It has been called the “Art District” for years, but the truth was that it was something of the largest slum in L.A. as the properties there are primarily used for storage and abandoned factories. Some artists did use the area, located on the northeastern side of Downtown L.A., as their studio, the neighborhood was known for its danger even during broad daylight.
However, the recent development in the area is giving the Art District a complete facelift. As new construction projects for high-end buildings are set to take place, the Art District is now turning into the second coming of a Downtown L.A.
The Art District’s recent development has also excited many of its nearby business owners. Expanding residential properties will obviously mean an increase in population.
The Art District in L.A. encompasses the area between First and Seventh going north and south, L.A. River and Alameda going east and west. So far, it looks different compared to Little Tokyo, which is only a block or two away.
Little Tokyo is also emerging as the entertainment district of L.A. as commercial and residential properties continue to expand, but the Art District so far is still not as prosperous on the surface. Foot traffic is still not as heavy, while large container vehicles at times are blocking pathways.
Even then, there are signs that indicate changes in the near future. Matteo Street, a road closest to L.A. River, is now playing a host of many new restaurants as well as a construction site for commercial properties.
On Santa Fe Avenue, a large scale 438-unit apartment has already been built two years ago. Around the vicinity of that area between L.A. River and Central Avenue as well as Third and Eighth, about 20 construction projects are currently underway.
The most notable project is “6AM” on Sixth and Alameda. Operated by Irvine-based development firm Sun Cal, a total of $2 billion was invested into the project that will build a 58-story twin tower. 6AM will also provide 431 units of condo, 1,305 units of apartment, a 250,000 square-foot commercial areas and a 23,000 square-foot gallery.
In addition, Atlas Capital Group is also working on the ROW DTLA project between Seventh and Eighth. The 2 million square-foot property will offer offices, shopping center, and rest area. Office spaces will be 1.3 million square feet, while 200,000 square feet will be given to the shopping mall in addition to a 20,000 event area.
On Seventh and Santa Fe, commercial and residential property AMP Lofts will be completed in the near future. With an investment of $130 million, 320 residential units and 20,000 square feet of commercial area will be provided.
Korean investment group 3 Alameda Plaza Group has also been working on a construction on Third and Alameda. The property will be broken into five different buildings. The buildings will be 15, 10, 30, 34, and two stories, respectively.
They will provide a total of 994 units for tenants and also business owners. About 110 units of those will be provided to low-income residents.
Considering the size of all the construction projects taking place, the Art District will add 6,000 more homes in addition to 3 million square feet for offices and 650,000 square feet of commercial district. In essence, the Art District could soon be a “new city” in and of itself.
By Hyunwoo Kim
