Charles Pankow Builders Ltd. has broken ground on the renovation and modernization of the existing 12-acre Civic Mall in downtown Los Angeles.Pankow was selected by the Grand Avenue Park Development LLC, which is developing Civic Park for the county of Los Angeles. Completion is scheduled for June 20, 2012.

Pankow managed the preconstruction and is providing construction services for the $56-million project, which includes the reconfiguration of the circular garage ramps off of Grand Avenue, remodeling and upgrades to the historic Arthur J. Will Memorial fountain, and extensive improvements to the landscape, hardscape, stairs and ramps, irrigation. In addition, the reconstruction includes new improvements to the waterproofing, garage-level machine room, pump/equipment rooms, electrical and mechanical rooms and construction of new commercial space, public restroom facilities and new emergency generator.

�We are very excited to be part of this landmark project in downtown Los Angeles,� says Dave Eichten, vice president and regional manager for Pankow in Southern California. �Our focus is on keeping the public safe, minimizing the impact of construction on the daily activities in this part of downtown and providing employment opportunities for the local community including disadvantaged and at-risk.�

Eichten says Pankow is implementing an aggressive outreach program to achieve the goal of 30% local hiring. The architect on the project is Rios Clementi Hale Studios; Nabih Youssef & Associates are the structural engineers.