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Coordinates: 34°02′55″N 118°14′19″W / 34.0487°N 118.2387°W / 34.0487; -118.2387
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'''Little Tokyo/Arts District station''' is an underground [[light rail]] [[Metro station|station]] on the [[Los Angeles Metro Rail]] system which replaced an [[Intersection (road)#At grade railways|at-grade]] station with the same name. The at-grade station was located on the east side of [[Alameda Street]], between [[1st Street, Los Angeles|1st Street]] and [[Temple Street (Los Angeles)|Temple Street]], on the edge of [[Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California|Little Tokyo]] and the [[Arts District, Los Angeles, California|Arts District]] in [[Downtown Los Angeles]]. The at-grade station opened in 2009 as part of the Gold Line Eastside Extension, and was served by the [[L Line (Los Angeles Metro)|L Line]]. The at-grade station closed in October 2020, and the new underground station on the south side of 1st Street between [[Central Avenue (Los Angeles)|Central Avenue]] and Alameda Street opened on June&nbsp;16, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Von Quednow |first1=Cindy |title=Metro Regional Connector opens in Los Angeles, bringing more direct access to downtown |url=https://ktla.com/news/metro-regional-connector-opens-in-los-angeles-brings-more-direct-access-to-downtown/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |work=[[KTLA]] |publisher=[[Nexstar Media Group]] |date=June 16, 2023}}</ref>
'''Little Tokyo/Arts District station''' is an underground [[light rail]] station on the [[Los Angeles Metro Rail]] system which replaced an [[Intersection (road)#At grade railways|at-grade]] station with the same name. The at-grade station was located on the east side of [[Alameda Street]], between [[1st Street, Los Angeles|1st Street]] and [[Temple Street (Los Angeles)|Temple Street]], on the edge of [[Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California|Little Tokyo]] and the [[Arts District, Los Angeles, California|Arts District]] in [[Downtown Los Angeles]]. The at-grade station opened in 2009 as part of the Gold Line Eastside Extension, and was served by the [[L Line (Los Angeles Metro)|L Line]]. The at-grade station closed in October 2020, and the new underground station on the south side of 1st Street between [[Central Avenue (Los Angeles)|Central Avenue]] and Alameda Street opened on June&nbsp;16, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Von Quednow |first1=Cindy |title=Metro Regional Connector opens in Los Angeles, bringing more direct access to downtown |url=https://ktla.com/news/metro-regional-connector-opens-in-los-angeles-brings-more-direct-access-to-downtown/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |work=[[KTLA]] |publisher=[[Nexstar Media Group]] |date=June 16, 2023}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==


