Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Food

Urban Radish: Downtown Dwellers Getting Permanent Farm-Fresh Market

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

It's been pretty much just known as the metal shed with the chipmunk mural, but by early 2013 it will be home to Urban Radish, a permanent community market in Downtown's Arts District.

While the neighborhood has just welcomed its first weekly farmers' market, downtowners will be able to hit up the Urban Radish, located across from The Biscuit Company and Toy Factory Lofts, for fresh, seasonal produce as well as meats, seafood, dairy, deli items, baked goods, and other food items. There will also be a seating area for eating on the spot.

The 8,200-square-foot market is owned by "farm-to-fork" advocates and Angelenos Keri Aivazis and Carolyn Paxton, who want to create a casual, community-oriented and sustainable shopping experience for locals, according to information provided by the offices of L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar. Paxton also told Blogdowntown she envisions locals shopping every couple of days, which is more like "the European way of cooking and eating."

Cool point about the Urban Radish parking lot: It will feature one of the largest electric car charging stations in the state.

We asked Paxton if the chipmunk mural is staying on the shed exterior. Her reply: "Absolutely!"

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today