OverviewPressLinks Back to Press page The Next Generation Publish Date: 06/28/2004 Downtown News by Kathryn Maese An Ongoing Series About the 35-and-Under Movers and Shakers Shaping Their Fields Downtown has long been saddled with the stereotype of being the stomping grounds of gray-haired players in power suits. While that picture has never been completely accurate, it's easy to understand where the perception sprang from: The 1970s and '80s boom, and the numerous corporate headquarters in the shimmering new office towers, did bring a lot of, shall we say, distinguished figures doing corporate business. In recent years, however, that concept has been blown clear out of the water. Thanks to an influx of exciting new projects, Downtown is witnessing the arrival of young would-be players eager to make their mark and fill a niche. Think of it as Downtown: The Next Generation. While the old guard is still doing business, a new crowd of young men and women are making their presence felt. For the second time, Los Angeles Downtown News has turned its eyes on the numerous 35-and-unders who are shaping Downtown's future. We've explored various fields where the youth are getting restless, and in this series will report on those who not only have made an impact, but look like they'll be players in the years to come. Young Pioneers Generation Next" is an ongoing series that began last year to highlight the 35-and-under movers and shakers who are shaping their respective fields and the future of Downtown. On Feb. 17, 2003, the series profiled six people in development: Laura Benson, 29, was hired as Urban Partners project manager for the $171 million Caltrans Headquarters. The project is redefining architecture in the Civic Center. Architect Brad Gwinn, 26, worked side-by-side with developer Mark Weinstein to transform 10 historic garment buildings in the Fashion District into a $130 million residential and retail behemoth called Santee Court. The first phase was completed this year. Tyson Sayles, 29, was tapped by the Kor Group as vice president of acquisitions to help the firm develop Downtown's biggest adaptive reuse housing project at the time - the 300-unit Pegasus. Karin Liljegren, 34, is project manager for Killefer Flammang Architects' Downtown ventures, including six lofts developments that will yield more than 1,200 units. Paul Solomon, 32, developed one of Downtown's few for-sale loft condo projects, the 119-unit Toy Factory Lofts. The building, which opened earlier this year, is nearly sold out. Chris Modrzejewski, 30, heads public affairs for the Anschutz Entertainment Group, and was tapped to oversee the high-profile expansion of Staples Center into a $1 billion sports and entertainment district.