Melrose + Norwich: ‘Weaver’s Walk’ is a strolling garden featuring large specimen oak trees, pollinator-friendly landscape areas designed by Pamela Burton & Company, and a newly commissioned artwork by Los Angeles-based artist Karon Davis entitled Before Picasso. It will be an impactful habitat garden that increases site permeability and overhead shade canopy while providing the neighborhood with a natural area of respite. 

Conceptual Site Plan

The primary circulation path through the space is ‘Weaver’s Walk’. This pedestrian foot path weaves through the landscaped areas and features graphic patterning typical to West African Guro cloth textiles. An ADA-accessible permeable path sweeps through the pollinator gardens, creating an intimate garden experience that includes seating in the form of both boulders and custom benches. Ample storefront circulation is maintained across the site’s property line and concrete from the existing two driveway footprints will be replaced with permeable materials. 

Rising above a grove of flowering redbud trees, Davis’s figural sculpture Before Picasso is evocative of West African Guro Loom Pulleys. Paying homage to the Design District’s textile industry, the enlarged loom pulley and accompanying ‘Weaver’s Walk’ create ample moments for visitors to become immersed within the garden.

Through the thoughtful combination of public art and landscape design, ‘Weaver’s Walk’ will be a uniquely identifiable place within the Design District. Prioritizing shading and vegetation, it will be a moment for users to slow down and enjoy a moment of contemplation and respite.