San Pedro Waterfront Enhancement Projects

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Projects

The San Pedro Waterfront Enhancements Projects consist of:

~ the improvement of existing and construction of new pedestrian walks and plazas (4 acres),
~ green public open spaces (10 acres),
~ associated parking (approximately 11 acres),
~ two upland pedestrian linkages,
~ landscaping between Port waterfront attractions,
~ streetscape and street intersection improvements, and
~ installation of a pedestrian rail crossing.

Planning for the revitalization of San Pedro's waterfront has been ongoing for many years, beginning with the Waterfront Promenade & Interface Report released in May 2002, the Urban Land Institute Advisory Services Report in September 2002, and the Port Community Advisory Committee Coordinated Framework Plan in June 2003. Most recently, LAHD has proposed the San Pedro Waterfront and Promenade Master Development Plan from the Bridge to the Breakwater (Bridge to Breakwater Plan), which the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners (Board) received for consideration in September 2004. The Bridge to Breakwater Plan encompasses 7 miles of San Pedro's waterfront, from the Vincent Thomas Bridge to the Federal Breakwater at Cabrillo Beach(Bridge to Breakwater). It is phased over 30 years and will soon undergo environmental review.

The San Pedro Waterfront Enhancements Project is a continuation of LAHD's effort to improve existing pedestrian corridors along the waterfront, increase waterfront access from upland areas, create more open space, and improve vehicular safety. the project connects to existing and ongoing improvements at the northwest corner of the Swinford Avenue/Harbor Boulevard intersection and extends south of the existing parking area between 5th Street and 7th Street adjacent to Harbor Boulevard, along Nagoya Way, around the SP Slip, and down Signal Street. The project area continues west along 22nd Street and then westerly along Shoshonean Drive to Cabrillo Beach and its eventual terminus at Fisherman's Pier.

Downtown Waterfront

The overall goal of the improvements at the Downtown Plaza is to create a revitalized, attractive, and easily accessible pedestrian-oriented plaza in front of the Maritime Museum and to enhance the pedestrian connectivity throughout the area. Sidewalks would be widened by approximately 5 feet along Sampson Way between 5th Street and 7th Street. Curbs along the streets may be removed and replaced with low-profile rounded curbs. The crosswalks within the intersection at 6th Street and Harbor Boulevard would be ground down and resurfaced with colored concrete. Existing pedestrian walkways in the downtown area will be improved with new concrete treatments, and the surrounding hardscape will be removed and replaced with new landscaping. Additional project elements in this portion of the project area include painting the existing topsail building, upgrading portions of the surrounding fence, re-grading surrounding hardscape, and installing a graphic display that will outline the cutline for the proposed future harbor.

Ports O' Call / Paseo

Improvements within Ports O'Call will enhance the pedestrian environment, safety and convenience, as well as the attractiveness of the district. As outlined in the Master Development Plan, long-term goals for Ports O'Call envision a revitalized commercial center with shops and marketplace restaurants, reconfigured to allow for a waterfront promenade with extensive views of the water and spectacular industrial backdrop.

Enhancements for the near future in this district will focus on the creation of three places—the Paseo, 13th Street Extension, and the Fisherman's Park—that fulfill the primary objectives of improving pedestrian connection between Downtown, Ports O'Call and a new district park, and of enhancing views of the S.P. Slip and harbor.Other project components in the Ports O' Call Village area include the removal of the bus pad, undergrounding of existing overhead utility lines within the Fishermen's Park area, and removal of the low wall that surrounds the Ports O'Call Village parking lot. Approximately 2,275 parking spaces serve the Ports O' Call area. A total of approximately 275 of these spaces would be relocated. Removal and relocation of parking is needed due to the realignment of Nagoya Way, the Fishermen's Park expansion, and the extension of 13th Street through the Ports O' Call parking lot to Red Car Station No. 3. The parking spaces would be relocated to a currently dirt and gravel parking area at Sampson Way and 22nd Street that is used for event parking. The unimproved lot would be upgraded and would provide approximately 700 parking spaces. The additional 425 spaces included in the parking area would serve as available event parking and would accommodate Ports O' Call patrons on weekends, when parking demand is high.

THE PASEO

Filled with carts and kiosks, the Paseo will function as the primary organizational element and marketplace in Ports O'Call. The new curved Paseo is to be the defining spine connecting downtown, restaurants and shopping venues, east-west connector streets, and Fisherman's Park. It is 30-feet wide at minimum, expanding to 130 feet at the apex of the Fisherman's Park arch. While creating a safe pedestrian environment along Nagoya Way, the Paseo will also fully accommodate service functions, including maintenance operations, fire egress, tenant service, as well as events such as art fairs, food festivals, and/or farmer's market.

A market and festival venue, the wide, palm tree-lined Paseo, itself, can also be interpreted as a grand commons or park, hosting events such as the annual San Pedro Lobster Festival and Tall Ships Festival. Ample shaded dining and lounging areas will encourage visitors and passersby to comfortably enjoy a marketplace atmosphere amidst festivals or on a quiet sunny afternoon.

