New Non-Profit Seeks Your Input on the Future of Pershing Square

Dear Friend of Pershing Square, Thank you for signing the petition supporting the restoration of the historic 1910 John Parkinson design for L.A.'s oldest downtown park. When we launched this petition, it was in response to a civic proposal to "re-envision" the park with the fourth design since the beloved Parkinson plan was bulldozed in 1951. While we support changing Pershing Square for the better, we think that the fine original designs deserve another chance to shine. So we were encouraged when, after a few community meetings late last year, the Pershing Square Task Force retired to consider the strong public and media support for restoration of the park. This September saw the announcement of a non-profit, Pershing Square Renew, "dedicated to supporting and facilitating the park's revitalization." We attended the launch press conference, and afterwards asked Councilman Jose Huizar for details about the proposed design competition. His answers were quite encouraging for fans of the 1910 design. Click below to learn more: http://restorepershingsquare.blogspot.com/p/pershing-squarenew-press-conference.html So what's next? Hopefully, the formal design competition announcement, with which we can explore how to adapt the historic park plans for submittal. But first, Pershing Square Renew will hold a public gathering on November 20, for socializing and sharing ideas for the future of the space. We encourage anyone who cares about Pershing Square to attend, connect with the Pershing Square Renew crew and let their voices be heard. Here are links with all the details: http://lavatransforms.org/pershingsquarenewnov2014 https://www.facebook.com/events/378310005668930/?ref=22 And finally, this interesting L.A. Times article about the financial forces that are influencing Pershing Square Renew, which includes the surprising fact that some folks still think the current design works. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-property-report-park-fifth-20141023-story.html For more information about the historic park, the petition and what comes next, please visit: http://restorepershingsquare.blogspot.com yrs, 
Kim Cooper & Richard Schave 
LAVA - The Los Angeles Visionaries Association http://www.lavatransforms.org