Hollywood insiders are reluctant to call it a Renaissance just yet, but despite the current challenging economic climate, Downtown Hollywood continues to evolve as a viable arts and entertainment district that’s attracting the attention of patrons and businesses alike. While new business ventures seem to “hit or miss” success quickly, one thing remains constant: the unique atmosphere is a magnet for everyone from the well-heeled to the “Hollyweird.”
The downtown business district is the core of the first platted area of Central Hollywood that was designed by city founder Joseph W. Young in 1921, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But the future of Downtown Hollywood is no less important than its rich past – and it’s a future that looks bright, according to downtown regulars.
Robin Robins, president of the Downtown Hollywood Business Association and leasing director for FIRM Realty, the largest downtown property owner, said there has been increasing interest in the district in the past year.
“What I’m starting to see is there are more qualified and quality tenants that are looking,” Robins said. “Things are moving in the right direction. There are leases being signed. There are bigger names that are coming.”
The Downtown District, which encompasses about 580 acres between 22nd and 17th avenues from Johnson Street to Washington Street, is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants, pubs and clubs, unique boutiques and specialty shops, art galleries and studios, service businesses and the 10-acre ArtsPark at Young Circle.
“This is a very unique and genuine place,” said Lisa Liotta, economic development director of the City of Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). “These are one-of-a-kind businesses.”
Downtown Hollywood also hosts numerous free events to draw patrons to the district, including the ArtWalk monthly series and weekly Funtastic Fridays for Kids, a popular family social held the first Friday of the month at Anniversary Park and other Fridays at the ArtsPark. Other free ArtsPark offerings include live music, children’s activities and movies.
“More people are coming to Downtown Hollywood,” said John Hernandez, property manager for the Ramada Downtown Hollywood and the district’s “unofficial mayor.”
Hernandez said the downtown area has a more attractive look, increased police presence and parking deals in the two municipal garages.
“The City of Hollywood’s doing the best it can,” he stressed. “People think that you can change in one day. It takes time.”
In spite of its unique appeal, Downtown Hollywood has faced challenges in recent years, among them the loss of businesses such as Kids-N-Science Educational Toy Store and the Arts Academy of Hollywood, which was forced by financial difficulties to close its doors in March 2009 after 15 years downtown.
Another problem the district has faced, according to Robins, is landlords who lease space without adequately pre-qualifying tenants. And when new business owners set up shop without a viable business plan, the result is “a lot of revolving-door businesses,” Robins said.
Liotta stresses Downtown Hollywood’s many success stories, including longtime businesses such as Morningstar’s Jewelers, Irving Berlin men’s apparel, Melina’s Lingerie Shoppe, Conca D’Oro Restaurant & Pizza, Mama Mia Italian Ristorante, Now Art Café, Sushi Blues Café, Fulvio’s 1900, the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, SunTrust Bank and FIRM Realty.
Liotta said the CRA is working directly with downtown property owners and would-be tenants, and many landlords are willing to make concessions to fill storefronts.
“Our vacancy rate on Hollywood Boulevard is very low. Our vacancy rate on Harrison Street is getting better,” she said.
Liotta points to the more than 20 new businesses that have opened within the past year and a half alone that are breathing new life into Downtown Hollywood, including Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Orale Mexican Restaurant, Mystic Water Kava Bar, B-True Organics, Whiskey Tango All American Bar and Grill, Kilwin’s confectionery shop, pinkghost designer toy shop, The Shade Post women’s fashions, City National Bank, Art Project Gallery and Luna Bella Gallery. Another new gallery and studio, For Art Sake, is scheduled to open this month on Harrison Street.
“I believe the artist community is on the rise,” Liotta said. “I think it’s a good thing. It’s something we desire.”
Alan Becker, who owns For Art Sake with his wife, Debbi, said Harrison Street is “just absolutely alive” with pedestrian traffic.
“I just think Harrison Street has a tremendous amount of class. I think it’s the up-and-coming Las Olas and Coconut Grove,” Becker said.
Downtown Hollywood’s image as a hub for art and culture was recently reinforced with the creation of a 23-foot mural of four roses by local artist Rob Robi. For more than a year, Robi eyed the “big blank wall” on the western side of the Radius building on Young Circle before approaching the City. FIRM Realty underwrote the cost of the materials and Robi donated his time and talent to the project, which was completed in April.
“It’s nice to have some bright color here and there,” Robi said. “Maybe I’ll do another one. I’m looking around.”
Other improvements to the district are in the works with the establishment earlier this year of the Downtown Hollywood Business Association’s Code Committee, which meets monthly and takes quarterly blight tours, and Restaurant and Entertainment Committee, which is examining downtown concerns such as noise and parking.
Ft. Lauderdale resident Katie Donath and her friends enjoy Downtown Hollywood’s inviting atmosphere. 
“It’s less pretentious than hanging out at Hard Rock,” she said. “The atmosphere is relaxed so you can just ‘come as you are’ and have a good time.”
Liotta said it’s important for residents, as well as visitors, to support Downtown Hollywood. “To go to a place that’s not like everywhere else is a good thing and should be treasured,” she said.
For more information, visit Downtown Hollywood.
