Pier Plaza Just What City Needs

Huntington Beach has been trying for a long time to find the right formula for downtown redevelopment. The grand opening in recent days of the Pier Plaza proved to be worth the wait, especially in view of all of the past controversy over what would go along the water side of Pacific Coast Highway. The new landscape has provided a festive seaside drawing card for the summer season.

The new $11-million esplanade is being paid for by the city and restaurants, a good partnership. It features an amphitheater next to the pier designed to serve as a gateway to the waterfront. Wisely, the area has been configured so that thousands can view the stage either from the amphitheater, the lawn or while circulating on the surrounding boardwalk and concession area. The new facilities will provide a good setting for such events as the U.S. Open of Surfing in August.

The downtown has been the subject of much speculation over the years. By the early 1990s, the city had taken on a funky and somewhat disjointed look downtown. The city’s controversial Fourth of Julys have tested the patience of city residents and businesses.

But the redevelopment effort also has taken root, somehow sustaining momentum during the recession and spreading inland to provide a modern downtown of restaurants and shops. The renewal, dating to 1983, has been plagued with funding problems and debates over what would be most suitable. 1994 proved to be a pivotal turning point: Voters rejected a plan for a shopping center in favor of having the waterfront plaza.

The new plaza offers more parking space, bathrooms and automated teller machines. It also provides better beach access. The city expects it to be a boon to city coffers, anticipating about $600,000 a year from various leases and events fees.

A festive spirit prevailed last weekend as visitors inspected a new plaza mural depicting local history, and heard jazz in a setting that will revive a grand old concept of holding concerts by the sea. The new venue offers an exciting fresh start for a city that long has wanted to promote itself as a destination for travelers and vacations. The city justly can be proud of its special vision for a seaside commercial area.