It was reopened in 1998 with a restored City Hall and a plaza space that doubled the previous lawn and hard surface areas. It now serves as a pedestrian friendly access to retail and connects many of the public buildings downtown including the State Building, Federal Offices, City Hall and, coming to the Rotunda Building, City Administration. As part of the restoration work, three heritage Oak trees were preserved and over 100 more trees were planted. When it reopens, it will mount major exhibits, house original manuscripts and photographs, as well as provide a reference library of 30,000 titles. The Oakland Redevelopment Agency created the neighborhood based on historical research and chose the homes to represent late 19th century Oakland homes.
Walking tours are available.
This site is being developed as part of the City's 10k Initiative. During the tour we will hear more about the plans for housing here. The design of Lafayette Square Park was intended to provide public space for the whole community including facilities for the homeless who consider the park home. The original design, however, was never completed, and the park appears to be mostly used by the homeless. Across the street, the handsome 100-unit Old Town Square project was opened in 1999.