II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the Project Description is to describe the project in a way that will be meaningful to the public, reviewing agencies, and decision-makers. This Project Description focuses on project-level details pertaining to the Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project. As described in Section 15124 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the Project Description in an environmental impact report (EIR) is required to contain the following information: (1) the location of the proposed project; (2) a statement of project objectives; (3) a general description of the project’s technical, economic, and environmental characteristics; and (4) a statement briefly describing the intended uses of the EIR. The State CEQA Guidelines state that a Project Description need not be exhaustive, but should provide the level of detail needed for the evaluation and review of potential environmental impacts. The Project Description is the starting point for all environmental analysis required by the State CEQA Guidelines. Section 15146 of the State CEQA Guidelines states that “the degree of specificity required in an EIR will correspond to the degree of specificity involved in the underlying activity which is described in the EIR.” In this case, the proposed Project consists of a Master Plan to guide restoration of the historic Wilshire Boulevard Temple complex and redevelopment of the remainder of the Project site. This Project Description serves as the basis for the environmental analysis contained in this Project-level Draft EIR. 2.

STATEMENT OF PROJECT OBJECTIVES

a.

Statement of Purpose

Wilshire Boulevard Temple (Temple) seeks to update and enhance its facilities to accommodate the evolving needs of the Temple’s spiritual, educational, community, and administrative programs. The Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan (Master Plan or proposed Project) is proposed to preserve and restore historic Temple resources, develop approximately 121,000 net new square feet of program space, and provide additional parking on the Temple property (Project site). Redevelopment of the Project site would create three districts: the Community District (Temple sacred spaces, assembly halls, and administrative uses), the School District (School District West, housing an elementary school and related uses and School District East, housing a nursery school and related uses), and a Parking District (structured parking also housing Temple social service programs and a roof deck play yard). The Temple is a designated Historic-Cultural Monument in the City of Los Angeles and is listed in both the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historic Resources. The historic

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II. Project Description

Temple building, which consists of the 1929 Sanctuary, associated 1929 assembly hall building containing Piness Auditorium and Stalford Hall, and a 1929 school wing facing Harvard Boulevard, would remain. A 1963 school wing addition facing Harvard Boulevard, a 1963 administration and education addition facing Hobart Boulevard, and a 1953 office building at 6th Street and Harvard Boulevard would be removed. b.

Project Objectives

Section 15124(b) of the State CEQA Guidelines states that the Project Description shall contain “a statement of the objectives sought by the proposed project” and that “the statement of objectives should include the underlying purpose of the project.” Congregation B’nai Brith incorporated in Los Angeles in 1862 and constructed one of the first Jewish synagogues in downtown Los Angeles at Temple and Broadway Streets. The growing congregation moved to a second, larger temple at 9th and Hope Streets in 1895.1 The present home of the Temple, on Wilshire Boulevard at Hobart Boulevard, was constructed in 1929 and houses one of the largest reform congregations in the United States, with a membership of approximately 2,500 families. The Temple also founded Camp Hess Kramer in 1952 and Gindling Hilltop Camp in 1969, both in Malibu, to provide summertime recreational facilities for children; the Steve Breuer Conference Center at Camp Hess Kramer in 1990 to provide year-round educational and retreat facilities for Temple adults; and, in response to membership growth on the Westside of Los Angeles, the Audrey and Sydney Irmas Campus in 1998, which serves as an elementary school and a spiritual, cultural, and community center. The Temple is located in the mid-Wilshire district of the City of Los Angeles, an area in transition from a once predominantly residential, even suburban, neighborhood to one of higher-density mixed-use commercial development, offices, and institutions ranging from museums to religious centers to schools. Wilshire Boulevard Temple joins four other historic churches on the Wilshire corridor, built within a few years of one another, that collectively represent a center of architectural and religious significance: Imanuel Presbyterian Church (1928, two blocks west of Vermont); Wilshire Christian Church (1927, at the corner of Normandy); St. James Episcopal Church (1927, at the corner of St. Andrews Place and Wilshire) United Methodist Church (1925, at the corner of Plymouth). Together with other area churches, Wilshire Boulevard Temple and these congregations form Wilshire Parish, a cooperative of clergy, and have in association with other institutions created Hope-Net, a social action project addressing hunger and homelessness in metropolitan Los Angeles.

1

“About Wilshire Boulevard Temple,” Wilshire Boulevard Temple, http://www.wilshireboulevardtemple.org/ pages/about_wbt.

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II. Project Description

The proposed Project is intended to meet the needs of the existing and future Temple congregation, clergy, and staff; its existing and future nursery, elementary, and religious school populations; and the broader community within which the Temple is located and which it serves through its community and social service programs. Toward this end, beginning in 2005, the Temple evaluated existing Project site conditions, determined programmatic and physical opportunities and constraints, and reviewed the infrastructure improvements necessary to support the proposed program. The underlying purpose of the proposed Project is therefore to redevelop the Project site to (1) restore and reinvest in the Temple’s significant historical features and its historically prominent leadership role within Los Angeles’s Jewish community; (2) accommodate the spiritual, educational, and social needs of Temple community members of all ages, including elders, parents, teens, and children; and (3) invest in the neighborhood and community life in the area. The following objectives support the underlying purpose of the proposed Project. i.

ii.

Historic Preservation 

Restore the historically significant features of the Temple complex, a designated City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. Temple complex features to be restored include the Sanctuary, which requires seismic upgrades of shear walls and the roof, new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure, and the restoration of all original historic finishes, fixtures and seating; Roth Gallery and Piness Auditorium, including new seating in the auditorium; Stalford Hall, including renovation of the associated kitchen and the addition of new restrooms; and the historic 1929 school wing and associated Davidson Patio.



Maintain the integrity of historic character-defining features of the historic Temple complex.



Ensure the retention and creation of views of the Sanctuary dome, a prominent feature central to the Temple community, from throughout the Project site for orientation and wayfinding.



Ensure that new development is architecturally compatible with the historic Temple complex.



Renovate historically significant features of the Temple complex so as to enhance functionality and assure their continued integrity (to extend their useful life).

Academic 

Meet demand by the existing Temple congregation for a comprehensive K–6 elementary school program that is operated by and integrated with the Temple.



Expand the existing nursery school to provide a foundation for the K–6 school with student and programmatic continuity.

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

iii.



Replace aging, functionally obsolete school classrooms with improved facilities and amenities for nursery, elementary, and religious school students to support the highest quality academic environment possible.



Accommodate nursery and elementary school students in separate but cohesive facilities within the School District.



Replace functionally obsolete school administration facilities with modern facilities including increased square footage per staff person, proximate to classrooms.



Accommodate parenting center facilities within the new nursery school.



Maximize use of limited at-grade and above-grade outdoor space on the Project site for school athletic programs and recreation.



Comply with state regulatory requirements for nursery and elementary school facilities and operations.



Ensure student safety as required by state regulatory requirements through the provision of controlled access to secure school facilities, an enclosed parking structure, and separate, controlled access to and circulation within the remainder of the Temple property.



Provide quality facilities and amenities to support comprehensive and enriching educational programs.

Community 

Invest in the surrounding community through the realization of improvements to the Project site, surrounding sidewalks, and streetscapes that enhance the pedestrian environment.



Encourage intergenerational opportunities on the Project site by accommodating the Temple’s existing and future religious and social programs and enhancing opportunities for participation by congregants and invited members of the surrounding community.



Replace aging, inefficient, and functionally obsolete administrative facilities with modern facilities that provide more square footage per staff person and allow improved operational efficiencies, staff communications, and organizational capabilities.



Update and replace outdated social gathering spaces with a variety of prefunction, event, banquet, and reception facilities for the celebration of lifecycle events, conference spaces, and community gathering spaces, to improve functionality and accommodate increased utilization by congregants and invited visitors.



Create a new sacred space in Piness Auditorium to complement the Sanctuary and provide flexibility to accommodate different programs.



Locate the Temple’s social service programs in visible, accessible 6th Street storefronts to meet the City’s recommended goal of creating pedestrian-friendly uses on this street.

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

 iv.

Provide access, circulation and parking improvements to improve neighborhood traffic flow.

Design 

Optimize the Temple’s multi-year investment in gradual acquisition of the entire City block containing the Project site, to enable its dedication to integrated Temple uses and ensure the security of academic and other programs.



Guide Project site development through 2020 through the attainment of entitlements that permit implementation of a defined program.



Through the redevelopment of the entire City block, create distinct but functionally integrated districts on the Project site that clearly communicate the locations of the Temple’s sacred, social, and administrative uses (Community District), the nursery and elementary schools (School District), and parking and social services (Parking District).



Provide controlled, secure points of entry to the Project site from Wilshire Boulevard and the parking structure on 6th Street, to increase security on site for academic and other uses.



Orient visitors to the Project site through site layout, the retention of accessible views of the Sanctuary dome, signage, and lighting.



Create and optimize outdoor social spaces usable year-round that enliven the Project site, including the East Court in the Community District, Davidson Patio, and nursery and elementary play yards in the School District, and the roof deck play yard in the Parking District, through the placement of proposed new buildings.



Create a visually prominent and attractive pedestrian Wilshire Boulevard entrance to the Project site.



Create handicapped access to the Temple from Wilshire Boulevard through the east Sanctuary door.



Reactivate the east Sanctuary portal through the creation of an outdoor courtyard.



Enhance physical compatibility with surrounding land uses through the creation of an attractive pedestrian environment and interface between the Project site and surrounding neighborhood, including adjacent residential, school, hotel, and other uses.



Through the use of signage, communicate Temple information and other public service messages to the surrounding community.



Improve landscape element along the Project perimeter landscape-enriched by Temple students, congregants, and guests.

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and

develop

internal

Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

v.

vi.

3.

Vehicular Access & Circulation 

Provide suitable Temple parking within the Project site and reduce demand for street parking by providing increased parking for Temple administrative staff and clergy, congregants, nursery and elementary school staff, visitors, and members of the community attending Temple-hosted programs.



Improve Project site access and vehicular circulation in the vicinity through the provision of a drop-off point within the parking structure and turn-controlled parking structure ingress from Hobart Boulevard and egress onto Harvard Boulevard (i.e., right-in and right-out).



Ensure efficient student drop-off and pick-up and smooth vehicular and pedestrian circulation in the immediate Project area through the provision of a parking structure with an internal drive-through lane and controlled ingress/egress.

Sustainability 

Construct an environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient new development by following accepted environmentally sensitive construction and operational practices such as low water use, energy efficient components, the use of sustainable building materials and resources, also addressing indoor environmental quality (air quality, climate control, and use of natural light and views), and innovative site design.



Increase energy efficiency and reduce water consumption through updates to on-site utility infrastructure.

PROJECT LOCATION

The 3.9-acre Project site encompasses an entire city block in the Mid-Wilshire community of the City of Los Angeles, and is bordered by Wilshire Boulevard to the south, 6th Street to the north, Hobart Boulevard to the west, and Harvard Boulevard to the east, as shown in Figure II-1, Regional Location, and Figure II-2, Vicinity Map. The Project site and surrounding land uses are shown in Figure II-3, Aerial Photograph of Project Site and Vicinity. Land uses in the immediate vicinity include mixed office and retail uses to the south (including high-rise buildings), multi-family residential, a nursery school and kindergarten, and an auto body shop to the west, a post office to the north, and office, hotel, and church uses to the east. Regional access to the Project site is provided from the Hollywood (US 101) Freeway, 1.7 miles to the north, and the Santa Monica (I-10) Freeway, 1.75 miles to the south. Local access to the Project site is provided via Wilshire Boulevard, a designated Class II Major Highway. Vehicular access to on-site surface parking is provided from Harvard Boulevard.

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

4.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

a.

Existing Site Conditions

The Project site currently contains approximately 75,000 square feet of Temple-related spiritual, educational, community, and administration facilities; approximately 36,600 square feet of elementary school facilities; and a 13,650-square-foot commercial office building housing a number of commercial establishments, for a total of approximately 124,000 square feet. The historic Temple complex includes an approximately 1,800-seat Sanctuary, an associated three-story assembly hall building containing Piness Auditorium, Roth Gallery, Stalford Hall, and Rabbinical offices, and a 1929 school wing. A 1963 educational and administration addition to the assembly hall building contains Temple staff offices, Factor Chapel, Meitus assembly hall, and the Temple nursery school. All Temple operations are housed in buildings located in the southern portion of the Project site, close to Wilshire Boulevard. Non-Temple uses on the Project site include Camino Nuevo Charter Academy elementary school, housed in the historic 1929 school wing and in a 1963 school addition in the center of the Project site, and a 1953 commercial office building in the northeastern portion of the Project site at Harvard Boulevard and 6th Street. The remainder of the Project site is developed with surface parking, children’s playgrounds, paved areas, and landscaping. The Temple’s surface parking contains 78 spaces and surface parking serving the office building contains 25 spaces. On-site development is summarized in Table II-1, Summary of Existing Uses, below. Existing development is shown in Figure II-3, Aerial Photo of Project Site and Vicinity, already referenced.

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

Table II-1 Summary of Existing Uses Building Description

Functions

Date of Construction

Square Footage

1929

58,065

1963

15,600

Main Sanctuary (maximum capacity approximately 1,800) Rabbinical Offices Historic Sanctuary and Assembly Hall Building

Piness Auditorium (seats 675) Stalford Hall (maximum capacity approximately 200 for banquet and 350 for auditorium seating) Connection to Historic 1929 School Wing Tikkun Olam Facilities (Social Services) Administrative Offices

1963 Administration & Education Addition

Meitus Hall (maximum capacity approximately 150 for auditorium seating) Factor Chapel (maximum capacity approximately 120) Nursery School (licensed for 79 students)

Historic School Wing

Elementary School (licensed for 500 students)

1929

16,575

School Wing Addition

Elementary School

1963

20,000

Commercial Office Building

Commercial Uses

1953

13,650

n/a

n/a

Parking Surface Parking

103 spaces, including 78 Temple spaces and 25 commercial office building spaces

Total:

123,890

Source: Master Plan Report, Wilshire Boulevard Temple; Levin & Associates, Architects, February 2010

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

Kern County Los Angeles County

IFORNIA CAL

14

IFORNIA CAL

138

Ca

lifo

IFORNIA CAL

rni

138

aA

qu

ed

uc

t

INTERSTATE

5

IFORNIA CAL

138

IFORNIA CAL

18 IFORNIA CAL

138 IFORNIA CAL

nty ou sC ty ele un ng Co sA ra ntu Ve

14

IFORNIA CAL

126

Project Site

Porter Ranch Mission Hills

IFORNIA CAL

118

y

2

Chatsworth INTERSTATE

210

INTERSTATE

IFORNIA CAL

405

27

Sun Valley

Warner Center

US

101

INTERSTATE

5

IFORNIA CAL

170

US

101

IFORNIA CAL

2

IFORNIA CAL

39

IFORNIA CAL

Encino

Woodland Hills

134

Sherman Oaks

INTERSTATE

27

IFORNIA CAL

23

30 South Pasadena

Hollywood

IFORNIA CAL

INTERSTATE

5

IFORNIA CAL

2

Los Angeles

IFORNIA CAL

1

Montbello

Culver City IFORNIA CAL

90

710

IFORNIA CAL

IFORNIA CAL

57

IFORNIA CAL

72

Downey

Santa Fe Springs

INTERSTATE

IFORNIA CAL

INTERSTATE

5

INTERSTATE

Paramount

Compton

Torrance

La Mirada

IFORNIA CAL

19

Carson

INTERSTATE

605

Lakewood

IFORNIA CAL IFORNIA CAL

IFORNIA CAL

107 213

c

90

Cerritos

IFORNIA CAL

91

39

INTERSTATE

405

IFORNIA CAL

1

e

Rancho Palos Verdes

IFORNIA CAL

47

n

0

Long Beach

IFORNIA CAL

IFORNIA CAL

1

110

a

n

IFORNIA CAL

Whittier

105 405 Gardena

IFORNIA CAL

60

605

INTERSTATE

42

Inglewood

ci fi c

6

71

INTERSTATE

60

Huntington Park

IFORNIA CAL

110

O

12

IFORNIA CAL

Monterey Park

10

1

US

66

INTERSTATE

10

INTERSTATE

IFORNIA CAL

Santa Monica

a

El Monte

INTERSTATE

10

Beverly Hills

P

IFORNIA CAL

101

Calabasas

Malibu

210

Pasadena

US

Ber

eles Cou nty nar din oC oun t

Granada Hills

Ang

IFORNIA CAL

2

San

IFORNIA CAL

118

IFORNIA CAL

Los

Lo

Santa Clarita IFORNIA CAL

126

INTERSTATE

Terminal Island

405

San Pedro

12

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN MILES

SOURCE: Impact Sciences, Inc. – March 2010 FIGURE

II-1

Regional Location 1037-001•06/10

Project Site

720 360 n

0

720

W.Olympic Blvd.

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

SOURCE: Impact Sciences, Inc. – March 2010 FIGURE

II-2

Vicinity Map 1037-001•06/10

W. 6th St.

Project Site

n

S. Harvard Blvd.

S. Hobalt Blvd.

Wilshire Blvd.

NOT TO SCALE

SOURCE: Google Earth – October 2007, Impact Sciences, Inc. – April 2010 FIGURE

II-3

Aerial Photograph of Project Site and Vicinity 1037-001•06/10

II. Project Description

b.

Operational Characteristics

The Temple’s normal business hours extend from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, although a number of classes and other programs may extend later into the evening. The Temple employs approximately 43 persons, including 3 clergy, up to 25 staff persons, 12 maintenance staff, and security staff. The Temple nursery school is licensed for 79 students and employs an additional 12 to 14 staff; for the 2010–2011 academic year, the nursery school has an enrollment of approximately 70 students. Camino Nuevo Charter Academy has an enrollment capacity of 500 students and employs approximately 38 staff, including 22 teachers, and 16 staff (principal, counselors, food and maintenance staff, etc.).2 The on-site commercial office building houses 12 tenants, including several medical offices, a deli/mart, a dance studio, and a Tae Kwan Do studio that holds classes for up to 20 students on weekdays between 3:30 PM and 8:30 PM. The hours of operation and activities during a typical week are summarized in Table II-2, Overview of Existing Temple and Nursery School Operations. The use of existing facilities on the Project site occurs throughout the week, with the greatest level of weekday activity taking place during Camino Nuevo Charter Academy’s regular school hours and regular business hours for the commercial office building. Temple worship services average 50 congregants on Friday evenings and 125 to 250 Saturday mornings. B’Nei Mitzvahs, which occur on most Saturdays, can increase Temple attendance to approximately 250 to 400 on Saturday mornings and afternoons. In addition to the regular programs contained in Table II-2, Temple facilities are periodically used for other activities, including, but not limited to, hosting board or general meetings for religious and community groups; election polling; law enforcement training seminars; legal services clinics; quarterly interfaith conferences, and special events. Occasional annual events, such as hosting speakers of note, are also held at the Temple. Stalford Hall is currently used once or twice per month for events attended by between 125 to 175 people. Piness Auditorium is used for occasional performances, presentations, and lectures.

2

Camino Nuevo Charter Academy Harvard K-8, Faculty and Staff. Retrieved from http://caminonuevo.org on December 21, 2010.

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II. Project Description

Table II-2 Overview of Existing Temple and Nursery School Operations Time 8:00 AM

9:00 AM

Sun. Food Pantry

Religious School Classes Food Pantry

10:00 AM

Religious School Classes Adult Programs

11:00 AM

Religious School Classes

12:00 PM

Religious School Classes

1:00 PM

Mon.

Tue.

Wed.

Thu.

Fri.

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Childcare

Childcare

Childcare

Childcare

Childcare

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Childcare

Childcare

Childcare

Childcare

Childcare

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Childcare

Childcare

Childcare

Childcare

Childcare

Parenting Classes

Parenting Classes

Parenting Classes

Parenting Classes

Parenting Classes

Religious School Classes Adult Programs

Religious (Torah) Study (15 to 20 adults) Clergy Meeting with future B’Nei Mitzvah students & family (25 to 40)

Shabbat Services B’Nei Mitzvahs

Shabbat Services B’Nei Mitzvahs Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Nursery School*

Childcare*

Childcare*

Childcare*

Childcare

Childcare*

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Sat.

Lunch/ Celebration following B’Nei Mitzvahs

5:00 PM

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

Time

Sun.

Mon.

Tue.

Wed.

Thu.

Support Group Meetings

6:00 PM

Classes

Fri. Shabbat Services (50 to 75 attendees on average, can increase to 220 depending on B’Nei Mitzvahs on Saturday)

Sat.

B’Nei Mitzvahs or Wedding Celebration

Classes* 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM

Support Group Meetings

Support Group Meetings

Support Group Meetings

Support Group Meetings

Support Group Meetings

10:00 PM

Source: Wilshire Boulevard Temple, 2010. * These activities typically occur Sept. through July.

The Temple also operates its Tikkun Olam food pantry on Sunday mornings. This program runs from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, is staffed with up to 18 volunteers, and serves approximately 175 to 200 people, with most arriving on foot or via mass transit. Medical screening services are provided in conjunction with the food pantry program. Camino Nuevo Charter Academy’s weekday school hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with afterschool child care provided until 6:00 PM. The regular business hours of operation for the on-site commercial office building are from approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the exception of the Tae Kwan Do studio, which holds weekday classes between 3:30 PM and 8:30 PM and the deli, which is open from approximately 7:30 AM until 6:30 PM. c.

Zoning and General Plan Designation

Per the City's Zoning Ordinance, the Project site carries three zoning designations: the southern third is zoned C2-2 and the northernmost third is zoned C4-2, where “C” indicates a Commercial Zone designation, and the central third is zoned R5-2, where “R” indicates a Multi-Family Residential Zone designation. Religious and educational uses are permitted in these zones. The Project site is designated as a Regional Commercial Center in the Wilshire Community Plan. Specifically, the Project site is located within the Wilshire Center Regional Commercial Center, a dense, 100-acre collection of high rise office buildings, large hotels, regional shopping complexes, churches,

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II. Project Description

entertainment centers, and both high-rise and low-rise apartment buildings.3 The Project site is also located within the Wilshire Center/Koreatown Recovery Redevelopment Plan Area. d.

Vehicular Circulation and Parking

Access to on-site surface parking is now provided from Harvard Boulevard, with egress from one lot onto 6th Street. A total of 103 parking spaces are currently present on site, including 78 spaces4 serving the Temple and 25 spaces serving the commercial office building. The existing on-site Temple parking supply does not provide enough parking to meet the demand of on-site Temple uses; therefore, Temple staff, clergy, and congregants, as well as nursery and elementary school faculty, staff, and parents seek off-site parking on nearby surface streets or at paid locations. For special events, the Temple has a parking agreement with four nearby surface parking lots to provide parking for Temple congregants and guests. The lack of adequate on-site Temple parking also causes periodic congestion on roadways surrounding the Project site, particularly on weekdays at school drop-off and pick-up times. 5.

PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS

a.

Project Overview

The proposed Master Plan organizes the Project site into three districts, each containing specific facilities, and uses: the Community District, School District, and Parking District. The Community District would contain

the

historic

Sanctuary

and

associated

assembly

hall

building,

the

new

Temple

administration/event building, and outdoor gathering space. The School District would contain the historic 1929 school wing, the new Temple nursery school building and parenting center, and the new elementary school facilities for kindergarten through sixth grade. The Parking District would contain a parking structure that includes storefront space on 6th Street for the Temple’s social service programs as well as a rooftop play yard. Following Master Plan buildout, on-site development would total approximately 245,000 square feet, a net increase of approximately 121,000 square feet over existing conditions. The floor area ratio (FAR), which represents building size divided by the area of the Project site and is a measure of development density, would increase from 0.73:1 to 1.21:1 under the proposed Master Plan; the maximum allowable FAR on the Project site is 6:1, which would permit the development of approximately 722,000 square feet.5 The proposed Project would also increase developed lot coverage, or 3 4 5

City of Los Angeles, Wilshire Community Plan. March 2007. The Wilshire Boulevard Temple currently has a grandfathered-in parking requirement of 78 spaces. (Gibson Transportation Consulting, Inc. Wilshire Boulevard Temple Traffic Study. September 2010.) City of Los Angeles, Municipal Code Section 12.21.1: Height of Building or Structures.

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

the percentage of the site covered by buildings and structures (including the parking structure), from 36 percent to approximately 73 percent. The balance of the Project site, approximately 27 percent or 45,840 acres, would be comprised of landscaped or recreational space or hardscape improvements, such as sidewalks. Major components of the proposed Project, including existing and new facilities, are summarized below in Table II-3, Summary of Existing and Proposed Development, and are discussed in the subsequent subsections i through g. Conceptual site plans are provided in Figures II-4 through II-7. The vehicular access and circulation are shown in Figure II-8. A three-dimensional model of the proposed Project is shown in Figure II-9 and conceptual renderings of all four surrounding street elevations are shown in Figures II-10 through II-18.

Table II-3 Summary of Existing and Proposed Development

Uses

Existing

To Be Removed

58,065 sf

(2,065 sf)

15,600 sf

(15,600 sf)

Proposed New

Total at Buildout

Net Difference

Historic Sanctuary Existing: Main Sanctuary, Rabbinical Offices, Piness Auditorium, Stalford Hall, Connection to 1929 School Wing, Tikkun Olam Facilities (Social Services) (to be relocated)

-

56,000 sf

(2,065 sf)

55,380 sf

39,780 sf

Temple Administration & Education Existing: Administration Offices, Meitus Hall, Factor Chapel, and Nursery School

55,380 sf

Proposed: Administration Offices, Event Space, Conference Rooms, Common Spaces Historic School Wing (c. 1929) Existing: Portion of Elementary School

16,575 sf

-

-

16,575 sf

-

Proposed: Nursery School, Administration Offices School Wing Addition (c. 1963) Existing: Portion of Elementary School Central Stair New Vertical Circulation

City of Los Angeles ENV-2010-1407-EIR

20,000 sf

-

(20,000 sf)

-

-

2,265 sf

II-16

-

2,265 sf

(20,000 sf)

2,265 sf

Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

Uses

Existing

To Be Removed

-

-

46,045 sf

46,045 sf

46,045 sf

-

-

59,470 sf

59,470 sf

59,470 sf

-

-

9,215 sf

9,215 sf

9,215 sf

Proposed New

Total at Buildout

Net Difference

New East School Building Nursery School, Administration Offices New West School Building K-6 Elementary School for 420 Students Tikkun Olam (Social Services) To be located in Parking Structure Office Building (c. 1953) Total Square Feet

13,650 sf 123,890 sf

(13,650 sf) (51, 315 sf)

-

-

172,375 sf

(13,650 sf)

244,950 sf

121,060 sf

Approximately 500 spaces

Approximately 397 spaces

Parking Existing: Surface Parking Accessible from Harvard Boulevard and 6th Street

103 spaces

(103 spaces)

Approximately 500 spaces

Proposed: 6-Level Parking Structure Notes: sf = square feet Source: Wilshire Boulevard Temple Vision Plan; Levin & Associates Architects, February 2010.

i

Retention and Restoration of the Sanctuary, Assembly Halls, and School Wing

The Wilshire Boulevard Temple is a designated Historic-Cultural Monument in the City of Los Angeles and is listed in both the National Register of Historic Places and in the California Register of Historic Resources. The Sanctuary, associated assembly hall building containing Piness Auditorium, Roth Gallery, and Stalford Hall, and the historic 1929 school wing would all be retained under the Master Plan. Each of these structures would undergo renovation and infrastructure upgrades. The scope of renovation in the Sanctuary includes the restoration of the historic fabric, including Hugo Ballin murals, chandeliers and art glass windows; infrastructure upgrades, including new mechanical systems, heating and air conditioning; improved lighting and controls; new audio-visual capabilities; and functional improvements, including accessibility to the bimah, refurbished seating, and renovated restroom facilities. Piness Auditorium would be reconfigured to allow for use as a sacred space and a place for small performances and events. The stage in the auditorium would be lowered to improve accessibility, and acoustic, theatrical, and audio visual systems would be added. Stalford Hall, including the existing full-service kitchen, would be renovated for use as an event space and new restrooms would be added.

City of Los Angeles ENV-2010-1407-EIR

II-17

Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

60 n

30

0

60

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – August 2010 FIGURE

II-4

Proposed Project: Site Plan 1037-001•09/10

Hobart Blvd

Harvard Blvd

6th Street

Wilshire Blvd

Legend: Community District 60 n

30

0

60

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

Note: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – August 2010 FIGURE

II-5

Proposed Project: Community District 1037-001•09/10

Hobart Blvd

Harvard Blvd

6th Street

Wilshire Blvd

Legend: School District 60 n

30

0

60

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

Note: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – August 2010 FIGURE

II-6

Proposed Project: School District 1037-001•09/10

Hobart Blvd

Harvard Blvd

6th Street

Wilshire Blvd

Legend: Parking District 60 n

30

0

60

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

Note: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – August 2010 FIGURE

II-7

Proposed Project: Parking District 1037-001•09/10

6th Street

Hobart Blvd

60 n

30

0

60

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

Harvard Blvd

NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects - August 2010 FIGURE

II-8

Proposed Vehicular Access and Circulation 1037-001•09/10

NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project. SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – February 2010 FIGURE

II-9

Bird’s Eye View of Project Site Model 1037-001•06/10

KEY P LAN

LEGEND EVENT SPACE TEMPLE ADMINISTRATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYMNASIUM NURSERY SCHOOL CLASSROOMS NURSERY SCHOOL ADMIN. & PARENTING EXPANSION SPACE CIRCULATION

110

55

0

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

110 NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – February 2010 FIGURE

II-10

Sections Looking North at Project Site from Wilshire Boulevard and Mid-Site 1037-001•08/10

KEY P LAN LEGEND CAFE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NURSERY SCHOOL CIRCULATION PARKING ROOF TOP PLAY SECURITY & SERVICES

110

55

0

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

110 NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – February 2010 FIGURE

II-11

Section Looking West Through Project Site 1037-001•08/10

(E) 136.25’ T.O. DOME

(E) METAL ROOFING

CUSTOM DECORATIVE METAL SCREEN CLEAR GLASS WITH SOLAR PROTECTION LIGHT TEXTURED STONE VENEER

(N) METAL ROOFING

±75.50’ T.O. PARAPET

(E) 75.50’ T.O. ROOF (E) 65.00’ EAVE

(E) 35.50’ T.O. PARAPET

±65.00’ T.O. PARAPET (E) PLASTER PAINTED

±56.00’ 5TH LEVEL

(E) PLASTER WITH STONE BANDING

± 12.00’ T.O. FENCE

±35.50’ T.O. ROOF

±42.00’ 4TH LEVEL

±18.00’ T.O. TRELLIS

±28.00’ 3RD LEVEL +5.00’ GRADE

+1.00’ GRADE

00.00’ PROJECT DATUM

HOBART BOULEVARD

LEGEND T.O. F.D. (E)

