Los Angeles’ Downtown Faces Growing Challenges
Los Angeles – Downtown Angels is increasingly resembling a ghost town.
This once-vibrant district has seen a significant decline, with numerous shops closing and a rising number of homeless individuals raising serious safety concerns for patrons and business owners alike.
The core of the area, known for its shopping and entertainment, now features over 100 vacant storefronts.
The beautiful Art Deco buildings and classic theater marquees still stand, yet they now overlook boarded windows and scenes of individuals using substances in public.
Research by Avison Young indicates that about a third of commercial spaces are currently vacant, demonstrating a higher rate than Detroit.
Even the most resilient businesses are finding it tough to stay afloat amid crime, soaring rents, and a fluctuating population, according to local owners.
“Many historic independent restaurants are feeling the pressure and some have already closed. Those still open are fighting for their survival,” said an owner of Cole’s French Dip, the city’s oldest eatery, which recently announced its closure.
But it’s not just local establishments; chain stores are also rapidly shutting down locations. Macy’s closed its downtown branch this year, marking the first time in 150 years that downtown lacks a department store, as reported by LA Magazine.
Other retailers like Van, Theory, Paul Smith, and Acne have also vacated. Notably, Starbucks shut one of its downtown cafes in 2022, citing safety issues.
Brands like Adidas and Apple have also suffered during disruptions from the 2020 protests and recent anti-ICE demonstrations.
Each month, downtown seems to lose a bit more life, while the only constant appears to be the homeless drifting in from Skid Row.
“They’re reaching as far up as Spring Street now,” said a local barber working in the historic core, who preferred to remain unnamed for safety reasons. Recently, he had to call police after a homeless individual barricaded himself inside his shop.
“Things have changed drastically,” he reflected. “This used to be a place where students and visitors would come to enjoy a lively atmosphere.”
Before the pandemic, downtown LA was experiencing a renaissance reminiscent of a bygone era. William Deberell, author of “White Waseda Dobi: The Rise of Los Angeles,” noted that 2015 to 2020 marked an energetic period for the area, particularly in the Arts District. However, the impacts of COVID-19 have left lasting scars.
Rioters caused extensive property damage during the BLM protests, resulting in many businesses closing permanently. Today, boarded-up windows have become a common sight.
Landmarks once celebrated are now eyesores, and the impressive 677-foot Plaza Tower has turned into a playground for troublemakers.
Locals have voiced their frustrations over rising crime rates, particularly in what feels like a neglected downtown LA. One jewelry store owner expressed concern over the changing landscape and attributed crime spikes to the area being perceived as an exception to the city’s overall situation.
Though he worries about the rising rent—2-5% yearly increases—he is not alone in this experience.
Comparatively, office rents in downtown Manhattan reach up to $90 per square foot, while fewer and fewer people seem willing to invest in LA’s downtown. A local coffee shop owner urged landlords to be more realistic about the market.
“They need to recognize that having vacant spaces isn’t a gold mine,” he argued.
Despite the challenges, some residents still find value in downtown, enjoying the vibrant local culture, art galleries, and community services that cater to the neighborhood’s needs.
Glenn Proctor, who relocated from New York with her husband post-pandemic, appreciates the quieter streets, even if they come with graffiti and occasional disturbances. “Life here feels much more relaxed,” she remarked.
More Angelenos are opting to live downtown instead of competing in pricier areas, leading to occupancy rates around 90%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Some believe the neighborhood can stage a comeback, but it’s clear that it won’t happen by mimicking other high-end districts. Instead, they argue that local governments must invest in revitalizing the area.
“Everyone thinks downtown is on its last legs, but that’s not true,” Proctor summed up. “There’s potential here; we just need to focus on the positives.”
