The City of Los Angeles' Board of Public Works has voted to approve $1.5 million for the proposed redesign of Pershing Square, according to an announcement today from 14th District Councilmember Jose Huizar.

Paris-based landscape architecture firm Agence Ter and their contractor Gruen Associates will use the money to conduct a feasability analysis for their concept for the five-acre park, which is the oldest in Los Angeles.  Agence Ter's winning design was selected over three other finalists last year.

The initial phase of the analysis includes a study of deficiences in the existing park and underground garage.  Moving forward, the project team will identify challenges in executing the design scheme, as well as a strategy to address these hurdles.  A report that is due within the coming months will provide an estimated design and construction budget, and a phasing plan that will allow the project to move forward.

The $1.5 million approved today adds to $1 million in design funds that have already been committed to Pershing Square through development fees.

Agence Ter's design for Pershing Square calls for "radical flatness," bringing all four sides of the park back to street level.  This would be achieved by lowering the roof of the underground parking garage which was added to the square in the 1950s, as well as removing some of the autmobile access ramps that wrap its perimeter.