MONA Moving Into Hiding While It Continues to Look for Space
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The Times Calendar site is running a short story talking about the plight the Museum of Neon Art faces as it searches for a new home. They have to be out of their existing space at Hope and Olympic at the end of January and they don't have a permanent home lined up yet.
[Kim] Koga, who has directed the museum since 1998, said she has been searching for months for a new venue, but the museum is caught in a bind common among bohemians in booming urban settings: With rents rising, lofts proliferating and redevelopment efforts underway downtown, the 400-member museum, which lives on a $200,000 yearly budget, can't afford most buildings.
For a while, MONA was looking at the old Subway Terminal Building downtown at Hill and 4th streets, which has been converted into an apartment building and renamed 417 Metro. Then Koga was interested in the basement of the Eastern Columbia building at 849 S. Broadway, a 1929 Moderne landmark with a turquoise terra cotta exterior, designed as a department store, that's being turned into 147 lofts. But neither option panned out.
The collections will be going into temporary space while they continue to look. On a positive note, Brady's on the case and if anyone can find a space to lease it's Brady.
Update (Friday): Brady blogs about the issue.
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Scott Mercer on December 08, 2006, at 04:39AM – #1
What an obvious, appropriate choice...the retail space at the Packard Lofts, which happens to be where the first neon sign in the USA was installed in the 1920's. You're welcome.
Nic Cha Kim on December 08, 2006, at 03:31PM – #2
Downtown wouldn't be what it is today if it wasn't for Brady Westwater. All the property owners should really get together and BUY him something. Like a LOFT!
Pegasus on December 09, 2006, at 01:58PM – #3
I can't beat the location of the first American neon light installation, but how about the beautiful retail space in the ground level of the Historic Gas Company Lofts. It is has good exhibit feel and has been vacant for years. They have to be willing to accept a discount rent to get the place occupied. (Although Ralph's may change the neighborhood dynamic).
Don Garza on December 10, 2006, at 03:03AM – #4
HEy there , better find a space for MONA . CHeck out all of the hotel signs here on the sro's in the heart of SKid Row. We can't have mona homeless.
David Kennedy on December 10, 2006, at 05:21PM – #5
My two cents for alternate homes for MONA are Olvera Street and Union Station.
The other night I was walking Olvera Street and found it interesting how many very large buildings dating to the 19th century are just sitting unoccupied. There are a couple of intact blocks looking for some practical use.
I've also noticed over the years that Union Station has a couple of enormous wings which would seen ideally suited for MONA and its collection. Both locations certainly are well positioned in terms of public transit and already seen high pedestrian traffic.
Qathryn Brehm on January 29, 2009, at 03:26PM – #6
Have always liked the idea of it being in the old Children's Museum. Great building, easy access for parking and walking. and right near the Triforium...I have heard it is used for storage.