(Wilson Pumpernickel/Neon Tommy)

In 1981, Los Angeles passed an ordinance that allowed for residential use of former industrial buildings. Since then, artists and other creative-types have flocked to the District for its open floor plans, a blank canvas for both homes and businesses.

Now, these once abandoned buildings are filled with funky wares and great stories, snapshots of downtown life which a group of Neon Tommy reporters set out to find.

• "Tech Talk In Downtown L.A. Spurred By New Innovation Campus"
• "When A Hair Salon Meets A Record Store"
• "From Dust to Dust: The Arts District Dog Park"
• "A Warehouse School: Sci-Arc And The Arts District"
• "Arts District Theater Company Inspires Downtown L.A."
• "People St Program Adds Green Space To L.A."
• "People Welcome New Downtown Development With Reservation"
• "One Santa Fe Development Concerns Arts District Residents"
• "It's Not Always About The 'Cool Factor' In The Arts District"
• "Alchemy Works Is More Than A Store, It's A Creative Space"
• "Culture In The Arts District"
• "The Arts District And A Dream"
• "Arts District Transplant Is Leading Charge For Its Revitalization"

Check back for more stories.

This story is part of a Neon Tommy special on the revitalization of downtown Los Angeles. Click #reviveDTLA for more.

Reach Neon Tommy news editors here. Follow us on Twitter @neontommy.