eecue on December 10, 2006, at 11:38PM – #1

Nice photo! ;]

David Kennedy on December 11, 2006, at 07:50AM – #3

My understanding is many of the properties on Broadway are owned by off-shore institutional investors like Australian banks or Japanese insurance companies. They are content with their revenue and that's that. Further, engaging these entities is really tough. I thought I recalled the L.A. Conservancy recently having a tough time signing up property owners of many of these buildings for a property improvement program they launched.

But, yeah, Broadway won't fully bloom until the upper floors of these buildings are occupied. Until then, it will soldier on in its own vibrant tackiness.

Dana Gabbard on December 11, 2006, at 10:52AM – #4

I was there when Linda Dishman of the Conservancy announce their Broadway Initiative some years ago at one of the Last Remaining Seats screenings. And I remember thinking about a NPR interview I had just heard with Samuel R. Delany about his book Times Square Red, Times Square Blue that laments the end of the sex theater milleu in favor of a Disneyized cleaned up Times Square. So one person's "vibrant tackiness" is someone else's "delightfully subversive utopia" per Delaney. And yet Ms. Dishman spoke about saving Broadway. And I though "Save it from what?" And then I realized that it doesn't fit the definition of successful some people have. But must everything be forced into that pre-conceived opinion? Just wanted to share an alternative take.

Jason on December 11, 2006, at 11:47AM – #5

Save it from itself, I think.

I know when ever I am lucky enough to be able to explore Downtown Los Angeles, I feel both awe and sadness walking down Broadway. To see once glamourous theaters sit vacant in such a wonderfully historic part of our city is gut wrenching. I think what they've done with locations like the Orpheum and Broadway Bar is a great start.

In terms of structures such as the Merritt Building... why not refurbish the top floors into real artist lofts that people can actually afford?

I would love to move Downtown. I just need something that the average American can afford. Oh yeah... and a Metro line that will get me to work in Sherman Oaks!

David Kennedy on December 11, 2006, at 03:17PM – #7

Gentlemen, I think we're actually all in fundamental agreement here. Everyone looks forward to the day when Broadway is fully revitalized as a thriving district where the beauty of the upper floors are returned to their original splendor, be it as residences or offices. Moreover, it is a sad thing to see the upper floors essentially abandoned and wasting away. No one wants that to continue.

I think we can all agree that Broadway is a vibrant retail district catering to working-class Latino immigrants. I also understand that for those who don't speak Spanish or who expect their retail experience more like The Grove or who don't have a need to buy stuff for their cousin's quincinera or baptism, it is not their choice for going shopping. In fact, it can be downright off-putting. I don't for a minute think that just because I like it, others who do not share my opinion are foolish or misguided. Although, I do think a debt is owed to those who throng Broadway. Because of their patronage over the decades, many of these buildings were not demolished for parking lots.

That said, please don't think I'm romanticizing Broadway and suggesting it should never be improved. If this is the impression, then let me be clear: I'm all for the street getting better. I think Broadway deserves to be a place for all downtowners, not just the immigrant Latinos who throng it. Ideally, there would be an eclectic mix of retail, businesses and residences which would appeal to everyone. Ideally, the street would have a life beyond its business hours. Ideally, the magnificent theaters can find a way to live again. I'm very confident these happy days are coming.

What I think Dana and I take umbrage with is the way in which Broadway is dismissed in the snidest terms. Often by people who are just passing through the neighborhood. Often by well-meaning members of enlightened organizations like the L.A. Conservancy who are well-educated and have better than average incomes. Every weekend I see these people taking tours and shooting photos. They treat Broadway like an exotic architectural jungle which needs to be re-claimed by civilization. And then they leave.

It is also useful to bear in mind some history of the city. In years past, 'civilization' has plowed through various parts of the city and callously displaced the likes of the people who shop on Broadway: Bunker Hill, Dodger Stadium, Boyle Heights. When the clever professionals start making plans for improvement, many become uneasy or painful memories are recalled. It is vital to take into account the people who are impacted by improvement, not just the people like you and me who will benefit. I'd point out the likes of my mother-in-law who shops on Broadway, she is completely oblivious to this conversation.

By all means, let us improve Broadway. Dana and I don't argue against it. We merely are cautious to the unintended effects improvement may bring. It would be bitter-sweet to see Broadway become an expensive neighborhood like Soho. Sure my parents would enjoy it. But, something worthwhile and vital would be lost.

That said, I think we can put this thread to rest for good. (Honest, Eric, I really tried to restrain myself from posting! I promise, never again.)

Ed Fuentes on December 12, 2006, at 12:57AM – #8

At least clean the

Whitman Lam on December 12, 2006, at 01:41PM – #9

I think the biggest irony here... is that those bad elements:

Crime, homeless, blight, stinky smells...

These are the things that have preserved most Downtown Architecture. Over four decades, developers have shunned the historic Downtown, and focused the "redevelopement" and wrecking crews on places like Westwood, Hollywood, Venice.

It is the fear and the decrepit nature of Broadway that scared the developers away from giving a "facelift" to these Art Deco buildings.

Now that Broadway has gained some new attention, we must preserve and protect the building facades from anyone with good intentions, trying redevelop it into another Universal City Walk.

Broadway can be a place for walking, shopping, , dining, entertainment, and loft living. Ground floor retail spaces are plentiful. But it's historic elements, signs, and values must be left intact.

Scott Mercer on December 12, 2006, at 06:58PM – #10

The most worrying aspect of Broadway in its current state is the facades of the buildings.

Of course, the whole the building should be restored, or maintained, especially in cases like the one where concrete blocks have closed off the interior.

I'm all for leaving the independent retailers that cater to working-class immigrants in place. But there should be some sort of FACADE CZAR in the city government that has the ability to enforce decent looking signs and clean facades.

I'm only advocating that professionally created signs (not hand-painted ones) be used exclusively, and that the facades be cleaned regularly. No major renovations should be forced. The retailers could likely afford such a low-scale rehab.

Ed Fuentes on December 12, 2006, at 08:15PM – #11

As a graphic designer, I cringe at the handname signs and cheap banners waiting to fall on a delivery person or a huckster doing a shell game. As I monitor public and street art, I am bemused at how some artists and/or commentators celebrate the folk look of handmade signs.

As Design Czar, a self appointed position that has yet to be recognized by anyone but myself, there has to be someone to design signs on Broadway so they stop looking like cheap print ads. And really, how old is that City Burger sign on Broadway. How many times will the same line art diamond can be used? And why are fishes painted on seafood stands, but no cows are seen floating on taco stands?

Of course it's a matter of taste and economics. Then again, the signs on Broadway shared something with the LA Times initial front page redesign. "More fonts. More Fonts. More Fonts. Special Today Only!!"

Dang, this would have made a good post on my own blog. Or a column.

Dr.B on December 13, 2006, at 09:18AM – #12

There are many buildings being redone on Broadway, within the next year many will be ready for residents. Eastern Columbia, Broadway Exchange, Jewlery Trades, Broadway Arcade, etc. As these projects get completed and are filled up with new residents, the ground floors will also gradually change. I plan to move my practice from its current location in City West across from the 1100 Wilshire, to a new space in the Broadway Exchange at Seventh & Broadway, Making Bad Backs Better on BROADWAY.

Judy King on June 24, 2007, at 11:04AM – #13

I came across this blog while looking for information on the Merritt building. My grandfather, David Dunn, painted murals and landscapes for Hullet Merritt. Family history has it that he did at least one in this building - probably on the top floor. How would one get to the top floor today? I wonder if it is still there....