Whether you are a native Angeleno or a transplant, sooner or later you discover how much our great city has to offer. From fantastic dining and shopping to innovative offices and outdoor spaces –there are hundreds of beautiful pockets hidden within this sprawling city. But, you only encounter them if you take the leap and venture out there. Granted, the onset of the global pandemic has forced many to limit travel and exploration, but the good news is that there are glorious regions of Los Angeles worth visiting despite these crazy times!
One great example of this is ROW DTLA, a 32-acre destination that continues to grow, chock-full of appealing shops, restaurants, and innovative offices. It’s an environment unique as LA itself, bustling with the sights and sounds you’d expect in a burgeoning downtown space.
From the L.A. Terminal Market to
ROW DTLA
In the fall of 2017 — more than 100 years before COVID-19 and a year before the Spanish Flu epidemic — the L.A. Terminal Market launched, created a central marketplace for wholesale produce. Renowned L.A. architect John Parkinson erected the first produce buildings, completing phase one of the project. The area became known as Alameda Square in the ensuing years as he built more buildings and factories; it eventually encompassed over 30 acres along the Southern Pacific Railroad.
According to the LA Times, “Alameda Square was one of the most ambitious private developments of the early-20th century Los Angeles, connecting the city’s port with its downtown by rail. When the complex opened in the World War I era as Union Terminal Annex, it was the second-largest wholesale terminal in the world…The vast majority of fruit and produce business for the region was conducted there.”
Flash forward to 2014, when Atlas Capital Group, a real estate investment, development, and management company based in New York, acquired the historic buildings adjacent to the historic 7th Street Produce Market. They converted them into spaces for restaurants, retail shops, and creative offices, now known as ROW DTLA.
Women-Owned Businesses Find a Way to Flourish
The evolution of ROW DTLA from its beginnings as the LA Terminal Market is fascinating, and the latest change is the influx of women entrepreneurs into the space. These women and their businesses are finding a way to navigate the tricky current conditions, in their own unique ways.
Galerie.LA
Galerie.LA is another business born from an L.A. native, boasting sustainable brands and products, including eco-friendly, vegan, and recycled items made locally and around the world. Founder Dechel McKillian is a celebrity stylist who saw the negative impact fashion has on our people and planet and decided to do something about it. See her sustainable fashion here
Pikunico
Kuniko Yagi’s restaurant is Pikunico, which serves “picnic food with a Japanese twist.” Pikunico represents the bringing to life of Chef Yagi’s childhood memories when she and her grandmother would picnic in Japan. True to So Cal form, her delicious fried chicken is bursting with flavor, gluten-free, and encased in a crunchy coating. Though they are temporarily closed, you can read more about this instant ROW DTLA classic: right here.
OmamiMini
Another inspiring woman gracing ROW DTLA with her talents is Ola Omami, who started her brand OmamiMini in 2012. Her kids’ clothing is known for being sophisticated, yet effortless, and has pivoted to ship orders — both stateside and internationally.
Browse the OmamiMini collection for yourself.
Maker’s Mess
Los Angeles native Brandy Lewis is the founder of Maker’s Mess, a creative art studio that offers art and design classes for kids and adults. The space is designed for people to practice their creativity. Her original studio is in Silver Lake, but the pandemic has forced classes to go virtual, teaching calligraphy, candle making, and embroidery, among other crafts. Learn more about Maker’s Mess
Flask and Field
Flask and Field is the brainchild of former entertainment lawyer Miriam Yoo, who was fed up being overworked and underpaid in her previous career. This indie wine and spirits shop specialized in unique, delicious handcrafted wines, beers, spirits, and quality gifts. See their gift sets: here
Still Life Ceramics
Creativity is in abundance at Still Life Ceramics, a studio and brand built by Ana Henton and Mel Keedle. Armed with a small army of teachers, the duo offers a full roster of classes for beginners. Unique pottery creations are also available for purchase, from beautiful bowls and vases to dinner plates, pitchers, and cups. See it for yourself
tokyobike
Japan-based brand tokyobike has its U.S. headquarters in ROW DTLA, helmed by Juliana Di Simone. Unlike its neighbors, tokyobike may be the only business experiencing a boon in the wake of the pandemic. The shop surpassed 2019 sales in 12 short weeks this year. The classic bicycle styles harken back to a simpler time, with a variety of colors to appeal to all tastes.
Get your wheels, here
This blog was inspired and influenced by this LA Magazine article:
Woman-Owned Businesses are Making ROW DTLA a Destination — Even During a Pandemic
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
