“You cannot have a city that is defined by a beach, two theme parks, and a sign.â€
Chuckles and cheers erupted at the “Bringing Broadway Back†Press Conference this morning after Carol Schatz pronounced this truth for the ages. Ms. Schatz is the President and CEO of the Central City Association of Los Angeles and Downtown Center Business Improvement District. I’m assuming her business card folds. At any rate, she was one of many downtown advocates who joined in support of the vision of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Council District 14 Representative Jose Huizar to revitalize the “Broadway Corridor†in downtown Los Angeles.
This morning, a group of reporters and downtown residents shuffled into the Los Angeles Theater to learn about the latest downtown revitalization project. The red carpet is stained, the elaborate architectural elements are in desperate need of repair and cleaning. When I saw the three violinists playing atop the grand staircase just in front of the grand crystal fountain, I couldn’t help thinking of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. It was trying so hard to be what it used to be, but we all noticed the filthy velvet curtains and the smell of public neglect.
I think this is what they wanted though. The meeting focused on the glamor Broadway used to have and how we can work together to bring it back. The initial phase will cost about $40 million. Yowza! The city has already allocated $17 million and local property owners have also committed to sizable financial contributions. Everyone is abuzz with excitement, but the biggest tickle of all is the promise of the return of the Broadway streetcar. Clang! Clang! Clang!
I wonder what our favorite guy in the know, Mr. Developer, thinks about the whole affair …
Mr. Developer: “The city appears to have a one-year plan, a ten-year plan, and intermediate steps in between. They’re organized, holding meetings and spending money on making the process move forward. In addition, they have buy-in from the government, the property owners, and the community. These are all good signs.
“In the first year, they’ll have design guidelines for sidewalks, signage, and lighting. In the longer term, the plan is to renovate the old beautiful theaters, make the area cleaner and safer for residents and visitors, and to reintroduce the streetcar. The streetcar will be a tough project, but well worth the cost and effort as it will connect LA Live to the Grand Avenue Project.
“Broadway is already an activated area during the day, full of a diverse mix of people. Delicious restaurants pepper the area from WoodSpoon on 9th and Main to Blossom on Main and Winston. Let’s not forget the classics like Clifton’s on Broadway! Also, trendy bars are heavily patronized such as The Golden Gopher, Broadway Bar, and 7 Grand .
“Folks who live in the area can easily walk to work, and do. Right now, night life is a spare in the area, but events like the monthly Downtown Art Walk are changing that along with various performances at the Orpheum.
“The attention this area is receiving from local government and property owners coupled with the breathtaking architecture is driving it to become a highly desirable area to visit, work, and live in.â€
Welp, I suppose Billy Greer, downtown resident and Director of the Governor’s L.A. office, summed it up best, “Soon Broadway will be back, so bring it on!â€
And the most eloquent thing I can think to say? Clang! Clang! Clang! Whheeee!!
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