Photos:  Famed architect Frank Gehry joins effort to redevelop L.A. River

Looking from a bike trail near Griffith Park, the Los Angeles River flows toward downtown Los Angeles during part of its 51-mile route through 13 cities.

A blue hero takes flight amid the vegetation in the middle of the Glendale Narrows of the Los Angeles River. Famed architect Frank Gehry’s involvement is a potential turning point in the decades-long movement to transform the concrete-lined waterway that winds through the heart of the Los Angeles Basin.

A Metro Gold Line train crosses the Los Angeles River near downtown L.A.

A grocery cart lies in the stream of the Arroyo Seco at its confluence with the Los Angeles River north of downtown. Renowned architect Frank Gehry is working with Los Angeles officials in the public and private sector to draft a new master plan for the redevelopment of the river.

A couple sit on the concrete banks of the Los Angeles River enjoying the sights and peaceful waters in Glendale. During the rainy months, the river can almost cover the concrete banks, but during the summer, wild birds make their homes in the trees and tall grasses.

The Los Angeles River runs alongside the city of Vernon.

The Los Angeles River leads into the downtown area.

A bicyclist crosses the Anaheim Street Bridge over the Los Angeles River in Long Beach. Famed Architect Frank Gehry is helping to redevelop the long-neglected 51-mile L.A. River corridor from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach.

A woman walks her dogs along the Los Angeles River, between the 5 Freeway and Atwater Park in Los Angeles.

Walkers along the L.A. River in Los Angeles.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

A cyclist along the L.A. River at Red Car River Park.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

A man walks his dogs along the L.A. River near Red Car River Park.

A man fishes on the L.A. River with the Los Feliz Boulevard bridge in the background.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Kiel Cook, 27, crosses a pedestrian bridge over Freeway I-5.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Two cyclists bike along the L.A. River passes under the Freeway 2 bridge over the river.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)