Filling in the Spaces

By Ed Moosbrugger

Santa Monica's Downtown Parking Task Force is forging ahead on the issue of whether more public parking is needed, where it should go and how it should be paid for. It won't be an easy decision. A city consultant told the group there is no "right" answer to arguments for or against more parking.

But there is some evidence to consider. Surveys of visitors to the Third Street Promenade area conducted for the Bayside District Corp. between 1997 and 1999 show that parking was high on the list of things needing improvement.

In all three surveys, many visitors said changes in parking availability, cost and convenience would be of prime importance in improving the quality of their visits downtown. Indeed, parking concerns were second only to good public restrooms and ranked ahead of such issues as cleanliness/upkeep of the area, more security and wider variety of stores.

Information presented by consultants at a recent meeting of the task force seems to show that downtown Santa Monica is currently short -- by possibly 200 to 500 spaces -- of the amount of parking needed for an area that is a strong regional draw for retailing and entertainment.

There's clear evidence that the city's parking garages on Second and Fourth streets are operating near capacity, according to consultants. One reason for the parking crunch is a significant shift in occupancy mix in the Bayside District toward a greater proportion of commercial (stores, etc.) compared with office use. Retailing creates greater parking demand than offices.

The parking task force is continuing to do a thorough job of evaluating the parking situation, which is a critical element in the continued health of downtown businesses.

And Kathleen Rawson, executive vice president of the Bayside District Corp., made an important point at a recent task force meeting when she emphasized the need to provide for a constant revenue source to maintain the parking structures.

HENNESSEY & INGALLS, one of the biggest remaining independent retailers on the Third Street Promenade, appears to be headed out of town. It probably will be gone from the Promenade by next spring and the most likely new location is Westwood.

"That's what I'm leaning toward," Mark Hennessey, owner of the art and architecture bookstore, said in mid-June. High rent is the culprit.

"Westwood is at a place the Santa Monica Mall (now Third Street Promenade) was 15 years ago," Hennessey said, citing "affordable leases and good parking." Of course, business is a lot stronger in the heart of downtown Santa Monica than it was 15 years ago.

But the Promenade can ill afford to lose outstanding independent retailers. Unusual stores such as Hennessey & Ingalls help energize the business district, as evidenced by a recent article in the Los Angeles Times highlighting an unusual window display at the bookstore promoting a book on innovation.

MIKE CARUSO Menswear has been a three-generation fixture in downtown Santa Monica, but recent advertisements announcing a change of ownership sale raised fears the Caruso family was departing the business.

Put those fears to rest. Owner Richard Caruso is retiring, but son Jack Caruso is taking over.

"Tell everyone I'm still alive and well," Jack Caruso said. The change in ownership ads were an effective marketing tool though, generating numerous phone calls, he said.

Mike Caruso's operated at Fourth Street and Wilshire Boulevard from 1944 until recently, when it relocated to 631 Wilshire Blvd. Richard Caruso is still the landlord at the old location.

Meanwhile, Jack Caruso recently opened a new store in downtown El Segundo, where, he noted, the city is seeking to attract small retailers and restaurants.

TOMMY HILFIGER is moving toward an August opening on the Third Street Promenade, according to a telephone recording for prospective new employees for the apparel specialty store.

JIRAFFE restaurant at 502 Santa Monica Blvd. was featured in a recent Los Angeles Times Magazine feature highlighting the best places in the region for certain dishes. JiRaffe got the nod for one of its signature dishes, seared foie gras in a pistachio crust. The restaurant opened in 1996.

FU-LIN, a new Japanese-style restaurant, has opened at 1535 Ocean Ave.