Downtown Los Angeles is undergoing a real estate revival of epic proportions. And Mollenhauer and its people are in the thick of it.

In just the last few years, the number of downtown residents has increased by over 30%, from 18,000 to 24,000. Early next year, the Ralph's supermarket chain will be opening the first new supermarket in the downtown area in decades. Philanthropist and businessman Eli Broad is leading the effort to build a $1.8 billion retail and residential complex along Grand Avenue that will include a shopping center, bookstore, multiplex movie theater and gourmet supermarket. And bistros, bookstores and coffeehouses are sprouting on the ground floors of numerous historical buildings that have been redeveloped over the last few years into loft-type residences.

Although business has long been L.A.'s heart, its arts and cultural institutions have given life to its soul in recent years. Each year, thousands come to watch Esa -Pekka Salonen conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall; view avant-garde works at the Museum of Contemporary Art; or tour the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Free outdoor concerts by Grand Performances at California Plaza during the summer months offer an eclectic mix of music, dance and spoken word programs. The Museum of Neon Art houses a unique collection of neon signs from many Los Angeles landmark buildings.

Nearby Exposition Park draws hundreds of thousands of people annually to the California Science Center and IMAX, Natural History Museum and California African-American Museum. The City's ethnic diversity is also reflected by the Japanese American National Museum located in Little Tokyo.

World-class athletic teams and venues offer sports fans a wealth of choices: the Dodgers at their longtime home in Chavez Ravine just north of the Downtown Center District; plus the Kings, Lakers, Avengers, Sparks and Clippers playing at the Staples Center.

Downtown Los Angeles is finally becoming the world-class live/work/play location that it's always been destined to be. And Mollenhauer is very much a part of it.