First Project Elements Expected to Begin This Fall

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Aug. 20, 2020 – The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a $51.9 million construction contract for the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade Project on the LA Waterfront, with construction expected to start in fall.

“This $52 million investment means that we will finally break ground on the long-awaited Wilmington Waterfront this year!” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Joe Buscaino. “The Wilmington community has been patient and deserves more green space, buffer zones, and open space to alleviate industrial impacts.”

“Our vision for revitalizing Wilmington is becoming reality,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner Lucia Moreno-Linares. “The fact that this project remains on schedule during this pandemic is inspiring for all of us who have highly anticipated this transformation.”

“We are committed to connectng Wilmington to its historic waterfront and creating more public access for both residents and visitors,” said Port of Los Angeles Director Gene Seroka.  “Our Public Access Investment Plan, launched in 2015, has given us the ability to predictably invest and plan for public-serving projects like this one.”

Creating a “window on the waterfront” for the Wilmington community, the promenade project includes the realignment of Water Street parallel to the existing railroad tracks and construction of a community park adjacent to Banning’s Landing Community Center, along with a waterfront promenade, public pier, public dock, public restroom with green roof, playground and parking lots. Work along Water Street includes utilities, street work, grading, paving, striping, lighting and landscaping. Other project improvements to the nine-acre site include irrigation, signage and furnishings such as public seating, bike racks and drinking fountains.

The project was designed by engineering firm Sasaki Associates, Inc. The construction contract was awarded to Sully-Miller Contracting Co. of Brea, Calif.  The project is expected to be completed in 2023.

Planning and investment in public space and urban revitalization on the Wilmington Waterfront has been underway since 2006. After significant community input and completion of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in 2008, the vision for the Wilmington Waterfront Development Program was set into motion. The Wilmington Waterfront Development Program includes two signature projects: The Wilmington Waterfront Promenade Project and Avalon Promenade and Gateway Project. These planned projects focus on connecting Wilmington’s historic waterfront to its commercial corridor on Avalon Boulevard.

The Port has invested more than $600 million on public access projects since 2005, with an additional $400 million committed through 2025, as outlined in the Board-approved Public Access Invest Plan. A planned Wilmington Youth Sailing Center will be a component of the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade Project.

The Port of Los Angeles remains open with all terminals operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $276 billion in trade during 2019. San Pedro Bay port complex operations and commerce facilitate one in nine jobs across the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura.