San Pedro's $32 million Downtown Harbor Plaza celebrates grand opening
SAN PEDRO, Calif. (KABC) -- A new waterfront renovation is putting San Pedro on the map. What used to be a parking lot is now the brand new Downtown Harbor and Town Square, an open air plaza complete with free boat parking and Wi-Fi.
City leaders held the grand opening Friday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It was a night of family fun, photo opportunities, and stunning views.
An estimated 2,000 people gathered to listen to music, eat at different food venues, and enjoy a water show. Kids were also seen happily playing on a WWII era propeller.
The new $32 million plaza connects downtown San Pedro to the L.A. waterfront, and opens up about 1.2 acres of existing waterfront between Fire Station 112 and the L.A. Maritime Museum. Several monuments that sat outside the museum were moved into the plaza space.
Boaters can tie up their recreational vehicles at the new dock for up to four hours for free. The renovations also include art exhibits, walkways, and bike paths. City and port officials also see it as an event venue and community gathering place.
"You can see it from the land side, the water side, San Pedro is happening, the L.A. waterfront is happening, and we're really trying to make that connection with all the communities," Gary Lee Moore, interim executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, said. "You've got the Ports O' Call, you've got this new downtown Harbor, you've got the USS Iowa, it's just a real destination."
The new plaza and promenade opens more than a mile of outdoor walking space, just steps away from the downtown San Pedro shops and restaurants.
"It's absolutely incredible, I think it will bring a lot of people to our city to come and enjoy the atmosphere," Michelle Aragon of San Pedro said. "The waterfront just alone is gorgeous, and there's a lot for the families to come out. Instead of staying at home, they can come out and enjoy the city."
The project was finished on time, and came in under budget, port officials said.
