Atlantic Boulevard’s changing direction

The view along Atlantic, as seen in Long Beach, showcases the long, meandering path the boulevard takes through Los Angeles.

The view along Atlantic, as seen in Long Beach, showcases the long, meandering path the boulevard takes through Los Angeles.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

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The transformation along Atlantic, which switches from boulevard to avenue along its winding route, reflects a new urban energy being brought to L.A. streets as the focus shifts to two-legged traffic. Full story

Atlantic Boulevard

The huge new Atlantic Times Square development in Monterey Park aims to be a street-wise mix of shops, restaurants and residences.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Boulevard

The arrival of the Metro Gold Line’s Eastside extension and its stream of pedestrians has helped enliven the blocks around Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Boulevard

Yummy Teriyaki, at the corner of Atlantic and Beverly boulevards in East L.A., takes its design cues from the ‘80s L.A. School architecture.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Boulevard

In Commerce, the junction of Atlantic Boulevard, Telegraph Road and Eastern Avenue is very much an auto-centric roadway.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Boulevard

Downtown’s skyline is visible along Atlantic Boulevard where it crosses the Los Angeles River in Vernon.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Boulevard

A Latino grocery store is among the mom-and-pop shops along Atlantic Boulevard in Bell.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Boulevard

The businesses along Atlantic in Bell, including Tacos Mexico near Bell Avenue, often reflect the city’s heavily Latino population.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Boulevard

The Lido Motel in South Gate has a bold, distinctive sign in keeping with much of the design along Atlantic that’s meant to capture motorists’ attention.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Avenue

At Benitez Barber Shop in Lynwood, a genial vibe prevails outside the storefront on Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Avenue

Dale’s Donuts in Compton, sporting a doughnut-shaped sign nearly twice as tall as the shop, beckons motorists and pedestrians alike along Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Avenue

Long Beach honors its military veterans with a mural at the southeast corner of Atlantic and Harding Street.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Avenue

A Long Beach flower shop provides a burst of fresh color on the 5300 block of Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Avenue

Bike culture is flourishing in Long Beach, which has adopted the motto “The Most Bicycle Friendly City in America.” Here, a bicyclist pedals along the 5600 block of Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Avenue

Pedestrians stroll along Atlantic in Bixby Knolls during the latest of the Long Beach neighborhood’s monthly “First Fridays” art walks.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Avenue

Music wafts down Atlantic as Jose Rodriguez, from left, John T. Wash IV and Emiliano Rodriguez play a tune during the Bixby Knolls art walk.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Avenue

George’s 50’s Diner serves up a blast from the past in Bixby Knolls at the corner of Atlantic and East San Antonio Drive.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Atlantic Avenue

An oil pump churns away on Atlantic and Spring Street in Long Beach, a reminder of Southern California’s car-centric cityscape.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)