) e y be g de a d
1. Triana Apartment Homes on Canoga
Photo by John LaiPhoto by John Lai
Chart 2. Household Sizes in the San Fernando Valley
(Household size is about 3 persons)
ChChCCChharrarttt 2.222. HHHHoououuseseeseehohohhholddllld SSSSSizizizizzeseees iiinnnn ththttthhee SaSSSannnnnn FeFeFeernnrnananaaannddoddo VVVValalallllelleyy
(( pp ))((H(H((Houuuoouusseseseehhohoholdldldlld ssssiiiizizizee iisisis aaaaabbbbbboboouutut 333333 ppperereersoosoonnsnsnns)))))
Source: The CSUN Economic Forecast for the San Fernando Valley
(2007)
SSouSououurcrcecerccee: TT: Theehhhe CSUSUCCCCCSUUN EN EEN EEcoonconnomomimiommicc Fccc FForreorecacasascaasst fft fforooor ththhethhhe SSaSSann FFn FFerrnerrnanndanndoo Voo Valllallleyye
(2(2020(200077)0707)07))
5

Age
(San Fernando Valley): As the charts on the left reveal, the San Fernando Val-
ley consists of a relatively level age distribution from 0 to 54 years of age, with those
under 18 comprising a good quarter of the Valley’s population.
While there are 2 bulges at age ranges 10 to 14 and 35 to 44 (Chart 3), the age
distribution remains pretty balanced, with cohort size decreases seen only in near
retirement and senior populations.
(Warner Center): Similarly, the Warner Center Specific Plan Area adheres to a
comparable set of statistics. While 25 to 44 year olds make up about 40.6 percent of
the plan area’s population, about a quarter of the population is also 18 and younger.10
This means that in addition to providing jobs, entertainment, housing, and services
for young and middle-aged adults, education, playgrounds, and other entertainment
venues for children and teens are also important considerations.
While existing developments such as Westfield Topanga as well as Westfield
Promenade currently satisfy a part of this need, the continual changes in trends,
shopping, leisure, dining, and entertainment should be taken into consideration to
ensure that whatever development takes place, they cater to continually evolving
lifestyles and tastes. The proposed development The Village in Warner Center (Image 2)
is an example of this recognition of lifestyle changes.
PART I. Local & Regional Market Trends cont’d...
Chart 4. Percent of Population Under 18 Years in the San Fernando ValleyChharrt 4. Perceeent oof Pooppulaationn UUnnder 188 YYearrs in the Sann FFerrnanndo VValleeyy
Up until recently, most
retail developments have taken
form as mega indoor shopping
centers similar to Westfield
Promenade (Image 3). Current
trends around the country and in
the region however, signal that
the era of indoor shopping malls
are nearing an end. The Village
at Warner Center for instance is
a planned outdoor retail center
currently under development
suggesting just that. 2. The Village in Warner Center
(Artists rendering of concept currently under construction)
Source: Google ImagesSource: Google Images
Chart 3. 2005 San Fernando Valley Age DistributionChChChChhharartt 3.333 2200000000055 SaSSSannn FeFeFeernrnrnnananddoddo VVVVValaaalleeleyyyy AggAgAggee DDiDiststriiriibububuutiitiionon
Source: San Fernando Valley CCO: 2005 American Community Survey * Averaged for
Presentation
SSouSouourcecerrrce: S: S: SSanan FerFFFernanannnaaandododo VallValleleylleeey CCCCCO:O:O: 20200020005 AA5 Ammermmericicaiiiccan CCn CCommmmommmmuniniunityty SuSururSuurrveeyveey ** AAveAAverraagrraageded forfo
PPrerePresenssennttattttatationionn
Source: The CSUN Economic Forecast for the San Fernando Valley (2007)SSouSouourrcece: TT: TThehe CCSUUUCCSUUN ENN Ecconcco ommmiommmic FFc FForeo eecasscasst ft foro tthethhe SSaaSSaan Fn Feernee annndannndo VVo VVallalleeyeey (220(22007))07))
6

While the 65 and over cohort does
not measure up to the previous two cohorts
mentioned in terms of size, it is still a particularly
important group to consider. Averaging just
over 10 percent of the Valley’s population (Chart
5), retired seniors account for about one out
of every ten individuals residing in the San
Fernando Valley.
At the Warner Center, those 60 and over
comprise nearly 17 percent of the population,
bringing the percentage of the retiring and
retired to nearly a quarter of the population.
Similar to the under 18 cohort, the 60 and over
cohort also requires services particular to its
needs.11
Senior services, retirement homes
the Warner Center Speciﬁc Plan must determine
how the local and regional economy will attract
jobs and maintain its workforce while also
servicing the cohorts of both the young and the
old. Additionally, the Plan must ascertain how
it will absorb increases in both the workforce
and retirement populations as teens and
young adults eventually transition into the work
force and higher education system, while the
Baby Boom population of middle aged adults
transition into retirement. This means adequate
infrastructure will be needed to house and
service these future students, workers and
seniors. Similarly, it means there needs to be
adequate jobs, space, and leisurely activities.
(Image 4), and geriatric hospitals
for instance, are all important
amenities that would need to be
provided.
Given the fact that most
seniors are unable to or simply
give up driving as a result of
old age, the establishment and
expansion of a more easily
accessible and convenient public
transportation system should also
be considered. Following along
these lines, the downsizing of
blocks - which currently are so
large that they hinder walkability -
is also an alternative to be mulled
over.
Having taken all of these
age related factors into account,
4. Retirement Townhomes
(Typical housing stock type available in Warner Center)
3. Westﬁeld Promenade
Chart 5. Percent of Population Over 65 Years in the San Fernando ValleyCChCChaarraarrtt 5.5. PPererccceccentnt ooff PPooPPoopupuulallatitioonoon OOOOOvever 65665 YYeaearssrss iin ttthttthee SSaSSan FFeeFFeernnananddoddo VVVVaalaalleleyyyy
Source: The CSUN Economic Forecast for the San Fernando Valley (2007)
7

