Just Announced: APWA picks Pico-Garnier Block Improvements as Project of the Year

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Reopens Engineering’s Project Team Delivers Project On Time and Under Original Budget

Mayor Richard Riordan rededicated and officially reopened El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument at a ceremony held August 11, 2000 at Olvera Street.

“El Pueblo, our City’s birthplace, is more than a monument, it is Los Angeles history,” said Mayor Riordan. “From its humble beginnings in 1781, El Pueblo has served as a symbol of our City’s rich history, culture and diversity. On behalf of all Angelenos, I thank all of the hard working men and women of our City family who have brought new life to our Pueblo for all to enjoy today and in the new century.”

The El Pueblo de Los Angeles Monument, also known as Olvera Street, commemorates the birthplace of the City, which was founded on September 4, 1781. The Monument has undergone seismic stabilization and rehabilitation of the Pico Garnier Block buildings, along with reconstruction and restoration of surrounding streets and sidewalks. Work began on the seven-building, two block area in August 1999 by the City's Department of General Services, Bureau of Street Services, Bureau of Street Lighting and Department of Transportation under the management of Bureau of Engineering Project Manager Mike Shull, with the assistance of Harry Surmenian, Paul Munz, Dave Takata of Special Projects Group and Mel Butler, of Vanir Construction Management. Besides the seismic work, the site and buildings were upgraded and improved for disabled access/ADA requirements and fire/life safety systems were brought up to current code. Much of the work was sensitive due to the historic nature of the buildings.

The Bureau of Engineering was asked to take on the management of the project in order to ensure that all deadlines were met and everything would be ready before Los Angeles hosted the Democratic National Convention. On August 14, 2000, Governor Davis held a governors breakfast at the Pico House.

The Pico House is the largest building in El Pueblo and was completed in 1870 by Pio Pico, who was the last governor under Mexican rule. It had the distinction of being the first three-story building constructed in Los Angeles. Other historic buildings that were part of the project include:

Pico Block: Masonic Hall and Merced Theater.

Garnier Block: Hellman-Quon Building, Turner Building, 425 N. Los Angeles St., Garnier Building.

The $19.5 million first phase of the project was funded in part by Proposition G (Seismic Bond) funds. Plans are underway to improve Olvera Street itself as part of Phase 2 of the project.