If you were able to be God for one day just to be able to change the location of L.A., which 4 of these would you do? (Los Angeles: live, versus)

[Chicano3000X]

??

[Bunjee]

Downtown is where it is because, believe it or not, it's at the mouth of the L.A. River. It's just not a typical river, but seasonal. Anyone thinking it's not really a river hasn't lived here long enough to recall all the drownings (including a kid I knew in junior high) that happen when it floods. The reason it was paved is because the basin fills with braided streams that would make it impossible during the rainy season. And we still have flooding problems.

That's the particular geology here we have to understand first. Now the typical response is: Why build a city here then? Well, Chicago was built on a swamp and requires massive engineering to keep it from sinking. 'Tis what 'tis.

Downtowns become downtowns because they're attractive locations for business and civic life. In that sense, there's already a downtown by the ocean, Santa Monica. DTLA is attracting more business and if the money's there it'll attract more. No divine fiat necessary.

Would downtown "look better" by the sea? Maybe. I like the mountain backdrop, though. I say leave things as is and let DT evolve as it will. (Uh-oh, I hear a God versus evolution bit coming...)

[Chicano3000X]

Originally Posted by Bunjee

Downtown is where it is because, believe it or not, it's at the mouth of the L.A. River. It's just not a typical river, but seasonal. Anyone thinking it's not really a river hasn't lived here long enough to recall all the drownings (including a kid I knew in junior high) that happen when it floods. The reason it was paved is because the basin fills with braided streams that would make it impossible during the rainy season. And we still have flooding problems.

That's the particular geology here we have to understand first. Now the typical response is: Why build a city here then? Well, Chicago was built on a swamp and requires massive engineering to keep it from sinking. 'Tis what 'tis.

Downtowns become downtowns because they're attractive locations for business and civic life. In that sense, there's already a downtown by the ocean, Santa Monica. DTLA is attracting more business and if the money's there it'll attract more. No divine fiat necessary.

Would downtown "look better" by the sea? Maybe. I like the mountain backdrop, though. I say leave things as is and let DT evolve as it will. (Uh-oh, I hear a God versus evolution bit coming...)

Thanks for the explanation.

I think the L.A. river would look amazing with high rises on either side and walkways in between. Just like the Chicago river. Of all the years I wonder why the city never decided to make something architecturally impressive with the river.

Is it me or has L.A. always been a city that never cared how it looks?

[HunterK]

Originally Posted by Chicano3000X

Thanks for the explanation.

I think the L.A. river would look amazing with high rises on either side and walkways in between. Just like the Chicago river. Of all the years I wonder why the city never decided to make something architecturally impressive with the river.

Is it me or has L.A. always been a city that never cared how it looks?

Absolutely not. We've torn down many of our most beautiful buildings among other things that helped keep the city from looking as dull as it does now.

[jaypee]

I'd move downtown closer to the beach.

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by HunterK

Absolutely not. We've torn down many of our most beautiful buildings among other things that helped keep the city from looking as dull as it does now.

You can call it ugly but there is nothing dull about the way Los Angeles looks - except for maybe the skyline but who cares about that.

[SalParadise]

Downtown LA is where it is because of something called the "Law of the Indies" which was the body of laws the Spanish crown used to settle its colonies in the New World.

Town settlement required location near a river/water source (LA river) and had to be within a days walking distance of a mission (San Gabriel Mission).

[mt971x]

Why we always gotta over complicate things? Just keep it as it is. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by SalParadise

Downtown LA is where it is because of something called the "Law of the Indies" which was the body of laws the Spanish crown used to settle its colonies in the New World.

Town settlement required location near a river/water source (LA river) and had to be within a days walking distance of a mission (San Gabriel Mission).

Which also explains the unique alignment of downtown and its immediate surrounds.

I have also read that it had to be placed a certain distance from the shore to avoid being pillaged by pirates (not sure if that was really relevant at the time LA was founded).

[wrcousert]

If I had god like powers, I'd float Downtown about a mile up like the hallelujah mountains in the movie "Avatar".