±14.00’ 2ND LEVEL 00.00’ 1ST LEVEL & PROJECT DATUM

DECORATIVE FENCES AND GATES

HISTORIC TEMPLE

DECORATIVE FENCES AND GATES

F.D . A C C E SS

TEXTURED STONE VENEER

E V E N T & A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

TRELLIS

HARVARD BOULEVARD

Top of Fire Department Existing

PROJECT DATUM = ±215.00’

40

20

0

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

40 NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – July 19, 2010 FIGURE

II-12

Wilshire Boulevard Elevation 1037-001•09/10

CUSTOM DECORATIVE SCREEN CUSTOM DECORATIVE SCREEN ±75.50’ T.O. PARAPET

SMOOTH FINISH INTEGRAL COLOR PLASTER SYSTEM

±72.00’ T.O. PARAPET

±79.00’ T.O. PARAPET

(E) CLAY TILE ROOFING

±65.00’ T.O. PARAPET ±56.00’ 5TH LEVEL

SMOOTH FINISH INTEGRAL COLOR PLASTER SYSTEM

±72.50’ T.O. ROOF

PLAY YARD FENCING

±63.50’ T.O. ROOF

±65.50’ T.O. ROOF

±61.50’ T.O. PARAPET

±64.00’ T.O. FENCE ±47.50’ PLAY

(E) 40.00’ T.O. ROOF

±42.00’ 4TH LEVEL ±28.00’ 3RD LEVEL

±12.00’ T.O. WALL

+6.00’ GRADE

±14.00’ 2ND LEVEL 00.00’ 1ST LEVEL & PROJECT DATUM

TEXTURED STONE VENEER

GREEN SCREEN

E V E N T & A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

WILSHIRE BOULEVARD

LEGEND T.O. F.D. (E)

(E) PLASTER WITH STONE BANDING

HISTORIC SCHOOL

00.00’ PROJECT DATUM

GREEN SCREEN

E A S T S C H OOL

PA R K IN G S T RUCTURE

6TH STREET

Top of Fire Department Existing

PROJECT DATUM = ±215.00’

40

20

0

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

40 NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – July 19, 2010 FIGURE

II-13

Harvard Boulevard Elevation 1037-001•09/10

(E) METAL ROOFING

(E) 136.25’ T.O. DOME

METAL ROOFING PLAY YARD FENCING

CUSTOM DECORATIVE SCREEN

SMOOTH FINISH INTEGRAL COLOR PLASTER SYSTEM

SMOOTH FINISH INTEGRAL COLOR PLASTER SYSTEM

±65.50’ T.O. ROOF

±76.50’ T.O. PARAPET

(E) SMOOTH PLASTER PAINTED ±66.00’ T.O. ROOF

±83.00’ ROOF

(E) 62.00’ T.O. PARAPET

(N) METAL ROOFING (E) 75.50’ T.O. ROOF (E) 65.00’ EAVE

±64.50’ PLAY ±47.50’ PLAY

±40.00’ 4TH LEVEL

(E) 35.50’ T.O. PARAPET

±26.00’ 3RD LEVEL ±4.00’ T.O. WALL

-4.00’ GRADE

±11.00’ 2ND LEVEL

-4.00’ 1ST LEVEL ALUMINUM STOREFRONT WITH OBSCURE GLASS

±12.00’ T.O. FENCE +1.00’ GRADE 00.00’ PROJECT DATUM

00.00’ PROJECT DATUM

GREEN SCREEN

(E) SMOOTH PLASTER WITH STONE BANDING

ALUMINUM STOREFRONT WITH CLEAR GLASS

PA R K I N G S T R U C T U R E

6TH STREET

LEGEND T.O. F.D. (E)

WEST SCHOOL

F. D . A C C E SS

P IN E S S & STA LF OR D

H IS TOR IC T E MP LE

WILSHIRE BOULEVARD

Top of Fire Department Existing

PROJECT DATUM = ±215.00’

40

20

0

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

40 NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – July 19, 2010 FIGURE

II-14

Hobart Boulevard Elevation 1037-001•09/10

SMOOTH FINISH INTEGRAL COLOR PLASTER SYSTEM ±65.50’ T.O. ROOF

PLAY YARD FENCING ±65.50’ T.O. ROOF

±64.00’ T.O. FENCE ±47.50’ PLAY

+6.00’ GRADE

-4.00’ GRADE

00.00’ PROJECT DATUM

00.00’ PROJECT DATUM ALUMINUM STOREFRONT WITH CLEAR GLASS

CANOPY

HARVARD BOULEVARD

LEGEND T.O. F.D. (E)

PA R KIN G S T R U C T U R E & S OC IA L S E RV IC ES

HOBART BOULEVARD

Top of Fire Department Existing

PROJECT DATUM = ±215.00’

40

20

0

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET

40 NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – July 19, 2010 FIGURE

II-15

6th Street Elevation 1037-001•10/10

NOT TO SCALE

NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – July 19, 2010 FIGURE

II-16

Wilshire/Harvard Boulevard Elevation 1037-001•08/10

NOT TO SCALE

NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – July 19, 2010 FIGURE

II-17

Wilshire/Hobart Boulevard Elevation 1037-001•08/10

NOT TO SCALE

NOTE: This is a preliminary, conceptual document, which is subject to change and shall not be deemed to constitute a representation of the final project.

SOURCE: Levin & Associates Architects – July 19, 2010 FIGURE

II-18

Courtyard Perspective Looking South 1037-001•08/10

II. Project Description

ii.

