LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 4.0 - Page 9

Illithid Dude · #**161** Posted **Jan 25, 2011, 1:53 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by colemonkee

I went to Mas Malo two Saturdays ago and it was PACKED. The food was okay, the drinks were very good, but the space is the real star. It's HUGE, loud, and very energetic. They did a good job restoring the ornate ceilings, the bar is really cool - and crowded - but the wall art doesn't match the theme of the restaurant. With all the buzz surrounding it, it should be popular for a while. Let's hope it lasts, and doesn't fizzle out like a lot of LA places do. Bottega Louie is still going strong after almost two years, so hopefully they will follow suit.

The space on 7th in the Roosevelt, is that the (old) proposed Citizen Smith place? The decor in the rendering certainly has the Citizen Smith feel, but the Hollywood location closed up a couple of weeks ago after the owners went through a bitter divorce. I wonder if this is the same space or something new.

I went too. I thought the food was good, but the rest of my family didn't. I guess I ordered the right thing. It was crazy packed, almost to Bottega Louie levels, which I would assume is a good thing. I didn't mind the paintings on the wall not matching the restaurant flavor, because they were original 1930's era paintings, and it would have been a shame to get rid of them. Oh, and the place is extremely, very loud. I didn't mind it, but my (apparently picky) family did.

ethereal_reality · #**162** Posted **Jan 25, 2011, 2:25 AM**

[QUOTE=DistrictDirt;5137842]I love the PE Building! Their roof is AMAZING. We actually thought about moving there first, but after we saw the apts in SB Tower we were sold on that building instead. I figured we at least get to look out the window at the beautiful exterior of the PE building anyway

Incidentally, there's currently a Phil Stern photography exhibit in a penthouse loft in the PE Building, so we went over last weekend and had a look. I could care less about the photography, but was really interested in seeing what a penthouse looks like in that building. It did not disappoint:

DistrictDirt

DistrictDirt

A bit of history:
The original Jonathan Club was located on the top two floors of the Pacific Electric Building.
The space you visited used to be the Jonathan Club Ballroom.

The curved black steel beams that you see in your first photo, were once the elaborate arches of the ballroom.

(perhaps you already knew this....but I thought others might find it interesting)

If you're interested in Los Angeles history you should visit the thread I started. I think you would like it.
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=170279

sopas ej · #**163** Posted **Jan 25, 2011, 3:39 AM**

It's a shame the elaborate ceiling is gone. What a waste.

RAlossi · #**164** Posted **Jan 25, 2011, 6:24 AM**

Nice job on the informative photos, LAB. You caught a lot of the forward movement that's happening in the Financial District these days. By the way, you didn't get a photo of the progress at Caffe Primo, but it's definitely on its way now. Walls are up and show nice white subway tile, and the space is lit from inside 24/7 now. I'd say three more months till opening if they keep up this pace. Of course, we've been let down before by them, so we'll see.

Good find on the new restaurant/bar coming to the Roosevelt. With Public School 612 on its way (I was JUST talking about how tired the Daily Grill menu is), plus Le Ka and Mas Malo and Mo-Chica (and Target), this is going to be a really exciting time here.

I hope the former Provecho space can get an operator in there. It's a great space, but the space was just too highly designed for the amount of traffic they could pull in (and corresponding high price point).

DistrictDirt · #**165** Posted **Jan 25, 2011, 5:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

A bit of history:
The original Jonathan Club was located on the top two floors of the Pacific Electric Building.
The space you visited used to be the Jonathan Club Ballroom.

The curved black steel beams that you see in your first photo, were once the elaborate arches of the ballroom.