=== Former services ===
=== Former services ===
This area was once a key area for trains in downtown. James M.&nbsp;Davies, for whom the large tract was named, subdivided the area in 1891. Several railroad lines from different companies connected through this site. Davies great-nephew, Robert Davies Volk, was the owner of the lots at [[1st Street, Los Angeles|1st]] and [[Alameda Street|Alameda]] streets with brick buildings shaped to fit the long-gone rail lines.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fischer |first=Greg |date=August 26, 2014 |title=Tracking Some Early Train History: Upcoming Regional Connector Station Site Played a Key Role in L.A.'s Early Transportation Scene |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Downtown News]] |publisher=Civic Center News, Inc. |url=http://www.ladowntownnews.com/arts_and_entertainment/tracking-some-early-train-history/article_559bdef6-2cb3-11e4-974f-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=August 30, 2014 |archive-date=August 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829235948/http://www.ladowntownnews.com/arts_and_entertainment/tracking-some-early-train-history/article_559bdef6-2cb3-11e4-974f-001a4bcf887a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The structures had played an important role in the cultural life of the Little Tokyo neighborhood for decades before the site was cleared for the future station.<ref name="Zahniser">{{cite news |last=Zahniser |first=David |date=March 15, 2014 |title=Buildings slated for tear-down were rich part of Little Tokyo history |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/15/local/la-me-0316-little-tokyo-history-20140316 |access-date=April 5, 2014 |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407123525/http://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/15/local/la-me-0316-little-tokyo-history-20140316 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Los Angeles Railway]] [[P (Los Angeles Railway)|P Line]] yellow [[streetcar]]s operated on the surface of 1st Street<ref>{{cite map|url=https://www.raremaps.com/gallery/detail/50176/route-map-los-angeles-railway-electric-car-and-bus-routes-los-angeles-railway-corp|title=Route Map Los Angeles Railway Electric Car and Bus Routes|date=1938|author=H.P. Noordwal|publisher=Los Angeles Railway|website=Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc.|access-date=January 26, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131012211/https://www.raremaps.com/gallery/detail/50176/route-map-los-angeles-railway-electric-car-and-bus-routes-los-angeles-railway-corp|url-status=live}} {{cite map|url=https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/xlarge/50176.jpg|title=Alternate link|website=via [[Google]]|access-date=January 26, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131152638/https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/xlarge/50176.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref> until 1963, including a call at Alameda.
This area was once a key area for trains in downtown. James M.&nbsp;Davies, for whom the large tract was named, subdivided the area in 1891. Several railroad lines from different companies connected through this site. Davies great-nephew, Robert Davies Volk, was the owner of the lots at [[1st Street, Los Angeles|1st]] and [[Alameda Street|Alameda]] streets with brick buildings shaped to fit the long-gone rail lines.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fischer |first=Greg |date=August 26, 2014 |title=Tracking Some Early Train History: Upcoming Regional Connector Station Site Played a Key Role in L.A.'s Early Transportation Scene |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Downtown News]] |publisher=Civic Center News, Inc. |url=http://www.ladowntownnews.com/arts_and_entertainment/tracking-some-early-train-history/article_559bdef6-2cb3-11e4-974f-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=August 30, 2014 |archive-date=August 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829235948/http://www.ladowntownnews.com/arts_and_entertainment/tracking-some-early-train-history/article_559bdef6-2cb3-11e4-974f-001a4bcf887a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The structures had played an important role in the cultural life of the Little Tokyo neighborhood for decades before the site was cleared for the future station.<ref name="Zahniser">{{cite news |last=Zahniser |first=David |date=March 15, 2014 |title=Buildings slated for tear-down were rich part of Little Tokyo history |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/15/local/la-me-0316-little-tokyo-history-20140316 |access-date=April 5, 2014 |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407123525/http://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/15/local/la-me-0316-little-tokyo-history-20140316 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Los Angeles Railway]] [[P (Los Angeles Railway)|P Line]] yellow [[streetcar]]s operated on the surface of 1st Street<ref>{{cite map|url=https://www.raremaps.com/gallery/detail/50176/route-map-los-angeles-railway-electric-car-and-bus-routes-los-angeles-railway-corp|title=Route Map Los Angeles Railway Electric Car and Bus Routes|year=1938|author=H.P. Noordwal|publisher=Los Angeles Railway|website=Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc.|access-date=January 26, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131012211/https://www.raremaps.com/gallery/detail/50176/route-map-los-angeles-railway-electric-car-and-bus-routes-los-angeles-railway-corp|url-status=live}} {{cite map|url=https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/xlarge/50176.jpg|title=Alternate link|website=via [[Google]]|access-date=January 26, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131152638/https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/xlarge/50176.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref> until 1963, including a call at Alameda.


