DTLA LIFE MAG #3 | MARCH 2014 | Page 8

Nestled between four freeway boundaries , ( I-10 , 110 Freeway , I-5 and the 101 Freeway ) Downtown L . A . boasts a myriad of distinct neighborhoods and communities . In the early 1990s the rebirth of our city center was not as clear as it is today . Risk-taking developers picked and chose abandoned , dilapidated , sometimes mere shells of formerly grand buildings to revitalize them into modern , trendy new homes . Others simply started building from the ground up quite ornate , over the top , amenity filled apartment homes in previously deserted areas for forward thinking Downtown L . A . dwellers . Some very brave retailers and restaurateurs chose formerly questionable areas to open boutique shops and new foodie venues . Prior to the real estate crash of 2007 , success was almost guaranteed and everyone had their eyes on Downtown L . A .

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How devastating was the real estate crash around the country with Downtown L . A .’ s revitalization among the nation ’ s unfortunate victims . However , here we are nearly 20 years later from our first projects and 7 years following the devastating crash watching the projects rise again and the cranes now busily working on many corners of Downtown L . A .
Brand new super towers , revitalized theaters , updated historic buildings and formerly deserted industrial warehouses have turned into the most advanced business and hotel towers , creative hotels , loft and apartment homes and both boutique and major retail shopping centers . It ’ s a fun day to read an article in GQ Magazine that named Downtown L . A . as one of “ America ’ s Next Great Cities ”.

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What an array of food choices in Downtown L . A .! The range , from food trucks to gourmet restaurants , farmers markets to our beloved rebirth of the historic Grand Central Market continues to delight foodies ’ neighborhood wide . I believe at last check , we boasted five of the nation ’ s top restaurants . As a matter of fact , Bon Appétit magazine actually named “ Alma ” located on a formerly deserted corner of the historic core the best restaurant in the country .

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We are equally excited for the passing of the moratorium placed on new low-rise buildings in the historic core . Developers like Joseph Hellen ( owner of the residential rental towers ; Spring Arcade Building , Jewelry Trades Building and the Chester Williams Building ) have also committed to
6TH STREET BRIDGE