Alvarado Street: Creating Walkability and Connectivity for MacArthur Park
The stretch of Alvarado Street along MacArthur Park is bursting with public life. In one of the densest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, this historically under-served community has created an organic, vibrant, and unique urban ecosystem. Despite this, cars dominate the physical environment – one that is hostile and dangerous to pedestrians. This project reimagines Alvarado St. as a pedestrian and transit-centered street to improve the pedestrian experience and safety, enhance existing transit services, and create a better physical framework for the vendors and businesses along the bustling street. The pedestrianization effort draws connections to MacArthur Park, the Westlake/MacArthur Park Metro Station, and surrounding historic buildings. By reclaiming public space for the community rather than the automobile, I propose a design incorporating complete streets ideals and specific community needs. This neighborhood deserves flexible public space that supports and encourages its existing activities.