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Back to the future
Sweeping pier head renovation planned
Above, a computer-generated graphic shows the proposed new look of the Hermosa pier. Below, the pier head pavilion as it looked in the late 1930s. Photo courtesy Hermosa Beach Historical Society
by Robb Fulcher
A sweeping renovation of the base of the municipal pier, calling for a raised observation platform to the south, amphitheater seating to the north and, as a centerpiece, twin 25-foot towers flanking the entrance to the pier itself received tentative approval from the city council Tuesday night.
The plans also call for a new bathroom building to replace the existing one, which is deemed too disgusting for a makeover. About a half-dozen outdoor beach showers would stand nearby.
While the massive refurbishing project would add numerous decorative touches to the base of the pier, the centerpiece columns would recall - however obliquely -- the pier of seven decades ago, which was flanked by the local library and chamber of commerce.
"I am most impressed," said Councilman John Bowler, following a presentation by the Fullerton consulting firm Purkiss Rose and architect Ron Yeo of Corona Del Mar. "This is going to be the piece de resistance of the whole pier area."
Bowler said the twin towers would recall "the '30s look of the pier when the chamber of commerce and the library were located down there. I like the historical tie it gives to old Hermosa."
If the current plan wins final approval, the towers would house electrical and communications equipment for the lifeguard station adjoining the pier, keeping the equipment above the flood plain of the beach terrain.
Council members have promised to hold public hearings before making a final decision on the renovation. Renderings and computer graphics showing the current plan are available for public view at City Hall, and at the Los Angeles County Library branch on Pier Avenue next to City Hall.
The renovation is being funded by a $1 million gift to the city by David T. Schumacher, a longtime Hermosa resident and successful real estate appraiser. City officials plan to honor Schumacher, perhaps with a plaque somewhere along the pier head.
The renovation calls for an expansion of the lifeguard station just south of the pier to include a women's locker room and a garage for vehicles and boats just east of the station.
Atop the garage would stand a concrete observation platform, rising about 10 feet above the Strand, with a view to the ocean. The platform, reached by a set of steps from the base of the pier, would be adorned with a stylized depiction the sun, perhaps imbedded in the concrete with ceramic tile of a muted color.
A large concrete area directly in front of the pier would be decorated with a spiraling design, muted gray-blue in color, depicting seven stylized waves representing the seven seas. Benches and short palm trees would stand in that area as well.
To the north of the pier, amphitheater seating would afford views of the ocean or the pier head area.
Farther north, just west of the Strand, a concrete slab would be installed on the sand as a parking area for semi trucks used in the staging of large events such as pro volleyball contests. The trucks now remain parked for a weekend at a time on the Pier Plaza.
Alcohol reconsidered
In other matters, council members Kathy Dunbabin and Julie Oakes agreed to review a decision allowing a new Mexican restaurant on Hermosa Avenue to serve beer and wine.
Resident Jim Lissner had asked the council to appeal a decision by the Planning Commission's granting a limited liquor license to Alfredo's restaurant.
Dunbabin said she is concerned by a proliferation of downtown Hermosa liquor licenses which, once granted to a business, are passed along whenever a new owner takes over the location. ER