West Harbor to Get Amusement Park with Large Observation Wheel
The Port of Los Angeles will be getting an amusement park with a large observation wheel as part of West Harbor, the attraction being built to replace Ports O’ Call in San Pedro.
First Phase of the Project
With the project’s $155-million first phase, which will include restaurants, bars, and shops, set to open late next year, its developers announced plans to expedite construction of the next phase, which calls for more food tenants as well as an array of outdoor pickleball and padel courts.
San Pedro Fish Market
Developers have also struck a tentative deal with the owners of popular San Pedro Fish Market to forgo plans to build an expansive $140-million restaurant and entertainment complex nearby and instead remain at West Harbor. The Fish Market is one of the top-grossing restaurants in the country but had to move from its longtime home on a wooden pier to make way for construction of West Harbor.
The West Harbor Wheel
The West Harbor Wheel, as the Ferris wheel will be known, will be as high as 150 feet – about 50% higher than the Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park amusement center on Santa Monica Pier. Riders will occupy enclosed gondolas that will provide views of the working port, the USS Iowa battleship, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, and passing cruise ships.
Other Attractions
Other attractions in the amusement park will include a carousel, a wave swinger, and other carnival rides operated by SkyView Partners of St. Louis.
Pickleball and Padel Courts
The public courts will be operated by the King of Padel, which will manage six padel courts and 10 pickleball courts, which will be available to the public as well as for club and league games. The San Diego company puts on tournaments, glow-in-the-dark events, and social mixers.
Second Phase of the Project
The second phase will cost about $45 million, bringing the total cost for the first two phases to $200 million, said Eric Johnson, president of Jerico Development, which is co-developing West Harbor with the Ratkovich Co. Tenants will spend another $75 million building out their spaces, he estimated.
New Tenants
Among the tenants will be Yamashiro, a Japanese-themed restaurant that has been a Hollywood destination for decades and plans to open a second branch on the waterfront. Other announced tenants are Bark Social, an off-leash membership dog park and social club, experiential art gallery Hopscotch, Mike Hess Brewing, restaurants Poppy + Rose, King and Queen Cantina, and Mario’s Neighborhood Butcher Shop & Delicatessen.
Conclusion
The West Harbor project is expected to revitalize the area and provide a new entertainment destination for San Pedrans and visitors alike. The addition of an amusement park and outdoor pickleball and padel courts will offer something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to families and athletes.
FAQs
- What is the cost of the West Harbor project? The cost of the first two phases is estimated to be $200 million, with $155 million allocated to the first phase and $45 million for the second phase.
- How high is the West Harbor Wheel? The West Harbor Wheel will be as high as 150 feet, about 50% higher than the Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park amusement center on Santa Monica Pier.
- What kind of attractions will be available in the amusement park? The amusement park will feature a carousel, a wave swinger, and other carnival rides operated by SkyView Partners, as well as pickleball and padel courts operated by King of Padel.
- What is the status of the San Pedro Fish Market? The San Pedro Fish Market will remain at West Harbor, with plans to expand in phases, first to a 1,600-person capacity and then to a 3,000-person capacity.
