David Kennedy on December 30, 2008, at 09:17PM – #1

What is most striking about L.A. Live is the obvious. Crowds of people. I was there Saturday night. I was struck as the masses of people. All of the restaurants had lines out the door. The plaza, in fact the whole place, was overflowing with people.

I participate at the Los Angeles forum at TripAdvisor.com. Just the other day, visitors were cautioned that downtown shuts down in the evening and there is nothing to do. L.A. Live emphatically changes this. Yes, it is loud and garish in a Vegas kind of way. It doesn't really appeal to me personally (except maybe The Conga Room). But, for most people and certainly tourists, it is appealing and comforting. It makes downtown a more viable and accessible destination to most people. This is a good thing for downtown.

I've often read laments about L.A. Live representing some ominous change for downtown. I think these concerns, while romantic, are a little hysterical and overstated. Downtown is a very large place and there is still plenty of room for all of its varied and idiosyncratic communities to grow and thrive. L.A. Live is just another loud and welcome addition to the neighborhood. I look forward to all of the development it will create in the coming years.

Oh yeah, that monstrous robot Christmas tree has got to go. Get us a towering real one. Of course, another public ice rink would be even better.

James McMath on December 31, 2008, at 06:54AM – #2

Much agreed. I never cease to be amazed at the number of tourists that flock to Times Square all year round. To my mind it's ugly, crass and obnoxious. But there's no denying the fact that tourists love this sort of thing. While L.A. Live is no Times Square(thankfully) at least it provides the sort of amenities that visitors to adjacent venues will take full advantage of. I can't see myself spending much time there but the flow of tourist dollars into South Park and Financial District businesses can only be a good thing long term for downtown.

Tornadoes28 on December 31, 2008, at 08:14AM – #3

Especially with the current economy, it will take even longer before it reaches it's full potential. LA Live itself is still relatively compact and small. Not much to come and walk around to see which is what people like to do. For example, 3rd Street in SM and Old Town in Pasadena or Universal City Walk, people have a lot to see as they walk many blocks. Until there are many, many shops and restaurants on the surrounding streets, it will still have its limits. Good to go to a specific bar or restaurant or club but not for a lot of walking and shopping.

David Kennedy on December 31, 2008, at 09:19AM – #4

I am puzzled by the lack of a retail component. However, with those crowds, one would only assume retailers are plotting and planning to take advantage. Not that I see any evidence of this (i.e. construction). When Staples Center first opened I was puzzled by the lack of ammenities for attending fans. Here were thousands of people with time to kill, money to burn and they're hungry. Seemed like a no-brainer to open a restaurant nearby. Nonetheless, I'm surprised it took nearly a decade for these kinds of places to open. The lethargy and lack of entrepreneurial moxie of the downtown business establishment never ceases to amaze me.

Lawrence on December 31, 2008, at 09:55AM – #5

My understanding was that the Figueroa Central project across the street was to be the retail component of the district. When AEG sold the land to the Moinian group, the design and retail elements were mutually decided upon so that they would complement L.A Live.

With the credit crisis however, Moinian still can't get the financing to begin that project. As a result we have only half the picture. I do think retailers will begin to seriously look at opening stores nearby once L.A live is a bit more established - though during these times, many chains will be closing stores rather than opening new ones.

Jon on December 31, 2008, at 10:49AM – #6

What's up with those kitchen exhausts? The warm, greasy air that comes out of those vents is tolerable in the winter, but what happens when the temps rise? I'm talking about the ESPN Zone vents that spew their fumes into the alley b/w ESPN Zone and the Conga Room entrance area. Also, the Farm has vents pointed at the sidewalk on Fig, right above the Farm's outdoor fireplace sitting area. Gross.

Jon on December 31, 2008, at 10:53AM – #7

Oh, and the restaurants can get very crowded. Pretty encouraging given the economy. Wolfgang Puck's and Katsuya are yet to open, so hopefully demand is sustained. And it'd be great if Rivera, Bottle Rock and Hygge benefit from the overflow once those joints finally open.

D on December 31, 2008, at 10:56AM – #8

To supplement Lawrence, not only Fig Central, which will bring two towers of 45 and 55 stories with hotels, condos and a lower podium of all retail and a nice connection to the chick hearn pico blue line station as well. Other projects in the pipeline for the area include the South Park Parcel south of Fig Central, the Metropolis project north of LA Live, the boutique hotel proposed by AEG directly north of the Ritz as well as others planned for the entertainment district. once the credit crunch is over, which will be God knows when, we can get a full district. I think the most exciting part is going to be 11th street though, with all the south park and met loft retail being filled with bars and restaurants all the way to LA Live. i sincerely hope that the glass tower is built and that all the holes are plugged in that corridor.

