Subject
Motion - Developed in the early 1970's, the Los Angeles Mall provides retail and food services for thousands of City, County, and Federal employees, visitors to the Civic Center, jurors, and downtown residents. Nearly two dozen retail locations are scattered throughout this below-street-level facility. Four levels of parking beneath this facility offer 2,400 parking spaces for civic center employees and visitors to the surrounding
entities. Above the Mall are open spaces intended to function like town squares, offering convenient locations for civic events as well as seating areas for quiet reflection.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the General Services Department, the design and function of the LA Mall cause it to appear fragmented, dilapidated and uninviting. Food services seem to lack the variety available at other retail centers. Retail services seem minimal. Uneven pedestrian walkways and poor lighting give the facility a drab appearance. In the late 80's and mid 1990's, the City hired outside consultants to take a look at ways to redevelop the LA Mall into a more modern, functional, and inviting facility that would attract top quality tenants. Those plans appear to have been set aside for unknown reasons. Recent efforts to lease out vacant spaces have generated little response from the retailing industry, often times resulting in vendor proposals that resemble existing mall tenants.
It has been nearly 10 years since the City considered improvements to the LA Mall, so a review of the current status and strategic plans to improve the services and facilities is warranted.
THEREFORE MOVE that the General Services Department and the CAO report to the next meeting of the Information Technology & General Services Committee detailing the current status of the LA Mall and describing strategic plans, if any, to improve the LA Mall facilities and services to transition this facility into an inviting gathering place not only during the day, but during evening and weekend hours as well.