Quote:
Originally Posted by pesto
Very nice sentiments and a good grasp of the current situation.
One of the most common problems with newly arrived commenters is that they want LA to be more like NY or DC or Tokyo or whatever. This is the last thing that most LA people want: they came here because they reject those models. Instead they are building their own model, based on what the people here want, not what city builders from the 17th or 18th century thought a proper city should be.
Of course, this does not mean that if a city finds an efficient or convenient way of doing things that it can't be adopted for local use. But only if it fits the LA style and direction.
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Thanks! I imagine you can tell i'm very passionate about this subject and the city of L.A. I've tried to do my homework on the city, but what better way than to see it for oneself.
I couldn't agree with you more about the vision for DT..... Again, my example was Chicago because not even Seattle felt so claustrophobic. I read somewhere that early engineers designed the city of L.A the way it is in trying to avoid the feeling of having "Tunnel Vision" when walking the streets. I'm sure a lot had to do with the Height restriction they had in place, but interesting ideology nonetheless.....can't say I disagree though.
Unfortunately still, the bad outweighs the good in terms of cleanliness and much needed attention. There are still way too many homeless people roaming the streets. B-S jewerly marts and discount stores everywhere (hate them!) and one too many run down buildings that I can imagine looked incredible in their heyday such as the Warner Bros. Theatre that hosts a Jewelry business. I have a better understanding than most about DT and value the history and the rich architecture DT does have to offer, but again, most won't recognize this or care for that matter and will come off with a bad impression of the city thus the negative comments and or bad mouthing of the city.
As patient and excited one can be with the progression, it still puzzles me today how we had such a complex rail system in place and completely had it go to waste and now are crying for it. I passed the Grand Central station building near Pershing square on my walk last night, which so happens to still have the original underground railroad tracks in place (now made into a housing building with beautiful lofts) and the Union building (now The Union Lofts) which had an above the street type platformed rail system going in and out of it like they have in Chicago and NY. Absolutely pisses me off that they tyrants of the era (they shall remain nameless ........ahem mainly GM), bought the rail companies in light of pushing the automobile. Makes me want to puke with disgust
I will try and be all of your eyes and ears and post pics from time to time....fortunately business is great, but keeps me insanely busy so my time is scarce, but will do my best to take pictures of storied buildings and their renovation stages.
One last cool thing to add....as I walked to the lot I was parked at (on hill and 9th street I believe) and arrived at my car. I began to think how cool the feeling was to walk DT etc.....as I was doing so, I noticed a bright neon sign flashing on a building above in front of me. The Orpheum Theatre's neon sign (was facing Hill street and not too sure if it also faces Broadway on which the theatre is located on) was flashing and was bright and beautiful as the day it was first lit up I bet. Really set me back and put a smile on my face to know that the cities revival is truly headed in the right direction since we have to begin with the existing gems we have left and build around them. Needless to say, was a great recap to a wonderful day in the city of Angels.
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