Growth & Development

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...


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...


Images Grand Opening for Upper Playground and The Last Laugh

By Dave Bullock — June 03, 2008
4 Comments

Classic Car

Famous tattoo artist and painter Mister Cartoon along with the Bay Area based urban fashion store Upper Playground had their grand opening on Saturday, May 31st, in a sprawling new location on 6th street between Main and Los Angeles. Hopefully the good turnout on their first day will continue and their business will thrive. I took the long trek down the elevator...


City West's Garland Building More Than Meets the Eye

By Eric Richardson — May 28, 2008
3 Comments

Garland Building

While waiting for existing tenant leases in Figueroa Plaza to expire, three city departments will be extending their leases in the Garland Building, a City West office building that’s got a little more going on than one sees at first glance. Located just west of the 110 freeway at 1200 W. 7th street, the Garland Building is a bit like an iceberg. It contains...


Images Hayward Facade Work Looks to Enliven 6th & Spring Retail

By Eric Richardson — May 28, 2008
16 Comments

Hayward Hotel Retail Renovations

The ground floor retail space in the Hayward Hotel at 6th & Spring is getting a major rehab, part of owner Pacific Investments’ efforts to upgrade the building’s presence in the Historic Core. Worn awnings are giving way to ceiling-high windows and a modern feel. The effect, even in its current, unfinished form is a more open feel to the sidewalk...


Images Vocational Center Another Victim of 1960's Uglification Movement

By Eric Richardson — May 27, 2008
10 Comments

Friedman Occupational Center

The Abram Friedman Occupational Center at 1646 S. Olive is an odd looking building. Built in 1927, the imposing height-limit structure is completely lacking in the seemingly important category of windows. Turns out it wasn’t always this way. Like too many buildings Downtown, the Friedman Occupational Center was once a perfectly normal looking structure...


Images Views Highlight South Park's Changing Personality

By Eric Richardson — May 26, 2008

Juxtaposition

Nowhere is the changing nature of South Park more evident than at the corner of James M. Wood Blvd. and Francisco street. Located on the corner there is the Salvation Army’s regional headquarters, a cluster of old buildings hugging the one-way street. Looming in the background is the rising steel for L.A. Live’s skyscraper hotel, soon to be a symbol...