07/17/2015
With Nova in tow, I hopped on a train and headed to downtown L.A. When we got off at Pershing Square I figured Nova might enjoy a visit to the Grand Central Market (GCM). Great eye candy, lots of stuff to touch and food to taste. Nova likes that. Also, I have been photographing and chronicling the old market for many years and wanted to see the most recent upgrades. Turns out the "old" market is quickly disappearing with the ongoing gentrification of Los Angeles.
Walking up Broadway, about a block away, I eyeballed something new in front of the Market. A closed off street lane now has about 10 tables with umbrellas where Market shoppers can nosh al fisco. Arriving at the entrance, I noticed the venerable street side liquor store is gone. All that remains of this long time friend to winos is hidden behind gray ply wood concealing whatever new store will replace it. Fruits and veggies, once the largest retail staple (and cheapest in the area) under the roof are now relegated to a small section. Most of the old time spice and tea shops have been ousted. Long time vendors are disappearing each month as their old leases run out and are not renewed.
I suggest you visit sooner rather then later. The GCM we have known for decades will soon be little more than a huge upper crust food court catering to Downtown hipsters and a new breed of tourist.
Don't get me wrong, I've long seen the writing on the wall. We all know the market is evolving into what Nova's generation and many to follow will make memories from and about. I am fine with this, in general. But, I still miss the way it was just 6 months ago. Mostly, I will always cherish the days spent at the Market when I was a kid. I will miss the quaint charm of a community that had stood their ground since the day when my dad (also born in 1917) was sent there with a shopping list for his mother.
They plan to have the Grand Central Market completely renovated in time for their centennial celebration in 2017.
