Entertainment complex on San Pedro waterfront begins construction

Construction on West Harbor, the long-awaited replacement for San Pedro’s Ports O’ Call Village harbor attraction, is finally set to begin.

Developers of the entertainment complex announced Thursday that they have secured financing for the $155 million construction of the first phase, which will include restaurants, bars and shops overlooking the busy Port of Los Angeles.

Work will begin immediately and be completed in 2024, said Brian Saenger, chief executive of Ratkovich Co.

An artist’s rendering of the overwater bar and deck at the King & Queen Cantina in West Harbor.

(Studio One Eleven)

Among the restaurants anchoring West Harbor is Yamashiro, the second branch of a Japanese-themed Hollywood destination for locals and tourists alike.

Another big restaurant will be King & Queen Cantina, a Mexican-style restaurant with an overwater bar. There will also be a food hall with several restaurants and Bark Social, a bar and cafe at the off-leash dog park for members.

West Harbor has been in the works for more than a decade when port officials selected Los Angeles developers Ratkovich Co. and Jerico Development Inc. to redevelop the 42-acre Ports O’ Call site. The kitschy imitation of a 1960s New England fishing village fell out of favor years ago and was demolished in 2018.

West Harbor Market Hall will feature 9,000 square feet of casual dining including Pitfire Pizza, Olala Crepes, Jaybird Chicken and Win~Dow. Above is an artist’s rendering of the hall.

(Studio One Eleven)

The developers have a 66-year lease with the port to build and operate West Harbor. His plan calls for a 6,200-seat amphitheater that is currently undergoing an environmental assessment. The venue is being developed together with the music and theater impresario Nederlander Organization.

The amphitheater will be open to the public on non-play days and will be used for community events such as fitness classes, outdoor films, cultural celebrations and educational series.

Artist’s rendering of Bark Social, a canine-centric beer garden and social club.

(Studio One Eleven)

The San Pedro Fish Market, one of the area’s top-selling restaurants, will be relocating to make way for the new development. The owners of the popular seafood restaurant plan to expand and wanted more space than was available in West Harbor.

The port is negotiating with fish market executives who want to build a lavish restaurant elsewhere on the water, port spokesman Arley Baker said. “Discussions are focused on an accelerated transition to a new location.”

The former West Harbor fish market footprint is partially occupied by Yamashiro and Sugar Factory, a trendy brasserie known for bombastic desserts and other Instagram-friendly fare.

The West Harbor complex was designed by James Corner Field Operations, the architects and urban planners behind Manhattan’s High Line Park and Santa Monica’s Tongva Park. Port officials have installed free boat passes to accommodate water taxis and visiting boat owners on day trips.

Other confirmed renters include Mike Hess Brewing, Hopscotch, Poppy + Rose, Jay Bird’s Chicken, Pitfire Pizza, the Win-Dow, Olala Crepes, Marufuku Ramen, Mario’s Neighborhood Butcher Shop and Delicatessen, the Baked Bear and Harbor Breeze Cruises.