Though LA will find itself the butt of traffic jokes for the foreseeable future, Angelenos know we have plenty of handsome, historical and walkable streets. In fact, the American Planning Association has named Los Angeles' own Olvera Street as one of the country's "Great Streets" of 2015.
Each year, the APA selects the streets, neighborhoods and public spaces that best serve the people. It's not the first time Los Angeles and its surrounding cities have made it onto the list; Echo Park, Grand Park, Bungalow Heaven, Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Boulevard in WeHo have all earned accolades in the past. Olvera Street wasn't the only Southern California destination to get a nod this year; San Diego's Balboa Park was selected as a "Great Public Space."
An offshoot of the original Pueblo of Los Angeles, pedestrian-only Olvera Street was chosen for its architectural and cultural heritage. "It is a place where visitors can get a taste of Mexican culture and a sense of the history that still stands preserved in the buildings and plazas that surround the street," says the APA. "Olvera Street continues to be a living monument to the city's history, with a festive atmosphere of celebration that adds to an unmatched and authentic liveliness reflecting the city's birthplace."
We've already trumpeted Olvera Street's narrow, pedestrian-friendly walkways and historical plaza as an example of all that Los Angeles can aspire to. Sure, it's touristy and filled with tchotchkes, but it's a unique destination in this city. Its contrast from the rest of car-consumed LA, as well as its beneficial use of zoning laws and preservation efforts, cemented its spot on the list. The APA considers a number of guidelines when putting together its list, and Olvera Street really aced those requirements, including its historic architecture, colorful landscaping and an overall environment that promotes social interactions.