Chinatown Median Gets Its Landscaping Touch

By Ed Fuentes
Published: Monday, March 10, 2008, at 03:01PM

Ed Fuentes

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Nearly a year in construction, the large asphalt median at North Main and Alameda has completed its transformation into landscaped pedestrian space.

Work began in April of last year, taking out tracks that had survived from the area’s industrial past. As the edges of the roadway were torn up, old brick foundation was unveiled, a reminder of what roadways were before the arrival of asphalt.

The benches, trees, and walkway forms a circle within the concrete triangle. The vast improvement gives a completely different character to the buildings around, including a Fire House and even California Drop Forge. Hopefully the work can help create a pedestrian link between Union Station and the new Homeboy Industries cafe.

Comments

David Kennedy writes:

It would also be better for Homeboy Industries if they had more than banker's hours. I've tried mightly to patronize the place. Regretably, it is never open and I've stopped trying to drop by.

# on Mar.10.2008 AT 04:32 PM

D writes:

This should be done all over LA. a little investment can make a HUGE difference.

# on Mar.10.2008 AT 05:16 PM

Rich Alossi writes:

David,

Count me in as one of those people who have tried so hard to visit Homeboy but it's never opened. Like you, I've stopped trying.

# on Mar.11.2008 AT 08:04 AM

David Kennedy writes:

I drove by here last night after picking up the kids from daycare. It seems to me the block north of this spot is ripe for transformation into a pocket park. Some gritty retail (beauty supply, I think) and a city derelict city parking lot. The parking lot in particular is an eyesore.

At times, one wonders what Parks & Rec is up to.

# on Mar.11.2008 AT 10:25 AM

Chinatown Median Gets Its Landscaping Touch

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