LOS ANGELES | Central City Project Rundown 5.0

[alki]

Ushering in an Era of Concrete Destruction

Cities spend big money to retrofit and modernize landscapes built with the world’s most popular construction material—even as others go right on pouring it.




http://www.citylab.com/design/2014/11/ushering-in-an-era-of-concrete-destruction/382888/

[alki]

Grand Park's New Playground is Cartoony and Awesome

Monday, November 17, 2014, by Bianca Barragan




http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/11/grand_parks_new_playground_is_cartoony_and_awesome.php

On a sadder note..........Cat and the Fiddle in Hollywood, one of my favorite places to eat lunch, is closing.

[StethJeff]

Originally Posted by alki

Grand Park's New Playground is Cartoony and Awesome

Monday, November 17, 2014, by Bianca Barragan




http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/11/grand_parks_new_playground_is_cartoony_and_awesome.php

On a sadder note..........Cat and the Fiddle in Hollywood, one of my favorite places to eat lunch, is closing.

Now this is a perfect amenity for Grand Park. It's actually utilizing space for leisure/play (unlike the concrete steps, concrete paths, asphalt ramps, cross-streets, etc.) on a space that can support multiple functions (Starbucks, fountain, event space, gardens). It fits in with the goal of Grand Park being a meeting place for everyone. Bonus points for actually looking cartoonish and awesome just like the description says. If I was 7 again, I'd be all over that playground. It's stunning.

This is in complete contrast with the plans that had previously been floated of putting 1 or even 2 playgrounds in a future Pershing Square. Pershing Square isn't supposed to be a neighborhood park, ball field, pocket park, parklet, homeless encampment, or a faded purple set piece from Babes in Toyland. It should be a city square. Simple, open, and elegant. Like every other city in the world. It shouldn't be that hard.

[Flavius Josephus]

From DLANC, a "Vision Plan" for DTLA. Interesting reading, if somewhat buzzword-heavy. I like the stuff about developing connected corridors for pedestrian activity, commercial/office adaptive reuse, and more flexible zoning in some areas currently zoned industrial-only; not so sure about the very expensive idea of a downtown-wide streetcar network. http://dlanc.org/sites/dlancd7.localhost/files/DLANC%20Vision%20Plan.pdf

[alki]

Originally Posted by StethJeff

Now this is a perfect amenity for Grand Park. It's actually utilizing space for leisure/play (unlike the concrete steps, concrete paths, asphalt ramps, cross-streets, etc.) on a space that can support multiple functions (Starbucks, fountain, event space, gardens). It fits in with the goal of Grand Park being a meeting place for everyone. Bonus points for actually looking cartoonish and awesome just like the description says. If I was 7 again, I'd be all over that playground. It's stunning.

This is in complete contrast with the plans that had previously been floated of putting 1 or even 2 playgrounds in a future Pershing Square. Pershing Square isn't supposed to be a neighborhood park, ball field, pocket park, parklet, homeless encampment, or a faded purple set piece from Babes in Toyland. It should be a city square. Simple, open, and elegant. Like every other city in the world. It shouldn't be that hard.

I agree completely. The play area is very whimsical.......exactly what kids like. And I agree about Pershing Square. Its a city square..........and I always wanted it to have a classic look given the age of many of the bldgs around it.

[caligrad]

Originally Posted by StethJeff

Now this is a perfect amenity for Grand Park. It's actually utilizing space for leisure/play (unlike the concrete steps, concrete paths, asphalt ramps, cross-streets, etc.) on a space that can support multiple functions (Starbucks, fountain, event space, gardens). It fits in with the goal of Grand Park being a meeting place for everyone. Bonus points for actually looking cartoonish and awesome just like the description says. If I was 7 again, I'd be all over that playground. It's stunning.

This is in complete contrast with the plans that had previously been floated of putting 1 or even 2 playgrounds in a future Pershing Square. Pershing Square isn't supposed to be a neighborhood park, ball field, pocket park, parklet, homeless encampment, or a faded purple set piece from Babes in Toyland. It should be a city square. Simple, open, and elegant. Like every other city in the world. It shouldn't be that hard.