Ethnicity
(San Fernando Valley): Home to 1.8
million people, the San Fernando Valley is
predominantly made up of three major ethnic
groups, with Hispanics comprising 42 percent
of the population, Whites 42.7 percent of the
household population, and Asians 10 percent of
the population.12
(Warner Center): While the population
immediately surrounding the Warner Center
follows a similar demographic pattern, with
Whites comprising an even higher concentration
of the population and Asians at a level
comparable to the Valley (Table 3), the density
of Hispanics – while still a major cohort – is cut
more than half to comprise only 20.6 percent of
the general population.13
What this means is that the community
is comprised of a majority of Whites. Despite this
however, Hispanics and Asians are still dominant
populations that the market – and the Warner
Center Specific Plan – must cater to.
White Alone 63.24%
Black or African American Alone 7.01%
American Indian & Alaska Native Alone 0.54%
Asian Alone 12.90%
Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Alone 0.27%
Other 16.05%
Source: Claritas Site Report - Warner Center (2008)
Table 3. Warner Center Est. Population by Single Race
Classification
Birthplace
A majority of residents in the Valley
are people from other states and countries.
According to the CSUN Economic Forecast for
the San Fernando Valley, 16.7% of the residents
in the Valley are from other states, and 41
percent are foreign born (Chart 6). Of the total
population in the Valley, only 42.5% are actually
Californian natives.14
Relative to the City of
Los Angeles (40.8% foreign born), foreigners
comprise a slightly higher proportion of the
population in the Valley.
These statistics indicate the importance
of a strong regional and local economy as it
shows that most of the Valley’s population
comes from other places. For the Valley to
continue its status as a hub for business,
entertainment, and industry, it must continue
to develop jobs that will attract people here.
Additionally, it must continue to improve its
infrastructure to accommodate the continually
growing population.
Immigration & Citizenship/ Language &
Education
Falling in line with birthplace, it is not
surprising then that a good proportion of the
Valley’s population are not U.S. citizens (22%)
(Chart 7). With 41% of the population being
foreign born, the Valley is both an entry as
well as destination point for immigrants.
As for linguistics, it is important to note
that at least 28% of the Valley’s population are
not fluent English speakers (Chart 8). Additionally,
Spanish seems to be the dominant language
of 37% of households at home.15
This indicates
that educational and language services that
assist immigrants are essential to helping this
portion of the population adapt to life in the U.S.
and to become productive members of society.
By providing language programs for immigrant
children and adults, they would be more able to
easily adjust to American culture and society.
It would also increase the likelihood that their
children will succeed in schools and their own
chances of finding jobs and succeeding in the
work place.
In terms of education, 76.5% of the
Valley’s 25 and older population have graduated
high school, while higher educational attainment
is at 30% (Chart 9). It is important to note however
that similar to all other statistics that have been
provided, the percentages vary across different
communities in the Valley, with some extreme
highs and lows.
While these averages are higher than
LA City and LA County however, the educa-
tion level of the Valley is lower than state and
national averages - possibly due to the large
number of immigrants that make up the popula-
tion and the lack of English fluency for nearly a
third of the population. In consideration of these
facts, the provision of an adequate educational
infrastructure that addresses the needs of
immigrants is a substantial factor that needs to
be taken into account for the future success of
the region.
8

Labor Force Participation & Commuting
With regard to the labor force, 66%
of the Valley’s population are employed.16
Looking back at data showing that nearly 27%
of the population is retirement or near retirement
age, the statistic for employment is very good.
Despite this however, according to the CSUN
Economic Forecast for the San Fernando
Valley, in 2005 there were 38,000 more jobs
than number of people employed in the Valley.
While this suggests that there was a shortage or
labor, it is also possible that these 38,000 jobs
provide a cushion for the unemployed and those
transitioning between jobs. Whatever the case,
it is important to provide incentives to attract
workers to the region to ﬁll up these vacancies.
Seeing as the Valley is a center for
employment, it is also crucial to ensure that
people have a way to get to work. At present,
74% of workers drive to work alone, while
11.5 % carpool. That means that only 14.5%
of the regions working population takes public
transportation.17
This is a serious problem as it
means lots of congestion and pollution, both of
which are detrimental to safety, productivity and
the environment.
Taking this into account, a better, more
affordable, and more widely accessible public
transportation system must be established
and expanded so that more people can get to
and from work efﬁciently. It would also shorten
commutes, which is at present 29 minutes -
comparable to L.A. City and L.A. County but
longer than national and state averages.18
Source: The CSUN Economic Forecast for the San Fernando
Valley (2007)
SSoSouurccee: Thhe CCCSUUN EEEcoonommic Forreccaast ffor tthhe SSann FFeernanndooo
VVaVallleyyyyy (2( 007)))))
Valley (2007)
SSoouurccee: Thhe CCCSUUN EEEconommic Forreccaast ffor tthhe SSann FFeernaandooo
VValallleyyyyy (2( 007))))))
Chart 6. Percent of Population Foreign Born in the
San Fernando Valley
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SaaSaSannn FFeeFeFerrnrrnannanandoododoo VVVaalaalleleeeyyyyyy
Chart 7. Percent of Population not “Citizens” in the
San Fernando Valley
ChhCCCCharararttt 7777... PPPereeerceceeceentntnnnt oooofff PoPoPPPooppuppulalalaatiitiononooonn nnnnotot “““CiCiCiititizezeezeenssnnnss” inininn ttthhehhhhe
ySSaSann FFFeFeerrnananddododo VVV laallleeeyyyy
Valley (2007)
VValValallleyyyyy (2( 007))))))
Chart 8. Percent of Population not Fluent in English in the
San Fernando Valley
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SaaSaSannn FFeeFeFeerrnrrnannanandoododoo VVVaalaalleleeeyyyyyy
Valley (2007)
VVaVallleyyyyy (2( 007)))))
Chart 9. Educational Attainment in the
San Fernando Valley
ChhChhCCCCCharararrttt 99.9.99. EEEEdduuddducacaccca itititttionnoon llallaaal AAAAAAAAttttt iaiaiaiinmmmnmmmennentt iinninn tttthhhhehhe
SaaSaSannn FFeeFeFeerrnrrnannanandoododoo VVVaalaalleleeeyyyyyy
9

2. Socio-Economic Status
Occupational and Industrial Employment, Worker Categories, Income, Businesses
(San Fernando Valley): In terms of socio-economic status, more than 35 percent
of San Fernando Valley’s population work in the Managerial and Professional industries,
while nearly 18 percent work in the Education, Health, and Social Service industries.19
If
current trends continue (Chart 10), these job sectors will continue to grow, bringing along job
growth in the information and sales sectors as well.
As these industries grow, incomes will rise along with them. This means more peo-
ple with more money to spend and drive the economy. To ensure that the Warner Center
Specific Plan Area and the San Fernando Valley get a share of this increased prosperity,
consideration must be given to how they can attract interest and spending from residents
and visitors alike.
(Warner Center): While the Warner Center shows the same inclination for white-
collar jobs (at nearly 80 percent of all jobs), it is imperative to take into consideration
sectors such as construction and finance, which are in decline and could adversely affect
the development the Warner Center as property values and demand starts to decline (Chart
3).20
As construction and development goes down, jobs in the industry will be cut and
as a result, many blue-collar, temporary help, and other low-skilled laborers would become
unemployed. Additionally, with the decline of the financial and leisure sectors, less invest-
ment will flow into the area, while revenues from visitors will fall as well.
Despite current trends however, nearly 80% of the population in both the Valley
and Warner Center Area work in private for-profit occupations. Single households earn
average salaries of $74,611/yr, with family households at an even higher $82,834/yr,21
representing a strong middle-income class. These numbers indicate a sizable population
with notable purchasing power and show potential for local business development.
0.0%
0.5%
1.0%
1.5%
2.0%
2.5%
3.0%
3.5%
4.0%
4.5%
W
holesale/Retail
Inform
ation Technol-
ogy M
anagerial and
Professional
Education/Health/Social
Services
PercentageChange
Chart 10. San Fernando’s Growing Job Sectors
Source: CSUN Economic Forcast for the San Fernando Valley (2005)
Chart 11. San Fernando’s Declining Job Sectors
PercentageChange
-6.0%
-4.0%
-2.0%
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
Construction Financial
Activity
Leis &
Accom
Source: CSUN Economic Forcast for the San Fernando Valley (2005)
2005 Employment
2006 Employment
2007 Employment
2005 Employment
2006 Employment
2007 Employment
With respect to this regard however, it’s important to understand the factors that keep and drive away local businesses. Based on a survey
conducted by CSUN in 2007, 21% of local businesses said they would relocate to obtain lower costs, while 14% said they would move to escape the
Business Tax. Other reasons to move include lower rents, and better access to labor.22
Despite this however, 77% of businesses did not consider moving, citing reasons such as proximity to workers, location to shipping facilities, etc.23
Based on this information, priorities of development seem clear in terms of retaining current existing businesses and industries. Access to an adequate
labor pool, supplies, and low costs among other things are all major issues.
10

Housing
Tenure: While demographic and socio-
economic trends have generally been parallel
both locally and regionally, the Warner Center
Area and the Valley show a large discrepancy in
terms of tenure (Table 4).
As the table shows, a much larger pro-
portion of the population in Warner Center rent
their homes than own. The opposite is true for
the Valley, where more than half own and close
to half rent.
While this may be a huge difference, it is
necessary to recall that while 2/3 of the Valley’s
households are family households, more than
½ of the households within the Warner Center
Area are single and couples with no children.
Also relevant is the fact that more than 1/3 of
Valley homeowners spend more than 35% of
their income on homeowner costs, while 45% of
renters spend more than 35% of their income on
rent,24
indicating high prices. Due to this fact, the
Warner Center Specific Plan Area must provide
a large portion of affordable mixed income
residential units for single and couple uses so
that they become more accessible.
Tenure of Occupied Housing Rent Own
Units
San Fernando Valley 47.90% 52.10%
Warner Center Area 80.41% 19.59%
Table 4. Tenure for Warner Center and the
San Fernando Valley
Source: Claritas Site Report (2008)
The current land use trend of the Warner Center Specific Plan Area consists of 16 million
sq. ft. of space dedicated to office, retail, and light industrial use. Furthermore, an additional 3,000
residential units are under construction to complement the already existing 4,000 housing units to
increase population capacity as well as density, which is evidenced by the fact that more than 83
percent of all housing units within the Warner Center Area are apartment and condominium type units
(Image 5).25
3. Land Use
5. Townhome Developments
n
s
f
n
e
WarnerCenterLandUseMap
The
land use map
on the left re-
veals that much
of Warner Cen-
ter is dedicated
to commercial
and industrial
developments - with small clusters of multi-
family residential units in the mix.
Summary: After a careful analysis of
the demographic, socio-economic, and land
use patterns of Warner Center and the San
Fernando Valley, it is clear that whatever
developments are implemented, they cater to
a population comprised of educated, middle-
class, single, and young professionals with a
disposable income - of whom are primarily of
White, Hispanic, and Asian descent. In do-
ing so however, the needs of other minority
populations in terms of race, age, occupation,
household composition, and tenure must not be
neglected. This means that while apartments,
lofts, proximity to work and entertainment are
reasonable concerns, affordable senior and
family housing, services, and other amenities
must also be provided.Source: Warner Center Specific Plan
11

PART I. Challenges and Opportunities
Residential & Neighborhood Character
Issues:
- Destruction of single-family neighborhoods.
- Needs of population exceeding infrastruc-
ture capacity.
- Lack of open space.
- Not enough senior housing.
Opportunities:
- Create programs to support home-
owner groups in rehabilitation and
preservation of single-family neighborhoods.
- Maintain housing diversity & mixed use.
- Ensure housing/job proximity.26
Analysis:
While creating programs to support the
preservation of single-family neighborhoods by
homeowner groups is logical, it is unclear how
effective this solution is in combating its de-
cline. It seems more logical to take into account
changes in lifestyle such as educational attain-
ment, occupational status, income, and marital
preference as the main culprits in the decline of
these neighborhoods rather than seeing it as a
matter of rehabilitation.
Maintaining housing diversity and en-
suring job/housing proximity would be a more
effective method in providing more senior and
affordable housing while at the same time help-
ing to preserve single-family neighborhoods due
to the fact that most single young professionals
prefer a lifestyle that consists of apartment/loft
living and proximity to work, therefore limiting
their inclination to move into surrounding single-
family neighborhoods. Using this strategy by
balancing development with various demands
would ensure that single-family neighborhoods
are preserved and that students, young profes-
sionals, as well as retirement age populations
have a niche as well.
Commercial
Issues:
- Oversupply and poor aesthetics of strip mall
and commercial space.
- Large parking lots (Image 6).
- Lack of transition between residential &
commercial space & residential parking.
- Unsightly new construction (Image 7).
Opportunities:
- Promote better design guidelines.
- Establish transition between residential &
commercial space.
- Reduce scale of commercial projects &
increase number of trees and other pedes-
trian friendly amenities as well as parking.27
Analysis:
In addition to promoting better design
guidelines, it seems to be effective to monitor
them to ensure quality and aesthetic appeal.
Furthermore, the addition of parking (perhaps
underground), the reduction in scale of com-
mercial projects, and incorporation of pedestrian
friendly elements such as trees, benches, etc.
would dramatically improve walkability and ac-
cess to the commercial areas at hand, without
overwhelming residents or visitors with its scale.
Another method in which walkability could be
improved would be by scaling down block sizes
so that it is more pedestrian friendly and better
suited for leisurely walks, jogs, as well as better
connectivity in and around the neighborhood.
Lastly, the establishment of a transition
between residential & commercial space could
be the development of office space in between
floors for mixed-use projects. The office space
6. 21st Century Plaza
(Lack of aesthetics and large lots for parking)
7. Construction site on Topanga Canyon Blvd.
12

