Each month in 2015, I’m going to explore a different Los Angeles streetcar neighborhood. All aboard, our first stop is Boyle Heights!
- Charming old streetcar neighborhood, immediately east of DTLA (Arts District)
- Historically ethnically diverse, currently predominately Mexican American
- Sweeping views of DTLA to the west
- The Metro Gold line stops at Mariachi Plaza
- Near the LA River and river revitalization projects
- Housing Styles: Victorian, Craftsman, Spanish Revival & apartment buildings
- Highest density of schools in Los Angeles (20 public schools, 10 private)
- 70% of current residents are renters, lots of investment opportunity
- Strong sense of community and pride in the neighborhood
The boundaries of Boyle Heights as drawn by the LA Times.
4th street across from Mariachi Plaza
Manuel’s Original El Tepeyac Cafe Amazing burritos – get the Hollenbeck burrito!
Otomisan Restaurant Well loved Japanese mom & pop restaurant
Thai Deli Japanese – Thai – Korean mashup
Mariachi Plaza, located in the heart of Boyle Heights, is a plaza where large groups of musicians have gathered daily, both day and night, since the 1930’s, hoping to be hired.
Hollenbeck Park, built in the 1880’s, is a larger sibling to Echo Park Lake. It’s only 1 mile east of SCI-Arc and the Arts District in DTLA. It hosts a new playground, a bandstand and a lot of space to sprawl out.
Evergreen Cemetery, opened in 1877, is the oldest and one of the largest cemeteries in the city. Many of the pioneers and founders of Los Angeles are buried at Evergreen Cemetery. Cool mortuary architecture, sweeping views of the snow-capped mountains, and of the DTLA sky line make this a great place to visit and picnic.
The Los Angeles River
In 2014, Army Corp of Engineers recommended the larger 1 Billion dollar proposal to revitalize the Los Angeles River. While some of that funding is still being sought it is clear that there is a lot of change coming to the LA River corridor. Plans include parks, bike paths, habitat, access to the water, and a lot of economic revitalization. A number of projects are slated for the section of the river located between DTLA and Elysian Valley.
Below is a collage from the Greenway 2020 proposal to make the LA River more accessible.
The Piggyback Yard – There is a proposal to turn the huge Piggyback Yards (railroad yard), along the LA River into a massive riverfront green space. It is not a done deal yet, but it could be a huge addition to the city and amazing for Boyle Heights. Stay tuned!
Next month: Historic Filipinotown
What else should we add about Boyle Heights?
Email me. Thanks!