Pershing Square: Then and now

A statue of Beethoven stands near a cannon in a sort of ghetto of unrelated history in Pershing Square.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

A bit of natural color stands out among the paint in Pershing Square.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Jose Ramirez exercises next to the fountain.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Jose Navarrete of San Francisco relaxes -- as well as a person can relax on concrete -- while checking his smartphone.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Heriberto Rayo, 75, finds plenty of room to sit.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Pershing Square has some greenery, but not much in the way of shade.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The park’s design doesn’t encourage napping.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)