A N N U A L
2015
3 5 T H
OF DOWNTOWN
special advertising supplement
icons
capture the stories of saints and sinners in the spirit of the Greek word “image.” each year in los angeles, the ancient tradition
of icon “writing” is renewed in a week-long workshop at the Episcopal Church’s Cathedral Center of St. Paul — home to a congregation that this Christmas will mark its 150th year of ministry Downtown. Resplendent in gold leaf and rich oils, the icons are said to be “written” in the More about this artistry, and the week-long Cathedral Center workshop offered by the Icon Guild of Southern California, may be obtained by emailing media@ladiocese.org. Similarly, drawing on its 150-year tradition in L.A., the Episcopal Church remains an
enduring canvas capturing stories of iconic people and places Downtown and beyond. “One cathedral ministry in two locations” is the mission to which Bishop Jon Bruno has called the Cathedral Center in Echo Park and St. John’s Pro-Cathedral near USC. Continuing the heritage of previous landmark buildings on Temple, Olive and Figueroa streets, these churches are houses of prayer for all people, welcoming you to services on Sundays and throughout the week. Come explore and express new facets of your own faith journey.
caThedral cenTer of sT. paul
pro-caThedral of sT. John
840 echo PArk Avenue WWW.cAthedrAlcenter.com 213.482.2o4o
514 W. AdAms BoulevArd WWW.stjohnslA.org 213.747.6285
PHOTOS COURTESY THE ICON GUILD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
sense that the designing artist recounts a story of faith and focus rooted in the Divine.
The episcopal church Welcomes You
CONTENTS
Vision Becomes Reality
Landmark Address for All 4 ABrookfield Property Partners Continues to Propel Downtown’s Renaissance as the Largest Owner of High-Rise Office Towers and Tradition 5 Creativity The Landmark Pilgrim School Merges Academics, Technology and Art Century Of Success 6 ASkidQuarter Row Housing Trust Marks Milestone in the Fight Against Homelessness Iconic Live-Work Solution 8 An TENTEN Wilshire Offers Everything a Tenant and Entrepreneur Could Want, Under One Roof Fashion Icon 9 AFIDM Dazzles With Cutting-Edge Education and an International Network of Graduates Best in the Business 10 The Nabih Youssef Structural Engineers Sets the Bar for Performance Based Engineering and Plan Check Peer Reviews With a Vision 12 ItACBegan Martin Has Shaped the Downtown Community for 109 Years On 150 Years Downtown 14 Building The Episcopal Church Welcomes the Community to Its Two Locations Kid on The Bloc 15 New Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Enlivens the Historic Seventh Street Corridor Leader Related California Introduces The Emerson 18 Industry Artistically Designed and Perfectly Curated Luxury Development Sets a New Benchmark For Rental Living Icons, One Enduring Restaurant Tradition 20 Two The Original Pantry Turns 90, While Riordan’s Tavern Becomes a Neighborhood Favorite Educational Icon 21 An Los Angeles Trade-Technical College Builds a 90-Year Legacy of Changing Lives Heart of Downtown 22 The Historic Pershing Square Has Gathered Angelenos Since 1866 Eruption of Culinary Art 23 An Wokcano Founder Michael Kwan Expands His Downtown Empire Destination 24 ATheDazzling Westin Bonaventure Hotel Leaves a Lasting Impression on Visitors, and the Downtown Skyline Well-Trained Workforce 25 ADowntown Advocate Jan Perry Heads Department Aimed at Helping Job Seekers and Employers
After Nearly Two Decades of Revitalization, Downtown L.A. Has Arrived
D
riving through the streets of Downtown Los Angeles, one is instantly struck by the change that has swept through the city’s center in recent years. Stylish restaurants sprout in between Arts District warehouses and railroad tracks, booked months in advance with eager patrons. A bar on a once shady side street in Historic Downtown overflows midweek with vibrant activity and laughter. Residents walk around the corner from their loft to buy gourmet groceries while stylish boutiques bring in new crowds. Since Gilmore Associates opened the first adaptive reuse loft project in the Old Bank District some 15 years ago, a stalwart group of Downtown pioneers, businesses, institutions and believers have remained faithful to the idea that the area would once again have its day in the sun. Architects and builders, property owners and restaurateurs, preservationists and educators, have all stood shoulder to shoulder in the battle to bring back Downtown L.A. Related California has finally seen its long-awaited plans come to fruition as it welcomes the first residents of its stun-
ning new luxury apartment tower, The Emerson. Part of the first phase of a vision to transform Grand Avenue into a cultural destination, the iconic and stylish new residence will feature a destination restaurant by noted restaurateur Agostino Sciandri. Likewise, Brookfield continues to propel Downtown’s renaissance as the largest owner of high-rise office towers, including its newly redone shopping and dining showpiece, FIGat7th.t A few blocks south, the L.A. Live sports and entertainment district has become Downtown’s iconic playground, a community gathering place and catalyst for the area’s development boom. From the cutting-edge L.A. Trade Tech College, which has educated the local populace for 90 years, to business advocates such as the Central City Association and the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, to the Skid Row Housing Trust’s efforts to fight homelessness, Downtown has a strong team in its corner. Icons 2014 highlights several of these iconic institutions that have helped to build a better future for Downtown Los Angeles.
Approach 26 A‘Lifestyle’ PacMutual Transforms Into Downtown’s Hottest Office Complex and Community Lives Better 26 Making Water and Power Community Credit Union Invests in Downtown’s Future
27
Editor and Publisher
What’s Old is New Again Little Tokyo Honors Its Past While Embracing the Future
Taix Tradition 28 The Beloved French Brasserie Celebrates 87 Years
29
A Catalyst for Revitalization The DCBID Means Business When It Comes to Downtown L.A.
29
An Advocate for the City The CCA Continues to Spearhead the Downtown Renaissance
30
Downtown’s Iconic Playground L.A. Live Creates a Campus for the Community, and Launches a New Loyalty Program
Sue LariS
Account Executives
Dawn eaStin
yoJi CoLe, Steve epStein, Catherine hoLLoway
Executive Editor
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Jon regarDie
CLauDia hernanDez
Staff Writers
Accounting
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aShLey SChmiDt
Contributing Editor
Circulation
General Manager
Kathryn maeSe
Brian aLLiSon Assistant Art Director
yumi Kanegawa
Production and Graphics
aLexiS rawLinS
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Address: 1264 W. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90026. Telephone: (213) 481-1448. Fax: (213) 250-4617.
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©Los Angeles Downtown News 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except brief extracts for the purpose of review or promotion, without the written permission of the publisher and copyright owner.
Icons of downtown 3
A Landmark Address for All Brookfield Property Partners Continues to Propel Downtown’s Renaissance as the Largest Owner of High-Rise Office Towers
A
s Downtown Los Angeles’ largest owner of high-rise office towers, more than 8.35 million square feet in seven buildings, Brookfield Property Partners is uniquely positioned to offer high-quality, progressive office environments to businesses in virtually every industry. From historic Bunker Hill to the vibrant Figueroa Financial Corridor, Brookfield’s iconic Downtown Los Angeles office addresses include: Wells Fargo Center, North & South Towers Located in the heart of the prestigious Bunker Hill district, the North and South Towers of Wells Fargo Center have long been the address of choice of the nation’s leading financial and legal institutions. Connected by a soaring glass atrium, the LEED Gold Towers are located within walking distance of the district’s many cultural showpieces, including MOCA, Disney Hall, the Music Center and coming soon, the exquisite Broad Museum. Bank of America Plaza One of Bunker Hill’s long-standing and award-winning landmark addresses, Bank of America Plaza boasts an expansive landscaped plaza and gardens, with eucalyptus, orange, jacaranda and ornamental pear trees, and is highlighted by Alexander Calder’s landmark “Four Arches” sculpture and three 24-foot waterfalls at the heart of the plaza. The Gas Company Tower Simply one of the most striking office towers on the Downtown skyline, The Gas Company Tower is an awardwinning, Class A architectural landmark centrally located on the southern end of Bunker Hill, within a short walk of the eclectic amenities of the bourgeoning Historic Core. Adjacent to the Biltmore Hotel, Perch restaurant and Pershing Square, The Gas Company Tower features the highest quality architectural finishes, the most efficient
4 Icons of downtown
floor plan in the market, and is situated to allow for easy access to the Pershing Square Metro Center. Figueroa at Wilshire Designed by renowned architectural firm AC Martin and featuring one of the skyline’s most distinctive crowns at its apex, Figueroa at Wilshire provides contemporary Class A office space in the heart of the amenity-rich Financial District, with direct access to the 7th Street Metro Center and 110 Freeway. Figueroa at Wilshire’s Walk-Score of 88 allows tenants to stroll and enjoy the most of what Downtown has to offer without requiring motorized transportation. Ernst & Young Plaza Standing tall at the intersection of Seventh and Figueroa streets, Ernst & Young Plaza has enviable LEED Platinum status, and ranks second in the United States and eighth worldwide for environmental efficiency. The incredible work environment at Ernst &Young Plaza features a beautifully landscaped 2.5-acre courtyard that includes complimentary Wi-Fi, and offers direct access into FIGat7th, Downtown’s signature shopping and dining destination. 777 Tower Located opposite Ernst & Young Plaza across the street from the FIGat7th shopping and dining destination, 777 Tower is an internationally acclaimed, Class A office tower designed by Cesar Pelli. With its white, articulated superstructure instantly recognizable on the Downtown skyline, 777 Tower showcases a park-like open space and seating area, accessed through a glass lobby with 30-foot ceilings. Plus, tenants enjoy the trend-setting shopping and acclaimed culinary choices available within FIGat7th. FIGat7th If a signature shopping experience is what you desire,
look no further than FIGat7th and its acclaimed chef-driven culinary showpiece, TASTE. A three-level, outdoor shopping and dining experience nestled between 777 Tower and Ernst & Young Plaza, FIGat7th features highly desirable retailers including CityTarget, H&M, ZARA, Victoria’s Secret, Sport Chalet, Gold’s Gym, Bath & Body Works, L’Occitane, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Sprinkles, Mendocino Farms, California Pizza Kitchen, M.A.C, City Tavern and more. TASTE is a signature dining experience that can only be found at FIGat7th ‑ featuring delicacies from the Los Angeles area’s leading chefs including Jimmy Shaw’s Loteria Grill, Oleego by Park’s Barbeque, Bhupender Singh’s Indus by Saffron, Colin Tom’s New Moon Café, George’s Greek Grill, The Melt, Pazzo Gelato, and many more. Committed to Downtown Los Angeles In addition to overseeing some of the finest office addresses in Downtown Los Angeles, Brookfield’s entire Downtown portfolio is LEED and ENERGY STAR certified. Brookfield prides itself on contributing positively to the communities in which it operates, continually striving to minimize the impact its properties have on the environment, while balancing the need for the continued economic growth of the region. As an integral part of Downtown’s renaissance, Brookfield remains enthusiastic about what is certain to be a very bright future for the community. Brookfield Property Partners is a global real estate company that invests in and operates best-in-class office, retail, industrial, multifamily and hotel assets. Landmark properties include Brookfield Places in Manhattan, Toronto and Perth, Bank of America Plaza in Los Angeles, Bankers Hall in Calgary and Darling Park in Sydney. For more information, visit brookfield.com.
