LA Times Talks LA Live vs. Grand Ave.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — A piece in the LA Times today titled "2 Projects, 2 Visions of Downtown's Future" talks about the differences between the LA Live and Grand Ave. projects, and includes some quotes from DLANC Board member Russell Brown.
"If the two projects were more similar, they would be competition," Brown said. "But being at the opposite ends of the spectrum," he said, "they actually complement each other."
I'm tired of so much ink being given to the Bonaventure's complaints about the small amount of City money going to support the hotel component of the project. The City puts money in to support big developments all the time, and the only reason they're complaining is that they don't want competition. In my mind there is no question that the hotel and the rest of the LA Live development will do great things for the Convention Center. I like the idea of more convention money coming into Downtown. I think in the end that's good for everyone.
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Don Garza on September 15, 2005, at 12:01PM – #1
I couldn't agree more. It is about copeititon but it is apre-text argument to convert the space in the Bonaventure into living spaces.
The Threat of converting those hotel rooms into condos would take bed tax money from the city , but you know what , we need a convention center hotel and LA Live is important to Dwontown Los Angeles because the whole city benefits from it.
David Kennedy on September 16, 2005, at 01:22PM – #2
Actually, I think at heart the concerns of the ownership of the Bonaventure are incredibly short-sighted. The development of the Convention Center to its full potential can only have a benefit for all hotels downtown. They can't understand the point is not to divide the existing travellers who stay downtown. Rather, the point is to grow the total number of travellers who stay downtown. If downtown becomes a more attractive destination and they are on the ball, the Bonaventure's occupancy rates should go up. This is not a zero sum game.
I'd also add, the sheer ugliness of the building and its disorienting design make the Bonaventure a lousy hotel. So, at some level, I understand the owners' concern.
Lastly, I think the LAT overstates the concern of downtown residents. I find it hard to believe people would want the status quo. I think downtown is large enough and vibrant enough to easily accomodate many visions. Again, this is not a zero sum game.