Architect Frank Gehry Joins Efforts To Revitalize Los Angeles River
LOS FELIZ (CBSLA.com) — Big changes may be in the works for plans to restore the Los Angeles River as world-famous architect Frank Gehry is now developing a new master plan.
Mayor Eric Garcetti Friday confirmed that Gehry was working to draft that plan.
"He said, 'You know, I have hundreds if not thousands of people around the world asking me to do every last project, but Los Angeles is my home,' " Garcetti said of Gehry.
Gehry, who designed some of the world's most famous buildings that include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles and the Guggenheim Museum in Spain, has now volunteered his time to restore the resource, reported CBS2's Amber Lee.
While Gehry's plans are under wraps, the mayor was able to divulge some details.
"It looks at things like where along the river are the best opportunities for enhancing transportation, where can we look at affordable housing, where can we look at ecology restoration, where can we look at economic development," Garcetti said.
As for critics who worry the revitalization could jeopardize the $1.4 billion in federal funds to restore the river, the mayor says Gehry's plan is not a redevelopment plan but a reworking of the river revitalization plan to also include the 14 other cities the river runs through.
"More accurate reporting of what he has done is he hasn't come up with plan and certainly it isn't the plan to replace the plan that we have," Garcetti said.
Gehry will unveil his plans to the public at the end of the month, Lee said.
The LA River stretches for more than 45 miles and winds through the San Fernando Valley along the 101 Freeway past Downey and Compton before it reaches the sea in Long Beach.