CenterCal CEO Fred Bruning loves to point out two things to new visitors to his office: First, a painting of him in action, flying his World War II-era Stearman biplane; and second, the fact that the Redondo Pier is seen jutting into the waters of the Santa Monica Bay in the painting’s background. It’s a point of pride for Bruning that he has flown his Stearman over Redondo so many times.
So it’s only appropriate that a smaller, scale model of his plane is included in a 16 foot by 7 foot scale model of CenterCal’s proposed reimagining of the Redondo Waterfront, which was unveiled at CenterCal’s El Segundo offices on Friday, July 22.
The model was built by Orange-based Glenn R. Johnson Models for a price in the “low six figures.” Bruning declined to reveal exactly how much was spent, but as those who have studied 2-D drawings of the project can attest, the 3-D model was worth the price in detail alone.
“I’m shocked,” said Mayor Steve Aspel, who was on hand for the unveiling, alongside Public Arts Commissioner Paul Moses. “The Meistrell and Freeth statues are in there…no matter how much you pay attention to the plans, you can’t easily visualize the project.”
The model, showing the project area between Portofino Way and Torrance Boulevard west of Harbor Drive, took about 10 weeks to complete, said Glenn R. Johnson owner Tony Prevesto. The laser-cut, Plexiglass model was handpainted. LEDs throughout the model can be turned on and off, building-by-building.
Details abound, from cabanas atop the new hotel’s rooftop pool to the statues of Body Glove founders Bob and Bill Meistrell and pioneer surfer George Freeth, at opposite ends of the 16 foot by 7 foot, one-sixteenth scale model. The model includes the neighboring Crowne Plaza Hotel building, the Village and Seascape condominiums and Czuleger Park.
Bruning pointed out distinctive details, such as the drawbridge spanning Basin 3 and the boutique hotel’s rooftop pool. He explained his vision for drop-off areas by Seaside Lagoon — kayakers and stand-up paddlers could take equipment down to storage areas, park at the nearby garage, and then meet their friends and their equipment down by the water.
CenterCal’s Waterfront still has hurdles to clear. The Redondo Beach Harbor Commission has to approve the project’s Environmental Impact Report, and can still tweak the project. Should any changes be made, they’ll be reflected in the model, Bruning said.
On July 27, CenterCal announced that they will be holding an open house meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at the company offices, from 5 to 8 p.m. The company will also be giving tours by appointment on select days, asking visitors to schedule visits by calling (310) 563-6900.
Bruning does hope, though, that CenterCal’s offices will not be the model’s last home.
“If the project gets approved, we’d love to put the model on the Waterfront,” Bruning said. “We’d like people to come down, see what it is, and judge for themselves.”
