Rich Alossi on June 11, 2008, at 03:09PM – #1

While I hate the design, I do like that there's something there to comment on.

Also, New Moon Cafe has night hours -sometimes- but don't ask me what they are.

margarita on June 11, 2008, at 05:14PM – #2

Why Dr. Seus? Having so many talented fashion designers and artist in the community whom would have been happy to contribute to a more appropiate addition to the Grand entrance of this side of town. Who's idea was to install this ??? .

RobertA on June 11, 2008, at 06:05PM – #3

I love it. We need some brightness in this neighborhood. It is not just another boring median. The area is too dark at night.

Haven on June 11, 2008, at 06:30PM – #6

Horrible design, I have to agree. very unfortunate. This is reminiscent of the lackluster geometric shapes/designs at Pershing Square. Who is designing these things?.?. really.. There are so many great landscape designers around LA, but downtown get this? The trees are great, and a little more landscaping, grass and subtle uplighting would have been great.

Kellie on June 11, 2008, at 06:41PM – #7

The trees are great, and a little more landscaping, grass and subtle uplighting would have been great.

But almost every landscaped street median from here to Timbuktu (or all the predictable newer suburbs of America) contains those very same things. Therefore, such islands are easy to drive by and either overlook or shrug off.

However, I will withhold judgment until I see the location at 9th and Main Streets from a greater distance. But it appears that the new median at least will be a conversation piece, instead of a case of "oh, look at the trees and ground cover. Next!"

Penelope Bullock on June 11, 2008, at 08:12PM – #8

Just drove by and got a glimpse. I personally like the new addition. Brightens the place up, and brings in a nice contrast. Think it will look even better at night.

Benjamin Pezzillo on June 11, 2008, at 08:46PM – #9

Given the large number of cars I've seen go up the wrong way on Spring at this intersection, this can't be anything but good at night.

Rich Alossi on June 11, 2008, at 09:32PM – #10

Ben -- that is, of course, if the new median will have any bearing on how they perceive the one-way streets. I'm sure they'll still go the wrong way up Spring.

Norbie 7 on June 11, 2008, at 10:07PM – #11

Any bets as to how soon the taggers will arrive?

Purple Haze on June 11, 2008, at 10:15PM – #12

PODS? Oh gawd, the POD people have finally arrived.. Why does everything have to happen in L.A. first?

Benjamin Pezzillo on June 11, 2008, at 10:21PM – #13

No taggers yet. Fashion District usually gets things off in 24hrs. The lights aren't on yet either.

David Kennedy on June 12, 2008, at 12:17PM – #15

My four-year old daughter likes the new look. I'm not sure that's a good thing. Her sense of aesthetics can be erratic. However, her presentation skills are sweetly beguiling.

One thing you have to admit is the design is definitely eye-catching. Again, not sure that's praise. I'd be interested to know how the decision was made to use this design. Somebody somewhere in the city bureaucracy had to make the case to someone who had to sign-off on the design. I'd also like to know what the alternatives were. I also wonder how this design will age.

But, I agree. We should let them finish before passing judgement.

Oh yeah, it sure beats the rocks installed in the island at San Pedro and 8th. Now that's ugly and in the Flower District no less. You'd figure those guys would know something about landscape design.

Juanito on June 12, 2008, at 08:56PM – #16

Just mint and blueberry? Where's the cherry?

guest on June 13, 2008, at 09:06AM – #17

Why does L.A. have to put all these weird designs around the city? Why can't we have nice lit water fountains or a nice sculpture like any other city.

guest on June 13, 2008, at 09:08AM – #18

Yeah, I agree this is the same as Persian Square. Uggly colors and ugly design. Do they get designers that are on Acid or something.

Urban Bruin on June 13, 2008, at 10:18AM – #19

Green? That's colorful; it would have been nice and useful had they planted some grass on that lot for a small (fenced) dog patch.

Many cities around the world make use of small pocket spaces such as these for such public use.

guest on June 13, 2008, at 12:03PM – #20

L.A. never seems to get it right. Maybe they should talk to the residents and see what they want before putting up crappy stuff like this. As Norbie seven rights this will get all tagged up soon and it will become another eyesore.

lee on June 13, 2008, at 01:00PM – #21

They remind me of the colored glass walls used in the new state park in chinatown. They are also lit at night and are quite beautiful i think.

Utah Phillips Jr. on June 13, 2008, at 02:02PM – #22

Dog Patch?

You mean you want dog turds on Main?

Sounds like a new Indie group.

unsprung on June 17, 2008, at 01:53PM – #23

This looks like a brand new, mini, Pershing Square inspired eye sore. We are downtown. We know where we are. We're surrounded by several million tons of asphalt, concrete, steel and other non-natural, assaultive shapes, sights and sounds. Radical thought: What's wrong with a little calming green, as in grass, plants, trees; or flowing water, as in a fountain or maybe a pond?

Brady Westwater on June 17, 2008, at 07:05PM – #24

The flowering trees are great and I assume there will be some grass/shrubs around the glass objects. As for the rest, like all construction - until the project is totally finished - it's hard to know how it will look - day or night.

pauly on June 23, 2008, at 01:38PM – #25

I think it's great.

I don't get the comparisons to Pershing Square. Pershing square is an overdone, overwrought, monolithic concrete jungle. This is a simple design solution that adds visual interest to an otherwise totally unremarkable street median. You want to stick a fountain there? Give me a break...