El Corazón Art Park Faces Opposition in Los Angeles

The long-vacant lot near City Hall in downtown Los Angeles is being transformed into an ‘art park’ by AltaMed Health Services. The nonprofit has leased the two-acre space until next February for $175,000 and plans to build ‘El Corazón Art Park.’ The park will feature a Mexican and Chicano art gallery, 30 boxed trees, a health center, and a 20-foot video screen.

Despite these plans, the project faces criticism from some residents and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721. Critics argue the park deal should have been more transparent and included community input. Community members were previously promised a city-owned park at that location, raising concerns about AltaMed’s potential long-term intentions.

Jens Midthun, head of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, expressed disappointment. ‘We want the people who are going to use the park to be a part of the process. That’s not what happened this time,’ Midthun said. AltaMed operates over 40 medical centers in Southern California and employs nearly 6,000 people. It focuses on improving healthcare access in Latino and multi-ethnic areas.

AltaMed’s chief executive, Cástulo de la Rocha, was part of Mayor Karen Bass’ transition team. Executive contributions from AltaMed totaled more than $34,000 towards Bass’ reelection campaign. A spokesperson for Bass, Kolby Lee, emphasized the benefits for the Latino community: ‘This vacant lot has sat empty for decades. Los Angeles — a city that is nearly 50% Latino — deserves a museum that honors Chicano and Mexican art.’

According to AltaMed Vice President Christina Sanchez, the park will transform the site into a vibrant public space with arts, recreation, wellness, and diverse cultural programming. The project, expected to open in the coming months, will not require taxpayer funding.

Opposition from SEIU Local 721 is significant, due to concerns about environmental impact reviews, potential public charges for events, and the inclusion of health services at the park. SEIU 721 also questioned AltaMed’s sponsorship plans for the video screen for advertising art, culture, and sports.

The history of the lot dates back to the 1971 Sylmar earthquake, which led to the California State Building’s demolition. In 2013, the city purchased the cleared lot for $10 million as part of the ’50 Parks Initiative,’ intending to create more public parks. However, financial constraints stalled the park project, reallocating funds to other initiatives.

AltaMed had already discussed plans for the site with city officials, including Mayor Bass. In 2024 communications, AltaMed sought a long-term lease for developing facilities costing $218 million. Initially, AltaMed proposed a temporary art park linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but this plan was delayed.

The Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners approved the temporary art park with support from Bass and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. Jurado emphasized the importance of community engagement in long-term plans and clarified her support only extends to this temporary activation.

The Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association expressed concerns that the temporary park could evolve into a permanent facility without proper public input. Cassy Horton, co-founder of the association, called for transparency in long-term decisions regarding the site.

Despite appeal efforts by SEIU 721, which were rejected by the City Council, construction commenced on the art park in June. SEIU 721 and the residents association continue to advocate for community-supported projects amidst shifting city priorities.