would create a buffer for those living above and
those working/shopping below (commercial) as it
would reduce noise experienced by residents in
multistory mixed use developments during both
day and night while allowing commercial and
business activities to flourish.
Another method of ensuring proper
buffering of residential and commercial spaces
would be the addition of parks and open space
in between as well as the installation of resi-
dential parking only zones around these areas
so that residents would not be intruded upon by
the traffic generated by the commercial districts.
Not only would this create a buffer between the
two uses, it would allow residents easy access
to commercial areas near their homes without
being threatened by them.
Industrial
Issues:
- No separation of residential & industrial
areas.
- Older industrial districts threatened by
modern standards.
- Loss of manufacturing jobs & need for new
industries.
Opportunities:
- Excellent access to freeway & railways.
- Increase availability of industrial sites for
clean use as well as clean use itself (i.e.
recycling).
- Revitalize older districts with business &
other redevelopment strategies.
- Review plans for industrial expansion near
residential areas.
- Increase job-producing sites to improve
economic condition of area.28
Analysis:
While access to freeways and railways
would improve the viability of older industrial
districts and manufacturing jobs (in that they
would be better able to access resources), it is
not enough to prevent the destruction of older in-
dustrial sites as industrial standards have risen.
However, the appropriation of land
for newer and cleaner industries would effec-
tively counter the need for these industries to
take over older industrial sites. Furthermore, a
thorough review of expanding industrial plans
in close proximity of residential areas would
improve the amount of separation between the
two land use areas. Even so, for ensured im-
provement, it would be best to provide industrial
space as far away from residential as possible.
This can be achieved by implementing the
strategy for creating job-producing sites (most
likely commercial) between the industrial and
residential areas. Furthermore, the creation of a
large-scale regional park would also mitigate the
situation by creating a much-needed buffer.
Transportation
Issues:
- Lack of connectivity.
- Congestion.
- Lack of walkability and accessibility.
(Image 8)
- Noise & pollution.
Opportunities:
- Create pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian
friendly routes.
- Improve connectivity by making mass transit
more widely available. This also reduces
congestion. (Image 9)
- Ensure accessibility to freeways, highways,
etc. for industrial as well as private uses.
- Create adequate parking infrastructure and
roadways to accommodate traffic needs.29
9. Public Mass Transit
PART I. Challenges and Opportunities cont’d...
OO t iti
8. Large block on Topanga Canyon. No Trees for shade.
13

Analysis:
While the above opportunities would
create a more walkable environment while at the
same time reducing traffic congestion, noise,
and pollution, more effective methods could be
implemented to ensure that these needs are
met.
The first option is to reduce the size of
blocks so that residents and visitors can better
navigate their surroundings without the use of
automobiles and other private means of trans-
portation. By decreasing block size, people will
be more willing to take walks, ride their bikes,
etc. rather than driving their cars to the super-
market or a general store because the block is
just too long.
Another alternative would be to provide
a shuttle service that provides stops at major
neighborhood and commercial junction points
so that anyone can walk to the end of their block
and take a ride to the mall, grocery store, etc.
The establishment of a biking lane
would also better allow residents to enjoy the
outdoors as well as gain access to further devel-
opments from their residences.
Furthermore, creating an adequate park-
ing infrastructure as well as designating park-
ing areas for visitors and residents would limit
intrusion by outsiders on residential neighbor-
hoods. This can be accommodated by putting up
parking signs restricting parking on the residen-
tial side of neighborhoods without residential
parking permits and vis-à-vis the limitation of
residential parking on certain commercial streets
to encourage walking or the taking of public
transportation by residents.
As for the parking infrastructure it-
self, the development of underground parking
garages for residential, commercial, as well as
industrial developments would allow for more
land designated to open space or other uses.
Recreation, Parks, and Open Space
Issues:
- Limited amounts of open space and parks.
- Limited pedestrian, equestrian, and bicycle
paths.
Opportunities:
- Establish State and local park sites within
hillside areas.30
Analysis:
State and local
park sites within
hill areas would
create more
green space.
However, they
would not be
easily accessible
to residents by
foot. A sounder
solution would be
to convert extra
surface parking
into park space so
it is within reach
of residents. The
creation of pedes-
The land use map referenced
above shows that only one park
exists within the Warner Center
Specific Plan Area (identified in
green).
Source: Warner Center Specific Plan
Warner Center Land Use Map
trian and other paths can be achieved through a
similar solution and perhaps in combination with
the creation of parks.
Opportunity Sites
1. Gateway to the City:
Issues:
- Preserving scenic vistas.
Opportunities:
- Promote Warner Center as a commercial
gateway to the San Fernando Valley.
- Enhance entrance to the city by preserving
scenic vistas.31
Analysis:
If promoted as a commercial gateway to the
Valley, Warner Center would be able to attract
vast amounts of people for jobs, leisure, and
entertainment. Given that the right type of infra-
structure, entertainment, and housing are devel-
oped, the Warner Center can increase its status
as a major commercial and industrial core.
To achieve this goal, scenic vistas must be
preserved to provide landscaping and aesthetic
appeal for commuters and residents entering
the area. If destroyed, Warner Center’s lack of
green space and pedestrian friendly walkways
would become a magnified problem, turning the
Warner Center into a concrete lot, rather than a
gateway to the Valley.
14

