IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS E. LIGHT & GLARE 1. SHADE/SHADOW

This Section includes a depiction of the shadows that would be cast by the Project by existing development and the Project. The issue of shade and shadow pertains to the blockage of direct sunlight for a given amount of time that affects certain land uses. Shading is an important environmental issue because the users or occupants of certain land uses, such as residential, recreational, schools, and outdoor restaurants have expectations for direct sunlight and warmth from the sun. These land uses are termed “shadow-sensitive,” because sunlight is important to function, physical comfort, and commerce. This Section also includes an assessment of whether Project-specific shadows would cast onto shadesensitive receptors in excess of the City of Los Angeles’ threshold for shadow impacts. Shadow lengths are dependent on the height and size of the building from which the shadow is cast and the angle of the sun. The angle of the sun varies based on the rotation of the earth (i.e., time of day) and elliptical orbit (i.e., change in seasons). The longest shadows are cast during the winter months, and the shortest shadows are cast during the summer months. Note to reader: This Section is assembled differently from the other sections in this EIR. All of the tables and figures referenced in this Section are included at the end of the Section. 1. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING a. Summer and Winter Solstices b. Spring and Fall Equinoxes c. Regulatory Setting d. Shadow-Sensitive Land Uses e. Existing Shadow Patterns i.

Summer Shadows

ii. Winter Shadows iii. Spring Shadows iv. Fall Shadows 2. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS a. Thresholds of Significance b. Methodology Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

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c. Project Impacts i.

Summer Shadows

(1)

Medici Residential Use

(2)

Pegasus Residential Use

(3)

The Standard Hotel

(4)

California Club

(5)

LA Central Library Grounds

ii. Winter Shadows (1)

Good Samaritan Hospital

(2)

Residential Uses to the West

(3)

Residential Uses to the North

(4)

Residential Uses to the East

(5)

Jonathan Club

(6)

Westin Bonaventure Hotel

(7)

World Trade Center

(8)

Marriott Hotel

(9)

Union Bank Plaza

iii. Spring Shadows (1)

Jonathan Club

(2)

Residential Uses to the West

(3)

Residential Uses to the North

iv. Fall Shadows (1)

Residential Uses to the West

(2)

Residential Uses to the North

(3)

Jonathan Club

(4)

Westin Bonaventure Hotel

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(5)

City National Plaza

(6)

The Standard Hotel

(7)

California Club

(8)

Citicorp Center

(9)

Union Bank Plaza

(10)

Bank of American Plaza

(11)

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d. Land Use Equivalency Program e. Design Flexibility Program 3. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 4. PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES AND MITIGATION MEASURES 5. LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION

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1. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING a. Summer and Winter Solstices “Solstice” is defined as either of the two points on the sun’s elliptic that lie midway between the equinoxes (separated from them by an angular distance of 90°). At the solstices, the sun’s apparent position on the celestial sphere reaches its greatest distance above or below the celestial equator, about 23 ½° of the arc. At the time of summer solstice, around June 21, the sun is directly overhead at noon at the Tropic of Cancer. In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day and shortest night of the year occur on this date, marking the beginning of summer. At winter solstice, around December 21, the sun is overhead at noon at the Tropic of Capricorn; this marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Measuring shadow lengths for the winter and summer solstices represents the extreme shadow patterns that occur throughout the year. Shadows cast on the summer solstice are the shortest shadows during the year, becoming progressively longer until winter solstice when the shadows are the longest they are all year. Shadows are shown for summer solstice, cast from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and for winter solstice, cast from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. b. Spring and Fall Equinoxes “Equinox” is defined as either of two points of intersection of the sun’s apparent annual path and the plane of the earth’s equator, that is, a point of intersection of the elliptic and the celestial equator. At the equinoxes, day and night are the same duration as the sun’s transit falls on the equator. Shadows cast on the equinoxes are intermediary between the solstices. Shadows are shown for spring equinox, cast from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and for fall equinox, cast from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. c. Regulatory Setting There are no existing regulations and City ordinances related to shade and shadow that would apply to the Project. d. Shadow-Sensitive Land Uses According to the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, facilities and operations that are sensitive to the effects of shading generally include, but are not limited to: routinely useable outdoor spaces associated with residential or institutional land uses; commercial uses, such as pedestrian-oriented outdoor areas or restaurants with outdoor eating areas; nurseries; existing solar collectors; and recreational areas, such as parks. Sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the Project site include the following: •

the Good Samaritan Hospital, which is located northwest of the Project Site;

•

the 7 + Fig Plaza, which is located southwest of the Project Site, and includes outdoor dining areas, outdoor performances, and weekly farmers markets;

•

the Jonathan Club, which is located northwest of the Project Site and includes outdoor recreation facilities and rooftop outdoor eating areas;

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•

the Union Bank Plaza, which is located northeast of the Project Site, and includes reflecting pools, seating areas, and outdoor dining areas;

•

the Marriott Hotel, which is located northwest of the Project Site;

•

the Bank of America Plaza, which is located east of the Project Site, and includes a weekly farmers market;

•

the Standard Hotel, which is located northeast of the Project Site and includes rooftop outdoor bar/eating area and rooftop outdoor recreational facilities;

•

the California Club, which is located northeast of the Project Site and includes an outdoor dining area;

•

the City National Plaza, which is located northeast of the Project Site and includes outdoor eating areas and a fountain;

•

the Bonaventure Hotel, which is located northeast of the Project Site and includes outdoor recreational facilities and rooftop dining areas;

•

the World Trade Center, which is located northeast of the Project Site and includes rooftop outdoor recreational facilities;

•

the Citicorp Center, which is located northeast of the Project Site and includes outdoor eating and seating areas;

•

the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which is located northeast of the Project Site;

•

the Music Center, which is located east of the Project Site, and includes a reflecting pool and seating areas;

•

the LA Central Library grounds, which are located northeast of the Project Site and include outdoor eating areas and surrounding grounds; and

•

residential land uses to the north, east, and west.

