Growth & Development

Industrial Land Use Policy Gets an Award?

By Eric Richardson — June 18, 2008
1 Comment

Arts District

Perhaps the Downtown Art Walk shouldn't be so proud of its L.A. APA Awards win. Curbed has a list of the winners, and one of the awards went to the Planning Department and the Community Redevelopment Agency for their work on the Industrial Land Use Policy.


Perry Pushes Motion to Reconsider Pershing Square Improvements

By Eric Richardson — June 17, 2008
8 Comments

Pershing Square's Palm Court

City Council today voted to assert jurisdiction over the recent Park Commissioners decision to move forward with a $190,000 renovation of Pershing Square's Palm Court. The motion by Councilwoman Jan Perry says that "Legitimate questions have been raised about this action which need further review."


Developers Say Downtown Market Still Strong, Despite Recent Troubles

By Eric Richardson — June 17, 2008
2 Comments

Downtown Housing Forum

At today's 10th Annual CCA Downtown Housing Forum, developers made the case that Downtown is still a great place to be developing residential properties. Developer Tom Gilmore moderated a panel that featured five other developers and one broker. Common to each presentation was a pride in how far Downtown has come over the past ten years, and a confidence...


Loft Appeal Expands; Opens Second Location in the Arts District

By Eric Richardson — June 16, 2008
2 Comments

Loft Appeal Grand Opening

On Saturday night, Downtown furnishings staple Loft Appeal held the grand opening for its second store, located in the Arts District. Owners Rich Reams and Ron Senger were some of the early retail pioneers in this Downtown renaissance, opening their store at 9th and Hill in the fall of 2004. Their new space at 521 S. Hewitt is located in the Barker Block, Kor...


Pershing Square's Palm Court Getting $190,000 Renovation

By Eric Richardson — June 13, 2008
113 Comments

Pershing Square's Palm Court

The development of neighboring Park Fifth may eventually lead to a multi-million dollar redesign of Pershing Square, but in the interim a $190,000 renovation to the Palm Court will add amenities to a neglected part of the park. Funding for the project was approved last Thursday, and will come out of fees generated by nearby developments. The Palm Court, located...


Images Colorful Rocks Added to 9th and Main Median

By Eric Richardson — June 11, 2008
25 Comments

Blobs of Light

The new median at 9th and Main moved one step closer to its whimsical final design this week, as domes made out of colorful rocks were installed into the triangular space. Each dome has a single string of lights embedded into it, providing nighttime light and color. Other lights shine up from beneath the recently installed trees.


Grand Avenue Committee Plays Tough with Related?

By Eric Richardson — June 09, 2008
15 Comments

Erector Set Lot at Disney Hall

In a story posted just minutes ago, Cara DiMassa of the Times writes that the Grand Avenue Committee is playing tough with Related Companies, denying the developer's request to delay until February of 2009 and instead approving an extension until just August. Instead of approving developer Related Cos.' requested delay, the joint powers authority approved...


Longtime Locals Add to Main Street Retail with Raw Materials and Winstead Adams

By Eric Richardson — June 06, 2008
7 Comments

Opening

Jim and Celia Winstead need little introduction for many Downtowners. The pair have lived Downtown for longer than most, individually before getting married in the summer of 2006. This past week they announced (Jim, Celia) two new ventures: an art and architecture supplies store named Raw Materials and Winstead Adams Projects, a gallery collaboration with brother...


Images Exposing History at the Hayward

By Eric Richardson — June 06, 2008
1 Comment

Hayward Plaque

When workers started tearing a mid-century metal facade off the 6th street addition to the Hayward Hotel, they uncovered a great link to Los Angeles history. At ground level on the eastern edge of the building was a plaque commemorating its original owner, H.C. Fryman, and its architects, John and Donald Parkinson. The Parkinson name is hardly an obscure one...


Welcome Back, Brockman

By Eric Richardson — June 04, 2008
2 Comments

Welcome Back Brockman

The Brockman, West Millennium Group's project at the corner of 7th and Grand, is finally out in the open. Over the past two days, the wooden canopy covering the sidewalk and hiding the building from view has been removed. As with other unveilings, its removal makes for a startling change in the feel of the corner. It was last February that the black shroud...