Los Angeles, California, USA

Paris-based landscape architecture office Agence Ter and their LA architecture consultant Gruen Associates continue work on the much-maligned downtown five-acre park, Pershing Square—the oldest public park in Los Angeles.

Agence Ter’s design for Pershing Square was won by in a 2016 competition over three other finalists last year, which included James Corner Field Operations with Frederick Fisher and Partner, SWA with Morphosis, and wHY + Civitas.

The nonprofit group called Pershing Square Renew is managing the project.

For the winning design, Agence Ter has partnered with the local landscape architecture firm SALT Landscape Architects with specialized partners Deborah Murphy Urban Design + Planning and Fehr and Peers, Community Arts Resources (CARS), Kelly Shannon, Leo Villareal, Pentagram, still room, Rachel Allen Architecture, KPFF, M-E Engineers, and Lighting Design Alliance.

The initial phase of the project has been completed, an analysis that included a study of deficiencies in the existing park and underground garage. Moving forward, the project team has identified challenges in executing the design scheme, as well as a strategy to address these hurdles. A report provided an estimated design and construction budget, and a phasing plan that will allow the project to move forward.

The team worked with the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Public Works and the 14th Council District to provide an estimated design and construction budget, and a phasing plan that will allow the project to move forward.

The first phase of the $110 Million overall redesign project included returning the park to a more accessible and visible park, as originally enjoyed in the park’s history. Improvements are planned for Olive and Hill streets totaling $25 Million for the first phase including a new landscaped plaza and glass elevators.

Phase two of the project will include work to return the site to an inviting public square.

The third phase design for Pershing Square calls for “radical flatness,” bringing all four sides of the park back to street level. This would be achieved by lowering the roof of the underground parking garage, which was added to the square in the 1950’s, as well as removing some of the automobile access ramps that wrap its perimeter.

There will also be focus on the Hill Street side of the project first, since Olive Street is typically favored due to the famed, historic Biltmore Hotel.

The project is on schedule to complete construction before the third quarter of 2024.

Landscape Architects: Agence Ter and SALT Landscape Architects
Prime Consultant: Gruen Associates
Architects: Deborah Murphy Urban Design + Planning
Architects: Rachel Alleh
Consultants: RUA, Landscape Urbanism Consultant
Urban Programming Consultants: Community Arts Resources LA
Branding: Pentagram
General Contractors: Tutor Perini/Parsons
Client: City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering and the Department of Recreation and Parks