The second isn't actually an article, but a video. The video and accompanying article are on Curbed LA, another one of my favorite sites!
I found both pieces particularly interesting. In the video, the architecture students point out that over 30% of the land use in downtown LA is for parking! In the "density" article, Witold Rybczynski, points out that LA is in fact quite dense, but downtown is not. As a downtown resident and strong advocate for a denser, livelier downtown, I think the city needs to strongly encourage infill development in downtown while reducing greatly the amount of surface parking lots in the neighborhoods of downtown. These infill projects don't necessarily need to all be skyscrapers, but, instead, could be modest 5 to 10 story condo/apartment buildings with first floor retail. More people downtown means less reliance on cars and more on public transportation, walking and biking.
Obviously, there needs to be demand for new housing (and even new offices for doctors, dentists, etc...all the services that downtown residents and workers need). I think continued development of green space and the arrival of more retail will and can ultimately attract more residents to downtown.
If you read my blog, you know that I love walking to local restaurants, theatre, etc. I think there are a lot people like me who would enjoy this quality of life if only they gave it a chance. If you're thinking of buying or renting downtown, please do. If you live in downtown now, encourage your friends and family to join you. And, encourage our elected officials to do more to make downtown a greater place to live!
Russell Hill
213.321.5040