Residential uses to the south are not included in the following analysis as the pattern of shadows rotates in a sweeping arc around the Financial District core, starting in the west and ending in the east. Each of the shadow-sensitive land uses in proximity of the Project Site is identified on the figures in this Section. While not meeting the aforementioned criteria, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is considered shadesensitive, since its stainless steel exterior was designed to work with the changing and reflected California sun. Furthermore, it should be noted that the plazas in the Project area have been included since an array of outdoor, daytime activities, and cultural events are conducted within these plazas.

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Other shadow-sensitive land uses in the Project area include Pershing Square, the L.A. Live! Plaza, Los Angeles Convention Center, the Staples Center arena, Grand Hope Park, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, the LA Athletic Club, the Sheraton Hotel, and residential land uses to the south. However, these land uses have not been included in this analysis because they are generally located south of the Project Site and shadows cast by the Project would not extend onto these uses. e. Existing Shadow Patterns The concentration of mid- to high-rise buildings in the downtown area creates a unique shade/shadow environment, with shadows extending into the surrounding area during the early morning and late afternoon hours throughout the year. Shading within the Project area increases when compared to other areas of downtown, as it is located within the downtown area’s Financial District. Due to the number of mid- to high-rise buildings, a varying pattern of shadows rotates in a sweeping arc around the Financial District core, toward the west, north, and east, according to the movement of the sun so that almost all sections of the Financial District core experience a variable pattern of shading during any sunny day and during any season. The Project Site is currently developed with the 16-story (with the highest point at 180 feet above grade) Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre, which consists of 896 hotel rooms, approximately 215,000 square feet of office uses, approximately 206,600 square feet of hotel amenity, accessory retail and restaurant uses, and subterranean parking with 286 parking spaces. i.

Summer Shadows

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-1 (Existing Building Summer Solstice Shadows), the summer shadows of the existing Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre would not generate shadows that cast onto any surrounding residential and/or sensitive shadow uses. The existing summer shadows are cast primarily onto surrounding commercial uses, including the 21-story, 350-foot tall 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, a one-story building at the southeastern corner of the Wilshire Boulevard and Figueroa Street intersection, and the approximately three-story Mullen Building/Historic Fire Station No. 28, which contains a restaurant on the ground floor. Specifically, the summer morning shadows from the existing structure primarily affect the sidewalk and roadway areas along 7th Street. The mid-day shadows fall towards the 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building to the west, located on the north side of Francisco Street, but due to the height of this structure, the shadows do not extend above or beyond it. The summer afternoon shadows primarily affect the sidewalk and roadway areas along Wilshire Boulevard, Figueroa Street, a one-story building at the southeastern corner of the Wilshire Boulevard and Figueroa Street intersection, and the Mullen Building/Historic Fire Station No. 28 to the east, located on the east side of Figueroa Street. Therefore, the existing summer solstice shadows do not significantly impact any of the sensitive uses in the Project vicinity (refer to the Thresholds of Significance, later in this Section, for the determination of a significant shadow impact).

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ii. Winter Shadows As shown in Figure IV.E.1-2 (Existing Building Winter Solstice Shadows), the winter shadows of the existing Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre would not generate shadows that cast onto any surrounding residential and/or sensitive shadow uses. The existing winter shadows are cast primarily onto surrounding high-rise office buildings, including the 21-story, 350-foot tall 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, the 23-story, 288 foot tall 911 Wilshire office building, and the 52-story, 717-foot tall Figueroa at Wilshire office building. Specifically, the winter morning shadows from the existing structure primarily fall towards the 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, located on the west side of Francisco Street. Due to the height of the 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, a large portion of the shadows that are cast to the west by the existing structure are blocked. A portion of the morning winter shadows from the existing structure falls towards the Interstate 110 (the “Harbor Freeway”). Winter midday shadows primarily affect the sidewalk and roadway areas along Francisco Street, fall towards the 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, and the sidewalk and roadway areas along Wilshire Boulevard. The winter afternoon shadows fall towards the 23-story 911 Wilshire office building and the 52-story Figueroa at Wilshire office building, located on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard, but due to the height of these structures, the shadows from the existing structure, which is 16-stories, would not extend above or beyond them, albeit a portion of the shadows may extend minimal amounts where there are breaks in the buildings. Therefore, the existing winter solstice shadows do not significantly impact any of the sensitive uses in the Project vicinity (refer to the Thresholds of Significance, later in this Section, for the determination of a significant shadow impact). iii. Spring Shadows As shown in Figure IV.E.1-3 (Existing Building Spring Equinox Shadows), the spring equinox shadows of the existing Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre would not generate shadows that cast onto any surrounding residential and/or sensitive shadow uses. The existing spring equinox shadows primarily are cast onto a high-rise office building located west of the Project Site, the 21-story, 350-foot tall, 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building. Specifically, the spring morning shadows from the existing structure primarily fall towards the 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, located on the west side of Francisco Street. Due to the height of the 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, a large portion of the shadows that are cast to the west by the existing structure are blocked. A portion of the morning spring shadows from the existing structure fall towards the Harbor Freeway. The spring mid-day shadows from the existing structure primarily affect the sidewalk and roadway areas along Francisco Street. The spring afternoon shadows primarily affect the sidewalk and roadway areas along Wilshire Boulevard. Therefore, the existing spring equinox shadows do not significantly impact any of the sensitive uses in the Project vicinity (refer to the Thresholds of Significance, later in this Section, for the determination of a significant shadow impact). iv. Fall Shadows As shown in Figure IV.E.1-4 (Existing Building Fall Equinox Shadows), the fall equinox shadows of the existing Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre would not generate shadows that cast onto any surrounding residential and/or sensitive shadow uses. The existing fall equinox shadows are cast primarily onto