=== At-grade station ===
=== At-grade station ===
[[File:Little Tokyo-Arts District Station LACMTA.jpg|thumb|left|Little Tokyo/Arts District station's former [[At-grade railway|at-grade]] platform, 2009]]In September of 2005, Metro began construction on a {{convert|6|mi|km}} extension of the [[L Line (Los Angeles Metro)|Gold Line]] light rail line called the [[Gold Line Eastside Extension]], which replaced a once-planned [[B Line (Los Angeles Metro)|Red Line]] (now the B Line) subway extension. The light rail extension runs from Union Station through Little Tokyo, ending at the corner of Pomona and Atlantic Boulevards in [[East Los Angeles, California|East L.A.]] It began operation on November 15, 2009, and serves some of the city's most historically underserved neighborhoods. One of the stations that opened was the at-grade Little Tokyo/Art District station which was located east of Alameda between 1st and Temple Streets.<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gold-line16-2009nov16,0,5454432.story Los Angeles Times - After decades of waiting, their trains have arrived (November 16, 2009)]</ref>
[[File:Little Tokyo-Arts District Station LACMTA.jpg|thumb|left|Little Tokyo/Arts District station's former [[At-grade railway|at-grade]] platform, 2009]]In September 2005, Metro began construction on a {{convert|6|mi|km}} extension of the [[L Line (Los Angeles Metro)|Gold Line]] light rail line called the [[Gold Line Eastside Extension]], which replaced a once-planned [[B Line (Los Angeles Metro)|Red Line]] (now the B Line) subway extension. The light rail extension runs from Union Station through Little Tokyo, ending at the corner of Pomona and Atlantic Boulevards in [[East Los Angeles, California|East L.A.]] It began operation on November 15, 2009, and serves some of the city's most historically underserved neighborhoods. One of the stations that opened was the at-grade Little Tokyo/Art District station which was located east of Alameda between 1st and Temple Streets.<ref name="latimes">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gold-line16-2009nov16,0,5454432.story|title=After decades of waiting, their trains have arrived : Residents share a sense of kinship and progress aboard East L.A.&#x27;s new Gold Line route.|website=Los Angeles Times | date=November 16, 2009|access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref>


In 2012, the Regional Connector project and its Environmental Impact Report was officially approved.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sotero |first=Dave |date=2012-04-26 |title=Metro Board certifies final environmental study for Regional Connector |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2012/04/26/metro-board-certifies-final-environmental-study-for-regional-connector/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> The Regional Connector is a light rail tunnel through Downtown Los Angeles that connects the former Metro Rail [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A]], [[E Line (Los Angeles Metro)|E]], and [[L Line (Los Angeles Metro)|L]] (Gold) Lines. The Little Tokyo/Arts District station was planned to be served by both the restructured A Line, connecting [[Long Beach]] and the [[San Gabriel Valley]], and the restructured E Line, connecting [[Santa Monica, California|Santa Monica]] and [[East Los Angeles, California|East Los Angeles]]. Due to this, Metro needed to rebuild the original L Line station, underground, south of 1st Street to serve both lines. The decision to rebuild the station underground was driven in part by traffic concerns on Alameda and 1st Street caused by at-grade trains.<ref>{{cite news |title=Regional Connector Update |newspaper=The Source |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |url=http://thesource.metro.net/2010/02/04/regional-connector-update/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430211124/http://thesource.metro.net/2010/02/04/regional-connector-update/ |archive-date=April 30, 2010}}</ref>
In 2012, the Regional Connector project and its Environmental Impact Report was officially approved.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sotero |first=Dave |date=April 26, 2012 |title=Metro Board certifies final environmental study for Regional Connector |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2012/04/26/metro-board-certifies-final-environmental-study-for-regional-connector/ |access-date=December 22, 2023 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> The Regional Connector is a light rail tunnel through Downtown Los Angeles that connects the former Metro Rail [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A]], [[E Line (Los Angeles Metro)|E]], and [[L Line (Los Angeles Metro)|L]] (Gold) Lines. The Little Tokyo/Arts District station was planned to be served by both the restructured A Line, connecting [[Long Beach]] and the [[San Gabriel Valley]], and the restructured E Line, connecting [[Santa Monica, California|Santa Monica]] and [[East Los Angeles, California|East Los Angeles]]. Due to this, Metro needed to rebuild the original L Line station, underground, south of 1st Street to serve both lines. The decision to rebuild the station underground was driven in part by traffic concerns on Alameda and 1st Street caused by at-grade trains.<ref>{{cite news |title=Regional Connector Update |newspaper=The Source |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |url=http://thesource.metro.net/2010/02/04/regional-connector-update/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430211124/http://thesource.metro.net/2010/02/04/regional-connector-update/ |archive-date=April 30, 2010}}</ref>


