Los Angeles Living

Downtown Los Angeles is rich in history and architecture and many Angelenos have not discovered its hidden treasures.

This is the second in my series of Downtown Los Angeles.  Apologies for the poor camera work, something I need to improve on.

There are so many places that make you feel that you are anywhere but L.A., or even the U.S. Figueroa Hotel, built in 1925 in the Moorish style, this boutique hotel is close to the Staples Center and within walking distance to the business district.  Stepping in from the street you are in another world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new L.A. Live entertainment complex is not yet completed, but already is a popular destination.  It is a venue for sports, theaters, broadcast studios, restaurants, music clubs, hotels and bowling. It will also enhance the nearby Convention Center, making Los Angeles a serious competitor for the meeting and convention market. L.A. Live hosts the GRAMMYs, EMMYs, AMA Awards, ESPYs and the American Idol Finals, making it the event capitol of the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downtown Los Angeles houses a 90-block Fashion District, with the largest concentration of fashion-related businesses in the Western U.S. One of the most popular areas is Santee Alley. On the weekends the area is wall-to-wall people with a South of the Border Feeling. If you want bargains, this is the place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that we had a Coca Cola bottling plant in Los Angeles?  Built in 1937 by architect Robert V. Derrah, it resembles a ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day ended with a ride on the new Los Angeles Metro Gold Line, which was just completed a couple of weeks ago.  The Gold Line links Pasadena to East Los Angeles.  Plans for the extension of the much needed transportation system in L.A. is the subject of another post.

We picked up the train in Mariachi Square, a historic place where musicians have gathered since the 1930s with their instruments waiting to be selected to play at parties, events, restaurants, etc. The square was recently renovated and there is a contrast between the old world and new.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is something you don't associate with Los Angeles:

And finally, Union Station, The Last of the Great U.S.-built Railway Stations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downtown Los Angeles at night is a hidden treasure that most Angelenos have yet to discover.

Tonight I visited the Checkers Hotel with its rooftop swimming pool.  The Checkers, now Hilton Checkers, is a historic hotel dating back to 1926. It is the only 4-diamond boutique hotel in Downtown L.A.  The view from the rooftop is stunning at night and I am sorry I am not a better photographer to have captured it.  

The art deco building in front is The Los Angeles Central Library, the third largest in the nation, and probably the most beautiful. It was built to resemble ancient Egyptian architecture and the central tower has a tiled mosaic pyramid.

Pershing Square, in front of the historic Biltmore Hotel, is now the site of  an outdoor skating rink - yes, skating in Los Angeles. This will be open until January 18th.  For more information visit the L.A. Parks site.