2. Canoga Park Corridor:
Issues:
- Circulation
- Proximity to residential neighborhoods
- Aesthetics.
Opportunities:
- Connectivity to the region32
Analysis:
The Canoga Park Corridor has the potential
to become a major thoroughfare for Warner
Center as it bisects the area from north to south.
Circulation however, can pose a major
problem due to excessive use of the route by
commuters and residents alike. Bordered by
large and impenetrable blocks, the possibility of
congestion is further increased. Located near
residential neighborhoods, it would also be a
major source of noise and pollution.
3. Pierce College Agricultural Land:
Issues:
- Environmentally sensitive area.
- Current use is important for educational
purposes in the Community Plan Area.
- Type of development (if any) on the land
needs to be determined as commercial land
is sufﬁcient.
Opportunities:
- Publicly held open space.
- Master Plan of Pierce College could help its
integration with the rest of the community.
Analysis:
Largely undeveloped, Pierce College’s agri-
cultural area is unique and very environmentally
sensitive to alterations.
With careful planning however, the area can
be converted into a public open space, park or
garden attraction open to both residents and
visitors, giving the area an additional recreation
area as well as green space. The potential of
this site for such uses is great and would serve
the community well.
4. Treeland Nursery:
Issues:
- Lacks buffer from residential/other uses.
- Predominantly in a residential area.
- Scenic vistas need to be preserved.
- Limited access for any major commercial
development of the site.
Opportunities:
- Attractive landscaping.
- Develop a buffer between residential and
commercial areas.
- Height limit on the property.
- Approval of any commercial developments
shall include an equestrian trail easement to
the trail backbone of the Santa Monica
Mountains Conservancy Trail System.33
Analysis:
Treeland Nursery lacks an adequate buffer
from residential and other uses and poses a
problem for residents as it brings a number of
nuisances such as delivery trucks, customers,
and smells of fertilizer to the area. Furthermore,
limited access to the site can cause congestion.
If it is able to be developed however, Tree-
land Nursery offers the opportunity for increased
aesthetics. Building codes and restrictions for
instance, can be implemented. Additionally, it
offers the potential for the development of a
equestrian trail easement that increases access
to recreational activities and sites.
5. MTA Right of Way:
Issues:
- Maintenance
- Future unpredictability
Opportunities:
- Expanded public transport34
Analysis:
While the MTA could provide wider access to
public transport, it’s future usage is unpredict-
able and could be costly. However, if successful,
it would relieve congestion and pollution.
6. Canoga Park Industrial Corridor
Issues:
- Proximity to residential areas.
- Proliferation of low end uses (i.e. car repair)
- Poor maintenance and unsightly appear-
ance.
Opportunities:
- Access and proximity to employment.
- Rail expansion and existing circulation.
- Commercial revitalization, attract clean
businesses.35
Analysis:
The Canoga Park Industrial Corridor presents
an opportunity for commercial revitalization that
if successful, could increase the aesthetics of
the area while creating clean industries and jobs.
15

PART I. Current City Initiatives
A number of city initiatives have been
envisioned and implemented to mediate the
problems mentioned in the previous sections -
looking for the most effective ways to cater to
the population and create a sustainable, eco-
nomically viable, and attractive environment.
These initiatives include the Warner
Center Specific Plan, the Canoga Park-Winnet-
ka-Woodland Hills-West Hills Community Plan,
the LA River Revitalization Plan, and the Urban
Design Matrix, which discusses aspects of urban
aesthetics and land use to be taken into consid-
eration. Below is a list of the initiatives’ com-
bined objectives.
The Canoga Park-Winnetka-Woodland Hills-
West Hills Community Plan
The purpose of the Community Plan
is to “promote an arrangement of land uses,
streets, and services which will encourage and
contribute to the economic, social and physical
health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the
people who live and work in the community.
The plan also guides development to create a
healthful and pleasant environment...ensuring
that sufficient land is designated to provide
for the housing, commercial, employment,
education, recreational, cultural, social, and
aesthetic needs of the residents in the plan
area.”36
The Warner Center Specific Plan:
The Warner Center Specific Plan is a
revised portion of the Community Plan targeted
specifically at Warner Center. Despite the revi-
sions, the goals of both plans remain relatively
the same.
Below is a list of stated goals:
Plan Goals
1. Coordinate orderly commercial and residential
development with transportation improvements
to minimize congestion.
2. Protect residential areas from traffic intrusion
and create a buffer between residential and
industrial areas with the use of landscaping,
artwork, and other beautification projects.
3. Establish urban design standards and sign
controls to maintain the quality of developments.
4. Encourage mixed use, day/night activities,
and walkability.
5. Improve circulation and connectivity/access to
public transportation systems.
6. Preserve existing high tech and industrial
industries.
7. Provide child-care facilities for working
families with children.
8. Improve job/housing relationship.
9. Implement a Transportation Demand
Management Program to mitigate the impact of
future developments on transportation and vice
versa.
10. Establish methodology outlining land use
intensity in relation to the Warner Center
to promote development in a manner that
minimizes environmental degradation and
encourages public mass transit.
11. Define a maximum Approved Permitted
Floor Area of 21.5 million square feet of non-
residential development and encourage other
developments consistent with the Specific Plan
requirements.
12. Establish mitigation programs to reduce
the impact of noise, congestion, and pollution on
surrounding neighborhoods as well as present
and future developments.
13. Ensure adequate and sufficient system of
street parking.
14. Develop more efficient/excellent connectivity
with freeways, highways, and other transporta-
tion systems and ensure as well as promote
connectivity and accessibility.
15. Preserve cultural and historical resources
as well as landmarks.
16. Create equestrian, bicycle, as well as pedes-
trian routes.
17. Implement the Community Plan 37
The L.A. River Revitalization Plan
The L.A. River Revitalization Plan is a
proposal for the greening and revitalization of
the L.A. River throughout Los Angeles County
and the San Fernando Valley. The opportunity
site here lies between Canoga Park and the
Warner Center.
The plan proposes that a “15-acre park
16

be established on the south side of the L.A. River between Canoga Park High School and Variel
Avenue. It would entail the removal of a number of old strip retail sites currently existing on the area
and would call for the planting of various groupings of trees ranging from Sycamores, redwoods, etc,
the purposes of which are to re-create a natural and functional riparian habitat.”38
(Images 10 and 11)
City Initiatives - Addressing the Issues?
Having provided an analysis of the op-
portunities and challenges facing the Warner
Center Specific Site Plan and a list of city initia-
tives and plan goals, it is imperative to ensure
that the current initiatives take into consideration
and adequately address the deficiencies as well
as the potential of the Warner Center Area to
develop into an economically, environmentally,
and socially sustainable city.
Of the city initiatives and goals men-
tioned, five major issues seem to be at the heart
of the Warner Center’s development, encom-
passing all city initiatives and goals.
These are:
1. Transportation, traffic, and congestion.
2. Walkability
3. Preservation of commercial, industrial, and
residential developments and the development
of transitional boundaries between each.
4. Economic viability and compatibility.
5. Preservation of aesthetic features and
design.
When we think about transportation and
congestion, we usually think about the number
of cars on the road that cause traffic, and the
lack of buses, subways, and other means of
transport that would mitigate this problem. In an
attempt to address these issues, the city came
up with a couple of initiatives aimed to directly
combat this problem.
Create connectivity, promote use
of mass transit, develop better access to
freeways and other transportation systems,
PART I. Current City Initiatives cont’d
10. Artist Rendering of L.A. River Revitalization Project at Canoga Park Source: The L.A. River Revitalization Plan (2006)
Warner Center Specific Plan Urban Design
Subcommittee Matrix
The Urban Design Matrix basically
establishes a set of design guidelines for the
Warner Center Specific Plan area and the goals
these guidelines are meant to achieve. The
guidelines set height limits, types of develop-
ments to be included, and look at various other
design elements and proposals to determine
what works for the Warner Center.
11. Master Plan for L.A. Revitalization Project at Canoga
Park Source: The L.A. River Revitalization Plan (2006)
17