Creativity and Tradition
The Landmark Pilgrim School Merges Academics, Technology and Art
P
ilgrim School is a Downtown Los Angeles treasure, a school with a distinctive Early Education program that begins at age two and continues through high school with an innovative college preparatory program and 100% college acceptance rate. The 2014 graduates were accepted at institutions such as Columbia, Bryn Mawr, UC Berkeley, and Williams. Small class size and a nurturing community spirit allow students to develop their individual strengths and unique character. The classically beautiful campus offers a city experience in a peaceful setting, and the remarkable diversity of the Pilgrim community reflects the face of Los Angeles. With the addition of The Mayflower House boarding facility for students in grades 9-12, Pilgrim is now both a day and a boarding school. Just four Metro stops west of Downtown at the corner of Sixth and Commonwealth, Pilgrim School was established in 1958 as a division of First Congregational Church. Pilgrim prides itself on offering an education that is both creative and traditional, rooted in sound moral values, a studentcreated honor code, and a student-run honor council. At Pilgrim, technology is state-of-the-art both in and out of the classroom. The Fab Lab creates a hands-on experience for students, including use of cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing, rocketry and more, and has allowed faculty to expand the STEM program to include courses in more specialized fields of engineering as well as to offer STEM-related extra-curricular activities, even for the youngest students. The beautiful Brown Family Fine Arts Center offers an experiential education in the fine arts, and Pilgrim’s Field of Dreams campaign will add a regulation sports field, under-
ground parking, and expansive new classroom space to the campus. Pilgrim School students have the unique opportunity to interact with artists and writers through the Visiting Artists and Writers Program. Artists such as Corrie Siegel, Victoria Arriola and Robbie Conal, and authors such as Betty Birney, Susan Goldman Rubin, Neal Shusterman and David St. John, share their experience and creative process beginning in Early Education. Students have spent a week traveling In the Footsteps of Marco Polo with writer, photographer, documentarian and explorer Denis Belliveau, and Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, has spent an evening with the Pilgrim community. In January 2015, all students will spend a week studying and addressing current global is-
sues such as hunger and gender equality during STEAM Week, supported by special events with authors, artists and scientists. Pilgrim is committed to the education of the whole student: traditional academics, state-of-the-art technology, a strong foundation in the arts, and a place in athletics for every student. To learn more about Pilgrim School or to tour the historic campus, please call (213) 355-5204.
Icons of downtown 5
A Quarter Century Of Success Skid Row Housing Trust Marks Milestone In the Fight Against Homelessness
S
kid Row Housing Trust was founded in 1989 to acquire and rehabilitate single room occupancy (SRO) hotels that had fallen into slum conditions, and convert them into high quality apartment homes for Downtown’s lowest income, homeless and disabled individuals. Many believed the group’s efforts were foolhardy, but they endeavored to improve the terrible human conditions in Skid Row nonetheless. At first the Trust relied on services provided by community agencies in the surrounding neighborhood, but by the mid-1990s, they began to design spaces for supportive service staff and programs in each building — and it worked. Longterm homeless folks with disabilities, who were thought to be beyond help, got better — far better — and the Trust achieved national recognition for success in serving the “hardest to serve” among us, helping to make a more inclusive Downtown for all. Over the course of this transformation, the Trust has grown from a small housing developer into a nationally recognized provider of permanent supportive housing with 25 buildings, an in-house property management company, a staff of over 150, and an annual agency operating budget of over $6 million. The group now approaches its next 25 years with more experience and wisdom, and a holistic, bold and aspirational view of what it can accomplish. It remains committed to improving Skid Row for all its residents, both housed and unsheltered. The Trust’s buildings will continue to transform
6 Icons of downtown
the Downtown skyline with innovative and far-reaching design. The ultimate goal remains ending homelessness in Skid Row for good, and it will take its passion, mission and experience to other neighborhoods in Los Angeles to provide housing for homeless veterans and others. The quest has already begun, with two new projects targeted specifically to chronically homeless veterans outside of Downtown. With deference to its past, the Trust will continue its mission of building homes, support and success toward a 21st century vision of a thriving and healthy Downtown, and end homelessness in Los Angeles. Building Community The New Genesis Apartments is the Trust’s first mixed-income apartment community. Eighty of the 106 apartments are reserved for formerly homeless men and women, while the 26 are reserved for individuals earning up to 60% of the area median income, most of whom are professional artists. Supportive services for the formerly homeless residents are provided on-site in spaces surrounding a beautiful central courtyard. A bicycle-churned ice cream shop and a restaurant occupy the ground floor commercial spaces. New Genesis Apartments celebrates the diversity of Downtown, and shows that people from all walks of life can build community, together. Saving Taxpayers Millions The Star Apartments is Skid Row Housing Trust’s most innovative supportive
housing development to date. Designed by renowned architect Michael Maltzan, this 102-unit apartment building provides homes, healthcare and supportive services to 100 homeless men and women with chronic health conditions. While homeless, these men and women made frequent visits to the emergency rooms, unable to manage their chronic health conditions while living on the streets, and costing the County anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 per person per year in expensive emergency room care. Once housed, however, emergency room visits and inpatient admissions decrease by 77%, and healthcare costs go down to about $30,000 per year, a tremendous cost savings to the County’s healthcare system. Star Apartments includes an on-site medical clinic, a 15,000-square-foot Health and Wellness Center, and the offices of L.A. County’s new Housing for Health Department. The LEED platinum building was constructed with prefabricated modular housing units that are cantilevered
over a two-story concrete superstructure. Star Apartments transforms not only the Downtown skyline, but also the way in which we respond to homelessness in Los Angeles. The Future of Our Skid Row The Trust stands at the center of the debate over the fate of Skid Row and its residents. In 2014, with funding from foundation partners, The Trust began a community planning process to give residents and stakeholders a voice in the future of “Our Skid Row.” With volunteers from throughout the neighborhood, we are mapping Skid Row block by block, getting input on what we love about it, and what we want to improve. The plan will ensure that the voices of the lowest income residents of downtown are heard in addition to newer downtown residents and stakeholders, as The Trust works toward an inclusive, green and vibrant downtown for all. For more information contact Skid Row Housing Trust at (213) 683-0522 or visit skidrow.org.
STAR APARTMENTS @ 6th & Maple
SKID ROW HOUSING TRUST
Photo: GABOR EKECS
looking back moving forward
Photo: MIKE PARK
NEW GENESIS APARTMENTS @ 456 Main
Photo: MIKE PARK
NEW PERSHING APRTMENTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION @ 5th & Main
Photo: MIKE PARK
NEW CARVER APARTMENTS @ 17th & Hope
Skid Row Housing Trust (The Trust) ends homelessness with high quality, beautifully designed supportive housing for downtown’s most vulnerable homeless men & women.
Skid Row Housing Trust, 1317 East 7th Street 213.683.0522 I skidrow.org
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8 Icons of downtown
An Iconic Live-Work Solution TENTEN Wilshire Offers Everything a Tenant and Entrepreneur Could Want, Under One Roof
L
ocated on Los Angeles’ world famous Wilshire Boulevard, TENTEN Wilshire offers 227 luxury suites in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. At TENTEN Wilshire, all suites are designated live/work, which allows professionals to conduct business from home with all the amenities and panache of a traditional office space — and then some. Unlike anything else in Downtown, TENTEN Wilshire is perfectly suited for entrepreneurs, professionals and startups in hightech, entertainment, fashion, legal, finance, consulting, real estate, advertising and service industries. The building provides the perfect blend of amenities, necessities and flexibility for business-minded individuals to live, work and play under one roof. TENTEN Wilshire is located in an Enterprise and Empowerment zone, allowing businesses to write off up to 67% of the rent, including other tax benefits. All suites are equipped with every imaginable amenity including 24/7 valet parking, local drop-off car service, free basic utilities including wired and wireless high speed Internet, premium cable TV, and local phone calls. Units feature iPod ready sound systems, high definition LCD TVs, in-unit washer/dryer, full kitchens with stainless steel appliances and extensive kitchenware sets, and individual thermostats for optimum cooling and heating. Inspired by luxury resorts, the awardwinning rooftop features a full gym, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, locker rooms, a movie/screening room, lounge, fire pits, barbecue areas, sundecks, and custom outdoor billiard and foosball tables, all while being surrounded by panoramic views. A great venue for the complimentary
happy hour five days a week, and ideal for meeting people and networking, it is easy to see why TENTEN Wilshire is the complete lifestyle solution for business professionals. Additional indoor amenities feature five multi-media conference rooms, ample workstations, two recreation centers, a private indoor lounge, and a vast game room complete with flat-screen displays, foosball, shuffleboard, ping pong, billiards and card tables. A secluded theater with an oversized high-definition projection screen and professional sound system provide a luxurious option for personal or business use. TENTEN Wilshire is surrounded by the most extensive freeway system in the world, including the 110, 10, 101 and 5 freeways. The Downtown area is also home to major legal, financial and telecommunications companies, as well as the entertainment, textile, jewelry and fashion industries. Just two blocks from TENTEN Wilshire is the 7th Street/Metro Center subway station, offering connections to Long Beach, Hollywood, Pasadena, LAX and more. Union Station, the access point to the Metrolink rail system, is also nearby. With neighbors like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Exposition Park and Staples Center, additional entertainment and recreational activities are available year round. L.A. Live, a 4 million-square-foot sports and entertainment district, offers many exciting venues and restaurants as well. With flexible lease terms, TENTEN Wilshire is the perfect lifestyle solution for professionals who want to live, work and play in Downtown Los Angeles, no matter how long or short the stay. For more information visit 1010wilshire. com or call (877) 338-1010.
