California Historical Society: TICOR/Pierce [digarc.usc.edu]

Pershing Square, as it looked in 1925.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Those interested in the future of Downtown's green space should prepare for a busy week. Over the next few days, discussions will take place on the future of the Civic Center Park and Pershing Square, Downtown's largest parcels of open space.

On Wednesday evening, Aloud at the Central Library will hold "The Future of Pershing Square", a panel discussion featuring Daniel Biederman, Kathleen Bullard, Lewis MacAdams, Barry Sanders, and Doug Suisman. LA Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne will moderate a discussion of what it would take for the square to re-assume its place as a gathering place for Downtown.

The event takes place in the Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium at 7pm. Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended via http://aloudla.org or by calling (213) 228-7025.

Also on Wednesday, the DLANC Parks, Recreation and Open Space committee will host a presentation on the Civic Center Park, slated for redevelopment as part of the Grand Avenue Project. Related Companies will have a new model of the proposed park design on hand and will be outlining next steps for that park space. Viewing will run 6:30pm to 9pm at The Exchange, 114 W. 5th.

Want to hit both? No worries, as the Civic Center Park model will also be on display from 1pm to 9pm on Thursday, March 12. Again, representatives will be on hand to explain the project and the park's proposed design.