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US (CA): Major facelift planned for Southern California Flower Market

Plans are being unveiled for a massive transformation of the 107-year-old Southern California Flower Market. If all goes as intended, the floral business center at 755 Wall St. would be reconfigured, with one of its two structures razed and replaced by a 14-story tower, and the other upgraded.

The new project would have dozens of vendors selling their wares on the ground floor of the low-rise building, with office space and parking above it. The housing would be in the neighboring structure.

Scott Yamabe, the market’s executive vice president, said the project would allow the industry to remain anchored in Downtown Los Angeles. However, the development would require some zoning changes, and Yamabe said that if approvals cannot be secured from the city, then the owners would have to look at moving the facility out of Los Angeles.

The complex currently operates in a pair of two-story buildings on a 3.8-acre site (a similarly named but unaffiliated business, the Los Angeles Flower Market, is across the street). Approximately 50 vendors have booths that sell flowers, plants, tools and accessories mainly to florists, landscapers and other businesses. Most of the activity happens in the early morning hours.

The market was founded in 1909 by Japanese-American flower growers, and harks back to a time when the city had a significant agricultural component. The collective aspect allowed the Japanese American business owners to band together and have a stronger voice, and to help survive challenges such as those that occurred during World War II, when tens of thousands of Japanese Americans were placed in internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Originally located at 421 S. Los Angeles St., the market moved to its Wall Street location in 1923.

The market’s longevity has meant some aging facilities. The buildings are in need of “constant repair,” according to Yamabe. Failing infrastructure and the changing nature of Downtown are contributing to growing costs.

“I know there’s more efficient equipment out there with lighting and refrigeration technology, which would help with savings,” Yamabe said.

Rena Leddy, the executive director of the Fashion District Business Improvement District said that keeping the Southern California Flower Market in the Fashion District will be good for the neighborhood, as it draws crowds and generates business. She added that the housing elements would be a sign of the growing residential element in the neighborhood.

Read more at Los Angeles Downtown News
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