History of the Redondo Beach Pier

THE REDONDO BEACH PIER

There have been 7 piers constructed on the Redondo Beach shoreline over the years. Between 1889 and 1903, three piers were constructed to service freight activity when Redondo Beach was competing against the San Pedro harbor for dominance. Wharf 1 was constructed at Emerald Street in 1889, Wharf 2 was built in 1895 just south in front of the Hotel Redondo, and Wharf 3 was built south of Wharf 2 near Sapphire and Topaz Streets in 1903. The Sante Fe railroad provided rail service to the piers. Violent storms in 1915 and 1919 destroyed Wharfs 1 and 2, and diminishing freight deliveries led to the removal of Wharf 3 in 1926.

Pleasure Pier and remains of Wharf 2 in front of Hotel Redondo with Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach piers at top of picture. Picture probably taken after 1919 storm damaged the pleasure pier and severely damaged Wharf 2

In 1916, a municipal pier referred to as the €œendless pier € was constructed in a €œV € shape to replace the destroyed Wharf 1. A 450-foot long northern leg began at the former location of the old Wharf No. 1. At the western end of the northerly leg stood a 160-foot x 200-foot platform. From this platform, the Pier headed back to shore just south of the Bathhouse on the 450-foot southern leg.

The Redondo Beach waterfront in 1916 showing, in the immediate foreground, the remains of Wharf No. 1 destroyed in 1915, the €œendless pier €, Wharf No. 2, with a steamer alongside, and in the distance partially obscured by haze is Wharf No. 3, also with ships alongside. (William A. Meyers Collection).

In November 1925 Captain Hans C. Monstad constructed a pier adjacent to the endless pier to provide landings for all fishing boats and pleasure crafts operating in Redondo Beach, including the gambling ship €œThe Rex €. By 1938, the pier had been extended to 450 feet.

The Redondo Beach waterfront in 1926 showing the newly built Monstad Pier

The 1919 storm that destroyed Wharf 2 severely damaged the endless pier, and ultimately the pier was demolished in 1928 and a new wooden horseshoe shaped pier was constructed in 1929. By connecting the west end of the Monstad Pier with the center of the Horseshoe Pier in 1983, the Fishing Promenade provided more space for sport fishing.

Redondo Beach Pier in 1980 . Note Monstad Pier on left. It was connected at the end of the pier to the horseshoe pier in 1983.

January 1988 storms battered the Pier, and destroyed the Fishing Promenade. In May 1988, fire destroyed most of the Horseshoe Pier. After many years of public debate about the future of the Pier, the reconstructed concrete Redondo Pier opened in 1995. Architect Edward Beall designed shade structures that symbolize the sails and masts of the old sailing ships that visited Redondo. The new Pier connected the 1925 Monstad Pier, the remainder of the 1929 Pier, and the location of the 1889 Wharf No. 1.

Redondo pier 2004

In 2012, the Redondo Landing building at the entrance to the pier was renovated. The city has recently acquired the Pier Plaza and International Boardwalk leaseholds in King Harbor, and now owns a 15-acre stretch of property from Torrance Boulevard to Portofino Way. In January 2013, the city entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with El Segundo’s CenterCal Properties to redevelop the 15 acres of city-owned land on the Redondo Beach waterfront, including the Redondo Beach Pier. The project is expected to take several years and cost between $150 and 200 million. The City and the developer are continuing to hold public meetings to receive public input as to the future design. Ground breaking is not expected to occur until at least 2015.