No extra charge for aggravation

Parking at downtown’s Los Angeles Music Center has always been an adventure -- just ask any brave soul who has ever tried to navigate its vast underground garage when there’s a show opening at the Taper or the Ahmanson, and a popular opera (that would be Puccini, not Wagner) opening at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on the same night.

But since March 17, Music Center parking has been even nuttier due to a major construction project: the upgrade of Grand Avenue between Temple and 2nd streets, to provide wider sidewalks, new landscaping and lighting, “pocket parks” and outdoor dining areas for visitors. The project will not be completed until September, in time for the October opening of the Music Center’s newest venue, Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Since construction began, Grand Avenue traffic has been limited to one lane in each direction, and the Grand Avenue entrance and exit to the garage are only accessible to southbound traffic -- meaning no left turns into, or out of, the garage. However, the entrance and exit will remain open throughout construction. The Founders parking entrance on Hope Street will also remain open to keep Founders from foundering.

And, if you are willing to pay the price, extra personnel will be on hand at the valet parking stand -- $19, compared to the garage price of $8. The Music Center recommends arriving early for the duration of construction.

The Music Center also urges patrons to consider alternative lots: County Lot 17 (enter on Olive Street, $6); the Department of Water and Power lot at Hope and 1st streets ($5). Another choice is to enter the garage under the County Mall at Hill Street; attendants will direct cars through the underground tunnel to Music Center parking. Other alternatives include public transportation (the Metro Red Line Civic Center Station is located at the corner of 1st and Hill streets), and evening shuttle buses are provided from many downtown restaurants, so you can leave your car at the restaurant after dinner and hop on.

For updated parking and access information, visit www.musiccenter.org.

-- Diane Haithman