Downtown's Colorful Crosswalk Graphics
Ed Fuentes
Little Tokyo
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Downtown's crosswalks have been getting decorative imprints lately, adding a touch of graphics to the streets.
Little Tokyo has adopted the open fan on their wayfinder signage at 2nd and Central, and 2nd and San Pedro. Chinatown has installed monochrome dragons to welcome fortune and ensure safe passage through some of its major intersections on Broadway.
Then there is the manhole cover at Ord and Alameda, with markings that almost resemble a flower. Happy accident, or bored maintenance worker with a spray can?
David Kennedy on May 20, 2009, at 10:32AM – #1
I'm glad you guys saw this. I noticed it recently and wondered why you hadn't blogged about it. (Or maybe I had missed your post.) I love quirky little details like this.
JM on May 20, 2009, at 07:17PM – #2
I've noticed these too, but they look unfinished. What's the deal?
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on May 20, 2009, at 09:31PM – #3
The Little Tokyo and Chinatown models are completed designs, as far as I'm aware. To me, they look a little more natural once they've been worn in a bit. New, they stand out too much.
JM on May 21, 2009, at 08:52AM – #4
Thanks, Eric. Don't they usually place orange stones paving stones in those small squares? I'm thinking of the crosswalks on Main (5th and Main, for example).
John Swartz on May 21, 2009, at 09:14AM – #5
They could get creative with this and start doing it all over dntn. Say, paint a picture of paint brushes in gallery row or movie reals on Broadway, diamond rings in the jewelry dist, etc. Its kind've a neat touch.
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on May 21, 2009, at 09:31AM – #6
JM: The design at 5th/Main has a little color along the edge, but it's still just outlines. These designs are stamped, with I believe a plastic resin poured into the design elements. Colors are just different resins.
BobPal on May 21, 2009, at 10:50AM – #7
I think while they are somewhat visually appealing they have a big negative affect due to the noise they produce. I haven't walked near these new graphics but the ones near city hall are stamped into the street and produce a lot of noise when cars and buses drive over them.
Ed Fuentes on May 21, 2009, at 11:09AM – #8
I prefer these over the "cobblestone" crossings.
As for designs, the ideas are endless. They could even be functional and have the street names of the intersection, or designate north, south, east and west.
JM on May 21, 2009, at 11:48AM – #9
For the record, I like these designs too. I heard a local merchant complain about the cost and how the money could be put to better use, but I think they add something to each neighborhood, particularly as they are location-specific.
Jasmijn on May 23, 2009, at 12:21AM – #10
I watched them put down the Chinatown ones a month or so ago. I like them a lot, and the J-town ones too. I think they add a distinctive touch to the neighborhoods, and would like to see that continue elsewhere around downtown.
JM on May 28, 2009, at 08:55AM – #11
I walked by the Little Tokyo crossings on Monday, and there's no noticeable noise when cars pass over the designs.