LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 3.0

[k3d]

Originally Posted by citywatch

[/b]Since Elleven & Luma haven't been lit up, I doubt the South Gps 3rd tower will be any different. And generally I don't think spotlights are installed on condo or apt towers, probably cuz of cost factors that HOAs try to avoid.

Also, I don't think residents would appreciate spotlights shining up into their loft.

[LAofAnaheim]

Well...I cannot think of any Coldstone Creamery in downtown, can you? And...a UPS Store? I agree, we may not need all standard commercial retail at every 2 blocks (I'm referring to Quiznos, Coffee Bean, Starbucks, and Subway), but there are still some national retain chains we should welcome to downtown. San Francisco has the same situation, I can't tell you how many Taco Bells, Subways, Starbucks I would run into on Market Street. This is not anything different.

K3D....do you live in the Skyline?

[k3d]

^No that's at 9th/Hope. Sky (that's what the round sign says at our entrance) or Skylofts is at 8th/Grand.

[Quixote]

Originally Posted by k3d

Stop complaining about progress. There is a LOT of empty retail to fill around town.

So, you're offended just because I stated my honest opinion? Honestly, I was a bit vague there. As of right now, I'm okay with the heavy commercialization taking place, as it's the best way to market Downtown LA as a place to live, work, and play.

However, I'm not okay with the fact that every other development in and around Downtown will have a Cold Stone Creamery, Pastagina, Coffee Bean, etc. If it's going to be chain retail, how about some variety? Honestly, I don't think you care what's located across the street from you at Market Lofts. You just want something there. A Starbucks in place of a Coffee Bean wouldn't matter that much. Nor would a Ghirardelli in place of a Cold Stone Creamery or a Jamba Juice in place of a Robeks Juice matter all that much. You just like the fact that there's something conveniently located near you. If you honestly prefer a Cold Stone Creamery over a Starbucks, or a Robeks Juice over a Jamba Juice, then fine. Yes, they're all right across the street, but would it hurt to walk just a few more blocks to the other Coffee Bean located at 7th and Flower?

I'm coming from a broad point of view; my post wasn't specifically tailored at challenging your opinions. The point I'm trying to make is why open a Coffee Bean and a Robeks Juice at the Market Lofts when both already exist just a few blocks north?

[Quixote]

Originally Posted by LAofAnaheim

Well...I cannot think of any Coldstone Creamery in downtown, can you? And...a UPS Store?

Cold Stone Creamery is an exception.

As for a UPS store, there's one (or there's going to be one) at the Hikari in Little Tokyo. I'll admit, that's a bit far to walk.

In that case, Cold Stone Creamery and UPS are fine.

[k3d]

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

So, you're offended just because I stated my honest opinion? Honestly, I was a bit vague there. As of right now, I'm okay with the heavy commercialization taking place, as it's the best way to market Downtown LA as a place to live, work, and play.

However, I'm not okay with the fact that every other development in and around Downtown will have a Cold Stone Creamery, Pastagina, Coffee Bean, etc. If it's going to be chain retail, how about some variety? Honestly, I don't think you care what's located across the street from you at Market Lofts. You just want something there. A Starbucks in place of a Coffee Bean wouldn't matter that much. Nor would a Ghirardelli in place of a Cold Stone Creamery or a Jamba Juice in place of a Robeks Juice matter all that much. You just like the fact that there's something conveniently located near you. If you honestly prefer a Cold Stone Creamery over a Starbucks, or a Robeks Juice over a Jamba Juice, then fine. Yes, they're all right across the street, but would it hurt to walk just a few more blocks to the other Coffee Bean located at 7th and Flower?

I'm coming from a broad point of view; my post wasn't specifically tailored at challenging your opinions. The point I'm trying to make is why open a Coffee Bean and a Robeks Juice at the Market Lofts when both already exist just a flew blocks north?

No, no, never offended. It's just interesting the widely varied opinions here, many of which make a lot of assumptions about what other people like and don't like. I just like to point out a few of those variations from time to time.
Have you ever tried the equivalent and Ultimate Mocha Ice Blended at Starbucks, Yuck!

No, I would prefer them across the street instead of walking 2 blocks (actually, it's 3) I also like having Coffee Bean inside Ralph's as well as outside. I have never heard of Pastagina or Ghirardelli.

