LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 4.0

[LA/OCman]

Originally Posted by LosAngelesSportsFan

To add to the Starbucks on that block, the towne restaurant at the base of watermarke should open by the end of July as well. its a massive space

And if you go east on 9th Street, Casey Lane's "Parish" looks like it will be a "go to" restaurant where Angelique Cafe used to be at the Spring/Main intersection. The remodel looks great from the outside....and it will have much needed outdoor seating when it opens soon. Also, the upgrade of the old Loft Appeal store on Hill near 9th looks very attractive. I am not sure what is going in there.

BTW, I went into the new Los Angeles Brewing Company on 8th/Broadway when the Kings were playing in NJ and the place was packed with Kings fans. I was blown away by the energy of the place last Saturday evening (Kings fans are the best sports fans in LA). They have 100 beers on tap and I met the former GM from Bottega Louie who is now GM there. Also on Saturday the Orpheum had Jackson Brown performing and Umamicatessen, Two Boots Pizza and the Broadway Bar were buzzing. South Broadway is coming alive.

[colemonkee]

^ I went to Los Angeles Brewing Company a few weeks ago to watch the USA/Scotland friendly and my group was four of maybe 30 people on a Saturday afternoon. The service and overall experience was so bad, that as my friend and I talked about opening up our own sports bar, we talked aloud about coming back in six months time to take that space over, as we gave them about that long to shut their doors. I know they were relatively new (open 4 weeks) when we visited, but it was pretty much the worst service experience I've had in years. The only saving grace was decent, but not great, food.

Hopefully they've improved since then.

[IconRPCV]

^^^^

I agree with monkee about the Los Angeles Brewing Co. The place looks like they ran out of money and couldn't finish half the space. Lots of cooler and cheaper places to grab a beer and watch a game downtown, like Spring Street Bar, I am a little biased I guess since it is at the foot of my building, very easy to stumble home from.

I miss Angelique Cafe. I hope the Parish is a decent replacement.

[LA/OCman]

Originally Posted by IconRPCV

^^^^

I agree with monkee about the Los Angeles Brewing Co. The place looks like they ran out of money and couldn't finish half the space. Lots of cooler and cheaper places to grab a beer and watch a game downtown, like Spring Street Bar, I am a little biased I guess since it is at the foot of my building, very easy to stumble home from.

I miss Angelique Cafe. I hope the Parish is a decent replacement.

My experience at Los Angeles Brewing was only one night when it was filled to the rafters. I met the owner as well and he really wants the local crowd to feel at home there. I do love Spring Street bar but for the Kings game, it was fun having all the screens on the game with around 500 or so Kings fans cheering....I did not have any food. It was hard to believe this activity on Broadway at 6:00 PM when it usually clears out. I hope they make it...it is all part of the puzzle of the Downtown renaissance.

[colemonkee]

While I personally don't agree with the decision, part of me is glad this is officially moving forward. Ultimately I think this is a big step for the area. However, if they value engineer the facade materials in any way, shape, or form, I will call them out on that.

From the LA Downtown News:


Image Source: Los Angeles Downtown News

Marriott Hotels to Get Tax Break

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - The City Council on Wednesday approved a major tax break for the $172 million Marriott hotel development in South Park planned by Williams/Dame and Associates.

The deal, approved on Wednesday, June 13, functions as a rebate on half the tax revenue the 23-story project will generate over its first 25 years. According to a report by the city’s Chief Legislative Analyst, the rebate, which was supported by area labor unions, will cost the city $21.9 million, adjusted for inflation.

That money would otherwise be funneled into the city’s General Fund, which pays for services including parks and public safety. The city approved similar tax breaks for the planned hotel on the old Wilshire Grand site, the 1,001-room J.W. Marriott/Ritz-Carlton and the hotel in the still-delayed Grand Avenue project.

Williams/Dame was the latest hotelier to claim that, without the tax break, the current financing environment doesn’t support new projects.

Article Source: Los Angeles Downtown News

Critics of the tax breaks, including the ownership of Downtown’s Westin Bonaventure Hotel, say they put competitors at a financial disadvantage.

The Williams/Dame project, which will include 392 rooms in two Marriott brands in a single building, is slated to break ground this month and open in the summer of 2014.