A FAshion icon FIDM Dazzles With Cutting-Edge Education and an International Network of Graduates
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he internationally recognized FIDM/ Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising was founded in Downtown Los Angeles and is located at 919 S. Grand Ave., near L.A. Live. It is the largest college of its kind in the nation and specializes in careeroriented higher education. Accredited by two prestigious organizations, the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) and Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission, FIDM is a private college for specialized professional education, preparing students for careers in fashion, graphics, interior design and entertainment. The college offers Associate of Arts, a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Advanced study programs in industry specific majors are also granted. The college established a San Francisco campus in the 1970s and opened Orange County and San Diego locations the following decade. FIDM has an international network of more than 60,000 graduates. The FIDM LA campus features the FIDM Museum & Galleries, which presents three to four free-to-the-public fashion themed exhibitions each year. In 2015, the FIDM Museum & Galleries will celebrate the 23rd
anniversary of its “Art of Motion Picture Costume Design” exhibition. Exquisite costumes from more than 20 feature films from 2014 will be on display, including Oscarnominated costumes. The exhibit opens Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 and closes Saturday, April 25, 2015; it is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Home to the largest fashion library (a resource and research center) in the Western United States, the FIDM Museum boasts one of the nation’s finest historical fashion collections. It contains more than 15,000 pieces starting in the early 1800s, including significant ethnic and international designs. Each year, FIDM presents its annual Debut show, a fundraiser benefiting the FIDM Scholarship Foundation. More than 100 garments and other design projects are presented in a four-part runway show. The gala illustrates the work of FIDM students graduating in the Advanced Fashion, Theatre Costume, Interior and Textile Design programs. After nine months of preparation, 10 Advanced Fashion Design graduating students present their first fashion collections. Throughout the apparel world, FIDM alumni are in top positions in their fields. Notable graduates include fashion design-
ers Monique Lhuillier, Lubov Azria (Chief Creative Officer, BCBG Max Azria Group), Nick Verreos, Kevan Hall, Karen Kane, Pamela-Skaist Levy (co-founder of Juicy Couture) and more. FIDM graduate costume designers for film and television include: Trish Summerville (Gone Girl, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Mona May (Clueless, Enchant-
ed), Marlene Stewart (Oblivion, Ali, True Lies), Mandi Line (“Pretty Little Liars,”“Greek”), and Jill Ohanneson (“Revenge,”“Six Feet Under”). FIDM is the home of “Project Runway: Threads,” the new competition series for teen and tween fashion designers, currently airing on Lifetime Television. Previously airing shows to call FIDM home include “Project Runway: Under the Gunn,” starring Tim Gunn, as well as “Design School,” an original series on HGTV featuring FIDM Interior Design students. FIDM is the West Coast home to “Project Runway” and was featured on MTV’s “The Hills,” starring FIDM student, Lauren Conrad. The Architecture and Art of FIDM Architect Jon Jerde, and the Jerde Partnership, designed the FIDM Los Angeles campus building at Ninth Street and Grand Avenue. It was completed in 1990 and is crowned with the first ceramic dome to be built in Downtown in 50 years. The muchlauded landscape architect Laurence Halprin created Grand Hope Park, which fronts FIDM’s artistic structure. Many sculptures and works of art enhance the building’s exterior and interior. At the FIDM Grand Avenue entrance, visitors are greeted by a masked angel sculpture called “Transforming Yourself Into Fashion,” designed by Gywnn Murrill. The angel pays homage to its birthplace, the City of Angels, and leads guests to the building’s open rotunda, which is graced with the work of much-lauded artist Tony Berlant. FIDM is at 919 S. Grand Ave. For more information call (800) 624-1200 or visit fidm.edu.
It’s more than a college, it’s FIDM. Internationally known as a top fashion and design college, FIDM is also known to its neighbors as a downtown landmark. It’s home to the FIDM Museum, the FIDM Scholarship Store and the FIDM Museum Shop. The college connects not only students, but the entire community, to the industries it serves.
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
800.624.1200 or fidm.edu
Icons of downtown 9
The Best in the Business Nabih Youssef Structural Engineers Sets the Bar for Performance Based Engineering and Plan Check Peer Reviews
Apple’s new campus, Cupertino, CA. Performance based design, plan check.
399 Fremont, San Francisco, CA. Performance based design, peer review.
15th & Island, San Diego, CA. Performance based design, peer review.
N
abih Youssef Structural Engineers has provided specialized structural and earthquake engineering for architecturally intensive, commercial, institutional and public projects for more than two decades. In the course of doing so, the firm has deployed state-of-theart technologies, making a significant contribution to the development of earthquake engineering standards, and performance based engineering. The firm has done work for the who’s who of architects and real estate owners. Those interactions are what make the profession meaningful for its team. They become engaged in the dynamics of a group of dedicated people at all levels, working behind a common vision. The work is elevated, and the result is an elegant solution to a complex problem. Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Nabih Youssef served as the chairman of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon for Seismic Hazard Reduction, which later led to the advancement of adaptive reuse of existing buildings through a performance based engineering approach. This seismic criterion for adaptive reuse in Los Angeles made it economically feasible for developers to revitalize Downtown. The foundation of Nabih Youssef Structural Engineers is a deep appreciation for intellectual and professional growth in the context of complementary thinking. It is an interaction of knowledge and understanding to advance the profession, by bridging the gap between engineering methods and conceptual thinking. Their team members express appreciation for those they have worked with, past and present, for enriching the collaborative process.
10 Icons of downtown
LA Live 800 W. Olympic, Los Angeles, CA. Engineer of record.
Philosophy The knowledge gained over the course of its practice has influenced a philosophy at Nabih Youssef Structural Engineers, one that is about immersing oneself in the design field. To begin, the collaborative process is where challenges are first met and where innovation arises out of complex ideas and dialogues. In working with many talented professionals over the years, the firm has learned to cultivate its own tradition of teamwork. They believe this to be an important introduction to the profession, where success and notoriety occur principally through a shared commitment to the craft of good architecture. Within this context of collaboration, the creative process evolves by capitalizing on the intrinsic structural attributes of any potential idea. For the firm, every engineering challenge is shaped by the idea embedded in architectural form. Creativity is vital, for an innovative structure has the means not only to organize architecture visually, but to rationalize the foundation of a greater concept. Engineering is not about treating the solution to a problem as the ultimate goal. Engineering, at least in the process of learning, is about expanding on the logic and reasoning behind a problem; it is about advancing the tangible elements of human existence. At the level of building, the collaborative process is the fusion of aesthetics with structure. The design profession rewards those who balance practical ingenuity and the integrative attitude toward a design idea, all the while maintaining safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Armed with this realization, one should always aim to deliver on the larger ideas and go beyond expectations; to leverage
2nd & Pine, Seattle, WA. Performance based design, peer review.
knowledge, talent and resources in an organic environment full of ideas and aspirations. Nabih Youssef Structural Engineers believes these self-imposed standards satisfy the most critical of needs as well as the desire for great work. Conceptual Thinking and Advanced Analysis The aim is to develop concepts that rationalize and reinforce the architectural story that is being told. By expanding the problem with analysis, one can achieve a complete building philosophy, not just a structural support system, and thereby articulate the means to reaching higher goals. The structural diagram plays a large part in the firm’s process as it provides insight beyond an external problem, to help visualize the relationship between configuration and structural behavior. Their team presents specific details and illustrations with an unfamiliar audience, with a mind towards engagement in the art of creation. In the end, the role of analysis is to test design hypotheses, in order to accomplish greater goals. Furthermore, the ability to select and configure structural systems is of much greater importance than the ability to analyze and size the individual elements of a structure. It provides an understanding and appreciation of the relationship between force and form, and confirms that structural solutions have to be threaded into the architectural form and ultimately capitalize on the inherent stability attributes of a design. For Nabih Youssef Structural Engineers, the profession is about committing wholly to its vision and living it through their clients, projects, associates, and life’s opportunities. For more information contact Nabih Youssef Structural Engineers at (213) 362-0707 or visit nyase.com.
