Town Square Must Balance Old and New

June 23, 2011

Dear Editor,

The Landmarks Commission has taken quite a bashing recently over the Town Square project. It’s evident that we have failed to adequately communicate our perspective on planning this site to the public and public officials. It’s not about nostalgia nor stopping change…but rather, the nature and public purpose of our Civic Plaza.

Town Square was originally designed as a setting for City Hall and as a place for gatherings, for meetings and assemblies, protests and celebrations. The open green lawns and axial pathways organize these activities and confer an appropriate dignity, as the setting for our seat of government, City Hall.

The composition of Town Square harmonizes with the architecture of City Hall, and its openness allows public views from all directions. Created by the region’s most eminent designers, City Hall is an ensemble of architecture and decorative arts that makes it the crown jewel among Santa Monica landmarks.

In reviewing proposed changes to Town Square, the Landmarks Commission considered not only the original design, but also how this space functions as a civic plaza. Many elements of the proposed redesign were enhancements – new trees and benches, for example.

However, rather than having multiple rows of trees blocking views of City Hall and diminishing its openness, the Commission approved two rows of trees placed so that they frame City Hall. A denser urban forest is created in the new park, Palisades Garden Walk, just across Main Street. The personality of Town Square demands a more modulated approach.

While the open green lawns still function as places to assemble, it must be noted that there is nothing sacred about the grass per se. Many new types of grass, that consume little water and meet the City’s sustainability goals, are available today.

The classic geometry and simplicity of the lawn spaces is properly different from the contoured forms of Palisades Garden Walk, to respect the distinct character of two different places. And in keeping with the City’s sustainability policy, the proposed rose trellis – consuming lots of water and requiring considerable maintenance – seemed unwarranted.

A water feature as the centerpiece of Town Square would be lovely, as a replacement for the rose garden. However, the bronze dedication plaque should give us pause. This garden was dedicated by Gold Star Mothers in memory of their sons who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. A respectful approach would consult with the Gold Star Mothers about possible alterations and relocation. If the rose garden remains, the water feature would be a narrower channel, introduced as the water source flowing into Palisades Garden Walk.

The challenge for Town Square is to balance old and new, the original classic design and the current desire for new amenities. In finding this balance, we would wish for an approach similar to that at the Annenberg Community Beach House. At this award-winning public place, new buildings and a reconfigured site integrate the historic pool and Guest House, and acknowledge the historic landscape from the Hearst/Davies era. Progress should mean absorbing and reinterpreting the past, in form and in spirit.

Ruthann Lehrer
Landmarks Commissioner