The Regional Connector project started relocation of utility pipes in December 2012 and heavy construction began two years later on September 30, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hymon |first=Steve |date=2014-10-01 |title=Ground is broken for Regional Connector project to link Blue, Expo and Gold Lines |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2014/09/30/ground-is-broken-for-regional-connector-project-to-link-blue-expo-and-gold-lines/ |access-date=2023-06-20 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> The above-ground station was briefly closed in early 2016 due to the relocation of tracks for the project.<ref>{{cite web |title=Little Tokyo/Arts District Station Closure |url=https://www.metro.net/projects/notices/regional_notice_120105/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222102513/https://www.metro.net/projects/notices/regional_notice_120105/ |archive-date=February 22, 2016 |access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref> The station was again closed for a final time on October 24, 2020 before the new underground station opened 32 months later. Until the replacement station was completed, a [[Rail replacement bus service|bus bridge]] operated between [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]] and [[Pico/Aliso station]] for those riders traveling along the former L Line.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hymon |first1=Steve |date=September 15, 2020 |title=Bus shuttles to replace L Line (Gold) service between Union Station and Pico/Aliso Station during 22-month closure to complete Regional Connector |publisher=Metro |agency=The Source |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2020/09/15/bus-shuttles-to-replace-l-gold-line-service-between-union-station-and-pico-aliso-stations-during-22-month-closure-to-complete-regional-connector/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924021036/https://thesource.metro.net/2020/09/15/bus-shuttles-to-replace-l-gold-line-service-between-union-station-and-pico-aliso-stations-during-22-month-closure-to-complete-regional-connector/ |archive-date=September 24, 2020}}</ref>
The Regional Connector project started relocation of utility pipes in December 2012 and heavy construction began two years later on September 30, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hymon |first=Steve |date=October 1, 2014 |title=Ground is broken for Regional Connector project to link Blue, Expo and Gold Lines |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2014/09/30/ground-is-broken-for-regional-connector-project-to-link-blue-expo-and-gold-lines/ |access-date=June 20, 2023 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> The above-ground station was briefly closed in early 2016 due to the relocation of tracks for the project.<ref>{{cite web |title=Little Tokyo/Arts District Station Closure |url=https://www.metro.net/projects/notices/regional_notice_120105/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222102513/https://www.metro.net/projects/notices/regional_notice_120105/ |archive-date=February 22, 2016 |access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref> The station was again closed for a final time on October 24, 2020, before the new underground station opened 32 months later. Until the replacement station was completed, a [[Rail replacement bus service|bus bridge]] operated between [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]] and [[Pico/Aliso station]] for those riders traveling along the former L Line.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hymon |first1=Steve |date=September 15, 2020 |title=Bus shuttles to replace L Line (Gold) service between Union Station and Pico/Aliso Station during 22-month closure to complete Regional Connector |publisher=Metro |agency=The Source |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2020/09/15/bus-shuttles-to-replace-l-gold-line-service-between-union-station-and-pico-aliso-stations-during-22-month-closure-to-complete-regional-connector/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924021036/https://thesource.metro.net/2020/09/15/bus-shuttles-to-replace-l-gold-line-service-between-union-station-and-pico-aliso-stations-during-22-month-closure-to-complete-regional-connector/ |archive-date=September 24, 2020}}</ref>


