Revitalizing an Old Standard Oil Site into a Riverbed: A Path from the LA River to the LA State Historic Park Metabolic Studio has begun a transformation. The Studio itself was built in the 1970’s but sits on land that was once a Standard Oil site, and prior to industrialization was part of the floodplain of the unbridled Los Angeles River. Our work reclaims that thriving riverbed. We are reconnecting the LA River and the LA State Historic Park and building new harmonies — low tones of the memory of the geological past and high tones of a speculative future. The site’s history as a petrochemical storage facility raises concerns about soil contamination. We have exposed the compromised earth under the studio’s concrete floor and are using natural materials and environmentally conscious methods to extract and neutralize the residual heavy metals and hydrocarbons, creating a safe and sustainable path forward. Beyond remediation, this project embraces a holistic approach. Guided by scientific principles, the restoration process aims to nurture the soil’s ecosystem and respect the intricate balance of nature and development. We are transforming the entire expanse of the warehouse into a functional riverbed, guiding the flow of water from the LA River to the LA State Historic Park and beyond.
#UrbanRestoration #EcoInnovation #SoilRemediation #SustainableDevelopment @laurenmetropolis