SPORTS VENUE
DODGER STADIUM
INSTITUTIONAL
MIXED USE
LONG BEACH COURTHOUSE
BROAD MUSEUM
HOTEL
WALDORF ASTORIA
UNIVERSITY
USC VILLAGE
HISTORIC LANDMARK
HISTORIC LANDMARK
ATASCADERO
50 UN PLAZA California Preservation Award
California Preservation Award
NABIH YOUSSEF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Los Angeles 213. 362. 0707
ADAPTIVE REUSE
ACE HOTEL
San Francisco 415. 397. 5213
ARTS
NANCY RUBINS
HEALTH
STANFORD NEW HOSPITAL
Irvine 949. 263. 9920
It Began With a Vision AC Martin Has Shaped the Downtown Community for 109 Years
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owntown Los Angeles is in the midst of an unprecedented transformation. Historic structures in the city center are being repurposed to create a lively mix of residential, retail, hospitality and entertainment uses that is attracting new residents and visitors. AC Martin has stood firmly for 109 years, actively shaping and encouraging the resurgence that is transforming the area. AC Martin’s connection to Downtown Los Angeles is a fundamental part of the firm’s DNA. Over the past century, it has been an integral part of the Los Angeles community and has developed a thorough understanding of the social, economic and cultural forces that have shaped Downtown L.A. This long-standing relationship with the city has delivered some of the region’s most iconic projects, such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Headquarters Building — a modernist masterpiece; Los Angeles City Hall (originally in 1928, and again in 2001 for a rehabilitation and seismic retrofit) and, more recently, the award-winning Hollenbeck Replacement Police Station, as well as the repair and historic renovation of the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice. The Hall of Justice (HOJ) was originally built in 1925 as the centerpiece of the Los Angeles County justice system. The historic building was featured on television shows including “Dragnet,” “Perry Mason” and “Get Smart,” and in Clint Eastwood’s movie Absolute Power. The building also housed infamous residents, Charles Manson and Sirhan Sirhan. HOJ remained in use until it was damaged in 1994 by the Northridge earthquake. Flash forward to 2010 when AC Martin was selected to artfully restore this civic jewel as part of a larger Design-Build team with frequent collaborator Clark Construction. This 335,000 square foot restoration/reuse project involved clearing the damaged interior spaces, and replacing the outdated and inefficient MEP systems, taking great care to keep many of the historic elements intact. The newly restored HOJ features 308,000 square feet of office space equipped with new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that tie back into the existing central plant, and a new multi-story parking structure. Historical renovations included extensive cleaning of the exterior granite and restoration of the marble clad
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grand lobby and loggia. Other elements were painstakingly matched and updated to help the building perform day-today functions as if it were a modern structure. AC Martin’s expert knowledge of modern and sustainable high-rise structures is evident in the new Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project currently under construction at the corner of Seventh and Figueroa streets, the intersection of Los Angeles’ new urban renaissance. With a grand urban plaza that will open itself to the city and act as a portal to the citywide transit system, the new tower will redefine the “essence” of Downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, working closely with the City of Los Angeles Building and Safety and the Los Angeles Fire Department, AC Martin implemented innovative new ways to improve fire-life safety in the project. New methods include improved fire access and warning, smart systems that provide floor specific fire alerts to specialized elevators, and a new tactical approach, which has allowed the building design to have a non-flat roof. This innovative design helped pave the way for the city’s recent elimination of the requirement that all high rises have flat roofs. It began with a vision; and through the collective efforts and talents of youthful minds and seasoned professionals, the Wilshire Grand will redefine Downtown urban architecture for the 21st century. AC Martin continues to cultivate and maintain an intimate familiarity with the fabric of Downtown Los Angeles. Its extensive portfolio represents the latest industry thinking and sustainable urbanisms, and synthesizes the diverse needs and influences of functionality, urban context, user
experience, operations and environmental stewardship. The results are structures that are uniquely expressive in design and the community culture — creating an architectural experience deeply rooted in purpose and place. The firm’s work continues to garner particular acclaim for engaging the public realm in unique expressions of place, as evidenced by more than 200 local, regional, national and international design awards. For more information contact AC Martin at (213) 683-1900 or visit acmartin.com.
444 S O U T H F L OWER ST R EET , SUIT E 1200, L OS A NGEL ES, CA 90071
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1883
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Through the years, Downtown’s Episcopal churches (from l to r): St. Athanasius at Temple and New High; St. Paul’s on Pershing Square; St. Paul’s on Figueroa groundbreaking; St. Paul’s on Figueroa after opening; the Cathedral Center in Echo Park; St. John’s Pro-Cathedral near USC; the Cathedral Center in Echo Park.
Building On 150 Years Downtown The Episcopal Church Welcomes the Community to Its Two Locations
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n 1865, L.A.’s civic funeral oration for assassinated President Abraham Lincoln was an early event in the life of the city’s first Episcopal parish, established on Christmas Day, 1864. One-hundred-fifty years later, the congregation continues to serve the Downtown community with messages of meaning and peace as the oldest continuing Protestant house of worship in Southern California. “One cathedral ministry in two locations” is the mission to which Bishop Jon Bruno has called the Cathedral Center of St. Paul and the Pro-Cathedral of St. John, which serve the city from their locations in Echo Park and the intersection of Adams and Figueroa, respectively. The first parish, known as St. Athanasius, continues today at the heart of the Cathedral Center in Echo Park. Among the founders were L.A.’s second mayor after California statehood, Benjamin Wilson, and early vestry
members included Judge H.K.S. O’Melveny and William Pridham, an officer of Wells Fargo & Co. In 1872, the Episcopal parish came to own 35 acres Downtown — bordered by Sixth, Seventh, Figueroa and Lucas streets — but the Long Depression of the 1870s began the gradual sale of those parcels to sustain the church. The congregation continued, changing its name to St. Paul’s in 1883 and building a Victorian Gothic church on the site later sold to build the present Biltmore Hotel. St. Paul’s Cathedral was then built on Figueroa Street but damaged in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and later razed with the proceeds invested for eventual construction of the Cathedral Center, where the Parish of St. Athanasius and St. Paul was reunited. Later, in 2008, Bishop Bruno named the landmark St. John’s Episcopal Church as ProCathedral to join the Cathedral Center in serving both the six-county Diocese of Los Angeles and Downtown’s
Blending candlelit prayer and chant in the ancient rite of Compline, the Pro-Cathedral of St. John welcomes all to join this expression of worship in the Episcopal-Anglican tradition. First and third Sundays of the month at 9 p.m.
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growing population. The Episcopal Church remains dedicated to service and outreach Downtown, having assisted in the development of Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Barnabas Senior Services, and continuing today with programs of nutrition education, food distribution, and youth programs at both the Cathedral Center and Pro-Cathedral. Music and arts programs are central at both sites with concert series and gallery exhibitions among regular offerings, together with strategic interreligious and ecumenical partnerships. All are welcome for prayer, worship and service engaging the presence of the holy in these two vibrant communities of faith. For more information contact Cathedral Center (213) 482-2040 or visit cathedralcenter.com. St. John’s Pro-Cathedral, (213) 747-6285 or visit stjohnsla.org.
Visit Echo Park’s Cathedral Bookstore, 840 Echo Park Ave., weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., for a unique selection of titles and gifts focusing on faith in the Episcopal and interreligious traditions.
New Kid on The Bloc Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Enlivens the Historic Seventh Street Corridor
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heraton Los Angeles Downtown is Los Angeles’ most exciting newly transformed hotel and shopping experience. Located in L.A.’s iconic Seventh Street corridor linking the Financial, Fashion, Jewelry and Theater districts, The Bloc and the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown will be an authentic fit in an area that for a century has brought shoppers, diners, theatergoers and workers together. The contemporary design of the new Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown guest rooms draws inspiration from the city’s significant historical and architectural details including Art Deco. McCartan, an award-winning design company based in New York City, is spearheading the re-imagination of the hotel’s 495 smoke-free guest rooms and suites. Connected to “The Bloc,” Los Angeles’ newest outdoor shopping and en-
tertainment experience, the hotel and shopping center will mix business with pleasure. Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown’s new experience in the center of Los Angeles will be a vibrant connecting point bringing people together to experience their next great discovery, fresh inspiration or just an incredible meal. That’s why The Bloc transformation will encompass a sleekly redesigned Macy’s, 495-room Sheraton Hotel and a 750,000-square-foot luxury office tower that will seamlessly blend with an open-to-the-sky marketplace featuring thoughtfully curated boutiques, artisans, premier retailers and culinary utopias. The Bloc is a uniquely conceived 1.8 million-square-foot mixed-use destination in the hub of Downtown L.A. where Angelenos and visitors of all stripes can work, sleep, shop, eat, gather and discover in a welcom-
ing, stimulating urban center. In all, the hotel will offer an impressive 26,000 square feet of flexible function space, including a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. Each of the newly redesigned guestrooms and suites offers a completely updated look with a rich, warm color palette and signature touches including the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, high-speed Internet access and a flatscreen TV with cable and pay-per-view movies. Stay and experience this newly renovated hotel with impressive city views, enhanced and upscale meeting and events space, comforting and newly completed guest rooms — all in a convenient Downtown L.A. location. For more information contact the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown at (213) 612-3105 or visit sheraton.com/losangelesdowntown.
What is your LA Style? New in 2015: Plan ahead to stay in our newly renovated hotel – complete in January 2015. The reimagined hotel will be a centerpiece of The Bloc which is centrally located in the heart of the city’s financial, sports and entertainment epicenter. The comprehensive hotel transformation will include all guestrooms, meeting and public space, as well as the restaurant and lounge.
Find out more at sheratonlosangelesdowntown.com or call 213 488 3500
©2014 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit sheratonlosangelesdowntown.com
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Live in Downtown's Ultimate Work of Art Introducing The Emerson, Los Angeles’ newest luxury apartment building. Ideally located in the heart of downtown, within walking distance to world-class dining and the city’s best performing arts centers and theaters. The Emerson’s beautifully designed interiors showcase breathtaking panoramic views, complimented by an unsurpassed suite of amenities and services that include
THE EMERSON
an attended lobby with concierge, an outdoor pool, a stunning penthouse lounge and terrace, a fitness center with yoga studio and a pet spa.
G R A N D O PE N IN G
MODERN MASTERPIECE
Luxury Rental Apartments Studios from $2295 One-Bedrooms from $2995 Two-Bedrooms from $4495 225 S. GRAND AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 213.784.3674 | TheEmersonLA.com The developer reserves the right to make modifications to the floor plans, unit pricing, and unit dimensions at any time.
