The second element was to upgrade the 12-acre (4.9 ha) Grand Park in 2012 with a refurbished fountains, lawn furniture, walkways and the planting of native gardens.

On July 26, 2012, Grand Park opened to the public as the initial phase of the project,[4][5] In October 2014, The Related Companies completed The Emerson, a 19-story tower marketed to older adults that includes an affordable housing component.

[5][9] Grand Park is 16-acre (6.5 ha), stretching between the development's two boundaries: City Hall and the Department of Water and Power building.

The park includes tree-shaded sidewalks, fountains, plenty of street lights, benches, and kiosks to encourage walking and exploration of the area, which was designed to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy a family-friendly green space in downtown Los Angeles with musical events and other park activities.

Two towers were built across from the Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry as part of the Grand LA.