Eh.... In terms of Pershing square I think we all have to agree that for the most part every one wants something different or their own version of a "city Square".... Just for the hell of it I googled what an actual city square should look like and googled the worlds most famous city squares and I think everyone on here might be surprised to see

1. No trees
2. lots of concrete
3. lots of cars surrounding it
4. parking built underneath sometimes

Sounds like I described Pershing square but that's actually what "city squares look like in every other city in the world"

I think in regards to Pershing square we are expecting to much from a space not even the size of a full city block. People are saying it shouldn't be a park but a city square....well city squares are full of concrete and we don't want that either, we want trees and gardens.....well that's a park... well we don't want a park....well that's a city square.... well we don't want concrete....... well that's a park...... well we don't want a kids play area...well that's a city square...........

Its like some people are trying to cram central park into the area the size of half a city block. Its not going to happen.

Keep the underground parking. reconfigure the ramps. Add some trees, some grass, some flowers, a fountain and call it a day. Doesn't need an event stage, doesn't need a kids play area....yet...... and doesn't need pink furniture.

[Eightball]

Pumped to take my son there this weekend Looks great

The park at 9th and Hope has some nice equipment and attendance but man it often smells like piss

[alki]

Originally Posted by caligrad

Eh.... In terms of Pershing square I think we all have to agree that for the most part every one wants something different or their own version of a "city Square".... Just for the hell of it I googled what an actual city square should look like and googled the worlds most famous city squares and I think everyone on here might be surprised to see

1. No trees
2. lots of concrete
3. lots of cars surrounding it
4. parking built underneath sometimes

That description is mostly true of European city squares. Traditionally, American cities worked to bring nature into the mix.........that's why our city streets tend to be more tree lined. And American city squares typically include trees and present a more formalized, park like setting.

Sounds like I described Pershing square but that's actually what "city squares look like in every other city in the world"

I think in regards to Pershing square we are expecting to much from a space not even the size of a full city block. People are saying it shouldn't be a park but a city square....well city squares are full of concrete and we don't want that either, we want trees and gardens.....well that's a park... well we don't want a park....well that's a city square.... well we don't want concrete....... well that's a park...... well we don't want a kids play area...well that's a city square...........

Its like some people are trying to cram central park into the area the size of half a city block. Its not going to happen.

Keep the underground parking. reconfigure the ramps. Add some trees, some grass, some flowers, a fountain and call it a day. Doesn't need an event stage, doesn't need a kids play area....yet...... and doesn't need pink furniture.

My vision for Pershing Square is very simple.......trees, pathways, benches for sitting......a refuge from the city much like Bryant Sq is in NYC. A classic look would reflect well on the surrounding neighborhood which tends to be older bldgs.

[ConstructDTLA]

Originally Posted by caligrad

Eh.... In terms of Pershing square I think we all have to agree that for the most part every one wants something different or their own version of a "city Square".... Just for the hell of it I googled what an actual city square should look like and googled the worlds most famous city squares and I think everyone on here might be surprised to see

We don't all want a different version of Pershing Square. We are all pretty much united in wanting something like what it was, something like Madison Square Park in NYC (Google Image it), or at worst a duplicate of San Francisco's Union Square.

Will we get any of these? I'd bet quite a bit of money against it as long as the inept city is involved.

[losangelesnative]

I believe the concrete pour for metropolis is happening right now

[DistrictDirt]

Originally Posted by Flavius Josephus

From DLANC, a "Vision Plan" for DTLA. Interesting reading, if somewhat buzzword-heavy. I like the stuff about developing connected corridors for pedestrian activity, commercial/office adaptive reuse, and more flexible zoning in some areas currently zoned industrial-only; not so sure about the very expensive idea of a downtown-wide streetcar network. http://dlanc.org/sites/dlancd7.localhost/files/DLANC%20Vision%20Plan.pdf

I really like this plan. Lots of excellent suggestions for more open space, road diets, protected bike lanes, and overall increased pedestrian friendliness.

I'm also a big fan of this proposal for a park on Los Angeles St:



Full disclosure: this is literally at my doorstep

[ConstructDTLA]

Originally Posted by DistrictDirt

I really like this plan. Lots of excellent suggestions for more open space, road diets, protected bike lanes, and overall increased pedestrian friendliness.

