2000, LASHP Site from North Broadway Bridge
The 247-acre abandoned railroad yard, formerly known as Taylor Yard, located just north of Chinatown and within half a mile from El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Train tracks are visible on the right, revealing the area's historical purpose. Workers with forklifts are seen clearing away piles of materials being stored there. A cluster of business towers and skyscrapers in the financial district stands out in the background. Beginning in the 1920s, Taylor Yard, named after business owner and grain merchant J. Hartley Taylor, was a Southern Pacific freight-switching facility which included maintenance and repair facilities for railroad cars and locomotive engines. Onsite utilities, such as electricity, plumbing and mechanical support services, were present for the convenience of workers. By the 1960s operations had waned and in 1985 the yard was completely shut down, left only to be used for maintenance and storage. In 2006, this site became Los Angeles State Historic Park, Cultural Monument #82. Photo dated: December, 2000.