Industry Leader Related California Introduces The Emerson Artistically Designed and Perfectly Curated Luxury Development Sets a New Benchmark for Rental Living
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ince 1989, real estate industry leader Related California has developed some of the most iconic multifamily residential and mixed-use properties in the State. They have undertaken a range of transformational developments from best-in-class luxury high-rise residential properties to the redevelopment of obsolete public housing, spanning a broad spectrum of urban infill, affordable, mixed-income and market-rate multifamily developments. With more than 9,800 residences under its belt and a track record of consistently developing communities that represent industry benchmarks in design, construction, sustainability and property management, Related California has just unveiled the newest jewel in its portfolio: The Emerson in Downtown Los Angeles. The West Coast affiliate of the nation’s largest privately owned development firm, Related Companies, Related California has begun leasing at its new luxury apartment building in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ cultural core. The Emerson is part of the first phase of the Grand Avenue redevelopment, which boasts such cultural gems and amenities as Grand Park (opened in 2012), and The Broad Contemporary Art Museum, which is under construction. The first residents have begun moving in, welcoming a new paradigm of luxurious rental apartments. The Emerson brings elegant sophistication to Downtown Los Angeles living, with a building design created by acclaimed architectural firm Arquitectonica, known for its internationally celebrated residential and hospitality developments, including the Mandarin Oriental in Shanghai and The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Celebrated architecture and design firm Marmol Radziner and Associates brings simple elegance and stunning interiors to The Emerson, as it did with Related’s luxury condominium residences: The
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Century in Los Angeles and The Waverly in Santa Monica. The tower boasts 216 residences ranging in size from studios, one- and two-bedroom layouts, with an unsurpassed level of amenities and services providing a warm sense of community within an urban landscape. The ground floor will also be home to an exclusive destination restaurant by famed L.A. restaurateur, Agostino Sciandri. “As the culinary mastermind behind AGO, Chef Agostino Sciandri has a legendary reputation in Los Angeles as one of the most notable restaurateurs. We are thrilled to be working with him and his team on The Emerson,” said Gino Canori, executive vice president for Related California Urban Residential. “Access to the restaurant is another amenity that will add to residents’ overall living experience. The new restaurant will also enhance this neighborhood’s reputation as both a cultural and culinary destination.” Rising 20 stories above the epicenter of Los Angeles’ burgeoning arts and culture scene, The Emerson unifies worldclass architecture, exquisite design and a marquee location. Breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city from residences and amenity spaces create an elegant setting for city living and instill a feeling of connectivity to Downtown. Adjacent to The Emerson via a beautifully landscaped outdoor plaza, is the upcoming Broad Museum with a restaurant by Timothy Hollingsworth and Bill Chait, scheduled to open in 2015. Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Music Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Grand Park are all within walking distance of The Emerson. “Inventive, thoughtful and aspirational, The Emerson brings together state-of-the-art design and superior quality rental residences with the needs of each resident at the forefront,” Canori said. “Our ability to provide unparalleled luxury services and amenities along with exciting restau-
rant and retail spaces will foster a new urban core. Related Management, our award-winning property management team, allows us to maintain The Emerson with exceptional detail. We are excited to use our expertise in urban living to not only spearhead the area’s renaissance, but to also introduce Angelenos to a new enclave of personalized, luxury residential living with The Emerson.” High Design and Lavish Amenities Known for its innovation and expertise, local design firm Marmol Radziner has created thoughtfully designed, stunning interiors in The Emerson apartments and common spaces. Just beyond a lushly landscaped plaza, residents are greeted by a dedicated concierge in the exquisite lobby appointed with rich textures and materials that include walnut paneled walls, honed travertine floors and a custom sculptural bronze screen. The cooler neutral tones continue throughout the amenity spaces and into the residences, creating an inviting environment where residents can bring together friends and family to enjoy Downtown living. Apartment interiors boast open kitchens with Caesarstone counters, a handcrafted Heath Ceramics tile backsplash, walnut cabinetry, and premium stainless steel appliances by Fisher & Paykel and Bosch. The sumptuous baths are appointed with a marble tub surround and vanity top, while the living spaces include engineered wood flooring and in-home washers and dryers. An expansive suite of amenities will enhance residents’ lifestyles. Set against a stunning backdrop of sparkling panoramic city views, a penthouse lounge with an outdoor terrace tops off Downtown living with a bar area, custom billiards table, as well as a catering kitchen and dining area for private events. The penthouse terrace has a double-sided fireplace, barbeques with grilling areas, plush outdoor seating and two outdoor TVs. Residents can bask in the
California sun year-round at the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi with lounge furnishings and yet another outdoor barbeque for entertaining. A media lounge features an oversized TV for private and group movie screenings, while a stateof-the-art library provides the ideal ambience to work or relax around the fireplace, complete with Wi-Fi, desktop computers, printer and coffee station. Residents will enjoy a fully equipped fitness center with steam rooms and a yoga room, and will be privy to special offers at the nearby Equinox Fitness Clubs Downtown LA. Raising the Bar on Service The Emerson continues Related’s commitment to exceptional service, offering residents exclusive benefits through its RelatedStyle Services program. Service amenities include a service specialist available to field any request and offer move-in coordination services to manage every detail of a resident’s move – from selecting moving firms to scheduling the Related Technology Concierge to help with home technology installation and trouble-shooting. The extensive service staff at The Emerson also includes a 24-hour concierge to facilitate package receiving and dry cleaning services, and a personal assistant who can coordinate daily needs ranging from restaurant reservations to dog walking and move-in coordination. The Emerson dog owners will also have access to an outdoor dog park and in-building dog spa to conveniently meet their pet grooming needs. Green Living The Emerson also follows Related’s nationwide commitment to green and sustainable building. The building was designed to meet LEED Gold certification standards and will be 100 percent smoke-free. For the ultimate in green convenience, an onsite subterranean parking garage also includes electric vehicle charging stations, and an in-building recycling program will be available to meet the household needs of all residents. The Emerson has also partnered with Good Eggs LA to offer home delivery of the highest
quality, GMO-free and responsibly farmed groceries. The Related Difference Related California has a long history of community partnership, having collaborated with more than 20 municipalities and more than 25 non-profit organizations throughout California. Related California has successfully developed and managed a broad range of property types throughout Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties. Related California has developed more than $2.9 billion in assets. For more information about Related California, visit relatedcalifornia.com. Related Companies is the most prominent privately owned real estate firm in the United States. Formed 40 years ago, Related is a fully-integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of development, acquisitions, management, finance, marketing and sales. Headquartered in New York City, Related has offices and major developments in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, South Florida, Abu Dhabi, São Paulo and Shanghai and an existing portfolio of real estate assets, valued at more than $20 billion, made up of best-in-class mixed-use, residential, retail, office and affordable properties. Related has developed preeminent mixed-use projects such as Time Warner Center in New York and CityPlace in West Palm Beach and is currently developing the 28-acre Hudson Yards project on Manhattan’s West Side. Related also manages approximately $3 billion of equity capital on behalf of sovereign wealth funds, public pension plans, multi-managers, endowments, Taft Hartley plans and family offices. Related is staunchly committed to sustainable design with more than $10 billion in green development underway or completed. Related also owns Equinox Fitness
Clubs, further expanding the company’s capabilities into the health and fitness arena and enhancing the value of its properties by incorporating an exclusive, branded amenity into the lifestyle offering, and a partnership interest in Union Square Events, the catering, culture, sports and events business of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. For more information about Related Companies, please visit related.com. Related Rentals The company has dramatically redefined the concept of metropolitan luxury by introducing extraordinary residential rental properties in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and New York City. With each new building, Related has been hailed for setting new standards of excellence in the luxury rental marketplace. To ensure that every resident in every Related building enjoys the very finest services, unsurpassed amenities and a luxury lifestyle without compromise, Related Companies takes great pride in managing every building it owns. Related owns and manages The Emerson in Los Angeles, The Caledonia, MiMA, One MiMA Tower, The Lyric, One Carnegie Hill, One Union Square South, Riverwalk Crossing, The Sierra, The Strathmore, The Tate, Tribeca Green, Tribeca Park, Tribeca Tower, The Westminster and The Westport in New York City (and manages 1214 Fifth Avenue, The Ventura and 89 Murray also in New York City), One Back Bay in Boston, 500 Lake Shore Drive in Chicago and The Paramount in San Francisco. Related also owns an extensive portfolio of workforce and affordable housing across 17 states and has several new rental developments underway across the country. The Emerson’s onsite leasing center is located at 225 S. Grand Ave. Residences start at $2,295 per month for studios; $2,995 per month for one-bedrooms and $4,495 per month for two-bedrooms. For more information, please visit or call (213) 784-3674.
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Two Icons, One Enduring Restaurant Tradition
The Original Pantry Turns 90, While Riordan’s Tavern Becomes a Neighborhood Favorite
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magine two Los Angeles landmarks on one corner: The first, established in 1924, is the familiar friend, The Original Pantry; the second is the neighborhood’s charming and friendly Riordan’s Tavern. The Original Pantry, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2014, offers diners an experience rich in character and history by proudly serving generous portions of traditional American cuisine 24 hours a day in a dining room that retains its opening day charm. “I fell in love with the Pantry after my first visit,” says owner and former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. The restaurant opened with only five employees and consisted of one room, a 15-stool counter, a grill and a hot plate. The Pantry survived the difficult years of the Depression and even managed to expand by adding a dining room in 1934. When World War II began almost half of the staff joined the armed forces. All but one had returned by the end of the war. In 1946, the dining room expanded to its present day capacity of more than 70 seats. It wasn’t long before patrons formed
a line outside the restaurant for a coveted seat. Open 24/7, patrons line up around the clock for The Pantry’s world-famous breakfast and hearty dinners. In 2007, Riordan opened Riordan’s Tavern adjacent to the Pantry. The daily menu features savory dishes including steaks, burgers and freshly created salads. The Tavern hosts Happy Hour daily from 3 to 6 p.m., and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come in, take a seat at the bar, and enjoy the full menu service. Believing restaurants are important to the fabric of the city, Riordan created a tribute to the neighborhood bars that saturate
“We never close, thanks to our loyal customers!” -Richard Riordan
(213) 972-9279 877 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90017 pantrycafe.com
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the East Coast with rich wood accents, great food and friendly service. “I wanted Tavern guests to experience the same back-in-time feeling they get when dining at the Pantry,” Riordan says. Centrally located in Downtown, The Pan-
try and Riordan’s Tavern are accessible from the 101, 110 and 10 freeways. The Original Pantry is at 877 S. Figueroa St., (213) 972-9279 or pantrycafe.com. Riordan’s Tavern is at 875 S. Figueroa St., (213) 627-6879 or riordanstavern.com.
