HUNTINGTON BEACH : Mediterranean Plaza to Grace Pier Entry

The entryway to the city’s landmark pier will get a grand new look under plans to rebuild Maxwell’s by the Sea and develop the area with an amphitheater, concession stand and surfing museum.

The Mediterranean-style plaza is expected to transform the beachfront area into the city’s most prestigious public playground, officials said.

“We have a beautiful pier and an ugly entry,” said Ron Hagan, the city’s community services director. “This project will make a beautiful entry to the pier.”

The City Council last week approved a master plan to rebuild the 63-year-old restaurant and develop the pier area.

“I’m glad to see something happen for the entrance of the pier, and I hope that the community will find this to be an acceptable project,” Councilman David Sullivan said.

Sullivan, a member of Huntington Beach Tomorrow, a citizens group that opposed an earlier proposal to build more commercial retail facilities at the pier, said he is pleased with the plan because it preserves ocean views from Pacific Coast Highway and maintains public access to the beach.

“The public is very concerned about the appearance of their beachfront,” he said. “This is going to give the public open space and make (the pier area) more appealing.”

Construction is expected to start in the fall of 1994, with the opening planned for the summer of 1995, Hagan said.

Hagan said the city will pay the estimated $3.35-million cost to develop the pier plaza area.

Paul E. Wimmer, the owner of Maxwell’s, will pay the estimated $4-million cost of rebuilding the aged restaurant, Hagan said.

Construction of the building began in 1928 and was finished two years later.

Over the years, the building has served as a ballroom, roller-skating rink and fish restaurant. Maxwell’s moved in in 1971, Hagan said.

The rebuilt restaurant will have two levels, with banquet facilities below and a dinner house, entertainment area and patio dining above. All will have ocean views.

Hagan said the International Surfing Museum would be built only if the nonprofit organization raises an estimated $3 million to $5 million to construct it.

Ann Beasley, museum director, said the organization’s trustees are thrilled that the council approved the plan to include the surfing museum, now housed at 411 Olive St.

Beasley said there is support to raise the money for the museum at the pier.

“I think the surfing industry and surfers themselves are interested in saving the history,” she said. “The ultimate museum is going to be in Huntington Beach.”