A proposed extension of Metro's subway lines from Union Statoin to the Arts District is inching closer toward reality.

Yesterday, Metro issued a notice announcing the start of the environmental review process for the proposed Arts District/6th Street Station, which would be located within the footprint of the Division 20 rail yard - immediately south of the new Sixth Street Viaduct and west of the Los Angeles River. 

Although it is officially a separate project, the station would piggyback off of work Metro is now doing as part of an expansion of Division 20 to support the D (Purple) Line's extension to Westwood.  The Division 20 expansion will include the construction of a new turnback facility for B and D Line trains at the southern tip of the yard, which Metro would later outfit with new infrastructure and passenger amenities to use as a station.

While access points for the station have not been set, the notice of preparation states that an entrance is expected to be built to the north side, potentially using a pedestrian easement through property owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.  The station could also connect to the new park space planned below the Sixth Street Viaduct, a proposed multi-use path along the Los Angeles River channel, and potentially to 7th Street via a proposed mixed-use development along Mesquit Street.

Potential location of the Arts District/6th Street Station and surrounding Metro projectsMetro

In addition to coordination with Metrolink, Amtrak, and BNSF to realign existing tracks along the west bank of the Los Angeles River, Metro may also need to acquire some property located adjacent to the headquarters of Lucky Brand Jeans, which sits north of 6th Street along Santa Fe Avenue. 

The City of Los Angeles will foot the bill for the environmental impact report, under an agreement forged in 2018.  However, no funding for construction of the station has been identified at this point in time.  Both Metro and the City have previously considered the creation of an enhanced infrastructure financing district to cover the budget of the station, as well as other public realm improvements in the Arts District.

In the coming weeks, Metro will hold virtual two scoping meetings for the Arts District/6th Street Station.

Virtual Scoping Meeting #1: Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

  • Link: bit.ly/3bEuF24
  • Passcode: 358321
  • Phone: +1 213 338 8477
  • Webinar ID: 979 0722 3534

Virtual Scoping Meeting #2: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

  • Link: bit.ly/3bEioL5
  • Passcode: 535774
  • Phone:+1 213 338 8477
  • Webinar ID: 973 3346 6750

Metro will accept public comment on the scope of the project's environmental impact report through May 12 via artsdistrictstation@metro.net.

For updates, visit the Arts District/6th Street Station page on the Metro website.