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surrounding commercial and office uses, including the 21-story, 350-foot tall 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, the 23-story, 288 foot tall 911 Wilshire office building, the 52-story, 717-foot tall Figueroa at Wilshire office building, the 12-story, 174-foot 818 Plaza office building, and a one-story building at the southeastern corner of the Wilshire Boulevard and Figueroa Street intersection. Specifically, the fall morning shadows from the existing structure primarily fall towards the 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, located on the west side of Francisco Street. Due to the height of the 1000 Wilshire Boulevard office building, a large portion of the shadows that are cast to the west by the existing structure are blocked. A portion of the morning fall shadows from the existing structure fall towards the Harbor Freeway. The spring mid-day shadows from the existing structure primarily affect the sidewalk and roadway areas along Francisco Street and Wilshire Boulevard. The fall afternoon shadows fall towards the Figueroa at Wilshire office building, located on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard, but due to the height of this structure, the shadows do not extend above or beyond it. The fall afternoon shadows also cover a portion of a one-story building at the southeastern corner of the Wilshire Boulevard and Figueroa Street intersection and the 818 Plaza office building. Therefore, the existing fall equinox shadows do not significantly impact any of the sensitive uses in the Project vicinity (refer to the Thresholds of Significance, later in this Section, for the determination of a significant shadow impact). 2.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS a. Thresholds of Significance

The L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide (page A.3-2) states that a project would have a significant impact if it would: •

Cast shadow on shade-sensitive land uses for more than three hours between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (between late October and early April), or for more than four hours between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) (between early April and late October).

b. Methodology The consequences of shadows on land uses can be positive, including cooling effects during warm weather, or negative, such as loss of warmth during cooler weather and loss of natural light. Shadow effects are dependent on several factors, including local topography, the height and bulk of a project’s structural elements, sensitivity of surrounding uses, season, and duration of shadow projection. In determining the effects of shading, the locations of sensitive uses (such as residential, recreational, schools, and outdoor restaurants) in the surrounding area are identified and the shading effects are calculated according to standard criteria. Impacts are calculated according to the proposed building heights and the distance from the sun obstructing structures to the sensitive use. Shadows have been calculated and plotted for representative hours during the spring and fall equinoxes and winter and summer solstices. Residential, recreational, school, and outdoor restaurant uses with routinely used outdoor areas and where sunlight may be important to physical comfort or function, are considered sensitive uses. The L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide significance criteria apply to the hours

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occurring between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. during the winter and spring and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. during the summer and fall. The varying and seasonally adjusted daytime hours represent the period of the day in which the expectation of available sunlight exists. For the purpose of establishing the hours in which significant impacts occur, winter and spring are described as occurring between late October to early April, and summer and fall are described as occurring between early April and late October. Graphical representations of the shadows that would be cast by the Project’s structures have been prepared and provide the basis for the shadow impact analysis in this EIR. These graphics conservatively reflect no building separations or transitional heights, which would be incorporated into the final design of the Project, and assume buildout of the Project to account for a conservative analysis, which includes a maximum building height of 1,250 feet across the entire Project Site, regarding shadow extent. c. Project Impacts The Project proposes new development on the site currently occupied by the Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre, that would include hotel and office buildings with accessory retail and restaurant uses and subterranean parking. The Project would include the demolition of the existing structure, including existing subterranean parking, vacation of Francisco Street, and redevelopment of the Project Site with an approximately 65-story structure, no more than 1,250 feet in height (“Building A”), which would include 1,500,000 square feet of office uses and retail/restaurant uses, an approximately 45-story structure, no more than 750 feet in height (“Building B”), which would include a maximum of 560 hotel rooms and/or condo-hotel units, 100 residential dwelling units, and retail/restaurant uses, and an approximately sixstory podium structure, no more than 168 feet in height (“Podium”), which would include amenity areas including, but not limited to, project-serving retail and restaurant uses and other ancillary hotel, residential, and office areas. The Project would be constructed over eight levels of subterranean parking containing approximately 1,900 parking spaces. Shadow figures for buildout of the Project are as follows: •

Figure IV.E.1-5 (Project Summer Solstice Shadows) depicts the maximum extent of the Project’s summer shadows between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.;

