Eric Richardson [Flickr]

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — So today at noon Ralphs did indeed get the key to their new store at 9th and Flower, as previously mentioned. The Mayor couldn't make it, but Jan Perry and Deputy Mayor Bud Ovrom were there to make the civic presentations.

The store looks huge when you're standing inside. Obviously it will be less so once built out, but it's still going to be a large grocery store. Ralphs seems to be really on-board with making this a standout location, one of their showpiece stores.

I'm put some other photos from the event in a flickr set, including a shot of our Town Crier refusing to be cowed by the large television cameras.

Pictured are Councilwoman Jan Perry (CD9) and the VP of Ralphs, Charles Barfield.

Update (Friday): Curbed linked to this post, and I'm quite fond of their link text: "Downtown Ralph's Gets the Keys to our Hearts."

I have to say, though, that it must be one heck of a big heart. Those are some hefty keys.