The site is key to revitalizing the river. Lehrer’s team also includes the nonprofit Mujeres de la Tierra, a public health and wellness-oriented organization in Cypress Park.
Earlier this year, the city purchased the 41-acre Taylor Yard parcel; now the Bureau of Engineering is moving forward with plans to turn it into a public space.
A former industrial site, the soil will have to be cleaned up before it can be turned into parkland. But the acquisition is a big deal—the land is central to the river’s restoration.
The traffic circle will link to the under-construction Riverside Bridge (expected to be completed in late 2017) and eventually share the intersection with park space marking the approximate confluence of the Arroyo Seco and the LA River.