Hello from Boston
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — I usually try to mention trips I take here, in large part because I feel guilty for reduced posting while I'm out of Downtown. These days, though, so much activity continues in the comments that I don't think the site suffers at all when I'm gone for a couple days.
All that to say that I've been in Boston since late Wednesday night. I usually try to walk around other Downtowns saying "What can I take back to Downtown LA from this?" but really all I can say about Boston is "Wow is it cold." We've seen snow a pair of times now, and forecast today includes some flurries as well.
LA's looking better all the time.
Jason on April 09, 2007, at 11:57AM – #1
I love Boston. One thing that really struck me while I was there was the effort made to highlight historic areas in and around the city.
Wouldn't it be great to have a West Coast version of the Freedom Trail? A series of historic markers throughout Downtown, highlighting places of significance... the first "skyscraper," the first building to generate its own power, the first theater to premiere an "all-talking" picture known as The Jazz Singer, etc.
Not only would this generate an enormous amount of civic pride, but it would cement Downtown's place as a must-see tourist attraction. That could generate increased tourism dollars, which in turn, could be funneled back into additional preservation and development.
colemonkee on April 09, 2007, at 12:35PM – #2
That's a great idea, Jason. I was in Boston last month (during the huge snow storm) and we ended up staying in Beacon Hill. Without a map, we were able to wander around and find all these historic sites because of the signage.
Whitman Lam on April 09, 2007, at 12:43PM – #3
It wouldn't hurt to build more green space. Like Boston's Pearl Necklace ring of parks.
Or is that Chicago ? Oh well, Go Redsox !
David Kennedy on April 09, 2007, at 02:42PM – #4
Jason, does Angels Walk count? They've got all those nifty signs/markers all over downtown. They even have some brochures. I always thought they were quite good.
Jason on April 09, 2007, at 05:57PM – #5
David, I have to admit.. I have never even heard of Angels Walk until you mentioned it!
Just found the site: http://www.cityofla.org/ANGELSWALK/index.htm.
I think that's a great start for Los Angeles. Unfortunately, as much as I've been drawn Downtown over the past year, I've never heard of it, nor noticed any markers. Maybe this is a marketing issue?
Also, I noticed that only one Broadway theater is included in the walk, and it's not even the theater that premiere the first "all-taking" movie (that would be Tower).
Thanks for sharing that with me, though. I think i might walk that this weekend.
David Kennedy on April 09, 2007, at 06:11PM – #6
Yeah, Jason, there's a real lack of web presence for the Angels Walk program. The website is years out of date. There's actually a couple distinct walks. Essentially, they are self-guided walking tours. The markers are actually quite well done. Certainly better than the website.
I don't know if Angels Walk is actively maintained. It really should be incorporated into downtown's marketing programs.