To facilitate the Paseo, Nagoya Way would be relocated and realigned 20 to 40 feet west into the existing parking lot. The existing north restroom building would be remodeled and upgraded, and the southern restroom would be removed and replaced by four additional restroom buildings along the Paseo.

13TH Street Extension

The primary entry to Ports O'Call will be formed by the extension of 13th Street, which will become the primary east-west pedestrian and vehicular corridor in the district. The 13th Street extension is comprised of a new entry, the pedestrian walk, 13th Street, and a new key place at the water's edge— the harbor at berth 78.

This new entry will be marked by a series of pedestrian links designed to encourage ease of access to Ports O'Call. First will be a new and formalized pedestrian crossing of the rails and a series of ramps up the bluffs adjacent to Bloch Field. The existing Red Car station at the base of these footpaths will then be connected via new crosswalks and special paving to a plaza surrounding the western tip of the S.P. Slip and Utro's restaurant. This plaza begins the palm tree-lined 13th Street Extension.

13th Street Extension consists of a boulevard flanked with parking and a 25-foot wide promenade along the south edge. As the "main street" in Ports O'Call, the roadway will be the artery of vehicular traffic and the promenade will be the gathering spot and primary route from the Red Car and parking lot to the waterfront. The pathway will be lined on the street edge with palms and on the opposing side with shade trees to create a pleasant walking experience from the car or Red Car.

13th Street will function as a boulevard; 11th and 12th Streets will be secondary extensions to adjacent neighborhoods, to be enhanced in a future phase of work.

13th Street will terminate at the water's edge in a public plaza centered around the existing mud flats. A gateway at Nagoya Way will welcome visitors and the community to the waterfront. Piers extend on the north and south edges for beach viewing and observation of port operations. A lower promenade will be situated between the piers at the water's edge, bringing people closer to the water. The southern pier width of 30 feet is consistent with the proposed Bridge to Breakwater Plan, which envisions a future harbor on each side of the southern pier, so the width of the pier is large enough to accommodate pedestrians and any equipment or vehicles needed to service boats at dock. Rip rap along the edge of the mud flats will be retained to provide a unique opportunity to watch the tidal changes and surrounding wildlife. To mitigate the shading effect that the new piers would create along either side the mudflat, the area within the tidal zone would be enhanced. Within the mudflat area, existing rock in the southeast corner would be removed to expose mudflat substrate and would be relocated to the outer face of the existing protective rock dike. In addition, the sand built up in the northwest corner of the mudflat would be removed to bring the elevation of that area back down to the same elevation as the surrounding mudflat and expose more viable mudflat substrate.A public plaza with benches and landscaping would be built between the new piers, along the edge of the mudflat area.

Fishermen's Park

Fisherman's Park will be a four-acre neighborhood park situated at the terminus of Ports O'Call that capitalizes on San Pedro's dramatic cultural landscape. The Paseo will come to an end in the park where it will narrow and step down to the first segment of the continuous waterfront promenade. It will incorporate a 15-foot-tall landdscaped earthen berm overlook, landscaping, outdoor furniture, amphitheatre-style seating, pier and a water feature. The green and overlook will offer broad views of the waterfront, including the fishing boats in the S.P. Slip with their maintenance operations and Terminal Island. The park is mainly for daily pedestrian use and but also act as an event space, accommodating small and large events for up to 3,500 people.

Within Fishermen's Park, a lighted sign within a metal frame will be placed on a paved portion of the overlook. The sign would contain lettering on both sides, reading "Port of Los Angeles" facing south toward the Main Channel and "San Pedro Fishermen's Park" facing north toward the park. The east- and west-facing ends of the sign will feature banner-style signage. The sign is to be elevated to make it visible above the existing fuel tanks adjacent to the park on the south. The intent is for the sign to be an entry monument to the Port and to be seen from the Main Channel as ships enter. On the landward side, the sign will act as a backdrop to the park, screening the surrounding industrial uses.

Other project elements within this area include benches and informal block and light boxes for seating, new lighting standards, concrete treatments, new landscaping, a storyboard, and public interest signage. The existing restroom within the park would be demolished and rebuilt at a nearby location.

Southern Pacific (SP) Slip

The S.P. Slip and its associated fishing industry maintenance operations is an interesting waterfront destination and view opportunity. Enhancements in this district include pedestrian sidewalk improvements, a plaza, sight furniture, associated lighting and graphics,such as storyboards and point-ofinterest signs.

A plaza and green space will be created at the head of the slip adjacent to Utro's Restaurant and the Fisherman's Memorial. The memorial will be incorporated into the project design; however, the existing deck will be replaced with a new landing, in order to create an open view of the S.P. Slip. These improvements will result in a more attractive and easily accessible area that will become a natural gathering place.