Districts

Community District The southern portion of the Project site would serve as the Temple’s Community District and would contain administration and special event facilities in addition to the historic Sanctuary and other historically significant sacred and gathering spaces in the 1929 building. Master Plan implementation would replace the existing surface parking lot in the southeast corner of the Project site with a five-story, 55,380-square-foot building containing administrative offices for the oversight of Temple operations, as well as conference, event, and banquet space. The new building would replace the existing 1963 administration and education building housing offices and the Temple nursery school, which would be demolished. Event and banquet space would be located on the ground floor and would occupy a double-height (two-story) space with a partial mezzanine. This event and banquet space would open to the adjacent east courtyard, which would accommodate outdoor dining and receptions. Temple administrative offices would be located on the third and fourth floors and would house personnel that oversee the day-to-day business of the Temple. This space would be shared with a multipurpose conference meeting area, which would be used for Temple adult education functions and Board of Trustees meetings. A terrace would be located on the fourth level overlooking Wilshire Boulevard. Additionally, a senior activities center is proposed on the fourth level, and is intended to expand intergenerational opportunities on the Temple campus. The fifth floor would house additional program space and would provide access to a rooftop terrace overlooking Wilshire Boulevard. School District Under the proposed Master Plan, academic uses would be concentrated in the School District, which encompasses the central portion of the Project site and is subdivided into two districts, School District West and School District East. Elementary school facilities would be concentrated in the western-central portion of the Project site in the School District West. A new nursery school building would be constructed in the eastern-central portion of the Project site within the School District East, and would also utilize a portion of the existing historic 1929 school wing.

City of Los Angeles ENV-2010-1407-EIR

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

School District West The West School building would be constructed in approximately the same location as the existing 1963 administration and education addition and nursery play yard, which would both be removed. The four-story, approximately 59,400-square-foot building would be used by both elementary and religious school students. The first three stories would include classrooms for elementary school students, specialty labs, and a library. Classrooms for the elementary school would be shared by religious classes, with the exception of four specialty classrooms to be used exclusively by the religious school. The building would house 21 classrooms and five labs, a teacher’s resource center, and ancillary space for restrooms, security, and storage. A double-height, 42-foot tall (28 feet plus a 14 foot tall mezzanine), 13,545-square-foot gymnasium would occupy the fourth story of the proposed West School building. The gymnasium would feature a full-size basketball court, bleachers, and changing rooms. The elementary school would have a maximum enrollment of 420 students, a net decrease of 80 students compared to existing conditions. School District East Under the proposed Master Plan, nursery school uses would be concentrated in the proposed School District East area. The historic 1929 school wing would be retained and integrated with new school facilities. Nursery school uses and a mikvah, or bath for ritual immersions, would occupy the building’s first floor. Religious school classrooms, rabbinical and administrative offices, and a conference room would occupy the second floor. The four-story, 46,045-square-foot East School building would be constructed in roughly the same location as the existing 1963 school wing addition in the east-center portion of the Project site and adjoining playground, which would be removed under Project buildout. The first floor of the East School building would contain nursery school classrooms (in addition to those proposed in the historic 1929 school wing), and an 8,100-square-foot outdoor play area. A parenting center and nursery school administration offices would occupy the second floor. The third floor would accommodate expansion space, a multipurpose room, and a conference room, as well as storage and access to rooftop terraces. A fourth level would provide temporary Temple administration space and room for future school use expansion. The nursery school would have a maximum enrollment of 216 students, a net increase of approximately 137 students compared to existing conditions (79-student enrollment cap). City of Los Angeles ENV-2010-1407-EIR

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

Parking District Under the proposed Master Plan, all parking and social services would be contained in the proposed Parking District, which occupies the northern third of the Project site. A six-story parking structure would be constructed with three subterranean levels and three above-ground levels. The parking structure would provide parking for approximately 500 vehicles, an increase of approximately 397 spaces over existing conditions. The structure would include a drive-through drop-off and pick-up lane on the ground level. Cars would enter from Hobart Boulevard and exit to Harvard Boulevard, with vehicular movements limited to right-turn-in from Hobart Boulevard and right-turn-out onto Harvard Boulevard. The parking structure would provide pedestrian access to the Project site from 6th Street, with controlled access to the Project site’s internal pedestrian spine. The Temple’s Tikkun Olam (social service/food pantry program) would be located on the ground level of the parking structure, with a storefront accessible from 6th Street. This space would provide 9,215 square feet for the storage and distribution of food and clothing during Sunday morning food pantry operations. A play yard is proposed for the roof deck of the parking structure. The play yard would feature hard courts and a turf area, and would be lighted for use during overcast days, dusk, and at night. High fencing would be installed for security and to prevent objects from escaping the play area. iii.

Architectural Style

The design of the Temple combines the Byzantine style – central dome and use of mosaic and marble— popular at that time with characteristics of the Romanesque style—rounded archways and decorative stained glass windows. The building is of steel frame construction encased in concrete with cast-in-place concrete walls and floors and clad in cement stucco. The focal point of the building is a large 100-foot diameter concrete shell dome that marks the Temple’s sanctuary and rises over 100 feet above street level. The exterior is Byzantine in style with Romanesque characteristics. The dome was originally covered in mosaic patterned tile but was later covered with copper sheathing. Turrets and finials top walls with marble banding and decorative cast stone over arched windows and doorways. New development on the Project site is intended to be complementary to the 1929 Sanctuary. The proposed Temple administration/event building would be five stories, or 75 feet, in height above adjacent grade; all other proposed buildings would be lower, in order to protect views of the dome from on-site and off-site vantage points. Materials to be used in the construction of new development include stucco, plaster, textured stone exterior finishes, wood–framed windows, and decorative elements such as glass window walls, decorative grilles, and art glass. All new buildings are designed with a base, middle, and top, to respect the massing and regulating lines of the existing historic buildings. City of Los Angeles ENV-2010-1407-EIR

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

iv.

Landscaping

The Project would incorporate landscaping to enhance the outdoor spaces within the Project site, Project site points of entry, and street frontages. The Wilshire Boulevard frontage would be landscaped with street trees complementary to existing landscaping on adjacent properties. Street trees are also proposed along the Hobart and Harvard Boulevards and 6th Street frontages. v.

Pedestrian Circulation

An internal north-south-oriented pedestrian spine, or walkway, through the center of the Project site would link all proposed facilities. Secure pedestrian entrances to the Project site would be provided from Wilshire Boulevard, between the Sanctuary and new administration and event building, and from 6th Street via a pedestrian entrance and corridor within the parking structure. Secondary pedestrian access would be provided from Hobart Boulevard and Harvard Boulevard. Nursery and elementary school entrances would be accessible from the internal pedestrian spine. Storefront space along 6th Street would provide access to Tikkun Olam (i.e., social service) programs housed within the parking structure. Elevators, stairs, and ramps would ensure accessibility throughout the Project site. vi.