I'm also a big fan of this proposal for a park on Los Angeles St:

Full disclosure: this is literally at my doorstep

Thats such an excellent idea!

[caligrad]

Originally Posted by DTLAdenizen

We don't all want a different version of Pershing Square. We are all pretty much united in wanting something like what it was, something like Madison Square Park in NYC (Google Image it), or at worst a duplicate of San Francisco's Union Square.

Will we get any of these? I'd bet quite a bit of money against it as long as the inept city is involved.

Eh over the past year I've seen people throw widely different ideas for Pershing square on this forum. Some wanting more grass, others wanting more trees, a mix of everything. Not everyone will be happy with whatever plan is finally put into motion because some people want more of one thing and less of the other. I remember someone saying they didn't even like the original Pershing Square based off of the pictures.

Now I agree with you. I've been to Bryant Park a couple of times. a Pershing square that mimics Bryant park would be awesome. But. Like I said earlier. We are expecting to much with an open space the size of Pershing square. Bryant park is larger, Situated right next one of New Yorks main libraries and doesn't have parking ramps on every side. .

Long Story short. Either way we try to sugar coat it and make it to what it should be... we will still be F***** no matter what plan is put into motion. And the city planners know this, That's why they keep giving us half assed plans because that's all they have to work with, especially with the parking ramps on every side. Now if the parking was completely eliminated than I would agree that Pershing Square planning should be kicked up a notch to what was being thrown at us. But what can we do ?

[Flavius Josephus]

Originally Posted by caligrad

Eh over the past year I've seen people throw widely different ideas for Pershing square on this forum. Some wanting more grass, others wanting more trees, a mix of everything. Not everyone will be happy with whatever plan is finally put into motion because some people want more of one thing and less of the other. I remember someone saying they didn't even like the original Pershing Square based off of the pictures.

Now I agree with you. I've been to Bryant Park a couple of times. a Pershing square that mimics Bryant park would be awesome. But. Like I said earlier. We are expecting to much with an open space the size of Pershing square. Bryant park is larger, Situated right next one of New Yorks main libraries and doesn't have parking ramps on every side. .

Long Story short. Either way we try to sugar coat it and make it to what it should be... we will still be F***** no matter what plan is put into motion. And the city planners know this, That's why they keep giving us half assed plans because that's all they have to work with, especially with the parking ramps on every side. Now if the parking was completely eliminated than I would agree that Pershing Square planning should be kicked up a notch to what was being thrown at us. But what can we do ?

Bryant Park = 9.6 acres
Pershing Square = 5 acres
Trafalgar Square = ~2.9acres
Union Square = 2.6 acres

[ConstructDTLA]

Originally Posted by Flavius Josephus

Bryant Park = 9.6 acres
Pershing Square = 5 acres
Trafalgar Square = ~2.9acres
Union Square = 2.6 acres

Pershing Square 1939 = 5 acres


Pershing Square 1939 by HunterKerhart.com, on Flickr
(Click through to view this image full size at over 5000pixels wide).

[colemonkee]

Originally Posted by losangelesnative

I believe the concrete pour for metropolis is happening right now

Yes and no. Yes, they are pouring a thin layer of concrete out directly over the dirt, likely to seal off the site from water intrusion (something I've never seen before). But this is not the foundation pour, as they have yet to lay any steel rebar into the site at all (outside of the crane mats). This is honestly one of the weirdest construction sites I've ever watched. Technically they haven't started with actual foundation work, so it shouldn't even be moved yet to the Construction Forum. Says the guy who moved it there.

[alki]

Originally Posted by DTLAdenizen

Pershing Square 1939 = 5 acres


Pershing Square 1939 by HunterKerhart.com, on Flickr
(Click through to view this image full size at over 5000pixels wide).

That works for me. I won't complain. Promise!

[colemonkee]

^ Unless we have to go back to wearing those funny hats.

[ConstructDTLA]

Some more pics from today:

[112597jorge]

Originally Posted by DTLAdenizen

Pershing Square 1939 = 5 acres


Pershing Square 1939 by HunterKerhart.com, on Flickr
(Click through to view this image full size at over 5000pixels wide).

why cant they just rebuild it the same way as 1939, with same landscaping and trees. I cant even understand why they would destroy such a nicely landscaped and true urban square.