The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension is a six-mile light rail line extending from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles to Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights and terminating in East Los Angeles. The eight rail stations along the line, two of which are underground, will connect one of the most densely populated areas of Los Angeles County to Downtown Los Angeles, and provide easy connection to 73 miles of Metro Rail service. Meléndrez is refining the conceptual landscape architecture and urban design during the final design phase of this project, and will complete a Design/Build set of construction documents for the contractors.

Working closely with the Design/Build team and the MTA, Meléndrez is designing landscape, hardscape, and the aesthetic treatment in the roadways and sidewalks for 500 feet of street length centered on six of the line’s eight stations. The landscape architecture will visually connect and provide clear and safe paths of travel for pedestrians from bus stops to crosswalks and station entrances. Design elements at each station will reflect and enhance the cultural characteristics of the Eastside Corridor. At the Boyle Heights station, elaborate swirling paving patterns are evocative of the robust, colorful skirts worn by folkloric dancers. Urban design elements at the Boyle Street and Soto Street station plazas are carried through those stations into underground areas in order to unify the design and underscore the station design theme.

Upon completion, residents of the Eastside’s historic corridor will have access to employment, education, medical and recreational opportunities throughout the greater Los Angeles region. Additionally, the project will revitalize the corridor, improve livability, and contribute to an overall renewed sense of community pride. 

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