and reduce noise and pollution experienced by
neighborhoods as a result of traffic.
A Planning Perspective on Effectiveness
From a planning perspective, all of these
initiatives seem to have potential in mitigating
existing conditions in an equitable manner.
By creating connectivity and providing better
circulation, traffic would be alleviated as travel
from destination to destination would become
easier and more convenient. By promoting
the use of mass transit, less people would be
prone to drive and therefore congestion would
decrease. Developing better access to freeways
and other transportation systems would aid in
encouraging people to use mass transit. Finally,
reducing noise and pollution by neighborhoods
as a response to traffic would ensure that
residential neighborhoods are safer, cleaner,
and more pedestrian friendly.
In terms of effectiveness however, not
all the initiatives proposed will have the desired
effects. While creating connectivity is a great
idea and would alleviate congestion, it could
also have the counter effect of increasing traffic
as people find it more convenient to travel from
place to place. This in turn, would decrease the
likelihood that people would be willing to take
public mass transportation.
To ensure that connectivity would not
result in yet another dilemma, it is important to
promote connectivity of mass transportation
systems so that taking public transit becomes
more convenient than driving - at least for
residents of the area. By ensuring that people
who live and work in the area have a convenient
and accessible public transportation system,
traffic and congestion can be indefinitely
reduced and as a bonus, walkability would be
encouraged.
As for walkability, the development of
pedestrian routes, bicycle lanes, etc. would be
a definite improvement on current conditions as
at present, neighborhood blocks are incredibly
long and located far from commercial and other
developments that would promote walkability.
The initiatives proposed therefore, have great
potential in positively mitigating current condi-
tions.
As for developing transitional boundar-
ies and creating economic viability and compat-
ibility between land uses, it is important to take
into consideration where these compatible uses
will be, for whom, and how they will be made
compatible.
Creating boundaries between commer-
cial and residential zones for instance, would
require that whatever is between would not
decrease commercial viability while at the same
time not increase noise and activity around resi-
dential areas. Thus, the effectiveness of bound-
ary creation depends wholly on what the buffer
created will be.
Mixed uses for instance, are a great
alternative to buffer areas between uses. For
singles and couples without children - and even
the elderly - it provides a place to work and live.
Additionally, it provides a place of recreation as
offices close down at night so that entertainment
and other commercial activities can take place.
With the proximity of residential and commercial
uses in mixed-use developments, this would be
a great asset for residents and the development
of walkability as well.
Furthermore, these developments
would also be great for aesthetics and would at-
tract a younger professional and perhaps artistic
population, increasing the economic viability and
aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood while at
the same time preserving single-unit residential
neighborhoods for families with children.
PART I. Current City Initiatives cont’d
Summary
As it can be seen from these initiatives
then, the effectiveness of each depends on the
ways and processes through which they are
to be achieved. While each initiative presents
respectable goals, the manner in which they are
conducted is imperative to their success.
Similarly, considerations made in terms
of local and regional market trends must be kept
in mind for the successful development of the
Warner Center Site Plan Area as well as the San
Fernando Valley. A balance must be established
that takes into account the myriad of factors
affecting the current and future conditions of
the site. These factors include the cultural,
social, physical, economic, and environmental.
In combination with the opportunities and goals
presented in the city initiatives, interconnections
can be established to determine the best course
of action for both the Warner Center and the San
Fernando Valley region.
18

PART II. Spatial Organization and the Physical Form of the Built Environment
Site Relationships and Future
Possibilities
In terms of spatial organization and
the physical form of the built environment, a
couple of features are very notable and quite
characteristic of the Warner Center and its
immediate surroundings.
First, the Warner Center consists of a
number of small-scale shopping plazas located
on the corners of various intersections. Despite
having relatively few stores, these plazas take
up enormous amounts of space as all parking
accommodations provided for are above grade
(Image 13 and 14).
Similarly, large-scale retail centers
(Westfield Promenade and Westfield Topanga)
and commercial/industrial plazas within
Warner Center also dedicate large swaths
of land to surface level parking (Image 15 and
16). In combination with the small-scale retail
developments, roughly half of Warner Center’s
land area is allocated for parking.
In addition to the detriment this poses
to aesthetics, the excessive amount of land
dedicated to parking signifies an inefficient
use and allocation of land that can be
dedicated for other purposes - such as mixed-
use developments, parks, and commercial/
industrial sites - that are needed to sustain
Warner Center’s commercial, residential, and
technological growth.
Second, the Warner Center is comprised
of a network of wide vehicular paths that neither
effectively accommodate pedestrian movement
nor serve as adequate transitional boundaries
between commercial/industrial/retail and
residential uses (Image 17 and 18). Often located
on opposing sides of the street, the relationship
between residential and other uses is dismal
as congestion, pollution, and noise take away
the serenity that is commonly characteristic of
residential neighborhoods.
Additionally, large blocks, the lack of
trees and open space/parks (See Local Map),
and few pedestrian friendly paths contribute to
the lack of walkability and connectivity of the
site, further revealing the lack of cohesion and
balance between the various uses.
Finally, the imbalance of land allocation
to the various uses itself poses a number
of problems for the site. As the map on the
following page illustrates, a significant portion
of land at Warner Center is dedicated for
commercial and industrial uses, while civic
spaces and parks (as mentioned earlier), are
few and lacking. Furthermore, the isolation of
The Warner Center Specific Plan Area
is unique in many ways and forms an intricate
relationship with other functional areas of the
Warner Center as well as the San Fernando
Valley in its larger context. By examining
the physical form of the built environment
surrounding the Plan Area and analyzing its
spatial characteristics, we will be able to better
understand the current and future needs of the
site in both its immediate and regional context.
Introduction multi-family residential areas at the Northeast
and Southwest corners of the site, as well as
at the heart of the site, decreases the ability
of many residents to navigate the site on foot,
making vehicular travel the only feasible mode
of transport.
While a spatial analysis reveals a
number of deficiencies within Warner Center, the
Plan Area also possesses relationships that are
beneficial to its current and future development.
Pierce College for instance, provides a vast
amount of potential for the development of parks
and open space (Image 12). Similarly, the Los
Angeles River located to the north shows the
same potential.
In terms of regional organization, the
Warner Center’s proximity to the 101 Freeway
and its location as the terminus of the Orange
line allows it to be easily accessed by visitors
from both the Valley as well as the Los Angeles
metropolitan region. However, the lack of
connectivity and accessibility to many focal
points on-site by residents and by foot remains a
serious problem.
In order to accommodate current
and future growth, the Warner center must
take this into consideration and expand its
linkages so that concerns of efficiency, mobility,
sustainability, and aesthetic appeal are
effectively accounted for. Only when standards
for these variables have been set (and met), can
the Warner Center expect to remain one of the
regions leading hubs for business, living, and
leisure.
19