[colemonkee]

In other downtown news, I had burgers and beers with the owner/proprieter of the forthcoming "Great Balls" restaurant, which should be opening up on the ground floor of the New Genesis Apartments on Main Street in the next few months (targeting a Fall opening). For those of you who followed the food truck movement over the last few years, he ran the Great Balls On Tires truck, which was pretty, well, amazeballs (pun fully intended). The menu will be based on the truck menu, but expanded, obviously, as the larger kitchen of the restaurant allows them to prepare a wider range of options.

The owner is a really cool dude, and just the kind of restauranteur downtown needs more of: skilled, independent, and confident in downtown. I myself can't wait until they open. It will be a major connector at night between the Old Bank District and the great sidewalk activity around 6th and Main.

[StethJeff]

Originally Posted by colemonkee

^ I went to Los Angeles Brewing Company a few weeks ago to watch the USA/Scotland friendly and my group was four of maybe 30 people on a Saturday afternoon. The service and overall experience was so bad, that as my friend and I talked about opening up our own sports bar, we talked aloud about coming back in six months time to take that space over, as we gave them about that long to shut their doors. I know they were relatively new (open 4 weeks) when we visited, but it was pretty much the worst service experience I've had in years. The only saving grace was decent, but not great, food.

Hopefully they've improved since then.

Agreed. It pains me but that place is awful. I really want it to work and be successful but like you said, the service was unbelievably awful, with the exception of one bartender who echoed our sentiments and openly told us she hated working there. They had a great beer selection but honestly you can find a great beer or three at every bar these days.

On top of that, the interior looks rushed. Whatever, that place won't last anyway.

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

some more restaurant news... the owner of Wokano and Green Hut just bought a new condo at the Ritz to be closer to his new steakhouse restaurant, LEKA which is opening soon at flower and 6th and he says he is planning at least 2 more restaurants in downtown LA soon. this was in the Downtown News.

[alki]

Originally Posted by colemonkee

In other downtown news, I had burgers and beers with the owner/proprieter of the forthcoming "Great Balls" restaurant, which should be opening up on the ground floor of the New Genesis Apartments on Main Street in the next few months (targeting a Fall opening). For those of you who followed the food truck movement over the last few years, he ran the Great Balls On Tires truck, which was pretty, well, amazeballs (pun fully intended). The menu will be based on the truck menu, but expanded, obviously, as the larger kitchen of the restaurant allows them to prepare a wider range of options.

The owner is a really cool dude, and just the kind of restauranteur downtown needs more of: skilled, independent, and confident in downtown. I myself can't wait until they open. It will be a major connector at night between the Old Bank District and the great sidewalk activity around 6th and Main.

Main St was such a dead end when I lived in LA, it still blows me away to read of a new restaurant opening on that street.

[travanx]

Not sure how this all fits in, but we just got back from our mini trip around the world (Germany, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Dubai, and got suck in China) after moving out of the Met Lofts and have been looking to buy a house since March 2012. The day before leaving I talked with some people in the building and was told they have been working there over a year and haven't seen so many people moving out before. This was in May. In fact there were other people moving out as I was dropping my keys off. I thought our floor seemed really empty compared to when we first moved in last year. Everyone has a double take on what the rents were going to be for us, as we wanted to stay another year.

As great as all of these new businesses coming into the City are, I feel like something is still off with actually trying to live down there. It doesn't feel like it makes sense just yet. I noticed the same as I used to have a lot of facebook updates with friends hanging around all of the new bars and restaurants. But I haven't seen that for months either. Just more of an update for someone who lived down there for the last year and actually did like it.

[LA/OCman]

Originally Posted by alki

Main St was such a dead end when I lived in LA, it still blows me away to read of a new restaurant opening on that street.

You wouldn't believe Main Street now. Like you I am older so I remember how it was 20 years ago. The building that exemplifies the turnaround is the Huntington Hotel building. The renovations attracted a number of retail projects including a gym. On the North at 2nd and Main, the Higgins changed it all. The Edison, Pitfire Pizza and Groundworks in the retail spaces created a little neighborhood. The renovation of Vibiana Cathedral into an event center also had a impact. The homeless used to camp out on the steps of the Cathedral every night. The Old Bank District at Main and 4th is vibrant which really started the changes on Spring St. The renovation of Cole's, the PE Lofts etc changed Main and 6th.

