Fashion District BID on Its Way to Approval
The Los Angeles Fashion District, which earlier this summer was in danger of being dissolved, is on its way to continuing on for another five years, as property owners have approved a petition for renewal of the area’s Business Improvement District.
There’s a twist, however. This time, two fashion districts are up for approval because a group of property owners in the eastern part of the district wants to be separated from the main fashion district, roughly located between Broadway and San Pedro Street. Those business owners have argued that their business profile is different from the main district and requires more attention. In addition, some argued that the influx of residential properties in the district created an uneven playing field.
So to avoid going black, Fashion District administrators drew up boundaries for two districts.
Fashion District I comprises the area in between Broadway and San Pedro Street and includes the Intersection buildings (the California Market Center, The New Mart, Cooper Design Space and Gerry Building). Fashion District II includes the area east of San Pedro, featuring mostly wholesale condominium complexes.
Business Improvement Districts are funded by the area’s property owners. A majority of property owners from Fashion District I have approved the first step by signing petitions in favor of renewal. Property owners in Fashion II have a little way to go, said BID Executive Director Kent Smith.
“We’re confident it will go through,” he said.
The petition package is the first step toward renewal, Smith said. The City Council will conduct a public hearing, and the renewal proposal will go to a district-wide vote for final approval. If all goes well, both BIDs will be up and running for the new year. Smith will become executive director for both districts.
“Doing it this way [with two Fashion Districts] had the highest chance of success for renewal,” Smith said. “We’re gratified that the lion’s share of property owners is in favor of getting this renewed.”
Among the services provided by the Fashion District are its “Clean” and “Safe” teams. The “Clean Team” is responsible for disposing of six tons of garbage a day, while its “Safe Team” provides security services around the clock. Smith and his staff also help coordinate public-works projects with the city of Los Angeles, as well as oversee marketing campaigns for the Fashion District. —Robert McAllister