•

Figure IV.E.1-6 (Project Plus Existing Summer Solstice Shadows) depicts the Project’s summer shadows between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. together with the shadows created by existing surrounding buildings;

•

Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows) depicts the maximum extent of the Project’s winter shadows between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.;

•

Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows) depicts the Project’s winter shadows between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. together with the shadows created by existing surrounding buildings;

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•

Figure IV.E.1-9 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows) depicts the maximum extent of the Project’s spring shadows between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.;

•

Figure IV.E.1-10 (Project Plus Existing Spring Equinox Shadows) depicts the Project’s spring shadows between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. together with the shadows created by existing surrounding buildings;

•

Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows) depicts the maximum extent of the Project’s fall shadows between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; and

•

Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows) depicts the Project’s fall shadows between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. together with the shadows created by existing surrounding buildings.

i.

Summer Shadows

The shortest shadows are cast closest to the summer solstice (approximately June 21st). Figure IV.E.1-5 (Project Summer Solstice Shadows) depicts the greatest extent of shadow that would be cast by the Project structures at this time of year between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. As shown in the figure, the shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would be affected by the Project include the four-story Medici residential complex, which is located northwest of the Project Site, beyond the Harbor Freeway, the 13-story Pegasus residential building, located east of the Project Site, the 12-story Standard Hotel, which is located northeast of the Project Site, the eight-story California Club, which is located northeast of the Project Site, and the LA Central Library grounds, which are also located east of the Project Site. The commercial shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would not be affected by the Project’s summer shadows include the Good Samaritan Hospital, the 7 + Fig Plaza, the 12-story Jonathan Club, the 35-story Westin Bonaventure Hotel, the 13-story Marriott Hotel, the tenstory World Trade Center, the Bank of America Plaza, the City National Plaza, the Citicorp Center, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center, and Union Bank Plaza. The residential shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would not be affected by the Project’s summer shadows include the 18-story TENTEN residential building, the seven-story Glo Apartments residential complex, the six-story Maryland Heights apartment building, the six-story Piero residential complex, the five-story Bixel at Fifth residential complex, the 19-story Promenade Towers residential complex, the six-story Promenade West residential building, the 19-story Bunker Hill Towers residential complex, the 37-story 1100 Wilshire residential building, the five-story San Lucas apartment building, and the five-story Miramar City Lights apartment building. (1)

Medici Residential Use

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-5 (Project Summer Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would stretch across the Medici residential complex at 9 a.m. Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., shadows from the Project would rotate toward the east, continuing to cast onto the Medici residential complex. Between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., shadows from the Project would rotate toward the east, continuing to cast onto a small portion of Medici residential complex, specifically the southeastern corner of the property. Between the

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hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the shadows would continue to retract and rotate toward the east, removing all shadows cast on Medici residential complex. Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on the Medici residential complex for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-6 (Project Plus Existing Summer Solstice Shadows), concentration of mid- to high-rise buildings in the downtown area creates a unique shade/shadow environment, with shadows extending into the surrounding area during the early morning and late afternoon hours throughout the year. Shading within the Project area increases when compared to other areas of downtown, as it is located within the downtown area’s Financial District. The existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Medici residential complex between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Medici residential complex between early April and late October. (2)

Pegasus Residential Use

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-5 (Project Summer Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Pegasus residential building at approximately 3:30 p.m. Between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated further east, casting shadows over the entire Pegasus residential building. However, the Project would not cast shadows on the Pegasus residential building for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-6 (Project Plus Existing Summer Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Pegasus residential complex between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Pegasus residential building between early April and late October. (3)

The Standard Hotel

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-5 (Project Summer Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Standard Hotel at approximately 4:00 p.m. Between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated further east, casting shadows over the entire Standard Hotel. The Project would not cast shadows on the Standard Hotel for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-6 (Project Plus Existing Summer Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Standard Hotel between the hours of 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Standard Hotel between early April and late October. (4)

California Club

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-5 (Project Summer Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the California Club at approximately 3:45 p.m. Between 3:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated further east, casting shadows over the entire California Club. Between the hours of 4:15 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would continue to retract and rotate toward the east, removing portions of the shadows cast on the California Club. The Project would not cast shadows on the California Club for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-6 (Project Plus Existing Summer Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the California Club between at the 5 Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

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p.m. hour. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the California Club between early April and late October. (5)

LA Central Library Grounds

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-5 (Project Summer Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the LA Central Library grounds at approximately 3:30 p.m. Between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated further east, casting shadows which would cover a portion, the southern edge, of the LA Central Library grounds. Between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would continue to retract and rotate toward the east, removing all shadows cast on LA Central Library grounds. The Project would not cast shadows on the LA Central Library grounds for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-6 (Project Plus Existing Summer Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the LA Central Library grounds between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the LA Central Library grounds between early April and late October. ii. Winter Shadows The longest shadows are cast closest to the winter solstice (approximately December 21st). Figure IV.E.17 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows) depicts the greatest extent of shadow that would be cast by the Project structures at this time of year between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. As shown in the figure, the shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would be affected by the Project include the Good Samaritan Hospital, which is located north of the Project Site, beyond the Harbor Freeway, residential uses located west and north of the Project Site, which are located beyond the Harbor Freeway, residential uses located east of the Project Site, the 12-story Jonathan Club, located northeast of the Project Site, the 35-story Westin Bonaventure Hotel, the 13-story Marriott Hotel, the ten-story World Trade Center, and Union Bank Plaza, which are also located east of the Project Site. The commercial shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would not be affected by the Project’s winter shadows include the 12-story Standard Hotel, the eight-story California Club, the LA Central Library grounds, the 7 + Fig Plaza, the Bank of America Plaza, the City National Plaza, the Citicorp Center, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Music Center. The residential shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would not be affected by the Project’s winter shadows include the 37-story 1100 Wilshire residential building, the four-story Medici residential complex, the 13-story Pegasus residential building, the five-story San Lucas apartment building, and the five-story Miramar City Lights apartment building. (1)