An Educational Icon Los Angeles Trade-Technical College Builds a 90-Year Legacy of Changing Lives
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he graduates of Los Angeles Trade-Technical College built this city. For 90 years, Trade Tech has provided the kind of career-technical training that changes lives and communities. The college has an unmatched reputation for delivering a unique and industry-driven brand of vocational education, placing graduates in careers throughout the city of Los Angeles. In addition, this college transfers students to institutions from here, all the way to the Ivy League, in a variety of majors. There is no doubt that Trade Tech is a global leader in higher education and certainly an educational icon in this city. For 90 years, its programs have been among the best in the country. Fashion, culinary arts, professional baking, welding, plumbing, carpentry, visual communications, sign graphics, HVAC, nursing, cosmetology, electronics, solar, chemical and process technology, computer applications and all of the transfer education courses can be found at LATTC. There is no community college west of the Mississippi that offers the breadth of programs that Trade Tech does. Partnerships with industry and labor are strong, and make for a pipeline to real careers. For 90 years, there has been a commitment to the surrounding communities of Downtown Los Angeles. A great many students live and work near the campus, and know that the training they receive at Trade Tech
can change their lives. Trade Tech is a college of new opportunities, accessible to students who may have faced challenges in the past, but are now ready to grab their dreams. For 90 years, Trade Tech has celebrated its role of moving students from college-to-career. Now the campus has taken on greater urgency by developing a pathways framework and strategy to improve student success. The campus has assessed the delivery of training and education and has created a new system designed to remove the traditional impediments students face in securing a degree or certificate or transfer. In addition, a new WorkSource center has been located on campus to
provide important guidance for students and the community, in order to secure real careers in a real world. For 90 years, no community college has done this work better than Trade Tech. The college’s history parallels the growth of this city, an enduring legacy that makes it a true icon. Training. Transfer. Tradition. Trade Tech. For 90 years. For more information contact Los Angeles TradeTechnical College at (213) 763-7000 or visit lattc.edu.
A Los AngeLes Icon for 90 YeArs
Training. Transfer. Tradition.
Trade Tech.
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The Heart of Downtown
Historic Pershing Square Has Gathered Angelenos Since 1866
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ershing Square is in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at 532 S. Olive St. The facility is operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks. Dedicated in 1866 and originally named La Plaza Abaja (the Lower Plaza), the “Square” underwent its first renovation in 1911 to reflect the social and economic growth of the city. During World War I the park was used for receptions for the militia and provided a public forum much like London’s Hyde Park Corner. In 1918 the park’s name was formally changed to Pershing Square in honor of the World War I general. The Department of Recreation and Parks, the Pershing Square Property Association and the Community Redevelopment Agency joined to renovate the park once again in 1989. Pershing Square features an open and elevated Mayan-style amphitheater, a grove of orange trees that pays tribute to Los Angeles’ agricultural roots, and at the south end a large river rock-lined circular fountain with a time-released water flow creating a tidal action. Artists Ricardo Legorreta, Laurie Olin and Barbara McCarren helped design Pershing Square. Pershing Square hosts a variety of community events. The Pershing Square Downtown Stage is a six-week summer concert series with free music, films and events four days a week. Artists who have performed on the Downtown Stage include The Fixx, The Bangles, The Psy-
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chedelic Furs, The Electric Light Orchestra and 10,000 Maniacs. Friday Night Movies, Salsa Sunset Dances and Lunchtime Concerts are all part of the summer lineup. An outdoor ice skating rink is hosted by Pershing Square November through January including a two-day Winter Holiday Festival. Free Zumba and yoga classes are held in the new Community Room, while a new chess area is available for chess clubs, tournaments and casual players. Also new are the pet area and hanging wall garden. Pershing Square also runs a Mobile Youth Program that provides free arts and crafts, sports, games, and summer and winter day camps for hundreds of children. A children’s play area will open in early 2015 A Farmers Market and Food Truck Friday lunch event are run weekly. Annual events include art shows by the Art Squared City Scape Outdoor Gallery; the St. Patrick’s Day free lunchtime concert celebration; the Spring Extravaganza; and the Pershing Square Downtown Discover Bike Ride. The venue also serves as a major location for television shows, films and private parties. For more information about Department of Recreation and Parks events at Pershing Square, Outdoor Concert and Event Center, activities, services, programs and facilities, visit laparks.org/ pershingsquare or call (213) 847 4970.
An Eruption of Culinary Art Wokcano Founder Michael Kwan Expands His Downtown Empire
213.623.2288
Enjoy fresh sushi and modern Asian cuisine
Steak & Seafood House 213.688.3000
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n 1989, Michael Kwan was 17 years old when he first stepped into the restaurant industry as a busboy. In just a few years, Kwan went from bussing tables to serving customers. Then in 1995, using his personal savings, the budding restaurateur opened his first establishment, a small 1,400-square-foot eatery near West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. From waiting tables and cooking behind the line, to delivering food and purchasing meat and produce early in the morning, Kwan learned every aspect of the restaurant business from the bottom up. He recognized an opportunity to transition out of his first restaurant and invest in a new and exciting challenge. In 2001, Wokcano was born, an Asian restaurant and bar on Third Street that became an instant hit and local celebrity hotspot. With the success of his new establishment, Kwan expanded his restaurant chain to include locations in Los Angeles, Burbank, Valencia, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena and West Hollywood. Wokcano now has seven locations, with plans to open two more by 2015. Today, Wokcano employs more than 700 people and generates approximately $60 million in sales revenue annually. Kwan has diversified his restaurant group with the addition of several other concepts including The Backhouse Yakitori Bar, EMC Seafood, Bunker Hill Bar and Grill, The Big Catch Seafood and the newest member, Spear Restaurant. Soon to join the list is The Triple 8 China Bar and Grill. In the ever burgeoning Downtown Los Angeles restaurant
Host a Special Event at Spear Restaurant
scene, Kwan’s strong brand continues to draw diners with consistently excellent food and some of the best ambiance around. The casualchic Wokcano is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner crowds, while the Bunker Hill Bar and Grill is known for its great service, fantastic burgers and lively happy hour scene. Buzz is building over the most recent addition, Spear Restaurant, which formerly housed Leka. The steak and seafood destination received a stunning redesign and an even more mouthwatering menu featuring signature dishes like the luscious uni risotto and the succulent flatiron steak with roasted bone marrow. Kwan is now principally involved with the design and construction of all 17 restaurants. Controlling costs and overseeing the finances of his organization from the beginning to the end lends to the success of each of his ventures. From humble beginnings as a busboy to the head of a culinary empire, Kwan has made his mark as a true icon of the restaurant industry. For more information visit them2kgroup.com.
213.688.2988
Sports Bar & Grill in the heart of Downtown
Serving burgers, salads, & tapas
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DOWNTOWN AND DOWNTIME Whether you desire world-class cultural attractions, top-notch dining or a blissful night of sleep in our Heavenly® Bed, you’ll find it all here at The Westin Bonavenure Hotel and Suites. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION, VISIT WESTIN.COM/ BONAVENTURE OR CALL 213-624-1000
©2011–2013 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms & conditions visit westin.com/bonaventure
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A Dazzling Destination The Westin Bonaventure Hotel Leaves a Lasting Impression on Visitors, and the Downtown Skyline
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legantly presiding over the City of Angels, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites provides the ultimate urban oasis in the heart of the business district. An international symbol that has come to represent the beauty and sophistication of the city itself, the famous Westin Los Angeles hotel is one of the most photographed destinations in the world. Stroll through the atrium lobby and you’ll immediately see why. Whether you’re visiting for a leisurely weekend getaway, a business meeting or a special event, the hotel’s deluxe accommodations define the essence of modern luxury. Enjoy spectacular skyline views, access to more than 40 specialty boutiques and restaurants, and unparalleled meeting facilities. Discover L.A.’s largest convention hotel — widely regarded as a “city within a city” — which is sure to surpass all expectations. An iconic attraction in its own right, this unique name in Downtown Los Angeles hotels beckons with an exceptional setting. Stunning Accommodations Within moments of arrival, guests can rest assured that their stay will be nothing short of remarkable. Enjoy an endless array of amenities, including the largest hotel spa in L.A., 19 distinct restaurants and lounges, and a beautifully landscaped outdoor pool deck. For business travelers and corporate event planners, the Bonaventure is proud to offer the largest ballroom in the city, fully complemented by first-class service. Expertly achieving the delicate balance between business and pleasure, each of the hotel rooms connects guests with an extraordinary host of features. The hotel features a six-story atrium with myriad specialty boutiques and
international restaurants, 1,358 guest rooms and suites with spectacular city views, and more than 110,000 square feet of meeting space. The Bonaventure has consistently gone to great lengths to provide the ultimate urban oasis. Giving Back and Staying Green The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites is proud to be L.A.’s first hotel to reach the environmental standards set by Green Seal, as it works to make Los Angeles a greener and healthier city. Guests can witness firsthand how the hotel is helping to ensure a better environment by reducing its carbon footprint through recycling programs, energy conservation and management, water conservation and more. The Westin Bonaventure continuously seeks to achieve a clean, healthy, safe and sustainable environment for guests, the community and future generations. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites is at 404 S. Figueroa St. For more information call (213) 624-1000 or visit thebonaventure.com.
