Like most weather patterns that sweep across Southern California, gentrification primarily moved from west to east throughout the late 1990s... As the 20th century drew to a close, the weather pattern kept driving east, making its way into Silver Lake... [Then] north and northeast, into middle-class neighborhoods like Atwater Village and Eagle Rock.
David Zahniser writes as if entire neighborhoods jump on the improvement bandwagon all at once. But as someone new to LA, and new to this little corner called Atwater Village, I can report property pride often rises house by house, block by block. You get $90,000 landscape improvements across from people who still park on the lawn. Fancy Asian bistros down the block from shuttered dives. Coffee Beans next to Black Eyed Peas.
Scratch that. The old Atwater Ranch Market will house a Starbucks after all. A flier at the Los Feliz Blvd. store announces SBUX is hiring for its new location at Glendale & Glenfeliz.
6 comments:
That is now officially the closest Starbucks to me. Let's hear it for lattes! Whoot! I'd still rather go to Kaldi.
I'm waiting patiently for a little of that home improvement vibe to sink into Glassel Park. We're still in gang member land over here!
I like Kaldi's too. Unless I'm third in line. - AVN
what about the wine bar at the ranch market? happening or not happening? does anyone know?
My humble opinion: Atwater Village doesn't have to be all one thing. I believe the chain-store gentrifiers can peacefully co-exist with the mom-and-pop shops. But there is a valuable lesson for locals. If you own a storefront or a coffee shop or a restaurant, you own nothing but physical space. Invest in it. Fill it with good employees. Value anyone who visits. Don't stock month-old milk. Be quick about cleaning graffiti. Don't be dicks about the free wi-fi. Along Glendale and Los Feliz, it's far too easy for your customers to walk across the street. - AVN
I can't help but still be annoyed every time I drive past the check cashing place, the box store, and the Coldstones. I really wanted some interesting stuff to open up in that minimall...
indochine is good and el buen gusto is always packed. have you tried them? yeah, the check cashing thing is an embarassment, though. i hope it leaves soon and is replaced by something more community oriented. we can dream, can't we?
btw, does anyone know what might go into the manila market (not the never-to-be middle eastern restaurant) and when the new ostra noni replacement is set to open?
Post a Comment