Good Samaritan Hospital

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would stretch across Good Samaritan Hospital at 9 a.m. Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., the shadows would have retracted and rotated toward the east, placing shadows on the eastern corner of Good Samaritan Hospital. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., the shadows would continue to retract and rotate toward the east, removing all shadows cast on Good Samaritan Hospital. Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on Good Samaritan Hospital for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

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in Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto Good Samaritan Hospital between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on Good Samaritan Hospital between late October and early April. (2)

Residential Uses to the West

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), the Project would cast winter shadows on the residential uses to the west, beyond the Harbor Freeway, including the 18-story TENTEN residential building, the seven-story Glo Apartments residential complex, the six-story Maryland Heights apartment building, and various two-story multi-family apartment complexes. At 9 a.m. the Project would cast shadows on the TENTEN residential building and the Glo Apartments. Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., shadows from the Project would rotate toward the east, continuing to cast onto the TENTEN residential building. As shown on Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), by 11 a.m., the shadows would have moved completely away from the TENTEN residential building and the Glo Apartments, but would remain on the Maryland Heights apartment building, and various two-story multifamily apartment complexes. By 1 p.m., the shadows would have moved away from residential uses to the west, as shown on Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows). Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on any individual residential use to the west for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the TENTEN residential building, the Glo Apartments residential complex, the Maryland Heights apartment building, and various two-story multi-family apartment complexes between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the residential uses to the west between late October and early April. (3)

Residential Uses to the North

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), the Project would cast winter shadows on the residential uses to the north, beyond the Harbor Freeway, including the six-story Piero residential complex, the five-story Bixel at Fifth residential complex, and various two-story multi-family apartment complexes. Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., shadows from the Project would rotate toward the east, and cast shadows onto the Piero residential complex. As shown on Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), by 11 a.m., the shadows would remain on the Piero residential complex, the Bixel at Fifth residential complex, and various two-story multi-family apartment complexes. By 12 p.m., the shadows would only remain on the Piero residential complex. By 1 p.m., the shadows would have moved away from residential uses to the north, as shown on Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows). Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on any individual residential use to the north for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the residential uses to the north between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the residential uses to the north between late October and early April.

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Residential Uses to the East

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), the Project would cast winter shadows on the residential uses to the east, including the 19-story Promenade Towers residential complex, the sixstory Promenade West residential building, and the 19-story Bunker Hill Towers residential complex. At approximately 2:30 p.m. shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching upon the Promenade Towers residential complex. Between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., shadows from the Project would stretch towards the east, and cast shadows on the Promenade Towers residential complex, the Promenade West residential building, and the Bunker Hill Towers residential complex. Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on any individual residential use to the east for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the residential uses to the east between the hours of 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the residential uses to the north between late October and early April. (5)

Jonathan Club

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Jonathan Club at 1 p.m. Between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated toward further east, casting shadows over the entire Jonathan Club. Between the hours of 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, continuing to the cover the Jonathan Club. However, the Project would not cast shadows on the Jonathan Club for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto Jonathan Club between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Jonathan Club between late October and early April. (6)

Westin Bonaventure Hotel

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel at 2:30 p.m. Between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, continuing to encroach on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. However, the Project would not cast shadows on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Westin Bonaventure Hotel between the hours of 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel between late October and early April. (7)

World Trade Center

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the World Trade Center at 2 p.m. Between the hours of 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, continuing to encroach on the World Trade Center.

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However, the Project would not cast shadows on the World Trade Center for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the World Trade Center between the hours of 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the World Trade Center between late October and early April. (8)

Marriott Hotel

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Marriott Hotel at 1:30 p.m. Between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated toward further east, casting shadows over the entire Marriott Hotel. Between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, removing portions of the shadows cast on the Marriott Hotel. The Project would not cast shadows on the Marriott Hotel for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Marriott Hotel between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Marriott Hotel between late October and early April. (9)

Union Bank Plaza

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-7 (Project Winter Solstice Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Union Bank Plaza at 1 p.m. Between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated toward further east, casting shadows over the entire Union Bank Plaza. Between the hours of 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, continuing to the cover the Union Bank Plaza. However, the Project would not cast shadows on the Union Bank Plaza for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-8 (Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Union Bank Plaza between the hours of 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Union Bank Plaza between late October and early April. iii. Spring Shadows The longest shadows during the spring are cast closest to the spring equinox (approximately March 21st). As shown in Figure IV.E.1-9 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows), shading during the spring equinox is considerably less than during the winter solstice. Figure IV.E.1-9 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows) depicts the greatest extent of shadow that would be cast by the Project structures at this time of year between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. As shown in the figure, the shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would be affected by the Project include 12-story Jonathan Club, located northeast of the Project Site, and residential uses, which are located to the west and north across the Harbor Freeway. The commercial shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would not be affected by the Project’s spring shadows include the Good Samaritan Hospital, the 7 + Fig Plaza, the 35-story Westin Bonaventure Hotel, the 13-story Marriott Hotel, the ten-story World Trade Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

