Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
Introducing the new Grand Avenue

Eli Broad (with glasses) and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stand in front of one of the models of the new Grand Avenue at today's press conference.
We admit, we are entranced by shiny, pretty things, and in this case that goes for things encased in translucent glass, too. We're talking about debut of the design of Grand Avenue, phase 1, by a team of architects led by superstar Frank Gehry. The design includes two towers, a big park, retail space, condos, a 5-star hotel, rooftop pools and even a big grocery store. These are, as Frank Gehry said, are the things the community wants. "We yearn for a center," he told the assembled dignitaries and media people.
There were an array of speakers: the rich and powerful (Angeleno Eli Broad and the head of Related, the developer Steve Ross), the political (Supervisor Gloria Molina, Councilwoman Jan Perry, the Mayor) and Frank Gehry. They said what you'd expect — creating a center for the city, unique opportunity, working together — "This is a city of dreams," Mayor V said. "This is a city of hope. If not here, where?" Steve Ross agreed. "Great cities require a great center," he said, then proceeded to imply that New York, his home, would always be greater. But Frank Gehry got things back on track, asking "What can it be? What should it look like?" then answering himself: "It shouldn't look like New York. It shouldn't look like Paris. It should look like us."
He spoke of using outdoor space, and terraces, then finally gave up and gestured at the models, letting them speak for themselves. We would have taken more photos of the models if we'd realized that the press kit they gave us featured just two images — they're after the jump.
What do you think of the new Grand Avenue?

Looking southeast with Disney Hall in the foreground.

An elevation of the towers and retail space (little silver people are glued in, shopping).
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?