Comments on: little tokyo shopping center plan comes into focus

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:56:17 +0000

BTW………..the many of the other businesses that operate in Little Tokyo that are owned by Koreans all sell JAPANESE products.

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:50:55 +0000

I don’t mind if Koreans open businesses in Little Tokyo. What bugs me is that their current plans for LTSC completely ignores where the complex is located. This is the historical core for the Japanese American community and has been for more than 100 years. Now these new Korean owners are jettisoning all the Japanese business in favor of Korean businesses, save an electronic anchor (the day spa will be Korean too). I’m so pissed at what the new owners plan on doing, I guarantee that I will NOT be spending a cent of my money anywhere in that complex!

By: Tommy

Tommy — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:11:11 +0000

for proof one need only ask the merchants in the mall - they are getting squeezed out and are quite vocal about it. Mitsuwa will be gone in a matter of months according to one shop owner I talked to.

The writing is on the wall; these new owners have no interest in maintaining anything Japanese about this mall.

By: Edward

Edward — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:53:47 +0000

Spectre… Proof?

By: Spectre

Spectre — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:43:51 +0000

Oh man, these comments…. guys, the Koreans are squeezing the Japanese merchants by over doubling their rents and other underhanded tactics that save them the expense of evictions.

It’s not going to be a blend of styles.

By: Spectre

Spectre — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:41:25 +0000

“Westbrook: It is. The owners are going for a mix of Korean and Japanese businesses.”

Incorrect.

By: Eileen

Eileen — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:51:26 +0000

7thmateo #32:
I am in full agreement that is it a Zeitgeist design. Unfortunately it is also a design that will probably not age well (just as the current building was a standard for the ‘80’s - it is now the anachronism that we are trying to replace). I think the architects should give it more thought and create something that is inviting for people not just to shop, but to hang out. I would love for it to become another destination to walk to.
I take the Metro to downtown everyday would love to see all of downtown become walkable and open for exploration.

On a final note - potholes suck.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:22:51 +0000

Brian: I’m curious what you can find at Target and Best Buy that you currently cannot find downtown? I live near 6th and Spring and am looking out my window at an appliance store. If I were to walk 3 blocks I could find my way to the Smart & Final.

My point is that wouldn’t it be a better place to live without the Best Buys and the Targets? Mom and Pops, my friend. They’re here, and they’re selling the products you need.

There are neighborhoods out there that offer big box stores already. Why not move to those if a Target is that important?

By: 7thmateo

7thmateo — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:36:48 +0000

to eileen #26
these renderings display this type of geometric architecture that is very current.
i don’t think comments like “a mall is a mall” is very productive to the discussion. why do you resign yourself to that idea?
this craptacular cinderblock structure may become something interesting to walk to. also, the city may finally fill the potholes on alameda that ate my friend and his mini cooper.

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:09:07 +0000

Ryan: I live downtown, and I would like the opportunity to shop for everyday products I need without getting in my card and heading 10 miles out of the downtown area.

I do not understand the “leave downtown alone” remarks a lot of people have. All the construction downtown, all the new residents pouring in, but for one reason or another some people don’t want businesses to follow.