Groundbreaking marks start of La Brea Tar Pits redevelopment in Los Angeles

California Construction News staff writer

Construction is underway on a $240-million redevelopment of the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, including a new global research centre, museum renovations and improvements to the surrounding Hancock Park.

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County marked the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by President and Director Lori Bettison-Varga, members of the Board of Trustees and project supporters.

Clark Construction is serving as general contractor for the redevelopment, which will transform the 13-acre site. The project is the first comprehensive renovation of the campus in nearly 50 years.

Construction is expected to take about two years, with the full campus to reopen in 2028, ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. According to the state, the redevelopment is expected to generate approximately 2,270 jobs, including 1,460 construction jobs.

Work includes construction of the Samuel Oschin Global Center for Ice Age Research, a new entrance along Wilshire Boulevard, expanded exhibition and education spaces, and upgrades to park walkways, landscaping and public areas.

The new research centre will bring excavation, fossil preparation, scientific analysis and collections management together at the site. Research will focus on how ancient ecosystems responded to climate change and extinction events, with the findings expected to provide insight into current environmental challenges.

WEISS/MANFREDI is leading the design for the museum and park, with Gruen Associates serving as executive architect and landscape architect.

The redevelopment is supported by a $240-million capital campaign. In August, the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank closed a $236.03-million revenue bond to provide financing primarily for the project.

Construction is being completed in phases. Current work includes site grading and excavation, interior and exterior demolition, structural support for the museum’s breezeway, and the start of soil remediation and storm drain work.