[hughfb3]

I think we really need the chains at this point in the game for downtown to attract the people who are used to their suburban comforting chains to feel welcome. Without the chains at this stage, I think many people arent ready to give up both their lawn and their lifestyle; it would be too much sacrificing for them to handle. I do agree about there being too many of the same things everywhere though. Oh and speaking of chains, one of them damned Pinkberry's is opening in little tokyo on second across from Hikari...barf...over it

By the way, I was at staples center yesterday and saw the pylons at LA Live turned on as well as a blue glow inside the Nokia Theater. They have a huge banner advertising the Dixie Chicks, I believe their opening act. I have confirmation that brentwood hotspot Katsuya of SBE will be opening at LA Live. I can also confirm on the LA Central fence completed and LAPD's HQs is moving really fast, they are putting the steel up on the 4th floor already. I thought they were going to move slow...

[Quixote]

Okay, forget it. Just forget it. The point is, I worry about Downtown LA being plagued in the future by too many national/international shops and restaurant chains. IMO, the urban experience could be so much better than that.

[hughfb3]

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

Okay, forget it. Just forget it. The point is, I worry about Downtown LA being plagued in the future by too many national/international shops and restaurant chains. IMO, the urban experience could be so much better than that.

Do not void your opinion, its very valid and I completely agree with you in not wanting downtown to become a clone of everywhere in America, it's better than that, as we all know. As with everything, downtown is in a cycle, and this cycle involves chains and soft-lofts. The cycle will pass and people will want something else

[colemonkee]

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

As for a UPS store, there's one (or there's going to be one) at the Hikari in Little Tokyo. I'll admit, that's a bit far to walk.

In that case, Cold Stone Creamery and UPS are fine.

Actually, the UPS Store at Hikari is a Fed Ex/Kinkos, and it's been open for a month or two.

Downtown does have some areas that are devoid of chains, and have a lot of unique retail and dining options. The area surrounding 4th and Main is a great example: Pete's Cafe, Lost Souls, Warung, Rocket Pizza, Orange 22, Old Bank DVD, Banquette, Ray's Market, Blossom, all within a two block radius. All locally-owned business. Not a chain in the bunch. You walk two blocks up to the Higgins and you have Groundwork (a smaller local chain), Pitfire (another smaller local chain - now 3 locations) and Lilya China Bistro. So there's plenty of room for the unique mom & pop style places, and I think we'll continue to see more and more of them as downtown fills in with residents.

[RuFFy]

I could do without Robek's but can't live without my Starbucks. Just an FYI. lol. Anyhow, I agree. Downtown is over saturated with these chain stores that I think provide minimal service. None the less, they provide a needed service (how many times I would have starved or fallen asleep without Panda or Starbucks, lol). I'm trying to figure out how to get this next thought out without offending anybody. Downtown needs more people and more attention. The attention it currently garnishes is great, but it's only a matter of time before people turn their focus to living next to work (on a larger scale than now), or the MTA creates enough mass transit that makes traveling to downtown comfortable (I don't mean busses, though I'm not gonna knock the Foothill Transit because that was a comfortable commute to work, lol).. It's clear to me that this is already happening because I was compelled to stay a great number of times after work to go to the Library, or a Coffee Shop in an alley in the Arts District, that restaurant on Main and 4th (I think), or MOCA. What I'm saying is that even though many projects are proposed and pushed down the pipes to completed, we still need people to see downtown as we see it. We need more people to move in to increase the image of a bustling city; we need events and establishments that will engage downtown workers to stay after the workday; and we need specialty stores, shops, and restaurants that will entice people from the major projects to venture to a restaurant on 7th Ave (what should be a restaurant row or shopping district in itself) or a show on Broadway. It's only a matter of time and right now we're all witnessing an exciting time. We need to be patient. But yea, I can't help being excited either. lol. Point is, and I think we all know it in here, that downtown Los Angeles is going to be great (not that it already isn't). One last thing. We ALL get bored of the same stores. Hopefully this will cause people to want to explore new things and help set new specialty shops and restaurants to be successful. =) PS. I wouldn't actually want to plan a city out because it might be a disaster, lol, but it's nice to forecast what might happen and then see how it actually turns out.

[colemonkee]

friday, I updated the first page with your photo of Glo. I resized it a bit to cut down on load times. Thanks again!

