Philanthropist Eli Broad has filed for a permit that would pave the way for grading at the Grand Avenue site he has targeted for a new art museum. It is the strongest indication yet that Broad will choose Downtown Los Angeles as the location for the Broad Collections.
Additionally a person with intimate knowledge of the proceedings, who asked not to be named because they do not have permission to comment publicly, told Los Angeles Downtown News that the plan is to begin construction on a parking garage for the museum by August or September. Broad has said the museum, which still needs approval from the County Board of Supervisors and the joint powers authority overseeing the Grand Avenue project, would be set on top of the garage so it could face Grand Avenue. He said in May that he hopes to open the $200 million facility in 2012.
Broad has yet to decide whether he will choose Downtown or Santa Monica as the site to house his 2,000-piece art collection, though he has indicated a preference to be on Grand Avenue. Broad spokeswoman Karen Denne stressed that the permit application is a preliminary measure, and that the museum still needs a series of public approvals before it can go forward.
• Read the full Los Angeles Downtown News story.
