The former Sixth Street Viaduct was an important piece of Los Angeles’ history, the longest and the most recognizable of the family of nine exceptional bridges built over the Los Angeles River between 1923 and 1933. When it was determined that the 4,000 foot long viaduct would need to be replaced with a new iconic structure, the HNTB / Michael Maltzan Architecture / Hargreaves Jones Design Team saw an opportunity to consider new links from the Boyle Heights neighborhood to the Arts District and Downtown LA.

At the edge of the Arts District, the proposal includes an Arts Plaza set below the future bridge in a high visibility location, providing local artists with much needed display areas and community gathering grounds. At the LA River, the design builds upon the LA River Revitalization Plan by creating a structured and active west embankment in support of Downtown LA and the Arts District, and a planted east embankment that aims to restore natural conditions.

The Viaduct PARC responds to the remarkably rich and varied uses in the Flats, including music rehearsal and recording spaces, manufacturing for active sports including skateboarding and cycling, textiles, light industry and the arts. The Viaduct PARC is envisioned as an urban park offering active sports and recreation zones, plazas for food trucks and lunch areas, a landscaped historic railroad right-of-way, pedestrian mall, and native / low maintenance gardens. This diversity of conditions beneath the new bridge responds to adjacent community needs and will enrich the experience of the LA River and its surrounds.