Local kids walk toward their newly revived lofts in what was once an undesirable place to even drive through.Downtown LA -- A few years ago, City planners and creative investors began a project in Downtown Los Angeles. Sections once ruled by drug-infested Skid Row, slowly turned into an attractive place to live. Now, more and more 19th and 20th century buildings are becoming upscale condos, studio apartments and artsy lofts. Trendy restaurants and chic boutiques are popping up like spring flowers. Visitors will find hip coffee houses and Gen-X hangouts lining the 120-plus year old streets. But urban hazards still lurk around corners--there is still more work to be had.
5 comments:
I'm glad your less desirable parts of town are being done up - but I hope that those who lived there before are also provided for and not just priced out and forced to go somewhere else undesirable.
Are the people using umbrellas because of the sun? It looks funny, with some people with umbrellas and some in shirtsleeves!
That's what they did with the Gaslamp District in San Diego. I remember when they were planning it and everyone was like "are you kidding?"! Now it's a great place to walk around.
I love watching neighborhoods revitalize, not only to see the old buildings restored and a new fun place created, but also because it's fun to gawk at the stupid yuppies. It's especially fun to see their reactions when gun shots ring out, or a crazy drunk homeless dude rolls toward them in a wheelchair and exposes himself. haha
Downtown LA has always been underappreciated, I think. Seriously, this sounds like a fantastic project. I haven't been downtown since the new complex went up across the street from Staples. I bet it's totally different, and it's only been 2 years.
Jackie: I appreciate your compassion regarding people getting priced out. From my understanding, so many of the buildings were uninhabitable, and/or illegally inhabited with people addicted to drugs. The good news is that Los Angeles has a number of organizations for people with addictions--LA Mission for one (I have a friend who recently completed the program). There is still "affordable" housing elsewhere in and around LA.
...as for the umbrellas: the day was fairly warm and sprinkling.
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