City of Los Angeles
A Well-Trained Workforce
Downtown Advocate Jan Perry Heads Department Aimed at Helping Job Seekers and Employers
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an Perry has been selected by Mayor Eric Garcetti as general manager of the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD). Perry knows Downtown, and was the force behind the area’s development from 2001 to 2013 as the Ninth District City Council representative. During her tenure at City Hall, Downtown saw the development of L.A. Live, the LAPD Administration Building, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, and thousands of units of market-rate and low-income housing for working people, seniors and the homeless. Downtown has blossomed as the civic, cultural, sports and entertainment center of the region. The resulting private investment and economic development generated has led to job creation and new employment opportunities. Hoping to harness this exciting growth and momentum, the EWDD provides access to thousands of jobs in real time through a Web portal, JobsLA.org, as well as on-site, job-related services. Perry’s staff operates 17 WorkSource Centers, with four in and around the Downtown area. In collaboration with multiple community partners, the centers work to connect people to education, job training, re-training and other key employment services. The future of Downtown Los Angeles requires a well-trained workforce. Perry believes the community will continue to grow into the region’s major employment center. Aligning economic development with workforce development will meet employers’ need for a well-trained workforce and support Downtown Los Angeles as “the place to be,” now and in the future. As Mayor Eric Garcetti, Workforce Investment Board Chairman Charles Woo and Perry work hard to make the city’s WorkSource Center system a vital part of Downtown L.A.’s future, expect it to achieve icon status in the near future. What is a WorkSource Center? n A place where anyone 18 or older can get help finding a job n There are 17 WorkSource Centers in Los Angeles What do you find at a WorkSource Center? n Thousands of job listings, local, regional and statewide n Employment specialists ready to help n A focus on jobs and career development n Connection to education and job training n Phones, fax machines, copiers, and computers with Internet access and resume building tools Can you search for a job online without visiting a WorkSource Center? n Yes. Visit JobsLA.org to set up an account, find thousands of job postings, get help drafting a resume and more. What does a WorkSource Center offer employers? n WorkSource Centers act as personal recruiters n Find qualified job candidates n Use the WorkSource Center to hold interview sessions n Participate in a job fair at a WorkSource Center Remember, if you need a job, skills training or qualified employees visit a WorkSource Center or register at JobsLA.org.
jobsla.org
WORKSOURCE CENTERS BY REGION West, South Los Angeles & Harbor Southeast Los Angeles WorkSource Center Watts Labor Community Action Committee 10950 S. Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90059
Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network 1851 N. Gaffey St., Suite F San Pedro, CA 90731
South Los Angeles WorkSource Center UAW – Labor Employment and Training Corporation 3965 S. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90037
TEL: (323) 563-4702 TTY: (323) 563-5684
TEL: (310) 732-5700 TTY: (562) 570-4712
TEL: (323) 730-7900 TTY: (323) 730-7937
Watts / Los Angeles WorkSource Center Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Imperial Courts 2220 E. 114th St. Los Angeles, CA 90059
West Adams WorkSource Center Asian American Drug Abuse Program, Inc. 2900 S. Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016
TEL: (323) 249-7751 TTY: (323) 567-8977
TEL: (323) 293-6284 TTY: (323) 293-6284
Vernon Central/LATTC WorkSource Center Coalition for Responsible Community Development At LA Trade-Tech College 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015
Crenshaw WorkSource Center Los Angeles Urban League 5401 S. Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043
West Los Angeles WorkSource Center Jewish Vocational Service 13160 Mindanao Way, #240 Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
TEL: (323) 596-2700 TTY: (323) 596-2800
TEL: (310) 309-6000 TTY: (310) 309-6018
TEL: (213) 763-5951 TTY: (213) 763-5986
San Fernando Valley Canoga Park / South Valley WorkSource Center ResCare Workforce Services 21010 Vanowen St. Canoga Park, CA 91303 TEL: (818) 596-4448 TTY: (818) 596-4155
Central & East Los Angeles Boyle Heights / East L.A. WorkSource Center Chicana Service Action Center, Inc. 315 West 9th St., #101 Los Angeles, CA 90015
Downtown / Pico Union WorkSource Center Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment 1055 Wilshire Blvd., #900 A Los Angeles, CA 90017
TEL: (213) 629-5800 TTY: (213) 430-0660
TEL: (213) 353-1677 TTY: (213) 353-1685
TEL: (818) 492-4065 TTY: (818) 897-9791
Wilshire – Metro WorkSource Center Community Career Development, Inc. 3550 Wilshire Blvd., # 500 Los Angeles, CA 90010
Northeast Los Angeles WorkSource Center Goodwill Industries of Southern California 342 N. San Fernando Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90031
Sun Valley WorkSource Center El Proyecto Del Barrio, Inc. 9024 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Sun Valley, CA 91352
TEL: (213) 365-9829 TTY: (213) 368-0047
TEL: (323) 539-2000 TTY: (323) 539-2057
Hollywood WorkSource Center Managed Career Solutions, Inc. 4311 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029 TEL: (323) 454-6100 TTY: (323) 454-6196
Pacoima / North Valley WorkSource Center Youth Policy Institute, Inc. 11623 Glenoaks Blvd. Pacoima, CA 91331
TEL: (818) 504-0334 TTY: (818) 504-1974
West Valley WorkSource Center Build Rehabilitation Industries 9207 Eton Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311 TEL: (818) 701-9800 TTY: (818) 701-9850
Equal opportunity program/employer. Auxilliary aids and services are available upon request.
Icons of downtown 25
A‘Lifestyle’ Approach Leasing
Lifestyle Office & Retail Spaces in DTLA 523 W 6TH ST. | PACMUTUALDTLA.COM
Water and Power Community Credit Union Invests in Downtown’s Future
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It pays to be a member of Water and Power Community Credit Union. Our free checking account includes free bill pay, free online banking, free mobile deposit and the use of more than 28,000 ATMs – you guessed it – free! Anyone can join, as long as you or a family member lives, works, worships or goes to school in the LADWP service area. Want to join right now? Feel free.
Downtown L.A. and Westchester (800) 300-9728 wpcu.org/checking Membership in the credit union requires a minimum $25 balance in the member’s primary savings account. The one-time $5 membership fee is waived for new members with this ad. Full details are available at your local branch.
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n 2012, Rising Realty Partners purchased the historic PacMutual Campus (PacMutual), a trio of interconnected buildings covering one city block on Sixth Street, adjacent to both Pershing Square and the Biltmore Hotel. Since that time, the company launched an extensive renovation to rejuvenate PacMutual and convert its tired traditional layout into a new office concept: the Lifestyle Gifts.com is one of the dynamic new tenants at PacMutual, the reinvented “lifestyle office” by Rising Realty Partners. Klawiter and Associates designed Office. the gifts.com space. Lifestyle Offices feature a three-pronged approach to building maga- Earth Bar, Le Pain Quitodien and Tender Greens. zine-quality creative office layouts, providLos Angeles’ only LEED-Platinum certiing diverse culinary and cultural amenities, fied historic office building, PacMutual is and utilizing the latest offerings in office environmentally conscious while also techand environmental technology. nologically driven. The campus’ fiber optic Over the past two years more than 50 backbone allows for super fast Internet businesses have moved into what is now connectivity, a must for technology-based Downtown’s most vibrant and happencompanies. ing office community. These include a But many of these amenities are freely broad range of companies ranging from available for public use. PacMutual offers e-commerce powerhouses to dental offices the fastest free Wi-Fi in Downtown Los to entertainment production to fashionAngeles. It is accessible in hallways, offices, forward start-ups. Having amenities steps away from the of- dining locations and even in the complex’s refurbished outdoor dining courtyard. fice was one key to its success, and PacMuFor more information, please visit tual now features even more diverse dining pacmutualdtla.com. options such as the Water Grill, Starbucks,
Making Lives Better
Wind is free. Same as our checking accounts.
26 Icons of downtown
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PacMutual Transforms Into Downtown’s Hottest Office Complex and Community
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ater and Power Community Credit Union was formed in 1936 by 10 employees of the Department of Water and Power (DWP). Through the years, WPCCU has helped members send their children to college, save for retirement, purchase a vehicle or buy a home. In 2001, WPCCU became a community credit union serving people who work or reside in many of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s service areas. Downtown Los Angeles’ current renaissance has made it a draw for new businesses, expanding small business and corporate chains. Businesses are drawn to the area’s growth and seek to be an early investor in the dynamic community. Since WPCCU’s inception 78 years ago, it has had a strong presence in Downtown and helped many community members finance their dreams, whether those dreams were to build a business or home. In addition to the central city’s business growth, loft-condominium communities continue to sprout up in and around the area and command top dollar from buyers who seek the convenience and energy of living in an
urban center. WPCCU has rolled out a variety of home loans, including everything from home equity loans to conventional, VA, FHA and adjustable-rate mortgages, all with great rates and fast funding. The average time to close on home purchases is 25 days once all documents are submitted. WPCCU, as a credit union, is a Downtown L.A. community member because its membership is comprised of residents and business owners. Unlike banks that have a paid board of directors, credit unions are member-owned, have volunteer board members and focus on making members’ financial lives better. For more information about membership call (800) 300-9728 or visit wpcu.org.
What’s Old is New Again
Little Tokyo Honors Its Past While Embracing the Future
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ometime near the end of the 19th century, Japanese immigrants (Issei) began trickling into Los Angeles. They ranged from unemployed samurai to ousted government officials to hapless seamen looking for adventure. For Hamanosuke Shigeta, a cook who in 1884 jumped ship at San Diego, it was an opportunity for a new life. He opened a small restaurant in the ethnically mixed section east of Main Street in Downtown L.A. and became the first Japanese to establish a business in the area. The start of his business, Charlie Hama’s, signaled the birth of the Greater Historic Little Tokyo. Two years later, entrepreneur Sankichi Akita (owner of a bamboo shop at Fifth and Broadway) launched Quaker Dairy, a restaurant at 304 E. First St., and a hotel with a billiard parlor. Others soon followed Akita’s example, creating a cluster of new shops and services. Although the 1890 Census listed only 26 Japanese living in Los Angeles, there was undeniable evidence of a fast-growing Issei community. The first Japanese boarding house, Seinen-Kai, was established on Alameda Street in 1887, south of First Street. However, most Issei lived in small houses around Fourth Street, east of Main, an area considered “industrial” at the time. Between 1889 and 1903, Japan issued 84,600 passports, a demand spurred by uncertainty following the Sino-Japanese War (1885-1894). Meanwhile, businesses continued to sprout to meet the demands of the developing new population. There were foundries, metal shops, carriage and wagon shops, blacksmith and horseshoeing stables, the White King soap factory, wholesale produce markets, pottery kilns, food preparation plants, other small industries, and junkyards. By 1902, there were also two department stores, Asia and Hori Brothers, both on First Street. Ready-made suits designed to fit shorter-statured Japanese men were sold by the Matsuura Company. Soon, there were barber shops with western-style baths, bookstores, a tempura restaurant (Momoji) on E. First Street, a watch repair shop, factories making soy sauce, tofu and rice crackers, and vendors selling vegetables door to door. By 1905, approximately 3,380 Japanese were living in the City of L.A. Another 1,200 resided in outlying, unincorporated areas of Southern California. Through the Great Depression, racial exclusion, economic downturns, and the most devastating blow of all — the forced removal of all persons of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast — Little Tokyo survived with remarkable
experience
LITTLE
TOKYO SETTING A NEW PACE
IN DOWNTOWN LA resilience. In fact, two businesses founded in 1903 continue to operate in Little Tokyo today. Fugetsu-Do produces traditional Japanese confections at its First Street location, and The Rafu Shimpo, one of four vernacular newspapers established around the turn of the century, is the oldest and largest bilingual Japanese-English publication in America. Little Tokyo’s oldest building, once a blacksmith shop, still stands on the historic north side of East First Street between San Pedro Street and Central Avenue. Originally owned by Antonin Sperl, the structure is currently under the watchful eye of grandson Tony Sperl. Over the past 10 years, Little Tokyo has welcomed hundreds of new residents and increased the number and variety of businesses and services. Eager visitors arrive daily to experience the food, shopping, entertainment, and hospitality in this safe, clean and walkable enclave. According to the records of the Little Tokyo Business Association, which manages the local Business Improvement District (BID), there are approximately 430 businesses, including nearly 100 restaurants, dozens of eclectic gift shops, world-class museums, religious institutions, theaters, banks, and professional and personal services. Little Tokyo is now facing its next challenge as construction commences on the $1.42 billion, 1.9-mile Metro Regional Connector rail line, one of three planned underground light rail stations essential to creating a mass transit plan. The construction is funded by federal, state and city dollars, and is expected to last up to six years. Linking the Blue, Gold and Expo lines together, the Regional Connector will allow passengers to travel from Long Beach to Old Pasadena or from Santa Monica to East L.A. Despite such changes, large and small, historic Little Tokyo remains a true community, honoring the past and embracing the future. For more information contact Little Tokyo Business Association at (213) 880-6875 or visit visitlittletokyo.com.