PART II. Spatial Organization and the Physical Form of the Built Environment cont’d...
Topanga
CanyonBlvd.
OwensmouthAve.
CanogaAve.
VarielAve.
DeSotoAve.
WinnetkaAve..
Vanowen St.
Victory Blvd.
Erwin St.
Oxnard St.
Burbank Blvd.
101 Freeway
13. Pier One Imports and
Borders Plaza
Located on the corner
of Canoga and Victory, this
development shows the typical
type of corner retail plazas that
exist at Warner Center.
As the image reveals, the
stores are relatively few in
these plazas, yet the parking
provided is immense.
1212
12. Pierce College
As this image shows, Pierce
College possesses a large
amount of open space that
can be utilized by the Warner
Center.
14. 21st Century Plaza
The image on the right
depicts another corner
shopping center located in
Warner Center.
On the corner of Victory
and Canoga, this plaza,
consisting of a few retail and
dining establishments, also
takes up a huge lot of land
for parking.
Similar to the Pier One
Plaza, spaces such as these
could be used much more
wisely and efﬁciently.
15. Westﬁeld Promenade
Shows a similar trend of
large parking lots.
1313
1414
1515
1616
1818
1717
1919
2020
2121
2222 2323
Local Map
20

16. Warner Center Towers & Blue Cross
(Right)
Depicted here is a major office/commercial
center providing jobs and services to the
population of Warner Center. Located on
Oxnard between Owensmouth and Canoga, the
site also comprises of a large surface parking
lot.
18. Victory Blvd. (Right)
The image here shows the typical size and scale
of streets present in Warner Center. While trees line
the street on the left side of the image, large lengths
of sidewalk on the right do not provide the same
luxury, therefore deterring walkability.
17. Canoga Ave. (Left)
As Canoga Ave. shows, wide streets
and a lack of transition between uses
remains a problem in Warner Center. While
the left side of the street is dedicated to
commercial and industrial uses, the right
side of the street is comprised of residential
neighborhoods.
19. Warner Business Center (Left)
Located between Canoga and De Soto
Ave., this image shows the typical office/
commercial site that exists at Warner
Center. Unlike the Warner Center Towers
above, sites like these are less dense and
are spread over a larger area.
20. Warner Woodlands Town
Homes (Right)
The image on the right shows
a typical town home development
located along Erwin St. between
Owensmouth Ave. and Canoga
Ave. Town homes are just one
of several types of multi-family
housing units in the Plan Area.
21. Trees on Canoga Ave. (Left)
Sidewalks lined with trees are
relatively rare in Warner Center. Ones
that do exist are often located along
extensively long blocks, limiting
walkability. Additionally, their location on
major thoroughfares make them even less
attractive, as congestion and pollution
from passing cars pose a nuisance.
22. Warner Woodland Town Homes
(Right)
Town homes are another type of
housing prevalent in Warner Center.
They’re car oriented, with wide roads
to accommodate vehicular traffic.
23. Warner Pines Apartments (Left)
Apartments make up the third
type of housing common in Warner
Center. Located on Erwin St., these
complexes usually serve the elderly
population. They also accommodate
for students as well.
PART II. Spatial Organization and the Physical Form of the Built Environment cont’d...
21

certain neighborhood types, commercial
buildings, parks, cultural centers, and sites
of historical significance – just to name
a few. Through the preservation of these
elements, the identity and “feel” of the
community is maintained.
The design of a community – or
built environment – on the other hand,
is crucial to how appealing, desirable,
and efficient (in terms of connectivity
and convenience to residents, workers,
and visitors) an area is in relation to the
The Preservation and Design of the
Built Environment is a fundamental process of
planning that works to mitigate both existing
and planned developments within a particular
community in terms of aesthetics, economics, as
well as culture and society.
To begin, the preservation of the built
environment focuses on retaining aesthetic,
historical, cultural, as well as other existing
elements in a community that provide and
may continue to provide a positive influence or
contribution to the well being of that community.
These elements include architectural styles,
PART II. The Contribution of Preservation and Design in Solving a Planning Problem
considerations may take into account the loss
of public or private space, pollution, access,
enjoyability, health, as well as aesthetics among
a number of factors that may impact social
equity and justice. If economic development
poses a threat to the communities and the
people it is meant to benefit, then it cannot be
allowed to take place. Preservation and design
acts as a check against this type of development
to ensure that various elements of the built
environment - including the physical, social, and
cultural - are not damaged by careless progress.
Additionally, the Preservation and
population and its surroundings. Similar to the
preservation of cultural sites and other elements,
it is imperative to take into consideration factors
such as the manner in which a proposed
development will blend, supplement, or enhance
the environment around it. Through these
considerations, a community can better assess
the type of developments or designs that will
better complement the community and those
that won’t.
Working in unison, the preservation
and design of the built environment allows
planners, developers, and architects to improve
a community without stripping it of its historical,
cultural, and aesthetic appeal.
In terms of balancing concerns for
social equity and justice with the overwhelming
imperatives of economic development,
preservation and design acts as a kind of
checks and balances against uncontrolled and
indiscriminate development for the purposes of
economic gain. Preservation and design takes
into consideration how economic developments
will impact the neighborhoods, communities,
and people within and around them. These
Design of the Built Environment is beneficial
in helping to identify valuable or reusable
structures, forms, or spaces that otherwise
would have been demolished for the
construction of entirely new spaces. It
introduces and provides alternatives such
as cladding and renovation of buildings and
conversion of spaces to turn once unusable
and undesirable structures and spaces into
ones with new aesthetic appeal and function.
Examples of Preservation and Design at
work in solving planning problems include
24. L.A. Live
25. Americana at Brand
revitalization projects such as L.A. Live, which
seeks to reinvigorate downtown Los Angeles,
Pasadena’s Paseo Colorado, and the Americana
at Brand, etc.
Thus, while economics is often
the driving force in new developments, the
preservation and design of existing elements
within a community can help shape and
contribute to the creation of a sustainable and
economically viable environment.
22