Next up...Los Angeles Street. Yep, keep your eyes open to the changes there with the renovation of 3 major buildings. Also, since the rental market Downtown is so tight and the available units to purchase are minimal right now, I would expect to see more "condos" in the near future.

The great thing about development Downtown right now is it is not concentrated in one area. It is taking place in all directions.

[travanx]

I have to think that USC is nicely tying everything up towards Downtown as well. I think once some more affordable condos come in that will help bring people looking to live in Downtown longer. I really don't think the $1mil+ tiny condos are what the city needs, especially during the middle of a depression.

I know I have mentioned we lived in a loft near Staples Center and the older crowd always has a smile and calls the people down there right now trendsetters. Brigham told me his stories over coffee when he was there before the Ralphs and can't imagine it back then. I really like the idea of developments randomly happening which means sooner than later every street will become better.

Originally Posted by LA/OCman

You wouldn't believe Main Street now. Like you I am older so I remember how it was 20 years ago. The building that exemplifies the turnaround is the Huntington Hotel building. The renovations attracted a number of retail projects including a gym. On the North at 2nd and Main, the Higgins changed it all. The Edison, Pitfire Pizza and Groundworks in the retail spaces created a little neighborhood. The renovation of Vibiana Cathedral into an event center also had a impact. The homeless used to camp out on the steps of the Cathedral every night. The Old Bank District at Main and 4th is vibrant which really started the changes on Spring St. The renovation of Cole's, the PE Lofts etc changed Main and 6th.

Next up...Los Angeles Street. Yep, keep your eyes open to the changes there with the renovation of 3 major buildings. Also, since the rental market Downtown is so tight and the available units to purchase are minimal right now, I would expect to see more "condos" in the near future.

The great thing about development Downtown right now is it is not concentrated in one area. It is taking place in all directions.

[Illithid Dude]

I'd just like to say, I am in Vancouver right now, and Downtown has electrical poles and wires. In spite of this, Downtown Vancouver still manages to be one of the best urban areas I've ever been to. So, Citywatch, eat your heart out.

[Hubris]

New set of photos of Grand Park: http://grandpark.lacounty.gov/c/060412/constructionphotos2.html


Greenery looks sparse. But based on how much the Expo Line foliage has grown in the past year, the park should look much greener in time.

Though lawn space will remain lacking.

[DistrictDirt]

Originally Posted by Hubris

New set of photos of Grand Park: http://grandpark.lacounty.gov/c/060412/constructionphotos2.html


Greenery looks sparse. But based on how much the Expo Line foliage has grown in the past year, the park should look much greener in time.

Though lawn space will remain lacking.

I'm trying so hard not to let those giant, fugly parking ramps ruin it for me. Looks like something from Brasilia.

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by Illithid Dude

So, Citywatch, eat your heart out.

illithid, I wanted to laugh at my being the target of your being a smarty pants, & hoped that was cuz I could say "ya know what....if vancouver in one way is like LA is, then maybe LA is better than I give it credit for.

unfortunately, your post inspired me to do a google street view of the city you're visiting, & now I feel like a debbie downer......I didn't see a fraction of all the & & in dt vancouver that exists all over dtla. I didn't keep running into all the deadzones, poverty zones, & rundown swapmeets that still make up too much of this city.

It reminded me of when I took a google trip to mexico city about a yr or two ago, expecting it would look very poor the way broadway in dtla does, or have no less fugliness than what's all over LA, but instead was shocked at how well manicured many of its streets & hoods were. In some ways, ppl even in a city like that may look down on LA as being a dusty, poor town.

if anything, I'm even more convinced that LA's greatest failing is that too many of its ppl haven't done enough to clean up & make the city look better.

