PORT OF LOS ANGELES SET TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF ‘GHOST FISH’ WATERFRONT PROJECT
New Landscaped Public Plaza, Infrastructure Improvements at Southern Pacific Slip to Start in July
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — May 11, 2011 — Plans have been approved to start construction on the Southern Pacific Slip/Ghost Fish project, a waterfront improvement initiative just south of Ports O’ Call in San Pedro. The project will create a new public plaza featuring an iconic “Ghost Fish” sculpture -- the latest in a series of public art displays at the Port.
“It’s exciting to move forward on another facet of our historic LA Waterfront revitalization effort,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “With each project we come closer to creating a world-class waterfront that can be enjoyed by Angelenos and visitors from around the world.”
The Southern Pacific Slip/Ghost Fish project will include improved public waterfront access for both pedestrians and vehicles, and development of a landscaped plaza featuring the “Ghost Fish” sculpture, a 40-foot blue fin tuna hung from a galvanized steel frame over the water at Berth 73. Recalling San Pedro's long history as a commercial fishing hub, the sculpture will incorporate aluminum and glass cast objects and artifacts gathered from local fishermen. A solar-powered camera and video screen in the fish’s eye will illuminate for pedestrian viewers.
Sully-Miller Contracting Company, located in Brea, California, was awarded the $6.5 million project. Construction is slated to start in July 2011. Located near the intersection of Sampson Way and Berth 73 in San Pedro, the new waterfront plaza is expected to be completed by fall 2012.
The” Ghost Fish” sculpture by artist Carl Cheng and surrounding furniture by Harold Greene will be one of a series of recent Port public art installations. In February, the Port unveiled its latest public art piece – “Ship in a Bottle” by world renowned artist Mark Dion – during a ceremony at the newly renovated Cabrillo Way Marina.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.
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