Longer Schlep for Toilet Paper in Arts District

The basic amenities of life are now even harder to come by in the Arts District. As noted by Racked, Bloom's General Store on Hewitt Street shut its doors on Saturday after 15 years of operation. The store was hit with a 50% rent increase in September, according to the Downtown News. The store has been suffering since owner Joel Bloom died in 2007. Current owner, Joel's son Randy, said the building that houses Bloom's has been on the market for more than a year by owner Meruelo Maddux Properties. Arts District residents now have to trek to the Little Tokyo Galleria (about a quarter of a mile) for sundries or Ralph's in South Park (about two miles). Meanwhile, Famima's downtown expansion continues unabated. [Downtown News]

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