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Center, the Bank of America Plaza, the City National Plaza, the Citicorp Center, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center, the 12-story Standard Hotel, the eight-story California Club, the LA Central Library grounds, and Union Bank Plaza. The residential shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would not be affected by the Project’s spring shadows include the six-story Maryland Heights apartment building, the four-story Medici residential complex, the 13-story Pegasus residential building, the five-story San Lucas apartment building, the 19-story Promenade Towers residential complex, the six-story Promenade West residential building, and the 19-story Bunker Hill Towers residential complex. (1)

Jonathan Club

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-9 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Jonathan Club at 1:30 p.m. Between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated toward further east. Between the hours of 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, continuing to the cover the Jonathan Club. However, the Project would not cast shadows on the Jonathan Club for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-10 (Project Plus Existing Spring Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Jonathan Club between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the residential uses to the north during the spring equinox. (2)

Residential Uses to the West

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-9 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows), the Project would cast spring shadows on the residential uses to the west, beyond the Harbor Freeway, including the 18-story TENTEN residential building, the seven-story Glo Apartments residential complex, the 37-story 1100 Wilshire residential building, the five-story San Lucas apartment building, the five-story Miramar City Lights apartment building, and various two-story multi-family apartment complexes. At 9 a.m., the Project would cast shadows on the Miramar City Lights apartment building, the San Lucas apartment building, a portion of the Glo Apartments, and various two-story multi-family apartment complexes. Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., shadows from the Project would rotate toward the east, continuing to cast onto the San Lucas apartment building and start to encroach on the TENTEN residential building, the eastern portion of the Glo Apartments, and the 1100 Wilshire residential building. Shadows would have moved completely away from the Miramar City Lights apartment building and various two-story multi-family apartment complexes, which are located northwest of the Project Site. As shown on Figure IV.E.1-9 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows), by 11 a.m., the shadows would have moved completely away from the San Lucas apartment building, but would remain on the TENTEN residential building, the Glo Apartments, and the 1100 Wilshire residential building. By 12 p.m., shadows would have moved completely away from the TENTEN residential building, the Glo Apartments, and the 1100 Wilshire residential building. By 1 p.m., the shadows would have moved away from residential uses to the west, as shown on Figure IV.E.19 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows). Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on any individual residential use to the west for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-10 (Project Plus Existing Spring Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the residential uses to the west between the

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hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the residential uses to the west during the spring equinox. (3)

Residential Uses to the North

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-9 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows), the Project would cast spring shadows on the residential uses to the north, beyond the Harbor Freeway, including the six-story Piero residential complex, the five-story Bixel at Fifth residential complex, and various two-story multi-family apartment complexes. As shown on Figure IV.E.1-9 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows), by 11 a.m., the shadows start to encroach on the Bixel at Fifth residential complex. By 12 p.m., the shadows would be cast onto the Piero residential complex and would have moved completely away from the Bixel at Fifth residential complex. By 1 p.m., the shadows would have moved away from residential uses to the north, as shown on Figure IV.E.1-9 (Project Spring Equinox Shadows). Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on any individual residential use to the north for more than three hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-10 (Project Plus Existing Spring Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the residential uses to the north between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the residential uses to the north during the spring equinox. iv. Fall Shadows The longest shadows during the fall are cast closest to the fall equinox (approximately September 21st). As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shading during the fall equinox is considerably more than during the summer solstice. Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows) depicts the greatest extent of shadow that would be cast by the Project structures at this time of year between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. As shown in the figure, the shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would be affected by the Project include residential uses, which are located west and north beyond the Harbor Freeway, 12-story Jonathan Club, located northeast of the Project Site, the 35-story Westin Bonaventure Hotel, the City National Plaza, located northeast of the Project Site, 12-story Standard Hotel, which is located northeast of the Project Site, the eight-story California Club, which is located northeast of the Project Site, the Citicorp Center, located east of the Project Site, the Union Bank Plaza, the Bank of America Plaza, and the LA Central Library grounds. The commercial shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would not be affected by the Project’s fall shadows include the Good Samaritan Hospital, the 7 + Fig Plaza, the 13-story Marriott Hotel, the ten-story World Trade Center, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Music Center. The residential shadow-sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the Project Site that would not be affected by the Project’s fall shadows include the six-story Maryland Heights apartment building, the four-story Medici residential complex, the 13-story Pegasus residential building, the five-story San Lucas apartment building, the five-story Miramar City Lights apartment building, the 19-story Promenade Towers residential complex, the six-story Promenade West residential building, and the 19-story Bunker Hill Towers residential complex.

