breaking: downtown macy’s to close (7+Fig location)
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Macy’s will be shuttering its secondary Downtown Los Angeles location at 7th and Figueroa, according to the LA Times. The move is part of a cost-cutting measure that will close 11 stores nationwide, taking 136 Downtown jobs with it.
After acquiring Southern California-based Robinsons-May in 2005 — the last big department store based in Los Angeles — Macy’s had two stores separated by a mere block, with its primary Downtown location at Macy’s Plaza (7th and Flower).
That acquisition ended an era of Downtown department-store shopping that included such names as Bullock’s, Hamburger’s, May Company and the Broadway, among many others.
A close-out sale begins next week.
What retailer would work in that space? Let us know!
updated: safari sam’s closes after brief stint on main street
Well, that didn’t last too long.
Safari Sam’s, the all-ages, small concert and performance operator that relocated to Downtown from Hollywood in mid-October, is out of business. According to owner Sam Lanni, the Gilmore Development-leased venue didn’t hold proper entertainment permits.
An altercation that was quickly broken up by police during a holiday concert may have contributed to the quick eviction, however, but details remain scarce.
In any event, Safari Sam’s may receive local government relocation assistance to find another venue in Downtown if funding becomes available.
Photograph via Ed Fuentes / viewfromaloft.
UPDATE: Gilmore Development responds. Emphasis mine.
Safari Sam’s was not ‘Evicted’, they had a license to operate on a predetermined number of days for three months. We chose not to book any additional events for business reasons. The business decision had nothing to do with anything other than to move forward with a different operating model. The Venue does have all its appropriate licenses. Business is fine, the world is not coming to an end. ‘Little Radio’ is having an Artwalk event at the Regent tonight. The Regent will be having events regularly throughout the year prior to its reconstruction planned for the fall.
dt brief: tranquility base not reopening
After holding out some hope of reopening January 12th with a new investment team, Tranquility Base Restaurant & Lounge is officially shuttered for good, angelenic has learned.
lots to love about january’s art walk
It’s Los Angeles Arts Month! January’s Art Walk on Thursday promises to continue heating up Downtown in the dreary winter months, with new art show openings and nightlife to keep you coming back for more.
Also, check out the great list of openings and events on blogdowntown’s Art Walk Preview.
Kogi- While not specifically “art” — unless you’re like me and consider good food an art form — the Kogi BBQ truck will be making its first Art Walk appearance.
Revving its way through LA, hungry Angelenos literally chase the damn thing down the street in search of spicy pork tacos and marinated shortrib burritos. They’re that good. Still, “Korchata” (Korean horchata) may be taking things a bit too far.
Mark at Kogi tells angelenic that three more trucks are in the works. They can take my parking spot anytime they like. Kogi BBQ Truck; Art Walk location based on parking availability (Twitter for up-to-date information); expect lines.
it’s curtains for tranquility base
Opening to great fanfare early in 2008 — with a series of behind-the-scenes write-ups on angelenic — Tranquility Base Restaurant & Lounge quickly became a destination for group events and private parties taking advantage of a large outdoor patio.
Unfortunately, regular dining hours never caught on with the Downtown crowd — both dinner and Sunday brunch were tasty if lonesome experiences for those who ventured to the restaurant, which is now shuttered following a final New Year’s Eve event.
Calls to the restaurant went unanswered on Tuesday, and a sign outside declares the closure is “due to slow times.”
More info on the closure and a possible reopening after the jump…
another palmer in downtown?
You’ve seen them around Downtown, mostly in City West and Chinatown. They’ve got names that read like Old World Italian nobility: Orsini, Piero, Visconti, Medici…
…Da Vinci?
According to documents filed with the City Planning Department, controversial developer GH Palmer Associates is seeking to construct another apartment building, this time inside the Downtown freeway ring at 909 W Temple Street. A public hearing is scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 10:00am.
At six stories, the 670-unit, market-rate apartment building will contain 10,000 square feet of commercial space and 1,264 parking spaces, including 163 guest spots. Three separate parcels at the intersection of Temple Street and Fremont Avenue (north and south of Temple) are currently home to surface parking lots.
But will this be another Italian Renaissance-style fortress?
great republic lofts goes rental
Another one bites the dust? This year, many are starting off with a renewed sense of forward-looking optimism, all too ready to leave the economic woes of 2008 in the rear-view mirror.
But 2009 starts off with news that the Great Republic Lofts, a historic, 72-unit condominium building at 8th and Spring, is going rental. Consider the news a holdover from last year.
At the crossroads of two increasingly residential corridors, the Great Republic will forge a southeastern anchor to the residential conversions in the Historic Core.
Last time angelenic checked in back in June, construction was underway on the units and ornate marble lobby. Move-ins begin in February, according to a source familiar with the project, but no price ranges were given.
More photos from last summer, information and details after the jump…
casa restaurant takes grand avenue january 6
CASA, the brand-new Mexican restaurant and taqueria from the creators of Mendocino Farms, officially opens January 6th following a short soft opening phase that’s been tailored to the Bunker Hill set, according to Director of Operations Sean Krajewski.
Last time angelenic checked in with CASA, construction was still underway at the self-identified authentic Mexican restaurant. Though there are many standards on the menu, Chef Kris Morningstar has thrown in a few surprises after traveling up and down the coast looking for inspiration.
At lunchtime, a two-step taqueria line keeps hungry corporate workers moving along at a brisk pace — a smart move for a neighborhood that’s beginning to find its dining niche.
Later in the evening sit-down service is expanded with tacos, ceviche, carne asada, carnitas and braised rabbit.
