Los Angeles, California

February 5, 2019

The issue of whether to save or raze the Central Library building was a major debate when I worked at the Central City Association in the early 1980s. The art deco-style structure which dates back to the 1920s was overcrowded and deteriorating. The cost to rebuild was high; the cost to properly renovate was even higher. But then a deal was cut with a major developer to preserve the original building and create an addition, all of which was financed by a transfer of air rights to neighboring high rise development. The work was completed in the early 1990s, after I'd left Los Angeles and moved to Sacramento. But I've been back a couple of times and marveled at the murals and other artwork - original and new. One of these days, I'm going to take their lunchtime art and architectural tour.