[[File:Little Tokyo Arts District station February 26, 2023.jpg|thumb|left|Little Tokyo Arts District station plaza under construction in February&nbsp;2023]]
[[File:Little Tokyo Arts District station February 26, 2023.jpg|thumb|left|Little Tokyo Arts District station plaza under construction in February&nbsp;2023]]


=== New underground station ===
=== New underground station ===
When construction on the Regional Connector project started in September 2014, crews began work on building three new stations for the A and E Lines. The new Little Tokyo/Arts District station is underground, located on the west side of Alameda with entrances {{convert|500|ft}} south of the original station. The tunnel boring machines for the Regional Connector tunnel were also launched from that location.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-19 |title=Metro Lowers 'Angeli' the Regional Connector Tunnel Boring Machine - Streetsblog Los Angeles |url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2016/10/19/metro-lowers-angeli-the-regional-connector-tunnel-boring-machine |access-date=2023-12-25 |website=la.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref> The station was originally referred to as 1st St/Central in planning documents, but was ultimately assigned the same name as the previous at-grade station in early 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://thesource.metro.net/2017/02/23/actions-taken-today-by-the-metro-board-of-directors-7/|title = Actions taken today by the Metro Board of Directors|date = February 23, 2017|access-date = May 22, 2017|archive-date = May 13, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170513210037/http://thesource.metro.net/2017/02/23/actions-taken-today-by-the-metro-board-of-directors-7/|url-status = live}}</ref>
When construction on the Regional Connector project started in September 2014, crews began work on building three new stations for the A and E Lines. The new Little Tokyo/Arts District station is underground, located on the west side of Alameda with entrances {{convert|500|ft}} south of the original station. The tunnel boring machines for the Regional Connector tunnel were also launched from that location.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2016 |title=Metro Lowers 'Angeli' the Regional Connector Tunnel Boring Machine - Streetsblog Los Angeles |url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2016/10/19/metro-lowers-angeli-the-regional-connector-tunnel-boring-machine |access-date=December 25, 2023 |website=la.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref> The station was originally referred to as 1st St/Central in planning documents, but was ultimately assigned the same name as the previous at-grade station in early 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://thesource.metro.net/2017/02/23/actions-taken-today-by-the-metro-board-of-directors-7/|title = Actions taken today by the Metro Board of Directors|date = February 23, 2017|access-date = May 22, 2017|archive-date = May 13, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170513210037/http://thesource.metro.net/2017/02/23/actions-taken-today-by-the-metro-board-of-directors-7/|url-status = live}}</ref>


Preliminary work for the underground station required the demolition of two modest single-story brick store buildings with one of the structures dating back to at least 1898.<ref name="Zahniser" /> However, a series of new developments are being built on the blocks surrounding the station.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharp |first=Steven |date=February 16, 2021 |title=Mixed-use development quietly breaks ground on the Arts District/Little Tokyo border |language=en |work=Urbanize LA |url=https://urbanize.city/la/post/mixed-use-development-quietly-breaks-ground-arts-districtlittle-tokyo-border |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216190030/https://urbanize.city/la/post/mixed-use-development-quietly-breaks-ground-arts-districtlittle-tokyo-border |archive-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref>
Preliminary work for the underground station required the demolition of two modest single-story brick store buildings with one of the structures dating back to at least 1898.<ref name="Zahniser" /> However, a series of new developments are being built on the blocks surrounding the station.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharp |first=Steven |date=February 16, 2021 |title=Mixed-use development quietly breaks ground on the Arts District/Little Tokyo border |language=en |work=Urbanize LA |url=https://urbanize.city/la/post/mixed-use-development-quietly-breaks-ground-arts-districtlittle-tokyo-border |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216190030/https://urbanize.city/la/post/mixed-use-development-quietly-breaks-ground-arts-districtlittle-tokyo-border |archive-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref>


