Downtown Los Angeles: Will it ever become a real vibrant entity? (London: fit in, loft)

[the one]

well i cant afford to buy in nice parts of pasadena. but that dont stop me from having dinner there or going for a drink.

it will be vibrant FOR all.

i have already noticed more typical LA folk around DT. by typical i mean black and brown folks.

[motoman]

Originally Posted by the one

well i cant afford to buy in nice parts of pasadena. but that dont stop me from having dinner there or going for a drink.

it will be vibrant FOR all.

i have already noticed more typical LA folk around DT. by typical i mean black and brown folks.

Again, if you can afford it. Ever been to ESPN Zone? This is part of the revitalization of downtown LA. A beer and a burger will cost you $20+. I don't know many people that can afford to spend that on a beer and a burger very often.

It will only be vibrant for all when the economy reaches bottom and people come to the realization that you can't live the high life on $50,000 a year. LA is still living in a dream world, a dream world that few can afford, which is why the housing market has tanked, unemployment is approaching 10%, rents are coming down in some areas, many people are getting pay cuts just to keep their job, etc.

The fake world LA has been living in the last 5+ years will not return, no matter how much you ignore reality. Downtown will continue to improve, but it will be much different than was once envisioned. It will be much more subdued.

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by motoman

Again, if you can afford it. Ever been to ESPN Zone? This is part of the revitalization of downtown LA. A beer and a burger will cost you $20+. I don't know many people that can afford to spend that on a beer and a burger very often.

less than $10 if you go during happy hour. i was there before a hockey game a few weeks ago and the place was packed. any time other than that it's a total waste. there are obviously much better places to eat in LA, even in the neighborhood. I'd rather spend my money on greasy/unhealthy food at The Pantry.

[motoman]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

less than $10 if you go during happy hour. i was there before a hockey game a few weeks ago and the place was packed. any time other than that it's a total waste. there are obviously much better places to eat in LA, even in the neighborhood. I'd rather spend my money on greasy/unhealthy food at The Pantry.

I'll have to check it out during happy hour. My girlfriend and I went there before a Clippers game a few weeks back. Had free tickets. I think it was cheaper to eat inside Staples than it was at ESPNZ. Ha. So we had a couple of drinks at ESPNZ and then had a dog and some more beer at Staples.

I agree. So much variety in LA, even downtown. You can find reasonably priced eats and drinks. You don't have to blow a day's pay to fill your belly and stumble home.

[CamaroGuy]

Originally Posted by adysmom

I have been to MacArthur Park and you are right it doesn't feel like America. But most of SoCal doesn't feel like America. Their is so many places that you think you have crossed over the Mexico and didn't know it.

I know what you mean!

[the one]

well 10$ drinks is the standard in lots of places.

hollywood, pas, westside, DT.

it dont stop me and my friends from having a drink. but you will most likely find us at the happy hours that serve 2 to 3$ pints. 3 to 4$ bar bites.

it will still be vibrant. will it be for everyone. not yet.

i do feel protective of DT, mostly because i have been enjoying DT for more than 30 years. and i do resent some newcomers, but its ok. im fine with change. as long as the underground spots still exist. im ok.

i can always avoid the glitzy spots.

i like choices.
it will be like old town pas. you can go to 35ers or you can go to Villas.

Originally Posted by motoman

Again, if you can afford it. Ever been to ESPN Zone? This is part of the revitalization of downtown LA. A beer and a burger will cost you $20+. I don't know many people that can afford to spend that on a beer and a burger very often.

It will only be vibrant for all when the economy reaches bottom and people come to the realization that you can't live the high life on $50,000 a year. LA is still living in a dream world, a dream world that few can afford, which is why the housing market has tanked, unemployment is approaching 10%, rents are coming down in some areas, many people are getting pay cuts just to keep their job, etc.

The fake world LA has been living in the last 5+ years will not return, no matter how much you ignore reality. Downtown will continue to improve, but it will be much different than was once envisioned. It will be much more subdued.

[LALady]

Originally Posted by Rwarky

Will Downtown Los Angeles ever become a vibrant and important entity like the downtown areas of Chicago, Philadelphia. Boston, Seattle, and other cities with great urban cores?

It's all about transportation and LA's crowded freeways. We struggle to get to work on congested freeways and boulevards during the week. Who wants to drive back into town on the weekend? In those other great cities, middle class live in the city or are able to jump on subways to come into town.

[Loftspecialist]

Sounds like Mat345 is the only one on here that actually lives downtown. I've been living down here the past seven years and love it. I guess a poll could be based on opinions, but I find it hard to believe accurate if those opinions have no actual experience to draw from. There is no other place in Southern Cal that comes close to living downtown. To understand this, one must live here.

[US-Traveller]

Chicago's inner-core, the Loop, is very much similar to Los Angeles's Downtown. It is just office space, not too many shops, restaurants, or much residential space. People all too often blend Michigan Avenue and the Rush Street areas of the Gold Coast and Streeterville with Downtown. The Loop is truly Chicago's Downtown. Lower Manhattan (Downtown New York) is dead as well. I don't think Downtown Los Angeles will ever become an active area, nor does it need to be.

[JustinThyme]

Originally Posted by Rwarky

Will Downtown Los Angeles ever become a vibrant and important entity like the downtown areas of Chicago, Philadelphia. Boston, Seattle, and other cities with great urban cores?

Call me crazy, but I've always loved downtown L.A. I've seen it down and dirty, and I've seen it vibrant. The thing is, you can't compare it to other cities. I've never lived right in the heart of it, but have many friends who have -- from towers of wealth to dinky little lofts, and studios. Maybe tourists come here expecting more, but there are other places for tourists -- Venice, Santa Monica, the new and improved Hollywood, Universal Citywalk. Fine.

Finally, thanks for all the great pictures Sorcerer68. I thought immediately of the Bradbury Building and Disney Center, but you outdid yourself. Viva Los Angeles, and all of its cultures and mixed up beauty!