Kate on December 31, 2008, at 01:35PM – #9

The kitchen exhausts are icky, that's for sure. But I went to the LA Weekly party, and then wandered around, and I sure saw lots of people--families with little kids, couples on dates--looking like they were having fun. (I live downtown, although way over by the 7th street bridge.)

I don't know that I'd go back, but that's just me. I never pay attention to the LAT's Hawthorne because, like Mikey, he hates everything. Didn't he write about liking Pershing Square or was that his predecessor?

The Grammy museum is okay, but not worth $15, and the gift shop is dreadful.

Jay on January 02, 2009, at 10:48AM – #10

I don't need a ball dropping down, but couldn't have LA Live come up with something other than the on-the-hour offering it's done all through December? When midnight finally struck on New Year's Eve, it was same old same old. There was no indication that a new year has just begun, not even a "Happy New Year" greeting on the screens. Instead "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." as was heard and seen all night and every night since the place opened. Then, at 12:07 a.m., the screens went dark along with the electric tree, as if bidding the sizeable crowd, "Show's over. Go home." I felt it was also saying, "Don't come back next year."

Purple Haze on January 02, 2009, at 11:21AM – #11

Those sunglasses Meshuga-Man was wearing... One hopes that they were/are kosher!

Russell Brown on January 03, 2009, at 10:16AM – #12

And don't forget, the intent is to tie all of this together with a streetcar. The stop is proposed to be near the Plaza jsut south of Staples and at the entrance to the Convention Center This could connect South Park, Broadway, Pershing Squarem Civic Center and Disney/ Music Center.

Streetcar Board and Project manager are set for January 2009 announcements. Passage of Measure R, High Speed Bullet Train Bond measure passage,committment of $10 mil from CRA, appropriation from Lucille Roybald Allard, a new Washington administration focused on infrastructure, urban policies and green technology issues also bode well. Add in an activist and involved downtown support group and we should be on our way.

Vanzant on January 04, 2009, at 04:33PM – #13

LA Live is an all restaraunt/bar venue. Ive been down there about 10 times or so and everywhere is busy before ad after games. ESPN zone is nice, but with 3 different bars and 4 rooms, it seems poorly designed. Its more fun to have the enire crowd in one big room for a game.

The Yard house design is awesome, one giant room, and even though it is the most hidden, its always the most packed, and the late night happy hour is the best value. They should be open til 2 every day though.

Nokia Plaza is a waste of space. Put something there, a ferris wheel, somethin! Nobody wants to stand around and look at screens. How bout one of those outdoor bars like they have at downtown Disney?

A streetcar on Figueroa linking south park with the rest of downtown would be nice too.

leeinluma on January 06, 2009, at 11:19AM – #14

Ate at The Farm last night. Had the meatloaf and partner had the Fried Chicken. The food was great but the dinning room was close to empty. I wasn't even sure if they were open, we were walking up to Zucca and by chance just popped in to see if they were serving, and were happy to find out that they are open for business!! So check it out when you get a chance. Walked through the plaza after dinner, but without a game at staples or concert at nokia or club nokia, not much happening. Still a great evening and just blocks from our loft. =]

Whats with the Target signs? on January 06, 2009, at 09:18PM – #15

This couple asked me last time I was there if I knew where the Target was...there is way to many Target signs...it makes no sense...and from what I know theres not even a target within 10 miles.

JM on January 07, 2009, at 09:06AM – #17

I was pleasantly surprised by LA Live when I finally went there a couple of weeks ago. I think it will be more of an attractive destination once the movie theater opens. The restaurants look OK, but, more than anything, it's nice to see people out and about. In general, it's amazing to see so many people walking around Downtown on a Saturday night nowadays. But the tree... The tree's GOT TO GO. A real tree might offset the metallic feel of the plaza. Food for thought for next year?

Susana on January 08, 2009, at 08:52AM – #19

I love the yardhouse. They did a great job in the lay out, the bar, the service..the food. It's good to know there will always be a place I can go to with my girls. I don't have to worry about them being too loud because they get crayons and a paper mat to distract them. It's a nice break from having to go downscale just because you have kids. Definitely going back for the happy hour on Sundays. Great deal.

Joe M on January 09, 2009, at 11:53AM – #20

It's fun to see people in Downtown at night.