Walkway Next to Sacred Grounds Getting a Makeover

The Lilyan Fierman Walkway between Fifth and Sixth Streets is getting a $100,000 makeover thanks to the Fifteenth Council District Office and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative. (Photo: Megan Barnes)

We all know that alleyway next to Sacred Grounds Coffee House, but not everyone knows it connects to the public parking lot on Fifth Street, or that it’s named after one-time Sixth Street dress and hat shop owner, Lilyan Fierman.

Later this year, the Lilyan Fierman Walkway is getting a $100,000 makeover thanks to the Fifteenth Council District Office and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative.

“We’ve been talking about that walkway for a while and it’s going to be beautiful,” says Branimir Kvartuc, communications director for the office of Councilman Joe Buscaino. Several workshops were held earlier this year for residents to submit their input. “I think what’s going to come out of it is they’re going to turn a regular, old, side sort of alley-y thing into an awesome public space. I think it’s going to be a little bit of a Disneyland in that alley.”

The project is funded by the Fifteenth Council District Office and is being designed by Long Beach design firm Studio One Eleven.

“Most people don’t even know that the walkway is there, and if they park in the parking lot behind it, they walk all the way around the block to get to Sixth Street,” says designer Tiffany Peterson, of Studio One Eleven.

Four schemes were drawn up based on the workshops and members of the public were invited to vote on their favorite during First Thursday Artwalk in April. The most popular choice, Peterson says, is called “Pedro Steps” and features public steps decorated by local artists, a mural, a re-paved seating area, a wheelchair accessible ramp and a new plaque for the walkway.

Scheme D “Pedro Steps” was the most popular design among residents. (Photo: Studio One Eleven)

Other ideas incorporated mannequins in the landscaping and an awning made of hats. Some elements from the less popular schemes that the public particularly liked might still be worked into the final design, Peterson says.

“It’s been an exciting project working with the community to beautify something that will be used so frequently.”