Byzantine-Latino Quarter, Los Angeles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Byzantine-Latino Quarter
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St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
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 Byzantine-Latino Quarter
Location in Los Angeles
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Los Angeles |
| City | Los Angeles |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Zip Code |
90006
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| Area code(s) | 323 |
The Byzantine-Latino Quarter is a lively neighborhood located in Central Los Angeles. It is sometimes called the "BLQ" for short.
Contents
History of the Byzantine-Latino Quarter
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How the Neighborhood Started
The area we now call the Byzantine-Latino Quarter began as "Pico Heights" in 1886. It was created by the Electric Railway Homestead Association. At first, it was a fancy place with beautiful Craftsman-style homes. Many wealthy families lived here. In 1896, it officially became part of the City of Los Angeles.
Changes Over Time
By the 1920s, some wealthy families started moving to areas further from the city center. In the 1930s and 1940s, many immigrants from Europe came to live in the neighborhood. It even became known as "Greek Town" because so many Greek families and businesses were there. The Greek community was especially strong around Pico and Normandie streets. This area was close to the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which opened in 1952.
Later, in the 1970s, many Mexican immigrants moved into the neighborhood. Then, in the 1980s, people from Central American countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras also made it their home.
Naming the Byzantine-Latino Quarter
In the 1990s, people living in the area, along with local leaders and business owners, decided to work together. They wanted to make the neighborhood even better. They also wanted a special name for their community. They chose not to use the old name, "Pico Heights." Instead, they suggested a new name: the Byzantine-Latino Quarter.
In 1997, the California State Assembly officially recognized the area as the "Byzantine-Latino Quarter." The Department of Transportation then put up street signs to mark the neighborhood.
Where is the Byzantine-Latino Quarter?
The Byzantine-Latino Quarter is located in Central Los Angeles. It has clear boundaries:
- North: 11th Street
- South: Venice Boulevard
- West: Hobart Boulevard
- East: Alvarado Street
What is a Business Improvement District?
In 2003, the Byzantine-Latino Quarter got a Business Improvement District (BID). A BID is a special area where local property owners pay extra fees. These fees are used to improve the neighborhood. For example, they might pay for cleaning, safety, or special projects. The BLQ BID helps keep the area nice. It also takes care of the large neon sign on a building at Pico Boulevard and Normandie Avenue. This sign proudly says "Byzantine Latino-Quarter."
Schools in the Neighborhood
Students in the Byzantine-Latino Quarter can attend these schools:
- Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High School - located at 2900 Pico Boulevard
- The Jane B. Eisner Middle School - located at 2755 W. 15th Street
Important Places and Attractions
- Saint Sophia Cathedral: A beautiful Greek Orthodox church.
- St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church: An important Catholic church in the area.
Events to Enjoy
- LAGreekFest: This is an annual event that celebrates Greek culture.
Images for kids
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Neon signage for the Byzantine-Latino Quarter at night, 2009.
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The beautiful Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
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