LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 4.0

[alki]

Originally Posted by austex

The growth DTLA is great. I spent many Sundays in deserted DTLA in the 1980's and early 1990's in awe of its rebirth potential. The area has some of the best architecture in America. DTLA has the potential for being World Class...but where is the public space........ANYWHERE in LA? Even the Getty with its billions built a private colossus in the hills. They could have bought blocks of DTLA and made a huge contribution to the public good. They chose to build a private palace unto themselves instead. The lack of Public Space in LA helps create a craziness I choose to leave after many years.

There is a narcissistic quality to LA's public institutions that seem more concerned with their own aggrandizement than how they can contribute to the city and its fabric.

Bravo for all DTLA has become! I admire the positive changes that are occurring. Now create a large and truly public gathering space and DTLA will be on its way to becoming World Class.

Were you thinking in terms of a park like this revitalized park in DT Cincy:

http://www.blogotr.com/otr/washington-park-revitalized/

Scroll down to see photos.

[edluva]

Originally Posted by alki

There is a narcissistic quality to LA's public institutions that seem more concerned with their own aggrandizement than how they can contribute to the city and its fabric.

bingo that is the spirit of la. everyone and everything, including institutions, are more image-conscious and self-serving (aka "douchey").

there is overall little concern for intrinsic substance and little desire to identify with a common civic identity whatever that may be. every angeleno is too good for la's negative traits. you don't get the kind of civic pride and sense of personal responsibility you'll find of residents and institutions of the east coast or sf.

[Gram3000]

Hey fellow SSP forumers Ive been a lurker for the last 10 years on this site and for some reason could never catch a break to sign up, it feels good to be Official!! Im a native Angeleno (1st generation) and proud. These are exciting times for LA inspite of the economy. I currently have been living in Dallas area for 5 years and seeing all this development & potential of DTLA honestly is making me contemplate moving back, only time will tell though. Either way glad to be here!

[Gram3000]

Originally Posted by edluva

you don't get the kind of civic pride and sense of personal responsibility you'll find of residents and institutions of the east coast or sf.

Thats not true there is a civic pride for LA its just not generally a unified form that covers the whole region. Its more fragmented if anything meaning ppl have general pride in their city via there own transition and interpretation of their own individual hood, i.e "Long Beach pride", "Santa Monica Pride", "Koreatown or Glendale Pride" but I do understand what you are saying overall. We just need to come together and I think it will happen a few generations from now. LA has much to re-write & restore!

[BrandonJXN]

Originally Posted by edluva

bingo that is the spirit of la. everyone and everything, including institutions, are more image-conscious and self-serving (aka "douchey").

there is overall little concern for intrinsic substance and little desire to identify with a common civic identity whatever that may be. every angeleno is too good for la's negative traits. you don't get the kind of civic pride and sense of personal responsibility you'll find of residents and institutions of the east coast or sf.

I can agree with this. I'm in Chicago right now and have been since the 5th of July and what has that LA needs is an huge sense of pride. I've never been in a city where it's residences are truly proud of the overall 'feel' of it's city (despite Chicago's high murder rate but I digress). You can see it on every corner, building, newspaper, everything. I see a lot of 'Do It For Chicago' or 'Chicago Works For You' or 'What Chicago Can Do' type of posters all around the city.

Los Angeles needs to mature. I love this city despite it's flaws but even I know that it has a ways to go in order to be a truly world class city. We are a global city. We need to start acting like it.

[BrandonJXN]

Originally Posted by Easy

Angelena, Angelina,...whatever...was the name that Sonny Astani gave it. Now that it's been sold more, it will likely get a new name.

8th and Grand > Opus > Angelina/Angelena.

I'm going to get even further confused and start calling in Angelica.


http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091031172243/uncyclopedia/images/f/fe/Angelica.jpg

[pesto]

Originally Posted by ThreeHundred

I can agree with this. I'm in Chicago right now and have been since the 5th of July and what has that LA needs is an huge sense of pride. I've never been in a city where it's residences are truly proud of the overall 'feel' of it's city (despite Chicago's high murder rate but I digress). You can see it on every corner, building, newspaper, everything. I see a lot of 'Do It For Chicago' or 'Chicago Works For You' or 'What Chicago Can Do' type of posters all around the city.

Los Angeles needs to mature. I love this city despite it's flaws but even I know that it has a ways to go in order to be a truly world class city. We are a global city. We need to start acting like it.

Not trying to get off on a tangent (or city vs. city), but I think those are more like a desperate plea for people to start doing or working or thinking about Chicago, than a reflection of the current reality.

