Central City East is bounded by Third Street to the north, Eighth and Olympic Streets on the south, Alameda Street to the east and San Pedro Street to the west. Overall, Central City East still reflects the heyday of the railroad industry when it was referred to as the “bread basket” of Southern California. 

The architecture pays homage to this time as well.  To this day, Central City East is home to Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market, the largest privately owned produce market in the United States. Central City East maintains many of its ties to the traditional businesses that got their start here, but there are also changes on the landscape.  Old warehouses have been converted to lofts, galleries and other arts related spaces. 

Some first time visitors are taken aback by the close proximity of cardboard houses next to million dollar lofts.  However, the city is making a concerted effort to combine market-rate and subsidized housing.  Those who are from this area of Central City East take pride in their neighborhood and the fire engines are emblazoned with “Skid Row” as opposed to “Central City East”. 

The Industrial District is home to 24-hour industrial, manufacturing and wholesale activity - mostly seafood, fresh and frozen produce, and cold storage. There are treasures amid the warehouses and the semi-trucks, however. Inner-City Arts serves thousands of inner-city students yearly with arts-related activities and after-school programs. The Little Tokyo Loft building was one of the original converted industrial spaces west of Alameda, and it's surrounded by silk flower shops. To eat, there's the always packed and delicious Fisherman's Outlet, which gets its seafood from nearby warehouses. 
The Toy District is a series of warehouses and converted storage buildings that have colorful storefronts in this 13-block area. During the day the district has over 500 retail stores that specialize in inexpensive novelties and electronics. At night the homeless population populates the area.  If you don't mind crowded and less-than-sparkling streets, silk flowers, electronics, DVDs and videos, incense, luggage and yes, toys such as dolls, die cast cars, action and character figures and video games are just some of the treasures a dedicated shopper can find. 
The Produce District, a mostly wholesale area, has humble roots. Local farmers originally gathered near Olvera Street (in the El Pueblo District) to sell their goods, but as the population grew, so did the need for an organized produce market. Today, it's the hub of the L.A. food chain.