Vehicular Access and Circulation

As shown in Figure II-8, vehicular access to the Project site would be provided along Hobart Boulevard via a drive-through aisle within the parking structure to allow nursery and elementary school drop-off and pick-up. Parking structure access would be turn-controlled, with ingress provided from the northbound lanes of Hobart Boulevard (i.e., right turn-in only) and egress onto the southbound lanes of Harvard Boulevard (i.e., right turn out-only). Fire department access will be provided off of Wilshire Boulevard, between the historic Sanctuary and the new Temple administration/event building and mid-block on Hobart Boulevards between the historic assembly hall building and the new School West building. vii.

Utilities and Infrastructure

Project implementation includes upgrades to on-site energy infrastructure (i.e., heating and cooling) that would increase the energy efficiency of the existing, aging buildings to be retained, and would replace other buildings with modern, energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure. Wilshire Boulevard Temple has operated in its current location since 1929 and is already served by existing municipal water supply, wastewater conveyance, storm drain, and energy (i.e., electricity and natural gas) infrastructure. Some improvements to on-site infrastructure would be needed to accommodate proposed Project buildout, and

City of Los Angeles ENV-2010-1407-EIR

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

new connections to off-site water and wastewater lines would be required. Off-site water and wastewater lines can accommodate the proposed Project and no upsizing of lines would be required. 6.

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION

a.

Project Phasing

Implementation of the proposed Project would encompass several phases to allow for the continued operation of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Because Project implementation is intended to be sufficiently flexible to meet the Temple’s evolving needs and would be dependent on available funding, construction phasing is not expected to be concurrent, and gaps between phases are expected to occur. As such, construction is anticipated to occur over an approximately 9-year period with Project buildout expected by year 2020. Construction phases, associated stages, and anticipated phasing timeframes are provided in Table II-4, Project Construction Phasing.

Table II-4 Project Construction Phasing Project Phase

Stage 1A

Anticipated Timeframe

Description of Project Phase Renovate historic Sanctuary; construct Sanctuary East Court, temporary central plant, temporary surface parking lot upgrades. Demolish existing commercial office building.

1

Construct East School Building and parking structure. 1B

1C 2

Demolish existing 1963 school wing addition and existing hardscape in location of proposed parking structure.

b.

(13 months) Nov. 2013–Feb. 2015 (14 months)

Renovate historic 1929 school wing; construct Central Stair; renovate Piness Auditorium and Stalford Hall.

Mar. 2015–Feb. 2016

Construct West School Building.

Sept. 2016–Dec. 2017

Demolish existing 1963 administration/education addition.

(15 months)

Construct new Temple administration/event building. 3

Oct. 2011–Nov. 2013

Demolish existing hardscape in area of new Temple administration/event building.

(11 months)

July 2019–Dec. 2020 (18 months)

Construction Staging and Parking

Construction staging (i.e., storage of equipment and materials) would be contained on the Project site. A preliminary inventory of anticipated construction equipment includes an excavator, bulldozer, loader, backhoe, and water truck for demolition; an excavator, loader, and water truck for excavation and

City of Los Angeles ENV-2010-1407-EIR

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

grading; and tower and mobile cranes, concrete pumps, concrete ready-mix trucks, and miscellaneous lifts and small hoisting equipment for the construction of buildings and structures. During Phases 1A and 1B, all construction workers are anticipated to park off site through a parking agreement with one of three nearby surface lots at the southwest corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Hobart Boulevard, the northeast corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Harvard Boulevard (St. Basil’s), and the northeast corner of Harvard Boulevard and 6th Street. No shuttling of workers will be necessary due to the proximity of these lots. Between 15 and 50 vehicles are anticipated during this construction phase. During Phases 1C, 2 and 3, all construction workers would park on the Project site within the new parking structure. Between 15 and 50 vehicles are anticipated during these construction phases. c.

Demolition and Site Clearance

Approximately 52,000 square feet of existing buildings and approximately 75,000 square feet of paved hardscape (primarily asphalt and concrete) would be demolished under the proposed Project. d.

Earthwork and Excavation

The total excavation volume for the proposed project is approximately 45,000 cubic yards, with approximately 10,000 cubic yards to be reused on site as fill and approximately 35,000 cubic yards planned for export. Export of materials would occur throughout all phases of Project construction, with the majority occurring during Phase 1B. A maximum daily surface area disturbance of 37,000 square feet is expected. e.

Haul Route

Demolition and construction debris would be transported to Puente Hills Landfill in Whittier, pending available capacity at the time of construction. A Truck Haul Route program would be required as part of the City’s permitting process. The route would not normally utilize residential streets. The truck haul routes to and from the Project site may generally include: 

Wilshire Boulevard to I-110;



Wilshire Boulevard to Vermont Boulevard to I-10;



Wilshire Boulevard to Vermont Boulevard to US 101;



Wilshire Boulevard to Western Boulevard to I-10; and



Wilshire Boulevard to Western Boulevard to US 101

City of Los Angeles ENV-2010-1407-EIR

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011

II. Project Description

7.

INTENDED USES OF THE EIR

This EIR will serve as the primary source of environmental information for the actions and approvals associated with the development of the Project. In accordance with Section 21002.1 of the CEQA statute, this EIR is intended to provide the City of Los Angeles with information as to the environmental effects of the Project, alternatives to the Project, and mitigation measures which are expected to reduce or avoid any significant effects. This EIR will also be used as an informational document by other public agencies, in connection with any other approvals or permits necessary for construction and operation of the Project. a.

Entitlements

The Los Angeles Department of City Planning is acting as Lead Agency as defined by CEQA for the environmental review of this Project. Discretionary approvals requested for the proposed Project include Site Plan Review and may include, but are not limited to, potential ancillary authorizations such as relief from street dedication/widening requirements or Zoning Administrator adjustments relating to setback adjustments.

City of Los Angeles ENV-2010-1407-EIR

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Wilshire Boulevard Temple Master Plan Project Draft EIR January 2011