(perhaps you already knew this....but I thought others might find it interesting)

If you're interested in Los Angeles history you should visit the thread I started. I think you would like it.
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=170279

I didn't know that. I'm a history buff but only know the broad strokes of DTLA's history so far. I'll give your thread a look, thanks!

colemonkee · #**166** Posted **Jan 26, 2011, 12:27 AM**

More news on the restaurant front, from Eater LA:

(Image Source: Eater LA)

Cool, Calm Collect Aburiya Toranoko Adds Life to DTown

And now, the grand reveal of Aburiya Toranoko, Michael Cardenas' latest adventure into the underbelly of Japanese cuisine, opening next Wednesday. Positioned just next door to another Cardenas venture, Lazy Ox Canteen, Toranoko launches with a colorful Murakami-esque mural, black tufted banquettes, a long communal dining table, and glossy black chandeliers. On the far right sits the bar serving Japanese beers like Hitachino White and Echigo, in addition to curious, exotic cocktails where Bacon-infused vodka, persimmons, and roasted jalapenos mix and mingle. Here's the adventurous izakaya menu again, note the sushi party goes down toward the restaurant's rear. Feels like Lazy Ox, but not.

JDRCRASH · #**167** Posted **Jan 27, 2011, 4:02 AM**

I'm very disappointed Mr. Obama didn't go further into the "infrastructure" part of his speech.....

DominicanLou · #**168** Posted **Jan 27, 2011, 9:18 AM**

I've been living downtown for over a year now. I just love everything about it. I've been casually following the development down here for at least 10 years, when I was a senior in HS. I was sold on living here for a while, but it's funny how when I tell others where I live I still get that "look". In any event, I'm amazed at how fast development is down here - at least with new businesses. And the night life is great. I really feel like I live in a neighborhood, a community. I mean, what place do you know where the owner of the convenience store tells you he loves you? (I'm talking about that place across from Pete's, by the way) It's a cool energy and I'm glad I've made it home.

I know I'm rambling but I just wanted to make my presence known. I've lurked on this forum for years. And also, say a big thank you to all of you who keep me updated with what's going down in my hood.

LA/OCman · #**169** Posted **Jan 27, 2011, 2:50 PM**

I agree with Dominican Lou. I have lived in OC, Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego...and never have I felt like I was a part of a real community until I moved Downtown.

It looks like the south end of Broadway is finally taking off. Umami, Two Boots, the two temporary galleries in the Eastern Columbia retail space, the Singer Sewing building renovation, the Pattern Bar on 9th and Main (it was Spoke until they moved west on 9th a few blocks), a coffee house at the Blackstone (rumored), the 7-11 (bleh) in the old Payless Shoe store on 9th and Broadway, Cliftons revamp, the Los Angeles Brewing Company at 8th and Broadway, the "vodka bar" at 7th and Broadway. Also, a couple of blocks away is the Belasco Theatre renovation:

http://www.thebelasco.com/Main/Main.htm

DistrictDirt · #**170** Posted **Jan 27, 2011, 8:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LA/OCman

I agree with Dominican Lou. I have lived in OC, Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego...and never have I felt like I was a part of a real community until I moved Downtown.

I third that. Ever since I left DC for LA I've had the nagging feeling that I gave up a city with an awesome sense of community for the "cool" city that's completely devoid of it. Since I moved Downtown I feel much better. I've already met a lot of neighbors, and I like seeing familiar faces on the streets, even if they're people that I don't know personally.

The whole "24 hour neighborhood" thing makes a huge difference as well (Maybe 24 is a stretch...but Downtown is a solid 18-hour neighborhood now, right?

). Example: I left work late last night-nearly 1am. Wilshire in Ktown felt desolate as I waited for the bus. 15 min later, I'm at 6th and Spring, which is still bustling at 1:00 AM...on a Wednesday no less. People are still sitting outside the bars and outside LA Cafe, and that market next to Dtown Burger Bar was still open. Amazing.

DistrictDirt · #**171** Posted **Jan 27, 2011, 8:31 PM**

So, the next time I hear someone tell me that "Downtown needs more parking", I'm going to send them this:

Source: Gehl Architects

They're doing a presentation on their Figueroa Corridor project on Feb 11th which looks really interesting. If this project actually comes to fruition, Fig would serve as a great example for the rest of the city, demonstrating what streets can be like when they're not exclusively designed for cars, to the detriment of all other modes. This is the kind of stuff New York and Portland do. Its very exciting to finally see it here.

