When Ryan Smith unveiled his proposal for a new entertainment district, the artist’s rendering of his vision left one question foremost on the collective mind of CB.
In which direction would the district be positioned?
Now we know.
It’s East. On land now occupied by the above-mentioned icons and the area of Japantown.
The County owns the land on which Abravanel and the Convention Center and it seems to be on board with the idea. As is the Church and the City.
Both facilities, it is assumed, we be relocated.
The Legislature has not only signed off on the proposal but passed legislation to partially fund the project which could involve 100 acres of the downtown core.
It also removed the ban for bars in the area bound by S. Temple to 100 S, and W. Temple to 400 W., paving the way for such establishments.
Smith’s inspiration is LA Live, which has dramatically transformed and improved that part of downtown LA.