Icons of downtown 27
Popping the Cork at Holiday Parties for 87 Years!
BERNARD I.
FERNANDO G.
JOSE F.
ALBERTO O.
52 Years
52 Years
53 Years
42 Years
The Taix Tradition Beloved French Brasserie Celebrates 87 Years
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JESUS R.
ANTONIA B.
LEONARDO C.
FRANCISCO P.
42 Years
42 Years
41 Years
40 Years
HENRIETTE E.
ISIDRO T.
JILL L.
JUAN H.
35 Years
34 Years
34 Years
34 Years
IN MEMORIAM (1925-2010)
ALEX E.
JOEL P.
MICHAEL T.
RAYMOND T.
31 Years
31 Years
35 Years
71 Years
1911 W. Sunset Boulevard (Echo Park) • Los Angeles CA 90026 Tel 213-484-1265 | Fax 213-484-0041 | www.TaixFrench.com
28 Icons of downtown
elebrating its 87th anniversary, Taix French Restaurant has helped five generations of Angelenos commemorate every imaginable occasion. Taix’s original Country French cuisine, family history and decades in Los Angeles’ Echo Park neighborhood has made it a Los Angeles landmark for French brasserie. The Taix family’s roots go back to the Hautes-Alpes in southern France, where they were third and fourth generation sheepherders and bakers. In the late 1800s, they opened a hotel in the French Quarter of Downtown Los Angeles. In 1927, a restaurant debuted on the bottom floor of the hotel and in 1965, moved to its current location in its trademark chalet. Inside, Taix nurtures a warm, private atmosphere that attracts city politicos, business people, couples looking for romance, late-night hipsters and Francophiles who can’t get enough of the region’s cuisine. Today, the Taix family remains true to the tradition of affordable elegance and hearty French country cuisine. Taix serves all the classics, including garlicky escargot, daily quiche, French onion soup and two versions of a salad Nicoise. Taix’s traditional soup service alone attracts diners from all over. Taix serves soup tableside from a silver tureen, in a bow to Old-World dining. All of Taix’s
soups are made using aromatic vegetarian stock – except for Friday’s famed clam chowder – and the servers will keep refilling until diners surrender. Taix serves tender cuts of quality meats in generous portions, accompanied by flavorful sauces. From comfort foods, such as lamb chops and pot roast served with a soup or wedge salad, to tender skirt steak flanked by crisp, rosemary-tinged pommes frites, Taix has delectable delights for everyone. In addition to its dining rooms, Taix’s dimly lit 321 Lounge is perfect for a social evening of cocktails and conversation with friends. Moreover, wine lovers will be hard-pressed to pick just one glass from the vast, award-winning wine list that Taix’s large, subterranean cellar offers. The selection is impressive and the prices won’t hurt the wallet or pocket book. While Taix’s food and wine have certainly earned iconic status, so too has its dedicated staff that ensures the restaurant remains a “must-dine” among Los Angeles’ top dining establishments. To commemorate Taix’s dedicated service staff, its family history and commitment to dining excellence in Los Angeles, Taix is proud to be named a Downtown L.A. icon. For more information, (213) 484-1265 or visit taixfrench.com.
A Catalyst for Revitalization The DCBID Means Business When It Comes to Downtown L.A.
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he Downtown Center Business Improvement District (DCBID) is a coalition of more than 1,600 property owners within a 65-block area committed to enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work, play and visit Downtown Los Angeles. Since its inception in 1998, the DCBID has continued its mission as the most valuable resource to Downtown property and business owners. By providing safety, maintenance, marketing and economic development programs, the DCBID has been, and will continue to be, the catalyst for Downtown revitalization. The DCBID operates a large safety and maintenance crew, also known as the Purple Patrol, which keeps the area safe and clean, and provides much needed services that the city is unable to provide. Over the past 11 years, the DCBID has also connected homeless individuals to needed services through its BID Action program. Through strong economic development programs, the DCBID has recruited many new businesses to the area. Over the past three years, the DCBID recruited and/ or opened more than 90 new establishments, resulting in thousands of construc-
tion and operational jobs, as well as generating millions in sales tax revenues. The organization’s current emphasis is the Seventh Street Corridor, between Figueroa and Main streets, with the goal of attracting unique and vibrant retail businesses. The DCBID’s marketing efforts have also repositioned Downtown L.A. as a hot destination for vibrant nightlife, dining and arts and entertainment. The DCBID’s website, downtownla.com, has become the most valuable resource for everything that is happening in Downtown Los Angeles, while the group’s Ambassador Team provides maps and valuable information to area visitors. For more information visit downtownla. com.
An Advocate for the City The CCA Continues to Spearhead the Downtown Renaissance
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ounded in 1924, the Central City Association of Los Angeles (CCA) has forged a pioneering path for the region’s business community and is considered the city’s premier advocacy organization. With more than 450 members, CCA has shaped public policy on critical economic issues and spearheaded the renaissance of Downtown Los Angeles. The 90-year-old group lobbies local and state government and advances policies aimed at improving the economic vitality of Los Angeles and the quality of life in Downtown. The CCA’s advocacy creates bottom-line benefits for its members and
has been a leader in real estate and land use policy, retail and hospitality. Led by President and Chief Executive Officer Carol Schatz, the CCA has cultivated a diverse and influential roster of dynamic members employing more than 350,000 people in Los Angeles County. Among the cross-section of industries are entertainment, technology, banking, law, insurance, trade associations and non-profits. As the Central City Association carries on its mission, this landmark organization will continue to set the bar for business advocacy in Los Angeles. For more information visit ccala.org.
Icons of downtown 29
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ince opening its first phase seven years ago with the 7,100-seat Nokia Theatre, the L.A. Live sports and entertainment district has become a catalyst for Downtown’s redevelopment boom. Unfolding around Staples Center, the active district has grown to include Club Nokia, the Grammy Museum, more than 20 restaurants, a 14-screen movie theater and a new addition to the southern Downtown skyline — the stunning Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles Hotel and Residences and the JW Marriott L.A. Live Hotel. Perhaps more than any other single project in recent years, L.A. Live has helped spur a massive wave of housing, hotel, retail and restaurant growth throughout the area, and has secured its place as Downtown’s most iconic landmark. L.A. Live has developed its campus not only for Downtown’s business and residential communities but for visitors as well. Now, a new loyalty program for those who live and work in Downtown L.A. allows guests to garner rewards through dining at L.A. Live restaurants. Members can earn one point for every dollar spent at L.A. Live restaurants, which can then be redeemed for rewards such as gift cards, concert tickets, movie passes and even a shopping spree at Staples Center’s Team LA merchandise store. In addition, members also receive upfront and ongoing benefits for simply signing up for the L.A. Live Downtown Preferred Program. As part of a welcome package, all
30 Icons of downtown
members receive one all-day parking validation to L.A. Live’s parking structure, a $10 Team LA Store gift card, 10% off Team LA Store purchases and a pass to experience the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. To further enhance the program, a special monthly calendar will cater to preferred members. The Preferred Calendar indicates Preferred Days, which are days at L.A. Live with no major events taking place at the various venues — much preferred by locals as there is little to no traffic and easy access to restaurants and parking. On these pre-selected days, members earn 10 times the points for every dollar spent, receive $5 parking and 15% off at participating L.A. Live restaurants. Even with all of the many concerts, award shows, movie premieres and the L.A. Kings, Lakers and Clippers games, there are still a handful of “dark nights” at L.A. Live when there are no major events taking place. In other efforts to bring something fun and new to welcome Downtown locals, L.A. Live has created Downtown Dark Nights on nights when there are no games or concerts taking place. On these Downtown Dark Nights, L.A. Live offers attendees $5 parking (free for Preferred members), $5 food and drink menus at participating L.A. Live restaurants, and live entertainment throughout L.A. Live, featuring local street performers, musicians, artists, dance groups, DJ’s and more. Plus, the Team LA Store at Staples Center hosts a sale
featuring 40% off most items. These nights are meant to create a different experience for the Downtown community where they can enjoy a night of fun and get a chance to meet other locals. The next Downtown Dark Nights date will be announced soon. L.A. Live is committed to serving Downtown L.A. and strives to bring new and exciting experiences to the area. For more information and the latest news, visit lalive.com. To become a Downtown Preferred member, sign up at lalive. com/preferred.
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Defining the Skyline