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Residential Uses to the West

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), the Project would cast fall shadows on the residential uses to the west, beyond the Harbor Freeway, including the 18-story TENTEN residential building, the seven-story Glo Apartments residential complex, the 37-story 1100 Wilshire residential building, and the five-story San Lucas apartment building. At 9 a.m., the Project would cast shadows on the San Lucas apartment building and the western portion of the Glo Apartments. Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., shadows from the Project would rotate toward the east, continuing to cast onto the Glo Apartments and start to encroach on the TENTEN residential building, the Glo Apartments, eastern portion, and the 1100 Wilshire residential building. Shadows would have moved completely away from the San Lucas apartment building between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. As shown on Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), by 11 a.m., the shadows would remain on the TENTEN residential building, the Glo Apartments residential building, and the 1100 Wilshire residential building. By 12 p.m., shadows would have moved completely away from the Glo Apartments residential building and the 1100 Wilshire residential building. By 1 p.m., the shadows would have moved completely away from TENTEN residential building. By 2 p.m., shadows would have moved away from residential uses to the west, as shown on Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows). Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on any individual residential use to the west for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the residential uses to the west between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the residential uses to the west during the fall equinox. (2)

Residential Uses to the North

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), the Project would cast fall shadows on the residential uses to the north, beyond the Harbor Freeway, including the six-story Piero residential complex and the five-story Bixel at Fifth residential complex. As shown on Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), by 11 a.m., the shadows would start to encroach on the Bixel at Fifth residential complex. By 12 p.m., the shadows would be cast onto the Piero residential complex. By 1 p.m., the shadows would remain partially cast onto the Piero residential complex and would have moved completely away from the Bixel at Fifth residential complex. By 2 p.m., shadows would have moved away from residential uses to the north, as shown on Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows). Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on any individual residential use to the north for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the residential uses to the north between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the residential uses to the north during the fall equinox. (3)

Jonathan Club

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Jonathan Club at 1:30 p.m. Between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated toward further east, casting shadows over the entire Jonathan Club. Between the Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

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hours of 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, removing portions of the shadows cast on the Jonathan Club. By 5 p.m., shadows would have moved away from the Jonathan Club, as shown on Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows). The Project would not cast shadows on the Jonathan Club for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Jonathan Club between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Jonathan Club during the fall equinox. (4)

Westin Bonaventure Hotel

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel at 3 p.m. Between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated further east, casting shadows over the southern portion of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. Between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, removing portions of the shadows cast on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. By 5 p.m., shadows would have moved away from the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, as shown on Figure IV.E.111 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows). The Project would not cast shadows on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Westin Bonaventure Hotel between the hours of 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel during the fall equinox. (5)

City National Plaza

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the City National Plaza at 2:30 p.m. Between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated toward further east, casting shadows on portions of the City National Plaza. Between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, casting shadows cast over the entire City National Plaza. However, the Project would not cast shadows on the City National Plaza for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the City National Plaza between the hours of 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the City National Plaza during the fall equinox. (6)

The Standard Hotel

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Standard Hotel at 4:30 p.m. Between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, casting onto a small portion of the Standard Hotel. The Project would not cast shadows on the Standard Hotel for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Standard Hotel Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

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between the hours of 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Standard Hotel during the fall equinox. (7)

California Club

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the California Club at 4:30 p.m. Between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, casting onto a small portion of the California Club. The Project would not cast shadows on the California Club for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the California Club between the hours of 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the California Club during the fall equinox. (8)

Citicorp Center

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Citicorp Center at 4 p.m. Between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, casting shadows cast over the entire Citicorp Center. However, the Project would not cast shadows on the Citicorp Center for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Citicorp Center between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Citicorp Center during the fall equinox. (9)

Union Bank Plaza

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Union Bank Plaza at 3 p.m. Between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., the shadows would have retracted and rotated toward the east. No shadows would be cast onto the Union Bank Plaza between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on the Union Bank Plaza for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Union Bank Plaza between the hours of 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Union Bank Plaza during the fall equinox. (10)

Bank of America Plaza

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the Bank of America Plaza at 4 p.m. Between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would continue to stretch and rotate toward the east, continuing to the cover the southern edge of the Bank of America Plaza. By 5 p.m., the shadows would have retracted and rotated toward the east. No shadows would be cast onto the Bank of America Plaza by 5 p.m. Thus, the Project would not cast shadows on the Bank of America Plaza for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current

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buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the Bank of America Plaza between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the Bank of America Plaza during the fall equinox. (11)

LA Central Library Grounds

As shown in Figure IV.E.1-11 (Project Fall Equinox Shadows), shadows cast by the Project would start encroaching on the LA Central Library grounds at approximately 3:30 p.m. Between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., the shadows would have stretched and rotated further east, casting shadows which would completely cover the LA Central Library grounds. Between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the shadows would continue to completely cover the LA Central Library grounds. However, the Project would not cast shadows on the LA Central Library grounds for more than four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Furthermore, as shown in Figure IV.E.1-12 (Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows), the existing shadows of the current buildings in the Financial District already cast shadows onto the LA Central Library grounds between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore, the Project would not result in a significant shadow impact on the LA Central Library grounds during the fall equinox. d. Land Use Equivalency Program As described in Section II (Project Description) the Project would include a Land Use Equivalency Program to maintain flexibility of Project uses and floor areas so that the Project could respond to the changing needs of the Southern California economy. The Land Use Equivalency Program is designed to direct how development would occur on the Project Site and allow for flexibility so that land uses could be exchanged for other permitted land uses in accordance with the Land Use Equivalency Program. The exchange of office/commercial, retail, hotel, and/or residential uses would be accomplished within the same building parameters. There would be no substantial variation in the Project’s street configurations or relationship to the surrounding community. The development would be subject to the same design criteria (e.g., building height limits, setbacks, etc.) as the Project. Table II-2 (Land Use Equivalency Program) in Section II (Project Description), shows the change in land uses permitted under the Land Use Equivalency Program. Development under the Land Use Equivalency Program would occupy the same development areas as the Project and the overall character of development would be similar to the Project. Therefore, shade impacts to the surrounding downtown area would be similar under the Land Use Equivalency Program as with the Project. As is the case with the Project, shadow impacts to the surrounding community under the Land Use Equivalency Program would be less than significant. e. Design Flexibility Program The design of the Project as a conceptual plan allows for flexibility in the finalized building design within a determined set of parameters. The Design Flexibility Program may result in certain uses being on different parts of the Project Site than those identified in the conceptual plan. However, regardless of the placement of buildings on the Project Site, or uses within those buildings, the shadow impacts evaluated for the Project would not be significantly altered in such a way as to result in significant impacts. Although the location of the buildings may change, the shadow impacts from the Project would not be Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