Starting on April 9, 2023, the A, E, and L Line trains ran through the newly built station from [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]] to [[Azusa, California|Azusa]] and [[Santa Monica, California|Santa Monica]] to [[East Los Angeles, California|East Los Angeles]] for final testing of the Regional Connector tunnel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metro |first=L. A. |date=2023-03-29 |title=Heads up: Regional Connector train testing is underway — and you may see and hear some changes to trains on the A, E and L Lines |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2023/03/29/heads-up-regional-connector-train-testing-is-underway-and-you-may-see-hear-some-changes-to-a-e-and-l-line-trains/ |access-date=2023-06-20 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> The new Little Tokyo/Arts District station officially opened with the new tunnel on June&nbsp;16, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Regional Connector Transit Project |url=https://www.metro.net/projects/connector/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405193641/https://www.metro.net/projects/connector/ |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |access-date=May 22, 2017}}</ref>
Starting on April 9, 2023, the A, E, and L Line trains ran through the newly built station from [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]] to [[Azusa, California|Azusa]] and [[Santa Monica, California|Santa Monica]] to [[East Los Angeles, California|East Los Angeles]] for final testing of the Regional Connector tunnel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metro |first=L. A. |date=March 29, 2023 |title=Heads up: Regional Connector train testing is underway — and you may see and hear some changes to trains on the A, E and L Lines |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2023/03/29/heads-up-regional-connector-train-testing-is-underway-and-you-may-see-hear-some-changes-to-a-e-and-l-line-trains/ |access-date=June 20, 2023 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> The new Little Tokyo/Arts District station officially opened with the new tunnel on June&nbsp;16, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Regional Connector Transit Project |url=https://www.metro.net/projects/connector/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405193641/https://www.metro.net/projects/connector/ |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |access-date=May 22, 2017}}</ref>
Beyond the Regional Connector opening, the [[West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor]] is planned to terminate downtown via a new light rail tunnel to Union Station. The line will feature a new transfer at Little Tokyo/Arts District station, which requires connecting the two subways with new infrastructure.
Beyond the Regional Connector opening, the [[West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor]] is planned to terminate downtown via a new light rail tunnel to Union Station. The line will feature a new transfer at Little Tokyo/Arts District station, which requires connecting the two subways with new infrastructure.

== Service ==
== Service ==
=== Station layout ===
=== Station layout ===

Revision as of 21:59, 28 December 2023

Little Tokyo/Arts District
A Line  E Line 
Little Tokyo/Arts District station platform
General information
Location402 East 1st Street
Los Angeles, California
Coordinates34°02′55″N 118°14′19″W / 34.0487°N 118.2387°W / 34.0487; -118.2387
Owned byLos Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Platforms1 island platform
Tracks2
ConnectionsLos Angeles Metro Bus
LADOT DASH
Construction
Structure typeUnderground
ParkingPaid parking nearby
Bicycle facilitiesMetro Bike Share station,[1] racks, lockers
AccessibleYes
History
OpenedNovember 15, 2009 (2009-11-15) (at-grade station) June 16, 2023 (2023-06-16) (underground station)
ClosedOctober 24, 2020 (2020-10-24) (at-grade station)
Rebuilt2020–2023
Services
Preceding station Metro Rail Following station
Union Station
toward Azusa
 A Line Historic Broadway
toward Long Beach
Historic Broadway
toward Santa Monica
 E Line Pico/Aliso
toward East Los Angeles
Future services
Preceding station Metro Rail Following station
Union Station
Terminus
 Southeast Gateway Line Arts/Industrial District
toward Pioneer
Location
Map

Little Tokyo/Arts District station is an underground light rail station on the Los Angeles Metro Rail system which replaced an at-grade station with the same name. The at-grade station was located on the east side of Alameda Street, between 1st Street and Temple Street, on the edge of Little Tokyo and the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. The at-grade station opened in 2009 as part of the Gold Line Eastside Extension, and was served by the L Line. The at-grade station closed in October 2020, and the new underground station on the south side of 1st Street between Central Avenue and Alameda Street opened on June 16, 2023.[2]

