South Park, Los Angeles, California

:"See also South Park (disambiguation)"

South Park is a district in central Los Angeles, California, United States, lying in the southwestern portion of Downtown Los Angeles. It is the site of the Staples Center arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center. In 2007, after a 57 year absence, Ralphs Supermarket returned to the neighborhood, opening an upscale Ralphs Fresh Fare store after many years of delay and eager anticipation by the growing Downtown residential community.

Geography and transportation

South Park is bounded by the Harbor Freeway (SR 110) on the west, the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) on the south, Main Street on the east, and Olympic Boulevard on the north. Bordering the district are Pico-Union on the west, West Adams on the southwest, South Los Angeles district on the southeast, the Warehouse District on the southeast, and Bunker Hill on the northeast. Major thoroughfares include Venice and Pico Boulevards, Grand Avenue, and Figueroa Street. The Blue Line light rail line stops in the district at the Pico/Chick Hearn station.

History

For most of Los Angeles' history, the area now known as South Park was dominated by industrial concerns, automobile dealerships, and residential hotels (most notably the Morrison Hotel, immortalized on the cover of an album by The Doors). Recently, the area has begun to rapidly transform with infill development. Starting in 2000, luxury apartments and condominiums with ground floor retail began construction. The district's proximity to the University of Southern California, as well as the Blue Line light rail line, has made it an attractive area for young professionals. As with many neighborhood transformations, this change in demographics as some concerned about displacement and gentrification issues.

In October 2007, The Evo and Luma Residences developed by The South Group, received the covetedLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold designation for their incorporation of sustainable materials; "green streets" to manage stormwater, energy-efficient construction techniques and amenities. Luma and Evo are the first twocondos in California to receive the Gold designation.

First United Methodist Church (developing a new building at Olympic and Flower) was one of the first to begin redeveloping the neighborhood, founding organizations to build affordable housing for Seniors and Families. The church plans a new complex that may include more housing, office space, worship and community gathering spaces. Since the church relocated to the corner in 1982, the neighborhood has undergone an almost total transformation.