Atlantic Boulevard’s changing direction

The huge new Atlantic Times Square development in Monterey Park aims to be a street-wise mix of shops, restaurants and residences.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

The arrival of the Metro Gold Line’s Eastside extension and its stream of pedestrians has helped enliven the blocks around Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Yummy Teriyaki, at the corner of Atlantic and Beverly boulevards in East L.A., takes its design cues from the ‘80s L.A. School architecture.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

In Commerce, the junction of Atlantic Boulevard, Telegraph Road and Eastern Avenue is very much an auto-centric roadway.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Downtown’s skyline is visible along Atlantic Boulevard where it crosses the Los Angeles River in Vernon.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

A Latino grocery store is among the mom-and-pop shops along Atlantic Boulevard in Bell.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

The businesses along Atlantic in Bell, including Tacos Mexico near Bell Avenue, often reflect the city’s heavily Latino population.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

The Lido Motel in South Gate has a bold, distinctive sign in keeping with much of the design along Atlantic that’s meant to capture motorists’ attention.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

At Benitez Barber Shop in Lynwood, a genial vibe prevails outside the storefront on Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Dale’s Donuts in Compton, sporting a doughnut-shaped sign nearly twice as tall as the shop, beckons motorists and pedestrians alike along Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Long Beach honors its military veterans with a mural at the southeast corner of Atlantic and Harding Street.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

A Long Beach flower shop provides a burst of fresh color on the 5300 block of Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Bike culture is flourishing in Long Beach, which has adopted the motto “The Most Bicycle Friendly City in America.” Here, a bicyclist pedals along the 5600 block of Atlantic.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Pedestrians stroll along Atlantic in Bixby Knolls during the latest of the Long Beach neighborhood’s monthly “First Fridays” art walks.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Music wafts down Atlantic as Jose Rodriguez, from left, John T. Wash IV and Emiliano Rodriguez play a tune during the Bixby Knolls art walk.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

George’s 50’s Diner serves up a blast from the past in Bixby Knolls at the corner of Atlantic and East San Antonio Drive.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

An oil pump churns away on Atlantic and Spring Street in Long Beach, a reminder of Southern California’s car-centric cityscape.  (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)