Why does it seem as if every new development in LA is getting either a Cold Stone Creamery, Coffee Bean, Pastagina, Robek's Juice, UPS Store, Starbucks, or a Subway? It's this heavy commercialization commonly found in American cities nowadays, especially LA, that really detracts from a city's overall urban experience and the authenticity of its character.
I can tolerate heavy commercialization along the lines of say LA Live or Grand Avenue because in the end, they are more tourist traps than anthing else. But for infill projects like Market Lofts, GLO, etc., I expect less chain establishments. Don't worry, LA is full of them. There's always the Grove and Hollywood/Highland.
Part of the reason why NYC retains much of its authentic urban character is because it hasn't completely succumbed to the demands of 21st century consumerism. But the Time Warner Center is a testament to the fact that NYC isn't completely void of that heavy commercialization either. But think about it for a second. The Time Warner Center, though popular with tourists, is perhaps one of the
least favorite places for a New Yorker to visit. But absolutely no one goes to Manhattan for the TWC. Instead, they opt for the individual neighborhoods like the West Village, SoHo, Greenwich Village, etc. for their shopping and dining. It makes me think how much of a joke it is that in LA, Hollywood/Highland, the Grove, and Third Street Promenade are the biggest "urban" successes. It's just further proof that Angelenos live their day-to-day lives with a suburban mentality.
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