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Originally Posted by Wilcal
Based upon the most current renderings 8th and Grand, as monolithic it is, may prove to be a very interesting centerpiece for neighborhood activity. On that note Hunter, you show photos of various developments with still (after many years on the market ) vacancies. It makes me wonder if the planning department's philosophy of ground floor retail is not creating a saturated retail environment. I agree that it diminishes what is considered "dead space" which creates an unpleasant experience for the pedestrian, but much can be done to design the lower floor of a development that is pleasant for the pedestrian and doesn't necessarily have to have retail. I don't object to convenience retail in strategic nodes in South Park, but when I see retail planned for the ground floor of every development I think that is retail that could be located on Broadway, 7th, or Hill, streets that have so much underutilized (read "swapmeet") or vacant space. Its seems as if there is potential retail energy which is being diverted from these critical thoroughfares. With new development, I say let the developers decide what is best for the ground floor of their developments. Otherwise, if the city demands (as it does) it, it will more than likely stay vacant for a long time and end up costing the developer money. By the way, I think that any pedestrian walking past a chronically vacant retail space, would find that to be an unpleasant experience. Group, what are your thoughts?
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A couple of reactions to your comments.........first there was a lot of retail overhang from the recession that is just now getting leased. And you have to remember that LA was late to the party.......employment growth didn't really start to pick up in LA until late last year. Now that the LA economy is starting to fire on all cylinders or at least most of them, you will start to see the retail fill.
Most of these retail spaces are smaller and are intended for service retail like dry cleaners or fedex. They will fill as the apts fill. Plus, the more retail there is the more it will draw out the office worker who probably didn't bother to go out for lunch when his choices were a trashy Macy's and a 7/11.
What will make DT really interesting is the retail spaces in the older bldgs. The more creative retail will not be able to afford the new retail so it will migrate or start up in the older bldgs. Eventually, you will be walking along a street in DTLA passing by stuff like CVS Drugs and running into a funky shop selling pre WW I watches.......not really but you know what I mean.
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I do find it very unpleasant walking by vacant retail, but I'm an exception - I doubt most people even notice honestly.
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And yeah, I walk a lot and need to be entertained. Vacant spaces don't entertain.
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