When you se "don't litter" or "stop domestic violence" you know for damn sure that those are PROBLEMS needing to be addressed, not something the city is taking pride in.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Originally Posted by Gram3000

Hey fellow SSP forumers Ive been a lurker for the last 10 years on this site and for some reason could never catch a break to sign up, it feels good to be Official!! Im a native Angeleno (1st generation) and proud. These are exciting times for LA inspite of the economy. I currently have been living in Dallas area for 5 years and seeing all this development & potential of DTLA honestly is making me contemplate moving back, only time will tell though. Either way glad to be here!

Welcome Gram!

[AusTex]

Originally Posted by alki

Were you thinking in terms of a park like this revitalized park in DT Cincy:

http://www.blogotr.com/otr/washington-park-revitalized/

Scroll down to see photos.

My thought is that in order to create a sense of community one needs to interact with others in shared experience. Whether it is sharing the beach on the weekend, or going to the farmers market in the park, or canoeing on the river or the lake with others, or seeing a movie/concert outdoors at the public green. DTLA has no venue that is public that can draw a crowd to interact. If 3 or 4 full blocks were aggregated together with a public green to be used for concerts/movies/farmers markets etc. then the local residence might acquire a sense of being a "Downtowner" or similar identity. If this space attracts festivals with regional reach then perhaps it would help strengthen the "Angelino" identity. Now if this space was surrounded with street level restaurants/shops/galleries etc. and had world class public/private institutions nearby and hosted major festivals on occasion then LA might have a downtown area with world class draw.

DTLA and the public needs to realize that public gathering space is essential. The Private/Private/Private mentality restricts. Great Urban Spaces the world over are beloved by the nearby residents...regional residents...and world visitors for bringing people together in shared public experience.

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by pesto

Not trying to get off on a tangent (or city vs. city), but I think those are more like a desperate plea for people to start doing or working or thinking about Chicago, than a reflection of the current reality.

also, when I think of the reaction i've often had when in various parts of LA, the thing that immediately strikes me, right then & there, has NOTHING to do with what other cities are like or not like, or how they compare or don't compare with LA. At times like that i couldn't care less about other cities. iow, what often hits me, like a ton of bricks, is how & rundown or fugly a hood or street in LA is.

I was near dt a few wks ago & got sort of lost while driving alone south of fig, going under the overpass of the samo fwy. I had to take a detour to get on the fwy & ended up driving down a street (not sure if it was pico) that was so , that right then & there I felt very . That reaction wasn't much better when I was in other parts of the hood, esp after looking at the location of where a new apt bldg is going up on fig across from the convention ctr. It's at times like that I can't help but ask: why was it so bad in the first place?!!! why were things allowed to get this to begin with?!!

Ppl sometimes over analyze why this city is treated the way it is, or why ppl respond to it in a certain way. as that saying goes, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. So sometimes fancy schmancy explanations or solutions aren't really necessary.

[BrandonJXN]

Originally Posted by citywatch

also, when I think of the reaction i've often had when in various parts of LA, the thing that immediately strikes me, right then & there, has NOTHING to do with what other cities are like or not like, or how they compare or don't compare with LA. At times like that i couldn't care less about other cities. iow, what often hits me, like a ton of bricks, is how & rundown or fugly a hood or street in LA is.

I was near dt a few wks ago & got sort of lost while driving alone south of fig, going under the overpass of the samo fwy. I had to take a detour to get on the fwy & ended up driving down a street (not sure if it was pico) that was so , that right then & there I felt very . That reaction wasn't much better when I was in other parts of the hood, esp after looking at the location of where a new apt bldg is going up on fig across from the convention ctr. It's at times like that I can't help but ask: why was it so bad in the first place?!!! why were things allowed to get this to begin with?!!

Ppl sometimes over analyze why this city is treated the way it is, or why ppl respond to it in a certain way. as that saying goes, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. So sometimes fancy schmancy explanations or solutions aren't really necessary.

I'd pick Pico-Union over the Southside of Chicago any day.

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by ThreeHundred

I've never been in a city where it's residences are truly proud of the overall 'feel' of it's city (despite Chicago's high murder rate but I digress).

I'm not sure if 'pride' is as important as at least getting ppl to feel comfortable in or about a city or hood.

I was in samo a few wks ago & notice there are major sections of it where it's not easy second guessing what makes it good or nice to be in. of course, the same applies to bev hills, or hoods around mid wilshire, around hancock pk, hoods like pasadena.

as I mentioned previously, that's in sharp contrast to the feeling of I all too often get when in other parts of town, esp in too many sections of dtla.

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by ThreeHundred

I'd pick Pico-Union over the Southside of Chicago any day.

I was talking to a relative about a yr or so ago who was quite impressed with that city. I tried to think why she felt the way she did about the windy city compared with her less rah rah feelings about LA. I think a major difference is there are large sections of certain cities that are very nice & impressive, while in LA such areas tend to be farther & fewer between.