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July 2010

significantly different than those analyzed for the Project, as the Project would essentially occupy the same development area. Therefore, impacts related to shadows under the Design Flexibility Program would be less than significant. 3. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS The Project Site and surrounding area are situated in a high-density, high-rise, mixed-use area of downtown Los Angeles. Development of the Project, in conjunction with the Related Projects listed in Section III (Environmental Setting), would result in an increase of shading impacts in the Project vicinity. The Project analysis considers the impacts of existing shadows, even though it is not required under the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, providing a more conservative analysis of cumulative shadows. A cumulative shading impact may occur if a related project were constructed adjacent to or near the Project and resulted in a shadow overlap such that the new combined shadow would be cast upon shadowsensitive uses in excess of the threshold. The only related projects which are located in close enough proximity to the Project Site to potentially result in a cumulative shade-shadow impact would be a condominium development (i.e., Related Project No. 13), two mixed-use developments (i.e., Related Project Nos. 36 and 37), the Witmer Project (i.e., Related Project No. 50), and two office developments (i.e., Related Project Nos. 85 and 92). Similar to the Project, each of the Related Projects would be evaluated to determine the degree to which these developments would create shading impacts. Individuals residing in a downtown high-rise district are considerably less sensitive to the effects of a densely developed urban environment (with inherent shade and shadow impacts), as compared to residents of an urban neighborhood with low-rise structures. Furthermore, additional shadows create an incremental contribution in such a high-density, high-rise structure area, such as the Downtown area, where there are already extensive shadows. Therefore, the Project would not result in a cumulatively significant shade and shadow impact. 4. PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES AND MITIGATION MEASURES No project design features related to shade and shadow are proposed. No significant impacts related to shade and shadow have been indentified, and no mitigation measures are required. 5.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION

The Project would not shade any off-site sensitive uses in excess of the established significance thresholds and, therefore, would not cause any significant and unavoidable shade/shadow impacts. Therefore, shade/shadow impacts would be less than significant.

Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

IV.E.1 Shade/Shadow Page IV.E.1-22

Legend Shadow Path Arc 9am Shadow 1pm Shadow 5pm Shadow Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-1 Existing Building Summer Solstice Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc 9am Shadow 12pm Shadow 3pm Shadow Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-2 Existing Building Winter Solstice Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc 9am Shadow 1pm Shadow 5pm Shadow Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-3 Existing Building Spring Equinox Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc 9am Shadow 1pm Shadow 5pm Shadow Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-4 Existing Building Fall Equinox Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc Project Site 9am Shadow 1pm Shadow 5pm Shadow Sensitive Residential Land Uses Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-5 Project Summer Solstice Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc Project Site 9am Shadow 1pm Shadow 5pm Shadow

Existing Surrounding Shadows: 9am Shadow 1pm Shadow 5pm Shadow

Sensitive Residential Land Uses Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-6 Project Plus Existing Summer Solstice Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc Project Site 9am Shadow 12pm Shadow 3pm Shadow Sensitive Residential Land Uses Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-7 Project Winter Solstice Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc Project Site 9am Shadow 12pm Shadow 3pm Shadow

Existing Surrounding Shadows: 9am Shadow 12pm Shadow 3pm Shadow

Sensitive Residential Land Uses Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-8 Project Plus Existing Winter Solstice Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc Project Site 9am Shadow 12pm Shadow 3pm Shadow Sensitive Residential Land Uses Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-9 Project Spring Equinox Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc Project Site 9am Shadow 12pm Shadow 3pm Shadow

Existing Surrounding Shadows: 9am Shadow 12pm Shadow 3pm Shadow

Sensitive Residential Land Uses Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-10 Project Plus Existing Spring Equinox Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc Project Site 9am Shadow 1pm Shadow 5pm Shadow Sensitive Residential Land Uses Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-11 Project Fall Equinox Shadows

Legend Shadow Path Arc Project Site 9am Shadow 1pm Shadow 5pm Shadow

Existing Surrounding Shadows: 9am Shadow 1pm Shadow 5pm Shadow

Sensitive Residential Land Uses Sensitive Commercial Land Uses

Source: Google Earth Pro, Sketchup Pro, AC Martin Partners June 2009.

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Figure IV.E.1-12 Project Plus Existing Fall Equinox Shadows