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Streets alone make up 15% of all the land in Los Angeles; we have more streets than any other city in the country. And those 7,500 miles of streets are far more than just a means of getting from Point A to Point B—they shape the character of our city. Since its implementation in 2014, the Great Streets program has worked to make those streets safer, more dynamic, and reflective of our communities. So what does that look like on the ground?
Western Avenue was one of the initial fifteen streets chosen to receive cultural, transportation and economic improvements as part of the program. Since taking office last year, Councilman David Ryu has worked with Great Streets and the Mayor's Office to improve the vibrancy of Western in a variety of ways, from traffic safety and pedestrian improvements to beautification efforts. Concrete sidewalk repairs have been made, weekly overnight street sweeping has been initiated, and an upgraded bus shelter with USB charging station, WiFi, and real-time updates has been installed. Now, the fruits of the latest Great Streets project are on display on Western Avenue: six new murals and a series of painted utility boxes.
"These murals add new life to the aged walls and will attract new businesses, instilling renewed community pride along this major corridor," Councilman David Ryu said.
Estevan Montemayor, Director of Communications for Councilman Ryu, told LAist that the office began by canvassing the neighborhood and talking to business owners to find people who would be interested in having murals painted on the facade of their properties, and then partnered with local arts non-profit Beautify Earth to complete the actual works.
"I think some of these murals will create a renewed interest in the businesses on the street. You stop and look at this beautiful mural and find interest in it, and then maybe you walk in. And when you see a whole street full of that, it's pretty exciting. It's going to add a specific culture," Montemayor said.
"We hope with how successful this first round went, and with how beautiful the murals are, that maybe additional property and business owners will get excited and sign on, because we're still willing to add additional murals over the next few months," Montemayor added.
