Los Angeles County’s $200-Million Purchase of Gas Co. Tower Ignites Debate Over Fate of Hall of Administration
Plans Unveiled for New Office Building
Los Angeles County’s $200-million purchase of the Gas Co. Tower office building in downtown LA is complete, and county workers are set to start moving in next summer. The plan is to start moving staff from the Hall of Administration and other county buildings into the new skyscraper, which will be a process that could take three or four years.
Preservationists and Supervisor Janice Hahn Push Back Against Razing Hall of Administration
However, a fight is brewing over what to do with the 1960s-vintage headquarters the county plans to leave behind. Supervisor Janice Hahn and preservationists are pushing back against a plan to move workers into the new tower and raze the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, a centerpiece of the government-oriented Civic Center neighborhood.
The Hall of Administration: A Historical Building with Significant Significance
The Hall of Administration was built to last a century, and it has been a source of civic pride since its construction in the 1950s. The building was renamed the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in 1992 in honor of Hahn’s father, who was the county’s longest-serving supervisor and a former Los Angeles City Council member. The building is considered historic by the Los Angeles Conservancy, which advocates for the preservation of meaningful local structures.
County Officials Defend Their Plan
County officials, however, plan to start moving staff from the Hall of Administration and other county buildings into the new tower next summer. The plan to raze the Hall of Administration is not set in stone, with formal planning for the future of the site to begin in early 2025 and a master plan expected to be complete by 2026, followed by an environmental review that may last into 2027.
Budget Challenges and Alternative Solutions
Keeping the Hall of Administration would raise budget challenges, as a large portion of the funds used to buy the Gas Co. Tower came from money earmarked for seismic retrofits and other necessary fixes to the Hall of Administration and other county buildings. Alternative solutions, such as restoring and uplifting the interior of the building, could be explored, with investment in the building’s upkeep allowing it to remain a valuable asset for the county.
Conclusion
The fate of the Hall of Administration remains uncertain, with preservationists and Supervisor Janice Hahn pushing for the building to be preserved and county officials planning to move forward with their original plan. As the debate continues, it is clear that the Hall of Administration is a significant part of Los Angeles’ history and culture, and its future should be carefully considered.
FAQs
Q: What is the plan for the Hall of Administration?
A: The plan is to move workers into the new Gas Co. Tower and raze the Hall of Administration.
Q: Why is the Hall of Administration significant?
A: The Hall of Administration is a historic building that has been a source of civic pride since its construction in the 1950s. It is also a key part of the Civic Center neighborhood and should be preserved for its historical and cultural significance.
Q: What are the budget challenges of preserving the Hall of Administration?
A: A large portion of the funds used to buy the Gas Co. Tower came from money earmarked for seismic retrofits and other necessary fixes to the Hall of Administration and other county buildings. However, alternative solutions, such as restoring and uplifting the interior of the building, could be explored.
