A Grandiose Paseo?

Eric, regarding the pedestrian connection over the 101, here's what's out there... In 1997 & 1999, the City applied for funds to connect Union Station and The Civic Center in two phases. The Projects are "off-budget" and not yet started, even. Actually, I can't even find whether or not they've actually been funded. The project descriptions (in 2004) read:

Phase I : "Design/construct concrete deck over part of 101 and Eastbound offramp at Los Angeles Street along both sides of N. Main to provide pad for pedestrians as part of improving the pedestrian link between City Hall and Olvera Street."

Phase II: "Construction of a pedestrian deck over the 101 Fwy between Main and Los Angeles Sta. (Segment 1) to restore viable pedestrian access between Union Station and the Civic Center, which was severed when the 101 Fwy was constructed. "

Phase I was estimated at $1,077,00 and Phase II was at $1,619,000.

The Project Manager in 2004 was Wenn Chyn at Engineering (213-847-5817) - who knows if he's still there or if the number is still good!

I was wonder if maybe they were confusing this with the supposed project to connect the Chinatown Gold Line station to a large mall/complex thing to be built where Little Joe's still sits, barricaded up, almost 10 years after the last plate of spaghetti came out of the kitchen.

But I guess not. Whatever happened to that project though?

Little Joe's is a historic landmark, the last icon of a once vibrant Italian community. I hope they never tear Little Joe's down, no matter what.

Build around the last original Italian restaurant, but please don't tear it down. Same goes for the Old Milling Company.

Historic preservation is vital to LA's culture, heritage, and keeping our history alive for future generations and tourists to see.

Stop the wrecking ball. Save our historic buildings!!

This talk of a connector of Olvera Street, El Pueblo and Union Station to the Civic Center in its present form is a foolish idea. The 101 is truly a massive and hostile barrier. I speak from experience. During the MTA strike a couple of years ago, I walked from Broadway & Third to Union Station to catch my Metrolink train. Crossing the 101 was always an unpleasant experience. Modern freeways are massive and noisy environments. They are completely incompatible with pedestrians. They should only be experienced from the pleasant confines of a sealed vehicle.

Yes, I understand the connector idea would shield the pedestrian from the freeway. My sense is it is just a band-aid solution. Essentially, it would be creating a tunnel of sorts.

The only way I can see this connector idea working is to cover the entire 101 trench. Turn it into green space for public use. I read recently this is being advocated for a stretch of the 101 freeway in Hollywood. The elimination of the noise and the sight of the freeway would make the environment much more ammenible to pedestrian use.

So the other night, I decided to take in the 'paseo' as it exists now. The twins were restless and I wanted to head somewhere different. So we jumped on the Red Line and got off at Union Station.

Union Station is a stunningly beautiful building. While now quite busy as the hub of the Metrolink, terminus for the MTA's Red and Gold Lines, and a mini-station for Greyhound, with the MTA headquarters, government offices and the transit plaza all adjacent, large portions of the original building remain unused and waiting patiently to be put to good use. Yep, with its very large indoor spaces and lovely courtyards, the Museum of Neon Art could definitely put this space to superb use. It is always a special pleasure to walk Union Station.

Before crossing Alameda, I decided to check out that new housing project next door. Basically, it faces Union Station and wraps around the corner of the parking lot on the northwest corner of Sunset & Alameda. Earlier I suggested it would have been better if this project included some kind of retail to animate the street level. As I wandered about, I could see the ground floor was used for shared low-value purposes for residents like administrative offices, community rooms and a fitness center. My gut tells me too bad the space wasn't used more imaginatively with something which connected the place to its surroundings. As it stands now, this residential area stands apart from its surroundings.

I ended up heading across Alameda and checked out the new historic momument mini-park. I'd seen the construction ongoing for ages. I was curious to see how it had turned out. Basically, there was a small elevated fountain and garden overlooking a small grassy area. There was a modest 'stage' for public ceremonies or activities. A simple mural decorated the background. I liked how it was sheltered from the street. I'm sure in the future my kids will put the space to good use. Since I was pushing a stroller, I was satisfied with the layout of the disabled access.

I entered Olvera Street from the Sunset side. Not too busy in the early evening. Most, but not, all the vendors were closed. Obviously, with the stroller I wasn't going to be able to check out any of the shops with their staircases heading up or down. Still, surrounded by these old buildings, one gets a real sense of place far from the image of modern Los Angeles. I liked it. I caught a glimpse of the whitewashed mural being restored on the roof of Italian Hall.

As I wandered across the plaza, I visited the nativity scene. I was surprised to find the figures were exact copies of the set which my parents have, only life-sized. Clearly, the figures were produced from the same mold dating back decades with distribution reaching thousands of miles from here.

It is amazing how these buildings on the west side of the plaza are so under-utilized. Pico House could easily be a small hotel. The adjacent buildings could become restaurants and more interesting shops. One could easily imagine the area bustling with life long into the evening hours. Clearly, this is another place which is waiting patiently to be put to vital use.

As I headed back to Union Station, I got a very good sense of how the Union Station site has been redeveloped. I've heard criticism that the development has overwhelmed the station. However, from this vantage point, Union Station appears well framed by its neighbors. Perhaps, a little bland in comparison. Then again, it is hard to imagine attention being drawn away from regal Union Station.

Before I got on the Red Line, I made one final happy discovery. The entrance to the Gold Line station has a mosaic installed in the area surrounding the elevator to the platform. I'd never seen it before and I took a moment to investigate. The lighting wasn't ideal given the late hour. But, I was intrigued by the artist's vision. I'll definitely have to return to see it in daylight.

Soon enough, we were back on the Red Line and on our way home. Fortunately, by now the boys were finally asleep. All in all, I very much enjoyed the paseo as it exists now. I only expect as it matures and develops further, it will become an even more interesting place to visit in the future.