Ocean education building design revealed

by Garth Meyer

A “shack” on the Redondo Beach waterfront may be replaced by a $50 million, 29,000 square foot landmark for waterfront education.

Architects unveiled a design Tuesday night to the city council, slated to be built at the current site of “Joe’s Crab Shack.”

Since the spot requires keeping its 100 parking spaces, designers presented a building with a bottom floor the size of Joe’s, with an upper floor extending outward over the water of King Harbor.

The presentation, by two representatives of Gensler Archtects, was the latest step in a process started in 2021 with public input for a Redondo Beach Waterfront Amenities Plan. Education was tapped for that location.

“(The renderings) are meant to inform. To garner the enthusiasm to get the project going,” said Greg Kapovich, Redondo Beach waterfront and economic development director. 

The 45-foot tall building would house a yet-to-be-decided program of ocean education. The design’s ground approach includes space for school buses to drop off students and turn around. 

“Really the key is adaptability; to adapt to potential partners,” said Gensler architect David Herjeczki, regarding changeable space inside. 

The building’s rooftop is half solar panels for power and half planted greenery.

“It’s incredible,” said Mayor Bill Brand of the drawings. “… This would be an international attraction.”

Plans are subject to approval by the state’s Coastal Commission.

The upper floor of the proposed ocean education center includes moveable walls for adaptive space. Members of the public commented that the renderings lacked access to the water for hands-on teaching. Photo courtesy City of Redondo Beach

“They would like to see something like this,” Brand said. “All they’ve seen from Redondo is hotels, restaurants, retail…”

Funding for the estimated $28 – 44 million project (hard costs) would be sought from private benefactors, university systems and state and federal grants, as described by City Manager Mike Witzansky. 

“Throw another 20 percent on that number,” he suggested for a full estimate. “We’ve got a vision that we now shop around and see what kind of interest we can (draw).”

The images brought praise from city councilmembers.

“Awe-inspiring,” said Scott Behrendt. 

“Jaw-dropping,” said Zein Obagi, Jr. 

“I love the design,” said Nils Nehrenheim. 

Gensler architect Nathan Kim said it will take another 12-18 months to complete the architectural work.

In public comment, an issue came up. 

“What I’m not seeing is a connection to the ocean, in a hands-on way,” said Julie Coll, co-founder of King Harbor-based Waterfront Education, calling for gathering a group of educators to consult on the project. 

Harbor Commissioner Jim Light called it “a spectacular design.”
“The demand (for educators to program it) would overflow to future harbor facilities,” he said. 

Sheila Lamb, city planning commission member, asked, “What type of education center will it be?” and called for a greater connection to the ocean, suggesting that a mayor’s waterfront education task force be formed. 

A real estate agent submitted that it allow use for weddings, events and seminars.

“This could be above the Shade Hotel,” she said, about potential interest.

The project goes before the Redondo Beach Harbor Commission next month. 

“This is the first meeting, the first crack at it,” said Mayor Brand. “And there will be plenty more. I don’t want to bog it down with yet another task force… the public’s not going to get ignored here.” 

He said that is what would-be developer CenterCal Properties did during the last effort at a major project at the waterfront. “That ain’t gonna happen this time.”

Mark Hansen, Waterfront Education boardmember, asked if the project is “putting the cart before the horse,” without the hands-on education element leading it. 

“This is a conversation starter,” said Witzansky. “This is the beginning of a long conversation. I just can’t stress that enough.”

Brand pointed out how the center will draw people and generate revenue for the city. 

He asked about demolishing the Joe’s Crab Shack building now. Witzansky said that the structure has become an “attractive nuisance” and been “hardened” by the city. 

As for the timeline, Nehrenheim cited an oft-used remark by County Supervisor Janice Hahn. 

“It’ll be done by LA 2028,” he said. 

The city council voted 4-0 to continue the process. Councilman Todd Loewenstein was absent.

Gensler Architects also designed the Friendship Campus, under construction now in Redondo Beach.

SIDEBAR

“Ocean Encounters” still may be part of project

Last year, the city council approved, in concept, an educational facility for the waterfront. “Ocean Encounters” was the umbrella idea, brought to the city by Tom Grimm, owner of Carlsbad Aquafarm, which grows oysters and mussels near San Diego. 

Grimm’s concept for King Harbor included a building to house aquaculture, aquaponics, augmented reality, a studio and broadcast kitchen, an outlet for ocean activity and representation of Pacific Rim cultures.

Grimm is an example of a programmer which Redondo’s waterfront concept aims to attract. 

“Tom Grimm wouldn’t be excluded from eventually becoming involved, but we’re opening this up to all types of programming ideas,” said Greg Kapovich, Redondo Beach Waterfront and Economic Development Director. 

Noted in the city council’s approval of “Ocean Encounters” last year was that the venture should incorporate the harbor’s existing Waterfront Education program – run by Julie Coll – white shark studies by Cal-State Long Beach and perhaps more. This remains the intention. ER