Today, amidst shock and confusion, L&R Group took the time to send a statement to local media and to those facing any pending demolition crews, regarding notices given last week to the popular live entertainment venues located just north of 3rd on Main Street. The popular corners of that intersection are a part of the last remaining underground live music and independent artists venues dedicated to young people in the Historic Core area.
Kevin Litwin, Chief Operations Officer of Joe’s Parking on behalf of L&R contacted the media and the owner of one of the venues to set the record straight saying, “As a fellow lover of music, I appreciate the history of the Smell and its impact on the music community.”
When speaking to Jim Smith, co-owner of the Smell, Litwin says in his conversation, he told Smith, he was happy to finally be able to connect with him on the phone, that he was a big fan of music, and just how much he appreciated the rich history and community that the Smell had brought to Los Angeles.
That’s sure to ease some of the pains being felt by Smell owners, fans and musicians. To relieve the initial shock of being painted with a demolition target, Litwin went on in respects, saying “We should have reached out earlier to communicate our intent to all our tenants so that they understood the process.
The notice that was posted on your door last Friday was merely a formality to keep our options open. It is required to obtain a demolition permit in the event that it may be needed in the future. We support you and your message of providing a community within Los Angeles.”
Litman when on to ensure the Smell by saying, “We [L&R Group] look forward to continuing our relationship with you.” ending the conversation with, “If at some time in the future we decide to develop the properties at that site, we will provide you ample time. If we’re able to help, we will.”
Kudos!
On May 27, business owners along the 200 block of Main Street between Second and Third streets received notice their establishments are targeted for demolition.
Among the affected establishments are the legendary alternative club space, The Smell, New Jalisco Bar, Five-Star Bar, Shish Kabob Restaurant and the Downtown Independent Theater.
According to its web page, The Smell had received responses “from throughout the Los Angeles area, and from all over the country…and the world.” Management started a petition to save the space as well as a “Go Fund Me” account to raise money for a new locale.
Fact, the whole town went haywire and the media had a field day, maybe just as it did last month when a popular mural was erased in the Arts District. In the end perhaps it was a well deserved lesson for all to note that while adding music and art is always ok…taking it away, however, is a very different story.
