Pershing Square
The five acres that make up Pershing Square in Los Angeles were dedicated as a public park known as La Plaza Abaja (The Lower Plaza) by Mayor Aguilar in 1866. During World War I the square was often the scene of military receptions and provided a forum for public speakers. The park was formally named Pershing Square in honor of the WWI general on November 8, 1918. The 1800-car garage built beneath the park in 1951 resulted in the removal of the lush landscaping that had characterized the park for over 80 years. The Pershing Square Property Association and Community Redevelopment Agency contributed to assist the Department of Recreation and Parks in the renovation of the park in 1989. Architect Ricardo Legoretta and landscapist Laurie Olin designed the current park plan that was rededicated on February 3, 1994.
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County
Photographer: John Bare