Los Angeles County approves additional funding for Boathouse project

LOS ANGELES ― The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $900,000 budget increase for Marina del Rey’s Boathouse renovation project, Aug. 8.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works submitted a letter of recommendation to revise the budget due to unforeseen but necessary improvements needed for the site.

Damage from termites and moisture were discovered while renovating the building, located on the water at Burton Chace Park.

“The building structural framing and roof structure, including the wood framing, beams, columns, and plywood sheathing, were extensively damaged from termite infestation and moisture from exposure to the harsh coastal environment over the years,” Public Works’ letter to supervisors stated.

“Extensive repairs, reinforcement, and/or complete replacement of these damaged elements” is necessary in order “to maintain the structural integrity and extend the service life of the building,” the letter continued.

The initial budget of $6,407,000 for the Boathouse renovations was approved on Dec. 1, 2015; the revised budget is now $7,307,000.

Los Angeles County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) was able to uncover additional funding to finance the extra work. Money from the Services and Supplies Marina Accumulative Capital Outlay Fund would reportedly cover the extra expense.

The Boathouse accommodates DBH staff as well as Water Awareness, Training, Education, and Recreation (WATER) staff. WATER offers youth sailing, kayaking and safety instructions.

The renovation started in April 2016 and was expected to be completed in August.

The building upgrades make the facility compliant with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

“The renovation work also includes reconfiguring the interior floor plans for more efficient office and public meeting use space and reconfiguring the exterior roof deck as a public viewing and event area; replacing the existing elevator; repairing and upgrading the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems; adding a fire sprinkler system; remodeling the restroom facilities; repairing and upgrading the interior finishes; and installing new modular open-office furniture,” Public Works’ letter stated.

The termite and moisture damage has resulted in delays with additional work starting in September 2017 to address these issues.

DBH still anticipates occupying the Boathouse within the next couple months, once renovations are completed.

“We hope the Boathouse will be ready for DBH staff to move into and begin using this fall,” Nicole Mooradian, a DBH spokesperson, wrote in an email to The Log.

Commercial and residential renovation projects always seem to have set backs uncovering hidden problems and requiring additional funds. The setbacks here delay the public from being able to utilize the facility.

“The Boathouse will not be open to the public until the site improvements are completed next year,” Mooradian mentioned.

The site improvements are expected to be finished by February 2018, according to the Public Works’ letter.

Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors photo