Design and Architecture
Should Parker Center Be Saved?
For more than a half a century, Parker Center in downtown Los Angeles served as the LAPD’s headquarters. And during that time it represented the best and worst of the Los Angeles police force: both modernized and racially divisive.
By Frances Anderton • • 1 min readFor more than a half a century, Parker Center in downtown Los Angeles served as the LAPD’s headquarters. And during that time it represented the best and worst of the Los Angeles police force: both modernized and racially divisive.
Since its final occupants moved out in 2013, the Welton Becket-designed building appeared to be heading for demolition.That all changed when the Cultural Heritage Commission nominated Parker Center for landmark status in January.
If City Council now approves the nomination, demolition might be on hold, indefinitely. But could that put the breaks on the ongoing transformation of LA’s civic center? And is the building -- and its history -- worth preserving?
We weigh the pros and cons with Cindy Olnick of the LA Conservancy, Hal Bastian, former Director of Economic Development for the Downtown Business Improvement District, Jon Regardie, executive editor of Los Angeles Downtown News, Gail Kennard, president of Kennard Design Group, and real estate developer and consultant Dan Rosenfeld.