History

Former services

This area was once a key area for trains in downtown. James M. Davies, for whom the large tract was named, subdivided the area in 1891. Several railroad lines from different companies connected through this site. Davies great-nephew, Robert Davies Volk, was the owner of the lots at 1st and Alameda streets with brick buildings shaped to fit the long-gone rail lines.[3] The structures had played an important role in the cultural life of the Little Tokyo neighborhood for decades before the site was cleared for the future station.[4] Los Angeles Railway P Line yellow streetcars operated on the surface of 1st Street[5] until 1963, including a call at Alameda.

At-grade station

Little Tokyo/Arts District station's former at-grade platform, 2009

In September 2005, Metro began construction on a 6 miles (9.7 km) extension of the Gold Line light rail line called the Gold Line Eastside Extension, which replaced a once-planned Red Line (now the B Line) subway extension. The light rail extension runs from Union Station through Little Tokyo, ending at the corner of Pomona and Atlantic Boulevards in East L.A. It began operation on November 15, 2009, and serves some of the city's most historically underserved neighborhoods. One of the stations that opened was the at-grade Little Tokyo/Art District station which was located east of Alameda between 1st and Temple Streets.[6]

In 2012, the Regional Connector project and its Environmental Impact Report was officially approved.[7] The Regional Connector is a light rail tunnel through Downtown Los Angeles that connects the former Metro Rail A, E, and L (Gold) Lines. The Little Tokyo/Arts District station was planned to be served by both the restructured A Line, connecting Long Beach and the San Gabriel Valley, and the restructured E Line, connecting Santa Monica and East Los Angeles. Due to this, Metro needed to rebuild the original L Line station, underground, south of 1st Street to serve both lines. The decision to rebuild the station underground was driven in part by traffic concerns on Alameda and 1st Street caused by at-grade trains.[8]

The Regional Connector project started relocation of utility pipes in December 2012 and heavy construction began two years later on September 30, 2014.[9] The above-ground station was briefly closed in early 2016 due to the relocation of tracks for the project.[10] The station was again closed for a final time on October 24, 2020, before the new underground station opened 32 months later. Until the replacement station was completed, a bus bridge operated between Union Station and Pico/Aliso station for those riders traveling along the former L Line.[11]

Little Tokyo Arts District station plaza under construction in February 2023

New underground station

When construction on the Regional Connector project started in September 2014, crews began work on building three new stations for the A and E Lines. The new Little Tokyo/Arts District station is underground, located on the west side of Alameda with entrances 500 feet (150 m) south of the original station. The tunnel boring machines for the Regional Connector tunnel were also launched from that location.[12] The station was originally referred to as 1st St/Central in planning documents, but was ultimately assigned the same name as the previous at-grade station in early 2017.[13]

Preliminary work for the underground station required the demolition of two modest single-story brick store buildings with one of the structures dating back to at least 1898.[4] However, a series of new developments are being built on the blocks surrounding the station.[14]

Starting on April 9, 2023, the A, E, and L Line trains ran through the newly built station from Long Beach to Azusa and Santa Monica to East Los Angeles for final testing of the Regional Connector tunnel.[15] The new Little Tokyo/Arts District station officially opened with the new tunnel on June 16, 2023.[16] Beyond the Regional Connector opening, the West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor is planned to terminate downtown via a new light rail tunnel to Union Station. The line will feature a new transfer at Little Tokyo/Arts District station, which requires connecting the two subways with new infrastructure.