I'll try to end on a positive note: dtla at least isn't the total dive it was several yrs ago. But I realize that compared with where it should be----based on what other cities have accomplished----not only should all the improvements now & over the past many yrs be considered the bare minimum, they should now be considered as needing a thousand more layers of change for the better. iow, we really need to demand & expect more, alots more. No less will do.

since I don't want to get too OT....or too much into a city vs city type post, I'll insert some pics of the LA brewing company, which unfortunately got some bad reviews above....


labc/facebook


theminty.com


houndseek.com

I heard the owner of the LA Brewing Co had a run in with the law awhile ago, or has sort of a shady past. I hope he doesn't turn out to be a sneakier version of the slumlords or shysters who leech off the hood & end up hurting more than helping it.

[Illithid Dude]

Originally Posted by citywatch

illithid, I wanted to laugh at my being the target of your being a smarty pants, & hoped that was cuz I could say "ya know what....if vancouver in one way is like LA is, then maybe LA is better than I give it credit for.

unfortunately, your post inspired me to do a google street view of the city you're visiting, & now I feel like a debbie downer......I didn't see a fraction of all the & & in dt vancouver that exists all over dtla. I didn't keep running into all the deadzones, poverty zones, & rundown swapmeets that still make up too much of this city.

It reminded me of when I took a google trip to mexico city about a yr or two ago, expecting it would look very poor the way broadway in dtla does, or have no less fugliness than what's all over LA, but instead was shocked at how well manicured many of its streets & hoods were. In some ways, ppl even in a city like that may look down on LA as being a dusty, poor town.

Hahahaha, I was just making a joke. I was walking down the street, saw some electrical poles, and thought, "you know what, CityWatch would hate this!" It really is unfair to compare Vancouver to L.A.- it's incredibly expensive, has tremendous natural beauty, incredibly dense (as has a small space to spread out), and has a hugely developed core. I just thought it funny that, in spite of all of this, it still has telephone and electrical poles.

Oh, and concerning grit, Vancouver definitely has it. Parts of East Vancouver could certainly be considered 'Skid Row North'.

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by Hubris

New set of photos of Grand Park:
Though lawn space will remain lacking.

I didn't notice the ramps from broadway to the underground garage were so large & intrusive. I know the rampways along grand ave were totally rebuilt so they'd be less a blockade from the west side, but I didn't realize the same problem exists to the east....


grandpark.lacounty.gov


and the section between broadway & spring st sure does have alot of wide walkways or paved surface....


grandpark.lacounty.gov


^ it's still better than what used to be there, but the fact they're having to build a park above the roof of an underground parking garage must be forcing more compromises on the amt of landscaping than there'd otherwise be.

but this portion is waaay better than it used to be, since for yrs & yrs & yrs it was nothing but a fugly parking lot directly in front of city hall....


grandpark.lacounty.gov

^ Of the 3 main sections of the mall or park, it will have the most amt of open lawn, which could be due to more of it not sitting above an underground garage.

[citywatch]

Originally Posted by Illithid Dude

It really is unfair to compare Vancouver to L.A.- it's incredibly expensive, has tremendous natural beauty, incredibly dense

Since you're actually there & I've only visited through google street view, things may seem & feel different----maybe better, maybe worse----to someone on location compared with someone looking through a website. however, I really do suspect that whether a person is there or here, that a city like vancouver----or definitely its downtown----isn't bogged down by the amt of blight & fugly parking lots that are way too common in LA. I hope I'm wrong, & I'll happily say I'm wrong, if what you're experiencing in canada doesn't jibe with indirect observations made from a long distance. iow, if LA isn't as as what I'm guessing it probably is compared with at least certain other cities, including the one you're visiting right now.

[Illithid Dude]

Originally Posted by citywatch

Since you're actually there & I've only visited through google street view, things may seem & feel different----maybe better, maybe worse----to someone on location compared with someone looking through a website. however, I really do suspect that whether a person is there or here, that a city like vancouver----or definitely its downtown----isn't bogged down by the amt of blight & fugly parking lots that are way too common in LA. I hope I'm wrong, & I'll happily say I'm wrong, if what you're experiencing in canada doesn't jibe with indirect observations made from a long distance. iow, if LA isn't as as what I'm guessing it probably is compared with at least certain other cities, including the one you're visiting right now.

There are no parking lots.

EDIT:

Brigham reports a new botique has opened downtown, on 8th and Spring.



It looks pretty nice, actually.