Lucky Brand Comes to L.A.
Lucky Brand Clothing Company opened their new Los Angeles headquarters on Wednesday.
Company Vice President Patrick Wade and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa debuted the $15 million building to help bring life to an underdeveloped section of L.A.
“Downtown L.A. is a priority for us," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "Bringing jobs to any part of the city is really what we're focused on.”
250 employees moved from Vernon, CT, to the new facility in L.A.’s historic art district.
Officials plan to woo new businesses and create jobs for art- district residents. Currently, the Los Angeles Fashion District produces $13 billion a year in revenue and another $7 billion in wages. The city hopes revitalizing the arts district will produce a similar economic result.
“It's gonna be that ripple effect that you get with 250 people around driving to this area each and every day,” said Councilman Huizar.
Other companies have already begun to influence the area. The popular Urth Cafe and luxury loft-style apartments are nearby, but a lot of space remains untapped. Council members say there is additional real estate space in the old industrial district along the river
The local community has also made their contribution to the art district’s revitalization. A local company launched a five-year cleanup of the neighborhood, while current residents are contributing their ideas to restore the district to its former status.
