^ DTLA is a given, so I'm inclined to exclude it. It will continue to densify, regardless of what's happening in the rest of the city. It very much exists on its own island (bounded by three freeways and the LA River).
We need more than just an urban city center in LA. Portland and Pittsburgh can get away it, but here in LA we need miles and miles of neighborhoods with solid medium-level density (3-6 stories) bounded by walkable corridors and rail stations (subway and light rail).
The place closest to matching that description is West Hollywood. It's a great model for the rest of LA metro.
And given all the activity Hollywood is seeing at the moment, it's not unreasonable to suggest that Hollywood -- specifically the area bounded by Franklin, Fountain, La Brea, and Bronson -- could become a legit urban neighborhood in 10-15 years. The transit's already there, but we need a more consistent critical mass of mid-rise and high-rise.
Santa Monica, as great as its reputation is, has a ways to go if you take a look at everything east of Lincoln. But they are getting a rail line in a few years and the city is pro-density (for the most part), so we'll see.
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Last edited by Quixote; Dec 23, 2013 at 10:53 PM.
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