Design and Architecture
Bridges and Walls: LA River, part 2
The Los Angeles River in downtown is getting new bridges and parks. But with the greening of the river may come “green gentrification.”
By Frances Anderton • • 28m ListenThe Los Angeles River is getting a much overdue makeover. About eighty years ago, the concretizing of the river formed a wall slashing through the Southland. Now, new bridges are being built, old ones are being fixed up or replaced, and new parks are being added. It’s all very exciting -- but it’s also bringing anxiety. Because with the greening of the river comes the other kind of green.
“Gentrification getting over here is really surprising and shocking because you don't want your community to change, you want home to stay home,” said Ximena Hernandez, a Boyle Heights native.
After years of negotiations, the city of Los Angeles bought the G2 parcel last year for $60 million. The Bureau of Engineering is designing a new park, along with consulting team WSP, which includes Mia Lehrer's studio among others.
Green gentrification
Design for the Elysian Park Lofts in Chinatown, a proposed residential and retail project. Rendering courtesy of Newman Garrison + Partners.
Revitalizing the lower LA River
A view of downtown from the banks of the LA River at Slauson Avenue in Southeast LA. Photo credit: Frances Anderton.
California Arts Council, a state agency. And special thanks to NPR’s Story Lab.
