Special offer

Another Day in Downtown L.A.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Home Jane Realty BRE# 01439865

Downtown Los Angeles is rich in history and architecture and many Angelenos have not discovered its hidden treasures.

This is the second in my series of Downtown Los Angeles.  Apologies for the poor camera work, something I need to improve on.

There are so many places that make you feel that you are anywhere but L.A., or even the U.S. Figueroa Hotel, built in 1925 in the Moorish style, this boutique hotel is close to the Staples Center and within walking distance to the business district.  Stepping in from the street you are in another world.

LobbyPool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Door

Front

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new L.A. Live entertainment complex is not yet completed, but already is a popular destination.  It is a venue for sports, theaters, broadcast studios, restaurants, music clubs, hotels and bowling. It will also enhance the nearby Convention Center, making Los Angeles a serious competitor for the meeting and convention market. L.A. Live hosts the GRAMMYs, EMMYs, AMA Awards, ESPYs and the American Idol Finals, making it the event capitol of the world.

ComplexStaples Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downtown Los Angeles houses a 90-block Fashion District, with the largest concentration of fashion-related businesses in the Western U.S. One of the most popular areas is Santee Alley. On the weekends the area is wall-to-wall people with a South of the Border Feeling. If you want bargains, this is the place.

Santee Alley

Santee Alley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that we had a Coca Cola bottling plant in Los Angeles?  Built in 1937 by architect Robert V. Derrah, it resembles a ship.

Coca Cola Building

Trucks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day ended with a ride on the new Los Angeles Metro Gold Line, which was just completed a couple of weeks ago.  The Gold Line links Pasadena to East Los Angeles.  Plans for the extension of the much needed transportation system in L.A. is the subject of another post.

We picked up the train in Mariachi Square, a historic place where musicians have gathered since the 1930s with their instruments waiting to be selected to play at parties, events, restaurants, etc. The square was recently renovated and there is a contrast between the old world and new.

Stage

Metro Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cafe

 

Mariachis

 

Mariachis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is something you don't associate with Los Angeles:

Train

And finally, Union Station, The Last of the Great U.S.-built Railway Stations.

Timetable

Hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (20)

Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Jane, it's really fun to photograph old buildings.  Like DC, Los Angeles is full of wonderful historic architecture.

Nov 29, 2009 10:39 AM
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Jane,

Looks like there's always something to see or do in LA. I didn't know about the Fashion District. That's good to know, not that I shop that much, but I'd more likely to buy something there than on Rodeo Drive. Nice tour.

Nov 29, 2009 10:44 AM
Bob & Leilani Souza
Souza Realty 916.408.5500 - Roseville, CA
Greater Sacramento Area Homes, Land & Investments

Jane, thanks for hosting this virtual trip to downtown Los Angeles...it was fun! :)

Leilani

Nov 29, 2009 11:32 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Pat, and you have some incredible architecture also.

Thank you, Wayne.

Leilani, you are welcome.

Nov 29, 2009 11:45 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Jane!  What a wonderfully beautifly Localism post!  I'm drawn to the hip new buildings but, there's just something about the old 1925 architecture that I love.

Have a wonderful week...

Nov 29, 2009 12:14 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Debe, I am into ultra-modern also, but these historic buildings are amazing.  Los Angeles downtown is a treasure trove of them and most Angelenos don't have a clue what's down there.

Nov 29, 2009 01:18 PM
James K Barath, CMPS
Canopy Mortgage, LLC - Crown Point, IN
FICO Pro, Certified Military Housing Specialist

If my niece is not aware of the Fashion District yet, she is definitely going to enjoy a visit.

Nov 29, 2009 03:37 PM
Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

I like your Pink and Black backdrop - it looks so Parisienne! :-)  I didn't know the Coca cola bottling plant was there!

Nov 29, 2009 03:50 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

If she is in L.A., James,  there is a lot she will enjoy downtown.

Liz, I didn't know either.  I have a friend who really delves into each city he visits and he know L.A. so well.  There is a ton of stuff, it would take weeks to discover.

Nov 29, 2009 04:25 PM
Janice Roosevelt
Keller Williams Brandywine Valley - West Chester, PA
OICP ABR, ePRO,Ecobroker

This is so enjoyable. Thanks for the tour. BTW, my oldest son may end up in LA so would love to give him your email.

Nov 29, 2009 10:10 PM
Leesa Finley
RED Properties - Wake Forest, NC
RED Properties - Raleigh NC Real Estate

Oh my gosh, Jane - this is a fabulous post regarding the hidden treasure of L.A.!  I absolutely love all of the spots that you selected - especially the fashion district! ;)  I didn't get the chance to read the first in the series so I am off to check it out!

Nov 29, 2009 11:55 PM
Claude Cross
Homes By Cross, Inc. - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte NC Homes For Sale

Jane - Great localism post ! The diversity of architecture captured in your post makes for eye candy. I love the coke a cola building.

Nov 30, 2009 02:44 AM
Lee & Carol Barbour, REALTORS
Murphy and Hayesville, NC; Hiawassee, Blairsville, Blue Ridge GA - Murphy, NC
Mountain Living Team in Murphy NC and North GA

What a great day in LA, Jane! You've really show the diversity in this day trip. Great Localism series.

Nov 30, 2009 10:15 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Absolutely, Janice.  Please do.

Leesa, when I can get downtown again I will continue.  I need my guide with me though because there is so much I would miss.

Claude, thanks.  No one would know that L.A. has all this.  I learn something new every time.

Carol, thank you very much.  I appreciate your comments.

 

Nov 30, 2009 12:13 PM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Jane this place looks so beautiful.  Love the picture of the table viewing the pool, I am so there! 

Nov 30, 2009 12:33 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Thank you Al & Peggy. That is a fabulous hotel and filled with celebrities.

Nov 30, 2009 12:40 PM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Ok I'm singing along with Randy Newman "I love L.A.!" and I love this post Jane.  It looks like are many things to see and do in Los Angeles. Lots of great architecture, too!

Nov 30, 2009 02:35 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Thanks for dropping by, Mary.  L.A. is an extremely multi-faceted city.

Nov 30, 2009 02:54 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

The architecture is truly captivating Jane.  I just love the hotel.  And your coca-cola bottling plant is sure prettier than the one 30 miles from my house.  I can see that I need to find a pretty sunshiny day soon so I can show off my home town.  And I think your photography skills are great.

Nov 30, 2009 03:18 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

You are way too nice, Tammy.  I need to sit down and look at what settings to do when with my camera before I end up with totally black pictures.  Is that plant the main Coca Cola plant in Georgia?

Nov 30, 2009 03:22 PM