My Inner Developer

I often contemplate alternative careers or what I would do if I were a trust fund baby.

Downtown Los Angeles Real Estate Developer has a nice ring to it. Like many individuals, I am enamored by the beauty of the historic buildings in downtown.  I am also excited by the endless potential and opportunity that lies within abandoned, unused and what I like to call "misused properties," such as selling cheap clothing out of an old theater on Broadway.

As you may have guessed, Broadway and its theaters have a special place in my heart.  It is exciting to see the steps that are being taken (such as Bringing Broadway Back, Trolley car plans, Cliftons, Umamicatessen, Ace Hotel, etc.) to reform the street into the vibrant social center it once was with a modern touch.  In my alternate career, it would be amazing to be part of creating an event/lounge/bar/club space in one of the multiple theaters on Broadway.  I enjoy pondering the challenge of working to utilize the foundation and historic design elements of the building and its space while incorporating modern design and technology.

I often pass by old buildings that I wish I could purchase because I feel the life that could and should be living within.  For example, I love the abandoned Commercial Exchange building (built in 1923 by Walker+Eisen) on 8th and Olive with the Italian Kitchen sign.  Maybe I am drawn to it because of  my obsession with old neon signs.  Or maybe it is because I still have not figured out what I would do with such a large space in my alternate career.  The most obvious would be live/work apartments with retail spaces on the first floor.  However, in my alternate career, I can do anything, so why not dream big and plan for something unexpected...