When Angelenos think of Chinatown, chic may be the last descriptor that comes to mind. The historic neighborhood on the north end of Downtown is best known for its cheap wares, smoked ducks and herb shops. Faded structures and an abundance of surface parking lots have diminished the charm of this area for decades. As with the rest of Downtown, visionaries have been able to see its hidden potential.

A few years ago a cluster of new art galleries opened around Chung King Road and grabbed the attention of a trend-setting crowd. Those enterprises have led to the evolution of a “new” Chinatown where hip boutiques and fashion retailers are taking advantage of the district’s cheap rents.

One of the newest shops to hit the scene is Welcome Hunters, a stylish gem tucked behind Hop Louie’s Restaurant in the historic Central Plaza. Owner Robin Cervar moved into the space about five months ago and says her shop offers avant-garde European fashions — such as KTZ and best behavior — that may be difficult to find in other parts of the city.

Cervar, who plans to eventually relocate from her home in Silver Lake to Downtown, seems bullish on the area. The entrepreneur points to other new retailers in the community and shares her knowledge of the larger redevelopment projects underway.

It would seem she’s arrived an opportune time.

A couple doors down in a multi-story retail structure facing Broadway, Flock Shop debuted only a month later. Flock Shop provides essential “elements to urban lifestyle,” and sits below the ultra-hip Ooga Booga which has occupied the building since 2004. Ooga Booga along with retailers Munky King and Realm (also located in the Central Plaza) helped pioneer Chinatown’s revitalization efforts.

As this group of hip merchants continues to grow, another corner of Chinatown is seeing similar changes. On New High Street between Alpine and Ord, a unique place called New High (M)art is introducing an innovative retail concept to Los Angeles.

Not quite a boutique, and not quite a gallery, New High (M)art is best described as a “permanent pop-up store.” The efficient space showcases an ever-changing display of original retail “shows” by different artists/designers. With each exhibit the mart is completely reconfigured, and the fashioner’s personal accouterments are brought in to help relay the vision of the collection.

Owners T-Rik and Miho Ikeda just ended their first six-week feature with Brian Litchenberg-designed clothing and accessories. Lined up for the next run are extraordinary works by designer Grey Ant.

New High (M)art isn’t alone on the block. Lion’s Den moved in mid-2005 and also offers cutting-edge men and women’s apparel. Around the corner at Spring and Ord, an alternative art venue called Bow & Sparrow completes the scene.

If fashion isn’t quite your forté, Chinatown’s nightlife options are also expanding. The red-themed Mountain Bar in the Central Plaza near Munky King draws a younger local crowd.

Also something to watch for is North Hill, another new establishment under construction on Hill Street across from Central Plaza’s entrance. No information is yet available for North Hill, but the contemporary sign looks promising.

Anyone noticing a pattern here?

This wave of organic revitalization coupled with large-scale mixed-use projects such as Blossom Plaza and Chinatown Gateway is sure to upgrade Chinatown from its status as an unbecoming tourist-trap. Downtown residents should make it a point to visit and support these new places, which are all a short walk away from Chinatown’s Metro Gold Line station.

Welcome Hunters
454B Jung Jing Road
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-687-9905

Flock Shop
934 N. Broadway, #103
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-9090

New High (M)art
741 New High Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-621-7822

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