While all excellent proposals, an
overarching theme that encompasses the
whole of Warner Center and creates a sense
of culture and identity is lacking. Rather
than a convention center for instance,
the focus could be shifted to creating a
“civic village” of sorts comprised of many
elements. This could be accomplished by
combining different proposals including
linking transportation/paths, greening the
city and creating entertainment/mixed uses.
The incorporation of the L.A River
Plan, walkability, green space, transit,
entertainment, and mixed use will be just
a few of the major ideas taken and will
dictate the look and feel of the site plan
proposed on the following pages. Through
the combination of these ideas, a sense
of character for the site can be better
established.
PART II. Significant Design Issues
Introduction
As the spatial analysis section
has illustrated, the Warner Center faces a
myriad of design issues it must deal with.
These include the lack of transition between
residential and other uses, long wide streets
that limit walkability and contribute to heavy
traffic, congestion, and pollution, the lack
of trees lining pedestrian friendly paths,
deficiencies in the amount of open space,
large swaths of parking, and the lack of an
easily accessible mass transportation system
that allows efficient mobility within the
Specific Plan Area.
To mitigate these negative impacts
of these issues, the various community plans
have each outlined a set of proposals, listed
below.
Community Plan
(Recommendations for WCSPA)
- Coordinate orderly and residential develop-
ment with transportation improvements.
- Protect residential neighborhood from
through traffic.
- Establish hierarchy of land use intensity,
which decreases in distance from Warner
Center.
- Encourage mixed-use development within
the Warner Center.
- Improve jobs and housing relationship.
- Make Warner City Vibrant
- Provide day and night activities.
- Preserve hi-tech industrial and research
uses.
- Encourage human interaction and pedes-
trian activity.
- Encourage art in public spaces.
- Day and child care for Warner Center em-
ployees.
- Consider residential, commercial, trans-
portation, industrial, recreation, parks and
other open space development opportunity
sites.
Specific Plan
- Coordinate future land use with public
transit.
- Mitigate transportation impacts.
- Protect Single Family Residential neighbor-
hoods.
- Focus on urban activity and encourage
mass transit.
- Encourage mixed use development.
- Create aesthetically pleasing built environ-
ment.
- Stimulate human environment and pedes-
trian activity.
- Provide linkages within Warner Center and
to transportation.
- Establish urban design, landscape signage
standards.
- Preserve high quality technological uses in
office parks.
- Encourage art in public spaces.
- Provide childcare facilities.
Urban Design Matrix
- Add grocery stores.
- Add local services.
- Connect Warner Center to Ventura Blvd.
- Create pocket parks.
- Create smaller blocks.
- Projects to have exterior focus.
- Create pedestrian walkways.
- Create incentives for housing.
- Create entertainment/convention center.
- Provide shared parking (Examples: San
Diego gas lamp district, Pasadena Old
Town, 3rd Street Promenade in Santa
Monica)
- Incorporate civic facilities.
- Create mixed-use areas.
- Create multiple core areas.
L.A. River Revitalization Plan
- Green the city.
- Build community.
- Clean water, safe from floods.
- Integrate river with dense surrounding
single family neighborhoods.
23
Plan Proposals
Which Proposals to Follow?

Summary
Through the combination of various elements including green space, parks, recreation centers, civic centers, mixed use developments,
mass transit, and pedestrian paths, the proposed site plan will provide residents and visitors alike with a number of activities to engage in as
well as observe.
The Recreation Village for instance, will provide visitors with a place to enjoy shows, dine, and ice skate indoors. This will be
particularly valuable and unique as it will allow people to enjoy activities that might be limited without an enclosed environment. Its ability to
house a museum and adapt to different uses will make the Recreation Village an ideal place for special events and gatherings, creating a hub
of entertainment and culture for Warner Center.
The mixed use development located south of the Recreation Village will allow shoppers visiting nearby malls and the Warner Center
Village and opportunity to engage in more commercial activities outdoors. It will also provide housing for students and young professionals
seeking an exciting nightlife and lively atmosphere. From the mixed use development, visitors and residents alike can travel northward by
bus, bike, or walking to reach the convention center and performance art theaters. From there, they can follow additional paths that will take
them past several outdoor retail and dining establishments and eventually towards the river, where riverfront dining and activities will provide
a different kind of leisure.
Along the river, a permanent carnival like development similar to Navy Pier and Santa Monica Pier will give visitors an opportunity
to spend time with their children as well as ride the ferris wheel for a spectacular view of the river and the whole of the Warner Center site.
As mentioned earlier, glass enclosed paths located high above the ground and along the river will also provide amazing views and further
walkable paths for people seeking to take a stroll. Additionally, boat rental centers along the river will allow for water activities as well.
Combined with the vast amount of park space and walkable tree-covered paths located all over Warner Center, visitors and residents
will be able to experience nature in the city as well as enjoy all the culture, amenities, entertainment, and services that come with the urban
landscape. Through these improvements, the Warner Center will truely become a hub for living, working, and leisure.
26

End Notes
1. CSUN. (2007). Economic Forecast for the San Fernando Valley.
3. City of Los Angeles. (2002). Warner Center Speciﬁc Plan.
7. City of Los Angeles. (2003). Canoga Park - Winnetka - Woodland Hills - West Hills Community Plan.
9. Claritas Site Reports. (2008). Pop-Facts: Demographic Snapshot Report of Warner Center.
20. Claritas Site Reports. (2008). Pop-Facts: Demographic Snapshot Report of Warner Center
26. City of Los Angeles. (2003). Canoga Park - Winnetka – Woodland Hills - West Hills Community Plan.
38. City of Los Angeles. (2006). Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan.
27

Bibliography
1. Broto, C. (2007). Restaurants, Cafes and Bars.
3. City of Los Angeles. (2006). Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan.
7. Dixon, J. (2004) Urban Spaces.
8. Hardy, H. (2006). Building Type Basics for Performing Arts Facilities.
9. Noah, S. (2003). Sporting Spaces.
10. Pridmore, J. (2000). A View From the River.
.
28

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