Pershing Square

Los Angeles has always been criticized for its serious lack of public space. Many barriers exist in deflecting members of the community from using these municipal spaces. Los Angeles libraries and parks are cluttered with vagrants looking for a temporary home. Public transportation has failed in keeping a safe environment for its patrons. Luxurious shopping and entertainment complexes have been built in underprivileged communities. In contrast, New York City, for example, has a successful public transportation system utilized by all classes of citizens. The socioeconomic barriers that hinder the effectiveness of public spaces in Los Angeles are a result of both historical and cultural consequences. However, a few public places do exist that serve the entire range of Los Angeles citizens.

For my second writing assignment, I have chosen to write about Pershing Square. Pershing Square is a public park in downtown Los Angeles. The park is exactly one square block in size, bounded by 5th Street to the north, 6th street to the south, Hill Street to the east, and Olive Street to the west. The uniqueness of Pershing Square comes from its significant location. Pershing Square is located in the affluent Bunker Hill area of Los Angeles. Home to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Wells Fargo Center, the One California Plaza Towers, and the John Ferraro Building, the community primarily serves affluent businessmen, bankers, and international art icons. A public park in such a luxurious non-residential community is a rare commodity in an urban city.

For my essay, I plan on discussing how Pershing Square, despite being located in one of the wealthiest areas of Los Angles, serves a broad and diverse range of Angelinos.

 Pershing Square looking north, circa 1909

Central courtyard

Belltower