The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved the design contract for the future Wilmington Waterfront Promenade by unanimously approving Boston-based design firm Sasaki Associates, Inc. to conduct engineering, architectural and landscaping design services for the $52.7 million project.
The promenade is designed to measure about 1,300 feet in length and 30 feet wide, and provide public access to the water’s edge in front and adjacent to the Banning’s Landing Community Center. From Berths 184 to 186 behind the promenade, the project is to include a 2.5-acre public pedestrian plaza.
A 1.25-acre parking court and/or event space will also be constructed between the promenade and Water Street. Additionally, landscaping and a parking lot will be added north of the new plaza.
The promenade was among six public improvement projects – three in Wilmington and three in San Pedro – approved last February as part of the Port of LA’s Public Access Investment Plan. The engineering, architectural and landscaping design phase of the promenade project is expected to cost $3.19 million and be completed by mid-2018.
Design of the project entails street realignment to parallel existing railroad tracks, and a freight facility currently on the property is expected to be demolished. Project improvements also entails landscaping, irrigation, signage, lighting, as well as site furnishing like public seating, bike racks and public drinking fountains.
“Engaging a design firm for the promenade project puts us one step closer to bringing this vibrant and highly visible improvement to the Wilmington community,” Ambassador Vilma Martinez, president of the Los Angeles Harbor Commission said.
Contractor Sasaki Associates was also the lead design firm on the 30-acre Wilmington Waterfront Park, which was completed in 2011.