[latennisguy]

Originally Posted by Westsidelife

Okay, forget it. Just forget it. The point is, I worry about Downtown LA being plagued in the future by too many national/international shops and restaurant chains. IMO, the urban experience could be so much better than that.

Which is why I get so offended when people say that Broadway should turn into another freakin' mall! yuck yuck. IMO the only thing Broadway needs is a good scrub down. top to bottom.

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by hughfb3

Oh and speaking of chains, one of them damned Pinkberry's is opening in little tokyo on second across from Hikari...barf...over it.

That hasn't even opened yet?! I know work on the location appeared to be mostly finished several months ago. If the owner still hasn't moved past phase one, there must be a problem.

BTW, when someone mentioned awhile ago that the Faminas in DT were among the lower grossers in SoCA, & when you consider how many spaces in the hood have remained vacant for several yrs----& when I know store locations around bldgs like Glo have limited foot traffic (& only curbside parking, at best, meaning drive by business probably always will be minor), the day when everyone can worry about too many bland chains opening up in the hood really should be reserved for the time when the hood really is booming.

[RuFFy]

Originally Posted by latennisguy

Which is why I get so offended when people say that Broadway should turn into another freakin' mall! yuck yuck. IMO the only thing Broadway needs is a good scrub down. top to bottom.

I agree 700%!

[RAlossi]

Originally Posted by citywatch

That hasn't even opened yet?! I know work on the location appeared to be mostly finished several months ago. If the owner still hasn't moved past phase one, there must be a problem.

I did a little writeup on angelenic about the LT Pinkberry. I e-mailed them to see what was taking so long, and they said they're still having permit issues.

I actually like Pinkberry, more than any of the other frozen yogurt places. I don't go for the scene (is there a Pinkberry scene?), but I know people hate on it a lot! =)

It's good to encourage local businesses, even if they're a small chain, though Pinkberry has been expanding rapidly.

[Echo Park]

pinkberry backlash. also cooler weather coming up probably makes froyo not as attractive

i finally got to see the DT ralphs for the first time yesterday. it was bustling! well actually thats a pretty big exaggeration but there was lots of activity and seemed to be at least one person in every aisle. the best thing about it though is i saw a lot of diversity. it was a pretty good mix of hipsters, the new upwardly mobile downtown residents, and office workers just getting off from work (i was there around 5:30pm). i would liked to have seen more working class people though. i saw a few families from aroudn surrounding working class hoods. still it made me a bit optimistic about downtown and a bit more excited for some of the projects adjacent or near market lofts.

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by RAlossi

I e-mailed them to see what was taking so long, and they said they're still having permit issues.

Thanks for doing some legwork on a question I've had for quite awhile. I've been wondering what was taking so long for the Pinkberry to open, assuming that if it that had finally happened, someone would've mentioned it by now.

And work on the Grand Ave proj also has been delayed for several months?

Coincidence?

I do recall reading in the past about the permitting process in LA being very slow or complicated. No wonder the city isn't more competitive.

[alikaalex]

Originally Posted by citywatch

BTW, when someone mentioned awhile ago that the Faminas in DT were among the lower grossers in SoCA, & when you consider how many spaces in the hood have remained vacant for several yrs----& when I know store locations around bldgs like Glo have limited foot traffic (& only curbside parking, at best, meaning drive by business probably always will be minor), the day when everyone can worry about too many bland chains opening up in the hood really should be reserved for the time when the hood really is booming.

I agree some of the Famimas Downtown don't quite have the consistent heavy foot traffic that would make them top-grossing locations. But I like them being here nonetheless. I think Downtown's Famimas are something that sets Downtown apart from other LA neighborhoods. While Famima can be considered an alternative to 7-Eleven in the burbs, in Downtown Famima is (presently) the sole chain of convenience stores.

As an aside, while I think competition is healthy, I must admit I'm not too excited for the planned 7-Eleven on 7th St.

[colemonkee]

I talked to the owners of Lilya China Bistro as they went through their 6-month buildout, and they had nothing but bad things to say about obtaining their final permits to open. The process also dragged on for several months with Pitfire. When it comes to getting final permits for a food service or alcohol service related retail space, the City is beyond complex, frustrating, and according to many people I talk to, inept.