Service

Station layout

S Street plaza Entrance/Exit, faregates, ticket machines
C Concourse To Entrance/Exit
P Platform level Northbound/
Eastbound 		←  A Line toward APU/Citrus College (Union Station)
←  E Line toward Atlantic (Pico/Aliso)
Island platform, doors will open on the left
Southbound/
Westbound 		→  A Line toward Long Beach (Historic Broadway)
→  E Line toward Santa Monica (Historic Broadway) →

Hours and frequency

A Line service hours are from approximately 4:30 a.m. and 11:45 p.m daily. Trains operate every 8 minutes during peak hours, Monday to Friday. Trains run every 10 minutes, during midday on weekdays and weekends, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Night and early morning service is approximately every 20 minutes every day.[17]

E Line service hours are from approximately 4:30 a.m. and 11:45 p.m daily. Trains operate every 8 minutes during peak hours, Monday to Friday. Trains run every 10 minutes, during midday on weekdays and weekends, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Night and early morning service is approximately every 20 minutes every day.[18]

Connections

As of December 10, 2023, the following connections are available:[19][20]

Notable places nearby

The station is within walking distance of the following notable places:[21]

References

  1. ^ "Station Map". Metro Bike Share. January 27, 2015. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  2. ^ Von Quednow, Cindy (June 16, 2023). "Metro Regional Connector opens in Los Angeles, bringing more direct access to downtown". KTLA. Nexstar Media Group. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  3. ^ Fischer, Greg (August 26, 2014). "Tracking Some Early Train History: Upcoming Regional Connector Station Site Played a Key Role in L.A.'s Early Transportation Scene". Los Angeles Downtown News. Civic Center News, Inc. Archived from the original on August 29, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  4. ^ a b Zahniser, David (March 15, 2014). "Buildings slated for tear-down were rich part of Little Tokyo history". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  5. ^ H.P. Noordwal (1938). "Route Map Los Angeles Railway Electric Car and Bus Routes" (Map). Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc. Los Angeles Railway. Archived from the original on January 31, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021. "Alternate link" (Map). via Google. Archived from the original on January 31, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  6. ^ "After decades of waiting, their trains have arrived : Residents share a sense of kinship and progress aboard East L.A.'s new Gold Line route". Los Angeles Times. November 16, 2009. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  7. ^ Sotero, Dave (April 26, 2012). "Metro Board certifies final environmental study for Regional Connector". The Source. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  8. ^ "Regional Connector Update". The Source. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Archived from the original on April 30, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  9. ^ Hymon, Steve (October 1, 2014). "Ground is broken for Regional Connector project to link Blue, Expo and Gold Lines". The Source. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  10. ^ "Little Tokyo/Arts District Station Closure". Archived from the original on February 22, 2016. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  11. ^ Hymon, Steve (September 15, 2020). "Bus shuttles to replace L Line (Gold) service between Union Station and Pico/Aliso Station during 22-month closure to complete Regional Connector". Metro. The Source. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  12. ^ "Metro Lowers 'Angeli' the Regional Connector Tunnel Boring Machine - Streetsblog Los Angeles". la.streetsblog.org. October 19, 2016. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  13. ^ "Actions taken today by the Metro Board of Directors". February 23, 2017. Archived from the original on May 13, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  14. ^ Sharp, Steven (February 16, 2021). "Mixed-use development quietly breaks ground on the Arts District/Little Tokyo border". Urbanize LA. Archived from the original on February 16, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  15. ^ Metro, L. A. (March 29, 2023). "Heads up: Regional Connector train testing is underway — and you may see and hear some changes to trains on the A, E and L Lines". The Source. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  16. ^ "Regional Connector Transit Project". Archived from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  17. ^ "Metro A Line schedule". Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  18. ^ "Metro E Line schedule". Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  19. ^ "E Line Timetable – Connections section" (PDF). Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. December 10, 2023. p. 1. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  20. ^ "DASH Downtown – Map and Schedule" (PDF). Los Angeles Department of Transportation. October 1, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  21. ^ "Little Tokyo/Arts District Destination Guide" (PDF). Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Retrieved June 8, 2023.

Media related to Little Tokyo / Arts District (Los Angeles Metro station) at Wikimedia Commons

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