Unlike most American cities, which spent the 20th century radiating out into suburbia, Los Angeles befuddles outsiders because it doesn?t really have a definite center. The phrase ?LA? is loosely used to refer to a collection of small yet distinct cities across the Los Angeles basin that grew together over time. Traditionally, a handful of these localities have been the cultural centers and tourist destinations (Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Silverlake, etc). While these districts thrived, ?downtown? sat largely neglected; its financial towers and retail spaces had severe occupancy issues for much of the 90?s and 2000?s. Ten years ago, downtown street life outside of working hours was virtually nonexistent.

© Benny Chan
Unlike most American cities, which spent the 20th century radiating out into suburbia, Los Angeles befuddles outsiders because it doesn?t really have a definite center. The phrase ?LA? is loosely used to refer to a collection of small yet distinct cities across the Los Angeles basin that grew together over time. Traditionally, a handful of these localities have been the cultural centers and tourist destinations (Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Silverlake, etc). While these districts thrived, ?downtown? sat largely neglected; its financial towers and retail spaces had severe occupancy issues for much of the 90?s and 2000?s. Ten years ago, downtown street life outside of working hours was virtually nonexistent.That fate was lar...