This Afternoon: Don't Forget the Broadway Walk
Meléndrez
An early conceptual render for Broadway streetscape by Meléndrez shows on-street parking, extended sidewalk bump-outs for streetcar stations, sidewalk dining and design elements intended to bring to mind Broadway's historic terrazzo.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Want to weigh in on the future look of Broadway? This afternoon is your chance, as the Bringing Back Broadway effort and landscape architecture firm Meléndrez invite Downtowners to join them for the "Broadway Walk."
Scattered showers are supposed to be moving through Downtown the rest of the day, but just find a clear spot and head over to walk the street. Walkers should meet at the Chapman Building (756 S. Broadway) to get an introduction to the event and pick up a survey form.
If you missed it, be sure to check out our preview of the event, featuring an interview with Meléndrez's Melani Smith.
If you do make it out to the walk, stop back afterward and share your thoughts on the event and what you saw on the street.
Brian on February 17, 2009, at 01:28PM – #1
I work in the afternoons and can't make it (seems to be the case with most community input meetings about downtown. . . when are they going to start having meetings that are compatible with people who work during the weekday?).
My comment about the drawing - PLEASE NO FLOURISHES! :)
Let's be true to the historic core aesthetic.
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on February 17, 2009, at 01:32PM – #2
In fairness to the planners, the time was chosen in an to attempt to accomodate both those who work Downtown and would be attending as a job function (city people, particularly) and those who live Downtown and might be able to make it back by 6pm or so. It's not a perfect solution, but it was an attempt.
Brian on February 17, 2009, at 06:39PM – #3
I can appreciate the effort. Perhaps they should have more than one session?
John Swartz on February 18, 2009, at 10:32AM – #4
Awwwww. I just read this! I would have gone!
Go Bringing-Back-Broadway Go!
Go Streetcar-Car Go!
a t l on February 18, 2009, at 10:47AM – #5
I'm so disappointed that there are so many comments wanting Broadway to resemble the Americana and the Grove. Those places are contrived. They don't have the organic growth of a real urban commercial district. You can never start with a clean slate on a eal street like this.
And yes I agree, it would be a disservice to the Latino community and downtown as a whole if the voice of the existing business owners is not heard. Just remember that when all the big retailers abandoned Broadway, they're the ones that kept it going.
What I really want to know is how is this streetscape going to be integrated with what's already there. Yeah, it would be nice to see outdoor dining, but is the Panda King or Casa India well suited for this? Or is the plan to kick them out and replace them with a Starbucks?
Also, these bulb-outs for pedestrian crossing seem like a good idea, but there is a lot of busses on Broadway. During rush hour, busses use the parking lane. So I can just imagine the busses trying to weave in and out of these bulb-outs when traffic is heavy.
Lastly (for now), I know that designers like to make pretty pictures. But what good does a colorful swirly paving pattern do? Does it enhance or further emphasize the historic character of Broadway? Does it add to way finding or mark an important outdoor public space? That doesn't seem to be case. I hope next time we see a more realistic depiction of Broadway's character evolved, and not a generic image. That rendering could be a "street" at the Americana for all we know.
JCA on February 18, 2009, at 08:21PM – #6
I did the walk after I got home from work. It went until 7 you cant ask for more than that from a city event. I thought the time thing was good it started in the afternoon and went til 7 at night. There was plenty of time for people who work do it after work or do it earlier when it opened if they don't work daytime.
It was cool. I hope they get even half of those ideas really going. I liked the look of the trolleys I haven't seen them before now I want to go to Portland.
Jano on March 06, 2009, at 11:14AM – #7
I completely agree with ATL. Why does revitalization mean sterilization? Downtown is already becoming a cliche with these modern renovated lofts and restaurants. In 20 years it will be looked upon the same as 70's and 80's condos.
That artist's representation is butt-fugly. What is wrong with broadway now? Not enough pinkberry's or pasta-jay-jay's?