SD_Phil · #**172** Posted **Jan 27, 2011, 9:08 PM**

^Great map. It highlights the fact that DTLA doesn't need more parking, just better utilized and managed parking.

BrandonJXN · #**173** Posted **Jan 27, 2011, 9:28 PM**

Parking structures could work if done correctly. I mean a horrible example is The Watermarke. I honestly don't think it's finished but as of now, it's a really bad eyesore. Now the parking structure for Market Lofts; that's how you do a parking structure right.

RAlossi · #**174** Posted **Jan 27, 2011, 11:36 PM**

The main issue with parking in DTLA isn't availability. As Chris points out in that shocking map, the parking exists. The issue is proper signage, in my opinion. Other cities direct you to public parking lots, but DTLA is full of little parking fiefdoms where individual owners have different ways of advertising parking and different signs all over the place. Some have those flag-wavers out front, others have a tiny sign just inside the driveway to the garage.

Another issue is that the parking lots don't stay open 24 hours, or late-night. Certain garages in the Historic Core are completely full in the evenings while next door, a garage closes at 6:00. I'm thinking specifically of the lots at 6th and Main, and the garage north of 6th on Spring.

colemonkee · #**175** Posted **Jan 28, 2011, 12:17 AM**

A larger rendering of Icon, courtesy of Curbed LA:

(Image Source: Curbed LA & Clark & Hedrick)

BrandonJXN · #**176** Posted **Jan 28, 2011, 12:26 AM**

I like it. It matches well with the overall architecture of USC. I wouldn't mind if South Park had more structures like this. These little guys do a lot in regards to intensifying a neighborhood's overall feel.

But going back to the parking issue: I'll never understand how Concerto could have underground parking, and yet The Watermarke have such a huge podium?

LosAngelesBeauty · #**177** Posted **Jan 28, 2011, 12:37 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreeHundred

I like it. It matches well with the overall architecture of USC. I wouldn't mind if South Park had more structures like this. These little guys do a lot in regards to intensifying a neighborhood's overall feel.

But going back to the parking issue: I'll never understand how Concerto could have underground parking, and yet The Watermarke have such a huge podium?

We should all write letters to the corporate folks who own Watermarke (forgot the rental company's name), and complain that the parking structure is SUCH AN EYESORE. I'm surprised Blogdowntown hasn't cover that story yet.

Watermarke's shameful parking structure ruins an otherwise fantastic corner at 9th/Flower. Beyond

Current shameful design:

apartments.com

An improvement from an artist rendering:

All renderings from http://gaarchicad.blogspot.com/

BrandonJXN · #**178** Posted **Jan 28, 2011, 1:22 AM**

I'd just cover the podium in panels of glass that are different shades of blue.

LAsam · #**179** Posted **Jan 28, 2011, 1:51 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreeHundred

I'd just cover the podium in panels of glass that are different shades of blue.

Me too. Extend the facade down to the street-level.

dktshb · #**180** Posted **Jan 29, 2011, 4:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAlossi

The main issue with parking in DTLA isn't availability. As Chris points out in that shocking map, the parking exists. The issue is proper signage, in my opinion. Other cities direct you to public parking lots, but DTLA is full of little parking fiefdoms where individual owners have different ways of advertising parking and different signs all over the place. Some have those flag-wavers out front, others have a tiny sign just inside the driveway to the garage.

Another issue is that the parking lots don't stay open 24 hours, or late-night. Certain garages in the Historic Core are completely full in the evenings while next door, a garage closes at 6:00. I'm thinking specifically of the lots at 6th and Main, and the garage north of 6th on Spring.

When I was in San Francisco on a business trip we parked our rental car in a parking structure that closed at 7:00 PM to our surprise. We had to wait until the next day to get our car.

With regard to the parking podium at watermarke I would think planting vines that would eventually cover the whole stucture (like a living plant wall) would be about the best thing that could be done... Not sure what those vines are called but people from LA should know what I am talking about. On some small buildings throughout the city they cover the
entire structures.