Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. historic preservation, LACMA, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times, Museums, Uncategorized

Who Was Mary Louise Schmidt?

In 1936, little-known housing advocate and shrewd businesswoman Mary Louise Schmidt organized what might be the most significant architecture show of the 20th century — right here in Los Angeles. Long before the celebrated Case Study House program of the postwar years, Schmidt utilized her extensive knowledge of the architectural industry and new federal housing policy … Continue reading Who Was Mary Louise Schmidt?

Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. Civic Leadership, Dodger Stadium, Dorothy Chandler, Grace Simons, LA Convention Center, LA Music Center, LA Philharmonic, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Dodgers, Music Center, Recreation and Parks, Uncategorized, urban renewal

Alta Live interview: “Three Groundbreaking L.A. Women You Don’t Know but Should”

In honor of women's history month, Beth Spotswood interviewed me for Alta Live about "Three Groundbreaking L.A. Women You Don't Know but Should." In the interview, I discuss trailblazers Miriam Matthews, Dorothy Chandler, and Grace Simons. You can read Jessica Blough's summary and watch my interview with Beth Spotswood on the Alta website. Are there … Continue reading Alta Live interview: “Three Groundbreaking L.A. Women You Don’t Know but Should”

Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. Civic Leadership, Future of Cities, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Magazine, Pandemic, Uncategorized

Kobe Bryant’s Death gave us a real “LA Moment”

Last January, Los Angeles was reeling from the news of Kobe Bryant’s sudden and tragic death, as well as the deaths of eight others. At the time, it felt like we were marinating in the shock of it all - the unspeakable tragedies of life gone too soon, the knowledge it could have been prevented, and the death of a legend just beginning to build his post-career legacy. A colleague remarked to me that Kobe was “giving us a real LA moment.” Her words resonated with me, and I’ve been mulling over why this statement struck a chord with me. What was it about Kobe’s death that made for an ‘LA moment’?

Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. Bunker Hill, Civic Leadership, Dorothy Chandler, Future of Cities, LA Music Center, LA Politics, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times, Museums, urban renewal

Channeling Dorothy Chandler: Voices From the Past and the Future of Los Angeles

Dorothy Chandler (1922-1997) was arguably the most powerful woman in Los Angeles during the 1960s - presiding over the city's most elite social circles, and appearing on the cover of Time Magazine in honor of her unprecedented cultural fundraising efforts. Yet, few Angelenos know who she is other than a name on a Music Center building downtown. So why … Continue reading Channeling Dorothy Chandler: Voices From the Past and the Future of Los Angeles

Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. Bunker Hill, Civic Leadership, historic preservation, LA Conservancy, LA Music Center, LA Politics, LA River, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Magazine, Uncategorized, urban renewal

The Impermanence of LA’s Built Environment?

What deserves protection? With every announcement I read about the construction of a new building, new museum, or a park redesign comes my inevitable questions: what was there before? Is there anything worth saving? And how will these new spaces shape L.A. in the 21st century? My latest pondering of these questions has to do with L.A. … Continue reading The Impermanence of LA’s Built Environment?

Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. Bunker Hill, historic preservation, Los Angeles, Uncategorized, urban renewal

Everybody Loves L.A.

Last November I attended my first Society for American City and Regional Planning History (SACRPH) Conference, and I walked away with one conclusion: everybody loves L.A. Now, I already knew how great Los Angeles is, but it was both refreshing and exciting to hear that sentiment over and over from visitors. The conference featured numerous panels that discussed … Continue reading Everybody Loves L.A.

Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. Future of Cities, Los Angeles, Uncategorized

Future of Cities LA has launched. What’s next?

Future of Cities launched last month with a large gathering at LACMA to discuss civic leadership and the future of Los Angeles. I was skeptical of what an initiative like this could really achieve, but I have to say, I was impressed by the breadth and depth of the topics and speakers. I think my … Continue reading Future of Cities LA has launched. What’s next?

Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. Bunker Hill, CicLAvia, Civic Leadership, Committee of 25, Future of Cities, LA Music Center, LA Politics, LA River, LACMA, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times, Uncategorized, urban renewal

Is L.A. Designed to Work?

Outgoing L.A. Deputy Mayor Rick Cole recently remarked that "L.A. is not designed to work." Could he be right? Is L.A. too big for true civic engagement? Or do projects like CicLAvia and the L.A. River Revitalization prove this contention wrong? Before I delve into my opinion regarding this question, let me provide a little context for Cole's remark. … Continue reading Is L.A. Designed to Work?

Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. Chavez Ravine, Civic Leadership, Dodger Stadium, Elysian Park, Grace Simons, historic preservation, LA Convention Center, LA Politics, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Times, Recreation and Parks, Uncategorized, urban renewal

The Day Angelenos Lost Elysian Park…Almost

March 10, 1965: The L.A. City Council votes in favor of a proposal to construct a convention center and exhibit hall in Elysian Park, on 63 acres of the park's most popular play and picnic grounds, which include the recreation lodge and the Avenue of the Palms. At the Council Meeting, retired journalist Grace E. Simons vehemently … Continue reading The Day Angelenos Lost Elysian Park…Almost