I know whenever I'm in dtla, I'll feel good about a few streets or sections of it, then I'll go just a few streets or blocks away and suddenly I feel & .

[Muji]

This one flew a little under the radar: the southeast corner of 8th and Spring is set to become the second location of mini Italian chain Terroni, opening expected in November. One look at the interior and you know it's got huge potential to liven up the currently deserted corner. 8th and 9th Sts have been on a tear the last year with very positively received restaurant openings, Umamicatessen, Pattern Bar, Towne, etc.

Article on EaterLA: http://la.eater.com/archives/2012/07/18/terroni_goes_glam_in_a_big_way_opening_dtown_in_nov.php

Photo from EaterLA

[112597jorge]

Originally Posted by Muji

This one flew a little under the radar: the southeast corner of 8th and Spring is set to become the second location of mini Italian chain Terroni, opening expected in November. One look at the interior and you know it's got huge potential to liven up the currently deserted corner. 8th and 9th Sts have been on a tear the last year with very positively received restaurant openings, Umamicatessen, Pattern Bar, Towne, etc.

Article on EaterLA: http://la.eater.com/archives/2012/07/18/terroni_goes_glam_in_a_big_way_opening_dtown_in_nov.php

Photo from EaterLA

Hello all ssp forumers


Looking good so far, DTLA's dinning scene has grown so much, so many great restaurants.

[Kingofthehill]

It's great to see the Historic Core momentum move south. There are some grand old buildings in that general vicinity that certainly stand to benefit from the Downtown revitalization and gentrification. The Ace Hotel project will almost certainly turn the area on its head, and IMO, will create a new focus point for the whole South Broadway area. It will also serve as a good bridge connecting the Historic Core with South Park, and the FIDM-adjacent areas immediately to the west of it.

One favorite in particular that I would like to see renovated is the "UFO" building, which sits on the NE corner of Los Angeles and 7th. Lots of good stuff in the Jewelry District, too, but I am guessing the trust issues with regards to adding residential to a jewelry building will prevent renovations from happening in significant numbers. The shopkeepers over there like having deserted streets...

Here is the said "UFO" (I nicknamed it such for its wide array of telecommunications equipment) building:

[Mojeda101]

^^^^^

That building with the parking lot on the roof. What buildings were on that site prior?

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by Kingofthehill

One favorite in particular that I would like to see renovated is the "UFO" building, which sits on the NE corner of Los Angeles and 7th.

I'm confused if you're referring to the 13 story blgd whose exterior looks like it was finally painted not all that long ago. If so, I'm guessing you're talking about the condition of the interior of that bldg.

Nothing better than to see old properties being cleaned up & reactivated. this info is at downtownnews.com, & it deserves a big .......

Demand Pricing: Anyone who wondered whether the Los Angeles Street adjacency would result in a slow lease-up at the Jeffries can stop wondering. After opening one month ago, 18 tenants have signed leases, bringing the building to nearly 50% occupied. That’s despite the fact that rents range from $1,450-$2,400 per month, or around $2.50 per square foot. The rate exceeds the nearby Gilmore buildings, where the average rent is closer to $2 per square foot.

The Medallion, on the northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets, leases for about $2.17 per square foot. However, renters interested in moving to the area do not necessarily have the flexibility to choose the Medallion or a Gilmore property over the Jeffries. The three Gilmore buildings and the Medallion, collectively, are 98% occupied.

mojeda, I believe the bldg with the rooftop parking lot originally was owned by greyhound, which built it for their bus terminal back in the 1960s or 1950s. Not sure what previously was on that site.

[pesto]

Originally Posted by ThreeHundred

I'd pick Pico-Union over the Southside of Chicago any day.

Agree. I sometimes get the feeling that some forumers don't get around much. If DT bothers you, try some Paris suburbs, the Bronx, Chicago, etc. Most cities are pretty ugly in very substantial areas.

But I agree that in LA much of ugliness is in the middle of town.

[StethJeff]

Originally Posted by pesto

Agree. I sometimes get the feeling that some forumers don't get around much. If DT bothers you, try some Paris suburbs, the Bronx, Chicago, etc. Most cities are pretty ugly in very substantial areas.

But I agree that in LA much of ugliness is in the middle of town.

I think you bring up a good point. LA has blight pretty evenly spaced throughout it's metro; consequently, you can't really avoid it and we aren't able to hide it from our tourists who all think this place looks pretty shabby. With that said, no single neighborhood looks all that bad. Compared to Paris suburbs, North Philly, much of Chicago, Niagara Falls, 90% of Baltimore, and parts of
Cape Town, Johannesberg, Rio de Janeiro, Havana, Santo Domingo, Mexico City, Los Angeles does not have any areas that look nearly as scary. Skid Row, South LA, and Santa Ana look much better than the worst parts of most other world cities.