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Downtown Los Angeles: what does the future hold?March 1, 2000What will it take for downtown Los Angeles to become a true metropolitan center, one that defines the core city of the 21st century? Addressing that question, the panelists at a ULI Los Angeles District Council forum generally agreed on what downtown has - and still needs - to become a world-class business, entertainment and cultural center. About 225 professionals registered for the November forum, titled "Downtown LA in 2010: Imagine the Possibilities." The moderator was Steven J. Soborhoff, senior advisor to the mayor of Los Angeles and managing partner of Soborhoff Partners. The panelists were Rockard J. Delgadillo, deputy mayor for economic development; Douglas Gardner, president, mixed use development, Catellus Development Corporation; Carol Schatz, president and CEO, Central City Association; and Ted Tanner, Sr., vice president, real estate, L.A. Arena Company, LLC.Beginnings The goal of elevating downtown to global status is ambitious, but, as the panelists noted, it begins with basic things -- such as housing, entertainment, and a strong retail atmosphere as well as flexible work hours, attractive work places, and meeting the infrastructure needs of the new economy. These elements, coupled with the diversity of Los Angeles, can generate an atmosphere of excitement about downtown, helping to attract businesses, create jobs, and draw visitors, Delgadillo noted. Gardner envisioned a place of great buildings in which everyone takes pride. Dot.com companies Dot. com, e-commerce, and telecommunications companies are beginning to lease space downtown, filling in the vacancy gaps. "It's important to get the private sector in the emerging industries to call downtown LA home," said Schatz. This will create an image of downtown as a magnet for companies that are driving the new economy. New landmarks The Staples Center, expected to draw three million people annually, is a very big piece in the downtown revitalization effort; beyond that, Tanner envisions that the 40 acres owned by the L.A. Arena Company will produce a new retail center, a new convention hotel, and an expansion of the convention center in five years. Furthermore, downtown LA will be the home to the new Walt Disney Concert Hall and the cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. With these noteworthy additions to the downtown landscape, the pieces are beginning to fall into place to make downtown the preferred choice for businesses as well as an entertainment and cultural destination. Missing pieces Retail/entertainment Soborhoff asked what was missing from the elements for downtown's success. The panelists agreed that retail as well as entertainment facilities are needed to transform downtown into an exciting, vibrant area, day and night. The challenge is to meet the competition from other entertainment and retail destinations. "Instead of people driving past downtown, we need to make downtown the destination of choice," Soborhoff commented. Housing The other missing element is housing. Gardner noted that in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, work/live lofts are the new development trend, and an estimated 20,000 people now live downtown. Likewise, downtown Los Angeles could be an attractive place to live for area office workers tired of long commutes, provided that innovative housing choices were available, as well as retail and entertainment. As Schatz noted, "In order for downtown LA to be successful, we need individuals to stay after the end of the work day - that includes (among others) an attractive retail atmosphere, and a place to call home." Public/Private Cooperation As the new economy continues to grow and prosper, companies will look to expand operations, and relocation will be a key consideration - which makes downtown an attractive location. Now, the challenge for the public and private sectors is to work closely together to transform downtown into a world-class business, entertainment and retail center of the New Millennium. Henry S. Yu is a marketing senior with the Los Angeles office of Arthur Andersen. | |
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