Earlier this week, Rios Clementi Hale Studios and Community Art Resources convened a design workshop for South Grand Park, offering Downtown residents a first opportunity to preview early designs and give input on the new half-acre green space.

Three initial concepts were presented:

Community Theater

The first alternative, called Community Theater, would be highlighted by a sunken performance space at the center of the park, wrapped by greenery and outdoor seating.  A paseo, public art and a restaurant terrace for an adjacent commercial development are also proposed.

Backyard Oasis

Backyard Oasis, the second concept, places an emphasis on green space.  A play lawn and a tree house highlight the space, along with a paseo, public art and a restaurant terrace for the neighboring building.

Flexible Platform

The third alternative, Flexible Platform, features a central splash pad wrapped with landscaping, outdoor seating and public art.  Space for food vendors would be situated at the east side of the park, adjacent to Margo Street.  As with the other two concepts, a paseo and a dining terrace are also proposed.

According to the presentation, community outreach for the park design will continue through the end of 2017.  Design development and permitting will commence afterward, and continue through October 2018.  Construction of the park would then begin, with the targeted opening date of June 2019.

The new green space came about as part of a mixed-use village now under development by Mack Urban and AECOM Capital, featuring upwards of five new buildings.  The first, the WREN Apartments, is already complete on Pico Boulevard.  The second phase, a 38-story mixed-use tower, is now under construction adjacent to the South Grand Park site.