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California and Pacific Islands Los Angeles County, California

La Brea Tar Pits Master Plan Environmental Impact Report

SWCA is preparing an EIR addressing the environmental impacts of significant improvements to the La Brea Tar Pits in central Los Angeles.

Details

Completion

2025

Client

Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History

Office

Description

SWCA is preparing an EIR addressing the environmental impacts of significant improvements to this iconic site in central Los Angeles. Significant development has occurred in the project vicinity in recent years (e.g., at the adjacent Los Angeles County Museum of Art and with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority), and the EIR and approach to construction phasing will be highly scrutinized. The residents surrounding the project site are particularly concerned about construction-period impacts and how approval of the project could affect and/or disrupt their enjoyment of the existing grounds of the 13-acre Hancock Park. In addition to leading the EIR process, SWCA is assisting with the public engagement process, including providing Spanish and Korean interpretation services in a “real-time” format at the project’s virtual scoping meeting. The conceptual master plan by the Natural History Museum envisions the future development and enhancement of the La Brea Tar Pits site. The master plan includes the existing museum and Hancock Park and seeks to unify the critical research sites, buildings, exhibition space, and the park with an inspiring new identity. SWCA is performing all the technical studies required for the master plan EIR, including a biological resources study, historic architectural resources assessment for modifications to the George C. Page Museum and other site features, archaeological resources assessment including a field-testing program, paleontological resources analysis, air quality and greenhouse gas assessment, and noise assessment. In addition, SWCA is assisting Los Angeles County with tribal consultation efforts required under Assembly Bill (AB) 52.

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The Ice Age Unearthed: Preserving the Past, Present, and Future of La Brea Tar Pits

A picturesque open space and park amid a busy urban neighborhood. A place of discovery and science for visitors and locals that has remained intact for more than a century. A landmark focused on the exploration of prehistoric times alongside the modern Miracle Mile. The world’s only paleontological excavation site in a major city. All reasons why SWCA is proud to be leading the comprehensive environmental analysis of the re-imagination of the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles.

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County continue to move forward on their multi-year process of public engagement, master planning, design, and construction at the 13-acre Tar Pits campus. Architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi is preparing a Master Plan design to refresh the experience at the Tar Pits, the George C. Page Museum, and the park grounds. The goal? To give visitors a new journey through the history of the site, make the park even more beautiful while preserving its past, and benefit the surrounding neighborhoods.

“In all my dealings with SWCA, I have been impressed with their skills, suggestions for improvements, and opportunities to be creative with solutions. It has been my on-going pleasure to work with such dynamic and knowledgeable staff.”

Leslie Negritto
CFO & COO, Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County

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