colonnade

RESTORATION: This project seeks to replace and restore the Colonnade along the first block of Windward Boulevard. Historic photographs indicate that as many as 60 columns (total) originally lined the north and south sides of Windward. Presently, approximately 25 columns exist. Many of these columns are in disrepair: some are missing their capitals, have precariously attached capitals, or are missing the concrete column surround.

COSTS: Molds must be fabricated from the capitals and columns for reproduction of the colonnade. We are currently gathering the costs of fabrication and installation. Preliminary quotes include:

Creation of a Mold for the Capitals: $5,000
Casting Capitals (fiberglass): $1,000 each
Casting Columns (9' concrete 19"diameter tapered with base): $1,000 each

Existing Columns Lacking Cylindrical Shape

Replacement Columns Needed

Existing Columns Lacking Capitals

Trellis-like Ties Support Free Standing Columns on Main

Precariously Attached Capital

CONTACT: Colonnade @ Venice Public Art . Com

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January 2008
	THE VENICE COLONNADE RESTORATION PROJECT
BACKGROUND: The Venice Colonnade is an architecturally and historically significant series of columns bearing figurative capitals created and installed circa 1900, by Mr. Abbot Kinney, the founder of Venice Beach, CA, along Windward Boulevard, the main entryway to Venice Beach. More than any other architectural element, the Colonnade is a visual embodiment of the original and ever-changing unique spirit of Venice Beach.
DISREPAIR: Over the years, portions of the Colonnade have disappeared. Despite the fact that the Colonnade is located on public sidewalks, private property owners and The City have removed portions and failed to maintain some of the columns and capitals. This main entryway to Venice Beach has become a ramshackled mess. The Colonnade is an interesting and beautiful architectural element, based upon the Moorish architectural influences in Venice, Italy. Its restoration will embrace the diversity of Venice as it ties together the eclectic buildings and re-creates the grand entrance to the Beach.
RESTORATION: This project seeks to replace and restore the Colonnade along the first block of Windward Boulevard. Historic photographs indicate that as many as 60 columns (total) originally lined the north and south sides of Windward. Presently, approximately 25 columns exist. Many of these columns are in disrepair: some are missing their capitals, have precariously attached capitals, or are missing the concrete column surround.
COSTS: Molds must be fabricated from the capitals and columns for reproduction of the colonnade. We are currently gathering the costs of fabrication and installation. Preliminary quotes include: Creation of a Mold for the Capitals: $5,000 Casting Capitals (fiberglass): $1,000 each Casting Columns (9' concrete 19"diameter tapered with base): $1,000 each

Historic View	Existing Columns Lacking Cylindrical Shape	Replacement Columns Needed	Existing Columns Lacking Capitals	Trellis-like Ties Support Free Standing Columns on Main	Precariously Attached Capital
NEXT STEPS: We seek to raise fund, and to invite the City of Los Angeles and adjacent property owners, in the effort to replace and restore as many columns as feasible, from 3 to 35, along Windward Boulevard. We recently learned that a City of Los Angeles Beautification Grant was awarded to the Venice Historical Society in 2006 for the restoration (casting and installation) of 3 capitals. We will assist in expediting their efforts.
HISTORIC PROTECTION: We seek to protect all Venice Columns from destruction and removal through acquiring Historic Architectural Protections and the enforcement of City property rights.
CONTACT: Colonnade @ Venice Public Art . Com home