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Phase one of Town Square, Promenade project for LA Waterfront complete
Los Angeles Oct 21, 2021
Photo courtesy of @PortofLA/Twitter
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The first phase of the Town Square and Promenade aspect of the LA Waterfront project in San Pedro was completed, officials announced Thursday.
“Completion of this Town Square & Promenade is a big step forward in the Port’s ongoing investment to build a vibrant and accessible LA Waterfront that our community and out-of-area visitors alike can enjoy year-round,” said Harbor Commission President Jaime Lee.
The $36 million infrastructure project was funded by the Port of Los Angeles, and construction began in January 2020. The promenade will connect pedestrians at the downtown San Pedro waterfront to the future West Harbor retail, dining and entertainment development, a centerpiece of the LA Waterfront revitalization.
“The revitalization of the LA Waterfront will not only improve the quality of life for residents, but attract visitors from around the world,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Through this $36 million investment, we are helping to create new jobs and businesses, while cementing our status as a global destination.”
People will be able to visit the waterfront’s promenade to see views of the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the port’s vessel traffic. The promenade includes custom wood benches, lamp posts, angel wing fixtures, drinking fountains, drought-tolerant landscaping and trees.
The Promenade and Town Square project, which links pedestrians from San Pedro’s historic downtown and the LA Waterfront, was designed by West Harbor’s James Corner Field Operations landscape architect firm, which designed the High Line in New York. Once the second phase is complete, the waterfront will stretch nearly a mile along the port’s main shipping channel.
“Today is an exciting milestone as we move full steam ahead on creating a reimagined LA Waterfront that will serve as a world-class destination for both locals and visitors alike,” said Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino, who represents neighborhoods around the port. “As the pandemic has shown us, open spaces are essential components to any thriving city and the continued investment in public amenities by the port provides our communities with the neighborhoods they deserve.”
The Town Square sits in front of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and includes more trees, a large swing, Art Deco bollard lights and public restrooms. The waterside part of the project is connected by a 600-foot floating dock, which includes tie-up space for recreational boaters visiting the LA Waterfront.
The project was funded through the Port’s Public Access Investment Plan, which uses a percentage of the port’s operating revenue for community infrastructure investments. More than $700 million has been invested in waterfront development since 2005, and the port anticipates an additional $300 million will be invested by 2025.
“This project shows the port’s continued commitment to developing a vibrant waterfront for the neighboring communities of our harbor enclave and the millions of people, near and far, who will visit our waterfront here at the Port of Los Angeles each year,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka.
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