The Grand Avenue Project has been in the works since September 2004, but it looks like the massive mixed-use development is finally beginning to take form. The first parts of the project are already complete, including the construction of a 19-floor Emerson apartment tower and The Broad Museum on Grand Avenue. 

Earlier today, the most recent round of updated plans for the Downtown Los Angeles site were filed with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The project will move forward once the amendments are approved. 

According to Urbanize, architect Frank Gehry, famous for designing well-known attractions, has been tapped to design the $1 billion neighborhood project. Renderings for the development show two contemporary high-rise towers resembling blocks, which will include a combination of hotel units, condominiums, apartments, and retail. 

The first tower will rise 39 stories at the intersection of 2nd and Olive Street. It will feature 128 for-sale units, 214 market-rate apartments, and 86 rooms for subsidized affordable housing. The second structure is being built into a 20-floor Equinox Hotel at the intersection of 1st and Grand avenues. It will have 305 guest rooms and other recreational features. The biggest change to the Grand Avenue Project plan is a parking garage reduction from 1,350 spots to 800. 

This phase is expected to break ground next year, with the pair of towers expected to open sometime in 2022.