Great Streets Initiative: Reseda Blvd

How can the sidewalks of Reseda Boulevard be reimagined into an activated public space that creates a more vibrant business corridor?

As part of Mayor Garcetti’s Great Streets Initiative, this short-term, creative place-making project re-imagines Reseda Blvd. to create a pedestrian-oriented street with the intent of spurring social and economic synergy and vitality along the corridor. Keeping this vision in mind, the LA-Más team completed innovative sidewalk patterning, street furniture, and facade under-awning improvements on four blocks along Reseda.

In Phase 1, furniture was custom-built for the sidewalks in front of businesses and designed to create an ambience of a mid-century modern living room, reminiscent of a time when Reseda Boulevard was teeming with life. Similarly, the under-awnings of business facades were painted to imitate vintage theatre marquees and used several shades of blue to bring brightness and light to an otherwise dark and shady area.

These piloted designs were based on a community workshop and interviews with key stakeholders. The project area was Reseda Boulevard between Nordhoff and Gresham St.

The Office of Mayor Garcetti’s office commissioned this project. Partners include Office of Councilmember Mitchell Englander and Northridge Sparkle. This project builds on the Northridge Vision Plan.

This project started in January 2015 and will be completed by the end of July 2015.