North Hollywood often known as NoHo is experiencing a transformation driven by a wave of development, transit expansion, and community activism. Once a modest suburban enclave, the neighborhood has evolved into a cultural and residential hub, anchored by the bustling NoHo Arts District and the busy North Hollywood Metro Station. From new affordable housing projects to visionary transit-oriented developments, the area is reshaping its identity while grappling with issues like affordability, gentrification, and public safety.
Historical and Cultural Foundations
North Hollywood began life under the name Lankershim before being annexed by Los Angeles. Over the decades, it grew into one of the San Fernando Valley’s densest neighborhoods, thanks to the development of the NoHo Arts District and the arrival of television industry landmarks like the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The arts district brought a wave of creative energy, with theaters, galleries, cafés, and performance venues lining Magnolia Boulevard. NoHo came to symbolize a fusion of suburban accessibility with an urban, bohemian sensibility.
Transit as a Catalyst for Growth
The neighborhood’s rise has been propelled by its status as a transit hub. The North Hollywood Metro Station is the terminus of the B Line subway and the G Line bus rapid transit system. These transit lines connect NoHo to Downtown L.A., Hollywood, and beyond, making it a prime location for transit-oriented, mixed-use projects.
Upcoming Upgrades
- Expansion of G Line bus bays, improved electric-bus charging, and upgraded station entrances
- Vision for creating District NoHo transforming surface parking into plazas, bike lanes, retail, offices, and nearly 1,500 homes
District NoHo: A Mega Redevelopment
District NoHo, led by Trammell Crow Company in partnership with Metro, marks a major turning point. Approved in December 2023 by the Los Angeles City Council, the 15-acre project will include:
- 1,481 luxury housing units, including 366 rent-restricted apartments
- Up to 450,000 sq ft office and 60,000 sq ft retail and restaurants
- Three two-acre public plazas, a shared street bicycle-priority corridor, and new pedestrian infrastructure
- Improved station access with a west-side subway portal and busway enhancements
Construction is set to begin around 2025, with phased completion extending into the early 2030s.
New Housing and Mixed-Use Developments
Outside District NoHo, smaller-scale projects are also changing the neighborhood landscape:
- Avenue Homes is planning a 49-unit affordable development at Hazelhurst Place
- Another developer proposes an 80-unit affordable building on Denny Avenue
- Elevado Group received approval for a 139-unit mixed-use project near Vineland and Hesby streets including 19 affordable units
These projects reflect a strong push for affordable housing. Many utilize density bonuses or state initiatives like Executive Directive 1 to bypass lengthy bureaucratic processes.
NoHo West: Reviving Retail and Lifestyle
NoHo West, a separate 25-acre redevelopment of the old Laurel Plaza, has already added residential, office, and retail space since its first phases opened in 20202021. The project includes:
- 500,000 sq ft of repurposed retail space
- Major tenants such as Trader Joe’s, Regal Cinemas, Old Navy, and 24Hour Fitness
This project demonstrates NoHo’s evolution into a vibrant live-work-play destination.
Economic Impact and Community Dynamics
District NoHo and other developments promise economic vibrancy, with an estimated 10,000 jobs during construction and 2,500 permanent positions upon completion. However, concerns about displacement, cultural erasure, and community voice have emerged:
- Affordable unit commitments fall below community expectations
- Local activists express worries about rising rents, business closures, and changing character
Community Voices and Local Experiences
Residents on forums like Reddit highlight mixed reactions. Some long-term locals criticize gentrification, rising homelessness, and loss of character. Others point to new cafés and nightlife as signs of resurgence. This tug-of-war between preservation and renewal is a defining theme in NoHo’s transformation.
Challenges Ahead
Balancing Growth and Inclusivity
The tension between economic development and equity remains critical. While new projects bring modern amenities and connectivity, ensuring that these benefits reach diverse income groups and long-standing residents will shape NoHo’s future.
Transit and Traffic Implications
District NoHo’s transit improvements and BRT expansions aim to reduce car dependency. But densification must be paired with investments in pedestrian, bicycle, and bus infrastructure to avoid congestion and maintain liveability.
The Future of Urbanize LA North Hollywood
NoHo’s evolution illustrates a broader trend: suburban centers transforming into transit-oriented urban villages. With ongoing developments like District NoHo, North Hollywood is poised to become a key regional hub for housing, arts, and employment.
The next decade will be decisive. Success will depend on equitable development policies, community engagement, and thoughtful public investment. If managed well, Urbanize LA’s vision for North Hollywood could serve as a model for sustainable, inclusive neighborhood growth across the region.