Yesterday, Culver CIty Councilman Jeff Cooper wrote me to explain his own motivations for selecting Combined Properties to develop downtown's Parcel B:

"I chose Combined Properties for several reasons, including the design of the project by renowned architect Steven Ehrlich, the seasoned team of Combined Properties and Hudson Pacific, the economics of their proposal, and lots of input from the community--with most of it in favor of this project."

"But what were most important to me were the questions: Will this development be utilized by our community not only for shopping but for its large public space? Will it stand the test of time? Will it be a viable project in 20, 30 and 50 years? In the end, my mind and gut told me a resounding: yes.