Where Lofty Living Meets Downtown L.A.

It’s hard to figure out how people who move into the Old Bank District and then quickly flee can be considered urban pioneers (“Some Urban Pioneers Sour on 4th St. Project,” July 7). These people so often enter with dreams of sanitized, trendy loft living without first taking time to educate themselves about the neighborhood and the unique nature of the development. Weak at heart and eager to break their leases, they conjure up visions of dire disasters and wail about the lack of daytime security guards.

I was one of the first tenants to move into the San Fernando Building nearly two years ago. I understand project developer Tom Gilmore’s vision and I continue to appreciate being part of it. Instead of shying away from it, I have made a conscious effort to integrate into my neighborhood.

I realize that the district is a work in progress. If something goes wrong, then I work together with my neighbors and project management to make things better. The urban pioneer in me makes being part of an emerging community in L.A.’s historic core an exciting, energizing ride.

Joe Cornish

Los Angeles