Did you catch these stories about the Arts District and some of our residents and businesses? Some old, some new … I love discovering more about our neighborhood. Got anything to share? ~ #MRB
Featured Photo: Steve Grody at his studio in downtown Los Angeles. © William Anthony
Steve Grody: Beyond the Surface
by William Anthony, WM.A Photography, August 22, 2013
“… If there ever was an Indiana Jones of graffiti, it’s Steve. Instead of avoiding anacondas and rolling boulders, Steve ventures into decrepit neighborhoods and abandoned buildings to document the urban hieroglyphs we know simply as graffiti …”
Graffiti Beyond the Surface: Steve Grody at TEDxSitka
by Steve Grody, videotaped live at TEDxSitka, August 21, 2013
“… When Grody saw spray can murals popping up around Los Angeles, he immediately recognized their creativity and verve. Since 1990, he has been driving across L.A., exploring its back alleys, washes and abandoned lots in search of graffiti. Over the years he has cultivated trust among L.A.’s most prolific, skilled and infamous graffiti ‘writers,’ allowing him access to obscure locations …”
Zinc Cafe & Market Looking at Fall Debut in Arts District
by Kat Odell, Eater LA, August 22, 2013
“… Zinc Cafe & Market, a cutesy eatery and retail shop … is looking to open right by Handsome Coffee in the Arts District this fall … Management just acquired a full 47 license to serve booze, in addition to a permit enabling the sale of beer and wine to go …”
In Arts District, Two Groups Battle to Replace Disbanded Business Improvement District
by Donna Evans, Downtown News, August 20, 2013
“… One group, Arts District Los Angeles, touts “Bring Back Blue” as its motto, indicating the importance of returning the bicycle safety patrols to the neighborhood. Members of the rival Arts District Community Council Los Angeles agree that “clean and safe” are top priorities for the area …”
Guerilla Atelier Brings Lux Designer Fashion to Arts District in Downtown LA
by Brigham Yen, August 19, 2013
“… What started out as a pop-up store in the Arts District testing the downtown market, Guerilla Atelier has done so well, it is now here to stay permanently …”
Los Angeles Neighborhood Tries to Change, but Avoid the Pitfalls
by Jennifer Medina, New York Times, August 17, 2013
“… Gentrify? No! Gentefy? Sí!: In the Los Angeles neighborhood of Boyle Heights [DM NOTE: sister neighborhood of the Arts District!], young Latinos are trying to stave off gentrification with what they call ‘gentefication’ by opening their own hip businesses …”
Downtown Los Angeles’ Biscuit Company Lofts Attract A-Listers
by Whitney Friedlander, Variety.com, August 2, 2013
“… Constructed in 1925 and restored in 2006, the Biscuit Company Lofts above the restaurant Church & State on Industrial Street is on the National Register of Historic Places, and has served as home to several life-work spaces — including Spacey’s Trigger Street Prods. and Justin Lin’s production company, Perfect Storm …”
Angel City Brewery: Craft Beer Resurrection Gets its Wings in Heart of Los Angeles
by Good Beer Hunting, July 1, 2013
“… After lying dormant for some time, Alan Newman and the Alchemy & Science division of Boston Beer Co. (the makers of Sam Adams) bought the Angel City brewery — the brand, the building, the brewing equipment — all of it. With many of the traditional Sam Adam’s markets flat-lining against newer, more ambitious craft offerings, Boston Beer Co. has been making numerous investments. Sam Adams looks for new markets while the Alchemy & Science team is devoted to continued experimentation both in product and acquisitions …”
Eleven Madison Park chef comes to Ink, offers glimpse of new downtown restaurant
Los Angeles Times, May 15, 2013
“… The neighborhood on the eastern edge of downtown’s Arts District, already home to Church & State, Bestia and Bread Lounge, is attracting another restaurant newcomer. Come late summer, the hospitality group behind the Churchill, the Hudson and Clover will open a new restaurant at 7th and Santa Fe in the building that once was a loading dock for food company Heinz …”