Netflix-Sponsored CicLAvia Nov 23, Museum of AI Arts, LA Updates

This post summarizes recent Los Angeles and Southern California developments in transportation, public events, cultural projects, and redevelopment. Highlights include the return of CicLAvia on Melrose Avenue, coastal rail resiliency planning, a major new Museum of AI Arts, and several large-scale redevelopment proposals.

As a planner and engineer with three decades of experience, I break down what each project means for mobility, community design, and the built environment.

Table of Contents

Community streetscale: CicLAvia returns to Melrose Avenue

CicLAvia is coming back on November 23 with a high-profile route sponsored by Netflix and Stranger Things 5. Events like this are important for recreation and for testing how car-free streets can support active transportation and economic activity along corridors that might benefit from longer-term public-realm improvements.

What to expect on the Melrose route

The route runs from Fairfax to Vermont Avenues and will be open between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Only people-powered vehicles are allowed, with limited exceptions for certain e-bikes operating under pedal-assist restrictions.

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CicLAvia offers a low-cost way to observe pedestrian and bicycle flows. It helps gather support for permanent bike lanes, curb extensions, and plaza concepts.

Date: November 23

Route: Melrose Avenue, Fairfax to Vermont

Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Vehicles: People-powered; limited pedal-assist e-bikes

Coastal rail resiliency: OCTA advances LOSSAN corridor protections

Coastal erosion threatens the LOSSAN rail corridor along the bluffs between Dana Point and the San Diego County line. The Orange County Transportation Authority is moving forward with a coastal rail resiliency study to identify stabilization strategies that protect rail service and coastal access over the mid- and long-term.

Public input and technical planning

OCTA will hold both virtual and in-person public meetings on October 28 and 29 to present options and gather community feedback. These meetings are important for balancing environmental constraints, engineering solutions, and the needs of freight and passenger rail users.

Goal: Stabilize bluffs and protect LOSSAN corridor

Engagement: Virtual and in-person meetings Oct 28–29

Focus: Mid- and long-term stabilization strategies

Arts, redevelopment, and transit planning shaping LA’s future

From immersive AI-driven museums to freeway removals and retail-to-mixed-use transformations, a wave of projects is redefining land use priorities across the region. These proposals highlight a shift toward creative placemaking, housing integration, and active transportation connections.

Cultural investment: DATALAND and the Museum of AI Arts

Refik Anadol Studio announced DATALAND, billed as the world’s first Museum of AI Arts, set to open in spring 2026 at The Grand LA. Expect immersive installations such as the “Infinity Room” that push the intersection of data, machine learning, and spatial experience.

Redevelopment highlights: Wilmington, Pasadena, Westminster, and Chinatown

Several major land use changes will impact housing, recreation, and commercial activity:

The Phillips 66 refinery in Wilmington is slated for demolition. It will be replaced with retail, restaurants, soccer fields, and port-related warehouses.

Pasadena is studying two concepts to convert the 710 freeway stub into a mixed-use corridor. Both the Gardens and Terraces and Boulevard and Plazas plans propose housing, parks, and bike paths instead of roadway infrastructure.

Westminster Mall will close most stores on October 29 ahead of planned mixed-use redevelopment. This signals continued suburban retrofit activity in Orange County.

Civicap Partners purchased a Chinatown property for $36 million as part of a larger portfolio play. This reflects investor interest in transit-rich neighborhoods.

Banc of California secured naming rights and leased 40,000 sq ft at 865 S. Figueroa St.. The bank is also maintaining its Wilshire Grand Center branch, showing ongoing corporate real estate moves downtown.

New housing legislation, such as California’s Senate Bill 79, is already affecting local debates about transit-oriented development. This is especially true in Burbank near the North Hollywood–Pasadena BRT corridor.

Here is the source article for this story: Netflix-sponsored CicLAvia on Nov. 23, Museum of AI Arts, and more