flower district blooms with new life
A couple weeks ago reader David Kennedy shared with us his observations of changes in Downtown’s Flower District. It seems the grass has been getting greener here lately with more retailers joining the scene, shops getting renovated and even a traffic island that received some new landscaping rocks. (Apparently, topiary didn’t fit the locale.)
Off his advice, we decided to take a closer look at this budding neighborhood. The Flower District is centered along the 700 block of Wall Street, amid the more well-known Fashion District. Those boundaries have been slowly expanding in recent years, as new florists have sprouted up along 8th and San Pedro streets.
Now developers are getting in on some of the horticultural action. SLAB Architecture is exhibiting renderings for a new Flower District project labeled the “San Pedro Flower Market” at the northwest corner of 8th and San Pedro streets. This acreage is now home to a small row of older florist shops and a vast surface parking lot.
The development would require demolition of the existing shops to make way for a massive wholesale flower mart with multi-levels of parking above. Also, there appear to be residences atop those upper parking levels. We’ve contacted the architect to find out exactly what the heck is going on there. No other project details are available.
In the meantime, we have to admit the area has acquired a gritty charm. It’s one of LA’s best kept secrets — and one that most Downtowners rarely explore. Next time you’re in the market for hydrangeas or a “bokay” of roses, skip Ralphs and get your perennials for a fraction of the cost here.
Compare the rendering to existing site photographs:
San Julian + 8th Street | San Pedro + 8th Street
11 comments
It really doesn’t seem to up the ante to the neighborhood, unfortunately. Why do they build such gloomy boxes and an area called the “flower district”?
I agree, the design is unusual and I don’t like the parking levels between retail and residential. But a project of this scale replacing an ugly parking lot is always a good thing. I’m curious to hear back from the architect. I’d like to know who their client is.
Hum — I don’t think I’ve ever been down that way. I see a DASH swings by somewhat close. I’ll definitely go browse the selection next time I need to buy some! thx for the tip!
The E Dash gets you very close – get off at Los Angeles and 8th.
For those not familar, the Flower District has a couple of very large markets which are open to the public on Saturday mornings. Entrance is $1. You can find excellent prices on flowers. Helps if you can discern quality. But, the prices are so good, even the clueless can find deals. When I first moved downtown, a visit to the Flower Market was big part of the weekend routine.
I’d also point out that right now is an the time to visit and to pick up Christmas plants like poinsetitas, wreaths and center pieces at very reasonable prices.
Did you guys hit that torta place I told you about at San Pedro & 23rd?
I noticed the other day that the northwest corner of 9th & San Pedro has been brightened considerably by the opening of the Target Trim Company. When the place is open, it really brightens the corner with its large windows and spiffy new awnings.
The fabric suppliers have been slowly creeping east on 9th. Well, they’ve now rounded the corner and are moving north on San Pedro. Meantime, the Flower District spreads south and north on San Pedro from 8th Street. It is really wonderful to see his growth because this street was so dead for so long.
I like the comments you made about the Flower District growth outside the two traditional markets on Maple St.
Currently some very exciting new developments are happening and I would like to invite you back so that I may point them out.
I think the area is improving for the better and it is becoming a great place to visit and shop. The growth is becoming significantly more than ever and it is bringing new colors and life to this small area of Downtown Los Angeles.
Regards,
Edwin Carde
310-261-4857 cell
Yes, the changes are an absolute delight. Is there no more happy product than flowers? What I particularly like about the developments near San Pedro & 8th is how, unlike the traditional markets on Maple, they face the street. The effect is very pleasing eye and inviting to the visitor.
There is no need to invite me back. I live nearby and drive through the area twice a day on my way to and from my children’s daycare. Alas, I don’t shop there as often as I’d like. When I was a bachelor, I’d go every Saturday. But now, I make a point to go at least once a month. It always made for a great expedition with the kids to buy flowers for mommy.
That building you’re talking about at 825 S. San Pedro is the new California Flower Market (CFM) and it will officially be open for business on 02/18/08 with 15 new vendors. I hear it will open from 4am to 4pm daily. I also think it is a great looking building with huge front windows & entrance definitely makes the area look nicer.
Also construction across the street at 812 S. San Pedro will be finished around the 02/22/08 and will add 10 new merchant stalls to the existing 11 stalls at 804 S. San Pedro know as Market City Flowers. The construction of 812 will be very similar in style and look.