Northeast Los Angeles Placemaking Competition: Celebration Street
Project submitted by Jason Su
Project designed for Cypress Park
Project Summary and Scale
The neighborhood streetscape project, spanning Granada Street to Arroyo Seco Ave, will transform Cypress Street to a ceremonial street and act as the community spine that anchors retail, schools, homes, and access to the Los Angeles River.
Why are you committed to this project?
As a native to Los Angeles, I have always been enthusiastic of placemaking, design, and sustainability movements here. Though I received my education in the Bay Area, this project and this neighborhood is dear to my professional and personal exploration.
What are the most relevant characteristics of project site and scale?
The most relevant characteristics are the concentration of institutions that exist, such as churches, schools, community centers, retail, and parks. The scope ends at Granada Street because of the Visioning Master Plan of the LA River, where a bridge may connect over Cypress Park, bringing access from Cypress Street to the LA River.
Describe how this project will reinforce a sense of place or enhance the built environment.
A celebration street is the difference of a set of homes and a neighborhood. Areas of pride and collective gathering is vital.
Provide a description of the project's necessary planning activities.
The project will start with community consensus, then communication with the transportation, planning, and elected officials departments. The small wins in Phase 1 will bring more momentum in Phases 2 and 3.
What is a rough estimate of your project budget?
Phase 1 - less than $100,000.
Phase 2 - $500,000.
Phase 3 - $1.6 million.
How does this project leverage existing resources and efforts?
It utilizes local merchants, schools, and institutions to activate the celebration street, create street life, investigate their history in the decision of landmarks, and expresses their creativity through a call to artistic arms.
What community need is your project serving?
This project serves the need for identity and destination, and concentrates economic development and community pride to a central celebration street.
If your project is realized, what does success look like?
Success would be knowing that Cypress Park has their own community hub and ceremonial street, and will be a place of many social interactions and fond memories.
