Famima Heads to the Historic Core
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Upscale convenience chain Famima has blossomed Downtown in recent years, even as its efforts elsewhere in the Los Angeles area have met with mixed success.
The chain closed its Culver City location last month, but will soon be opening its seventh Downtown location according to city permit filings.
A signage permit application places the new location in the Spring Arcade Building, likely in the area currently closed off for construction at 544 S. Broadway. Two applications were filed last Thursday, one for a window sign and one for an exterior sign.
The location will be the closest one to the Historic Core's large residential population. The company's other six locations are focused on office workers and transit users.
The Spring Arcade building reopened as a residential property last year after a lengthy on-again-off-again conversion.
Famima's first Downtown location opened in October of 2006. Three of the company's Downtown locations—Union Station, 700 Wilshire and 727 W. 7th—are open 24 hours.
derblut on November 22, 2011, at 08:59PM – #1
Awesome news! I'd prefer it on the Spring Street side, but Broadway needs more love.
Chris Loos on November 23, 2011, at 12:21PM – #2
Nice!! We need more of this, and less of the discount crap. Spring Arcade is way too nice of a building to be filled with shops selling discount clothing and knock-off electronics.
Rich on November 23, 2011, at 05:59PM – #3
I'd love to see the Arcade turn into a gourmet food market like the Ferry Building. It would be perfect!
Robert A on November 24, 2011, at 06:41AM – #4
I actually had heard that the owner of the building is not renewing existing contracts...so we could see big changes ahead. I think there is so much potential in the Spring/Broadway Arcade.
Simon Hartigan on November 24, 2011, at 11:38AM – #5
Robert A, are you referring to contracts for retail space or residential? And I agree, this is definitely exciting!