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Angelenic is the essential news resource for those living, working and visiting Downtown Los Angeles. Check out our Ever since the South Group began transforming the stretch of 11th between Hope and Grand in South Park several years ago, many observers knew it was only a matter of time until the Desmond Building would nab some attention.

The ideally located historic structure has since fetched the interest of big-name chains like Cheesecake Factory, Hooters and 7-Eleven, but its owner Meruelo Maddux Properties has been reluctant to grant the long-term leases these businesses typically require.

Even though the property has remained lifeless amid all the action, plans are now being finalized to a transform the warehouse into a retail/fashion hub called The Space at Desmond. The 80,000 square-foot project purportedly now under construction has been in the works since 2006 by Phillip Dane -- the mastermind behind the new weekly South Park Flea Market.

The Space at Desmond venue is set to debut spring 2008 with ground-level shops, wholesale space, a cafe, art gallery, live window displays, designer showrooms and a sexy rooftop area boasting a swimming pool, cabanas and runway for fashion shows. In fact, one retailer has already committed to occupy a 1,000 square-foot space... another fucking frozen yogurt shop called Menchie's! This is now a bona fide invasion.

Along with the fro-yo onslaught, interest from hundreds of designers, sponsorship from Audi and a possible partnership with GenArt solidify the community’s support for South Park’s new epicenter of cool.

Check out these related posts:

1. fashion café soon to show in south park
2. south park to get cozy with hygge restaurant
3. old retail buliding razed in fashion district
4. south park’s fashion cafe is open