The Los Angeles River is a nearly 48-mile concrete channel that runs through LA County and the San Fernando Valley. Mainly fed by rainwater and melted snow, many environmentalists have gone to great lengths to revive the river to its full potential.

However, in recent years, especially with development spawning from Downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding neighborhoods, the LA River has also attracted the attention of real estate developers. Looking to capitalize on having a river in the city’s backyard, many major architects have tried their hand at reimagining designs for a new bridge connecting the river to Downtown, while others are currently working on a number of projects along the expansive channel.

Here are ten major projects happening along the LA River.

Courtesy of Michael Maltzan

Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement

This iconic bridge has long connected DTLA’s Arts District to the neighborhood of Boyle Heights. However, due to a discovery of the bridge’s seismic and cement vulnerabilities, it was demolished back in 2016. Since then, the city has worked on rebuilding the bridge to include more parks and community features. The $482 million project is expected to bring in hundreds of new jobs and bring the community together. You can stay updated on the project here.

Courtesy of Studio MLA

Lincoln Heights Jail Redevelopment

After reviewing several proposals for the redevelopment of Lincoln Heights Jail, Los Angeles City Council finally decided to renovate the cultural-historical landmark into residential, commercial, and manufacturing spaces. The community favored a different plan for the historic structure, which involved creating supportive housing and a wellness center, but some residents are now concerned about the gentrification of the neighborhood.

Courtesy of Studio MLA

Lower LA River Revitalization Plan

This city project ambitiously calls for the construction of an estimated 146 projects along the LA River, which would include low-income housing and community space in Cudahy, bridges and adjunct parks in South Gate, and new infrastructure and a scenic outlook in Compton Creek. The plan is still in its initial stages, currently gathering community feedback.

Taylor Yard Restoration

Just north of Downtown is the 41-acre parcel called Taylor Yard. Last year, California Board of State Coastal Conservancy approved $2 million from various sponsors to restore the area into a public greenspace. The project’s goals include creating parklands, managing flood risks, and reviving ecosystems. The space isn’t expected to open for another few years.

Courtesy of the Shomof Group

Boyle Heights Sears Redevelopment

The historic art deco complex in the Boyle Heights neighborhood sits adjacent to the LA River, and it’s set to be redeveloped into an amenity-filled food hall with creative office, retail, and commercial space inside the building. Developers are also constructing 1,030 live/work units for artists and artisans.

Courtesy of Bjarke Ingels

Arts District Mixed-User

Downtown’s development boom is spreading toward the LA River in the form of the fancy mixed-use development rising in the Arts District. A former cold storage structure will be renovated into two boutique hotels, office space, and approximately 250 residential units with retail and open spaces near the river. The landscaped and glassy structure is being designed by Bjarke Ingels.

Courtesy of the City of GLendale

Glendale / Griffith Park Bridge

A new 300-foot bridge will soon connect residents living in Glendale and Griffith Park thanks to the passing of a June ballot measure by the California State Assembly. The bridge will allow both pedestrians and cyclists easy travel over the LA River and the I-5, bypassing time-consuming freeway and city traffic.

Courtesy of SPFA

Elysian Valley / Taylor Yard Bridge

Residents of Elysian Valley will get a 400-foot bridge connecting the neighborhood to Taylor Yard, but this won’t come to fruition for another few years. The $19 million pedestrian bridge will start at Kerr Road and eventually end near the LA River Greenway Trail. This project is considered a victory for environmentalists looking to further their revitalization efforts for the river.

Metro Bike Path Gap Closure

This Metro project aims to design and build an 8-mile bike path from Elysian Valley to Vernon, which would close up the large gap on LA River’s current bike path. After this project is finished, the Metro will construct an additional pedestrian and cyclist facility that will cover 32 miles and connect Long Beach to the San Fernando Valley.

Courtesy of Bureau of Engineering

Atwater Village / Griffith Park Bridge

Another bridge that’s popping up along the LA River will be the new 325-foot pedestrian and cyclist bridge between Atwater Village and Griffith Park. Although the $16 million bridge has sparked some drama and been delayed for a couple years, it looks like the project is still in the works.