The Bloc opens rooftop urban farm in LA
The falconer initiative, which consists of flying a trained, non-lethal hawk above the building a couple of times a week to deter pigeons and other pests from disturbing the farm.
By Luke Netzley
LA Downtown News
June 5, 20233
Excerpt:
In an effort to produce fresh, locally grown produce in the urban core of Downtown LA, The Bloc has partnered with farming company MicroHabitat to open a new urban farm space on the building’s rooftop at 700 W. Seventh Street. The farm will feature 18 different varieties of produce like heirloom tomatoes, kale, cucumbers and peppers as well as 12 varieties of herbs and edible flowers.
“My understanding is we’re the first building in Downtown LA to install an urban farm on the roof,” said Dan Cote, general manager at The Bloc. “We’re hoping to use that as a motivator to inspire other landlords and building owners to do the same because we feel like it would not only help the quality of the air and the environment, but if other buildings can follow suit and produce food in this fashion, and we could all donate that to the people that really need it locally, it’ll go a long way in helping us change the narrative on what’s going on in Downtown LA and improve it on many levels.”
The farm will consist of 30 MicroHabitat pots and use a drip irrigation system to reduce the chance of overwatering and minimize water waste. It’s set to produce an estimated 300 pounds of crops per season, which will be donated to local food banks to help nearby homeless populations.
