Theatre of Life
The Westlake Theatre on Alvarado Street across from MacArthur Park will be restored after being used as a swap meet since the 1990s. The move pleases preservationists, but vendors wonder where they will relocate. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
A view from the balcony shows the theater’s details as well as the swap meet vendors on the main floor. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Jose Garcia clips a skirt pattern from broadcloth at his tailor shop in the Westlake Theatre swap meet. His co-worker Braulio Ghij alters a pair of jeans. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Lizeth Padilla, 5, skips past vendors at the Westlake Theatre swap meet. For business owners and customers, there is a family-like atmosphere beneath the vaulted ceilings of the old theater. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
A clothing vendor works at one of the businesses in the swap meet. Vendors must move out by 2010 and the Community Redevelopment Agency is covering relocation costs. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