The pedestrian walkway would extend from the southern terminus of the SP Slip near Berth 72 west to the existing Red Car Station No. 4. It would surround the slip and would be approximately 10 feet wide to accommodate pedestrians and to facilitate the fishing fleet's continued use of the area for dockside work. Two existing restrooms along the SP Slip would also be upgraded. Within the SP Slip, 30 floating docks would be installed to improve access to fishing vessels. The existing hardscape would be regraded, and handicap access would be maintained. A small pedestrian bridge may also be constructed over the water to connect the new landing with the remaining wharf deck.

Additional Parking at 22nd Street and Sampson Way

Approximately 2,275 parking spaces serve the Ports O' Call area. A total of approximately 275 of these spaces would be relocated. Removal and relocation of parking is needed due to the realignment of Nagoya Way, the Fishermen's Park expansion, and the extension of 13th Street through the Ports O' Call parking lot to Red Car Station No. 3. The parking spaces would be relocated to a currently dirt and gravel parking area at Sampson Way and 22nd Street that is used for event parking. The unimproved lot would be upgraded and would provide approximately 700 parking spaces. The additional 425 spaces included in the parking area would serve as available event parking and would accommodate Ports O' Call patrons on weekends, when parking demand is high.

Additional Parking at 22nd Street and Cabrillo Yacht Club

The project components near the 22nd Street Landing at 200 West 22nd Street would consist of green open space, parking, and pedestrian improvements. Grass would cover 7.8 acres, and 4.4 acres of decomposed granite would be used as walkways and to define individual spaces in the area. The new parking area would be a total of 5.9 acres, located on the western portion of the 22nd Street Landing area in two separate lots that would contain 450 and 350 spaces, respectively. The parking area would serve visitors to the open space area and patrons of nearby establishments. The functionality of this lot would be enhanced by a pedestrian walkway along 22nd Street and crosswalks across 22nd Street and Harbor Boulevard that would provide direct access to and from the parking area to nearby establishments and Red Car Station No. 4.

Cabrillo Beach and Cabrillo Marina

Waterfront enhancements would be constructed near and within the Cabrillo Beach area. Changes to existing hardscape would consist of improvements to the 8-foot-wide pedestrian pathway, and other landscaping would be planted along Shoshonean Way, but not extending up the existing slope. Improvements to the existing sidewalk along Cabrillo Beach would result in a 30- to 60-foot-wide walkway. The walkway would taper to a 20-foot-wide walkway as the pathway approaches the fishing pier and Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse. A hardscaped path would be constructed to facilitate travel between the beach and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Other proposed features include a low-lying mound between the walkway and parking lot. Landscaping improvements would extend toward the fishing pier and breakwater. Seat walls would be constructed between the beachfront walkway and the landscaped embankment. The seat walls would provide a sitting area with views of the beach and Port and would provide a wind buffer for nearby picnickers. All 405 spaces within the parking area would remain. Pedestrian improvements would continue seaward along the fishing pier.

Improvements in this area would be located over the existing riprap and consist of a dual-level promenade, with an upper level corridor for passive recreation, such as walking, and a lower concourse for more active uses, such as roller-blading. The overall width of this area would be approximately 40 feet. The lower area would be paved over the existing riprap above the high-water mark, and the upper passive boardwalk with seat walls would be located adjacent to the parking area. Work in this area may require some pile installation in riprap areas to facilitate construction of the dual-level walkway. Improvements in this vicinity also include enhancing the vehicular/bus/boat/trailer parking area and re-striping the parking lot along the breakwater. Aesthetic improvements, such as new landscaping and replacement landscaping, would occur adjacent to and between the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Cabrillo Bathhouse, and Coast Guard facility. The existing playground would be removed and would be modernized and expanded with a new, child-friendly play surface and new play equipment.

Angels Walk LA Historic Trail

Angel's Walk LA

The Angels Walk LA Program is intended to highlight local landmarks and provide a clearly defined pedestrian corridor to enhance public access along the waterfront. As part of the program, stanchions would be placed at points of interest along the walk and would call out specific views from given locations and notable facts about the area. Figure 2-24 illustrates what the stanchions would look like, Figure 2-25 shows the proposed stanchion locations, and Figure 2-26 provides a list of walk sites. The LAHD would develop guidebooks for the Angels Walk LA Program. The guidebooks would be designed to help pedestrians along the self-guided tour and would be available at LAHD offices, various restaurants, attractions within the San Pedro area, and online. Stanchions within the contiguous project area would be placed at the following locations:

~ World Cruise Center,
~ Pacific Coast Electric Red Car Line,
~ the Ralph J. Scott,
~ Los Angeles Maritime Museum,
~ John S. Gibson Jr. Park,
~ Ports O' Call Village,
~ SP Slip,
~ Timm's Point and Landing,
~ Municipal Fish Market,
~ Warehouse No. 1,
~ Cabrillo Marina,
~ Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and
~ Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse.

Stanchions for other surface improvements would be placed in locations outside the area but would also be included in the Angels Walk LA Program. These areas include:

~ Liberty Hill,
~ Warner Grand Theater,
~ San Pedro Municipal Building,
~ San Pedro Main U.S. Post Office,
~ Fort McArthur, and
~ S.S. Lane Victory.