ASCE Los Angeles Section

Downtown Los Angeles on Spring Street and Main Street between 4th to 6th Streets

Spring Street Park is a newly-constructed 0.7 acre urban oasis in the center of the concrete, asphalt and high rise buildings that have for so long been the dominant features in this evolving, arts-oriented portion of downtown Los Angeles. Located in the Old Bank District of downtown Los Angeles, Spring Street Park is surrounded by historic structures.

There is a vibrant arts community in the area, as well as, newly revitalized residential/commercial development on Spring Street and Main Street between 4th to 6th Streets. The location is within walking distance to local residents and workers. The park is also on the newly installed 1.5-mile-long bike lane along Spring Street. A public bus stops at the corner of the park. Two Metro Rail lines are just two-blocks away. It was a challenge to find land and include the disparate desires and needs of the many stakeholders in only .07 acres.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, downtown Los Angeles has added 15,000 residents over the past decade. A park providing more green space is highly desired by the residents.

Before the Park’s construction, the site was completely paved and used as parking lot. This is the first urban public city park constructed in downtown Los Angeles in decades. It is one of only two parks in the center of a live-and-work district serving a downtown population of roughly 40,000.

The financing of the park was from Quimby funds, money set aside from developers for public improvements.

Originally planned as a site for another high rise development, this former parking lot has been transformed into an artistic sanctuary with trees, colorful plantings, a small playground, interwoven pathways and gathering spaces. Seat walls are strategically placed, creating opportunity for conversation. Nature-themed custom art work is incorporated in the seats and fences of the park.

These amenities provide a relaxing haven for nearby residents and workers while responding to environmental concerns with the inclusion of permeable paving, smart irrigation and storm-water runoff mitigation with 100% on-site filtration. More than 65% of the site is permeable. The park design incorporates 100% on-site water filtration. Permeable concrete at the tree well areas maximizes on-site filtration of water. Also a recirculating water system is used to supply water to the fountains.

Recycled materials were used in the design including recycled glass tiles that line the fountain, and are cycled glass aggregate pathway winds through the park. Also, the heat-island effect has been reduced by converting a concrete/asphalt parking lot to green space.

Flowering shade trees, stands of bamboo and subtle fences and a fountain blur the boundaries between the park and the surrounding residential buildings and streets, contributing to a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. A monthly Art Walk takes place in this district and Spring Street Park will enhance the experience of all participants in this event. With a medium-size plaza for concerts, markets, and exhibits, this park will become a destination, adding vibrancy to a currently transitioning live-work community.

The park offers a space for outdoor gatherings and performances. Unique design elements—nature-inspired fountain, benches, gates and unique paving surfaces and combinations—as well as flowering trees, layers of foliage colors, and rich textures provide distinction to this centrally-located community.

The park creates a pedestrian-friendly streetscape while encouraging exploration of the park via a walkway that diagonally bisects the park. This walk connects Spring Street to an alley leading to Main Street.

The development of the park, located in an existing business/loft district of Downtown Los Angeles, increases the public’s engagement in the area leading to increased commercial and residential development.

The beautiful park catalyzes community revitalization by providing space to gather, interact, exercise, and socializes. An artistically-lit water feature attracts attention of passersby as well as those within the park. Nature-themed artwork was incorporated into the sculptural concrete seat walls with fabricated aluminum accents. Graphic panels were incorporated into the fencing design. The park edge at Spring Street widens the sidewalk providing seating and planting outside the park fence. This design feature improves the streetscape as well as tempting passersby to explore the park. The park’s distinct design and custom art work make an artistic statement that provides a unique identity for a neighborhood that now has a park it can be proud of.

This project was featured in the following publications (articles are attached):

LA Times - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa unveils new downtown L.A. park, June 17, 2013
Inhabitat - Spring Street Park: Downtown LA Parking Lot Transformed into a Park

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Spring Street Park is a newly-constructed 0.7 acre urban oasis in the center of the concrete, asphalt and high rise buildings that have for so long been the dominant features in this evolving, arts-oriented portion of downtown Los Angeles. Located in the Old Bank District of downtown Los Angeles, Spring Street Park is surrounded by historic structures.

Originally planned as a site for another high rise development, this former parking lot has been transformed into an artistic sanctuary with trees, colorful plantings, a small playground, interwoven pathways and gathering spaces. Seat walls are strategically placed, creating opportunity for conversation. Nature-themed custom art work is incorporated in the seats and fences of the park.

These amenities provide a relaxing haven for nearby residents and workers while responding to environmental concerns with the inclusion of permeable paving, smart irrigation and storm-water runoff mitigation with 100% on-site filtration. More than 65% of the site is permeable. The park design incorporates 100% on-site water filtration. Permeable concrete at the tree well areas maximizes on-site filtration of water. Also a recirculating water system is used to supply water to the fountains.

Recycled materials were used in the design including recycled glass tiles that line the fountain, and are cycled glass aggregate pathway winds through the park. Also, the heat-island effect has been reduced by converting a concrete/asphalt parking lot to green space.

Flowering shade trees, stands of bamboo and subtle fences and a fountain blur the boundaries between the park and the surrounding residential buildings and streets, contributing to a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. A monthly Art Walk takes place in this district and Spring Street Park will enhance the experience of all participants in this event. With a medium-size plaza for concerts, markets, and exhibits, this park will become a destination, adding vibrancy to a currently transitioning live-work community.

Please Note: MLAB is submitting this nomination on behalf of the original nominator as it has been selected to receive this year’s MLAB Outstanding Public Civil Engineering Water Project (Over $10 Million).