Replacing a former dilapidated Tower, the new Pacific Beach Lifeguard Tower affords a much-needed gathering plaza while serving as an iconic and functional gateway to the beach front. The Plaza, located between the new lifeguard tower and the comfort station, has brought an enjoyable stopping point along the long board walk boulevard in Pacific Beach. The whimsical and fancy-free sculpture “Pelican Brown” (donning a vest!) welcomes beachgoers into the plaza by engaging them in a dance with bronze pavers representing his tango path. You can tell who he is right when you get there- he’s usually posing for the paparazzi or for pictures with tourist and children. Embedded blue glass and seashells in concrete mimic the meeting of "surf and turf" in the ground plane, meanwhile boulder placement allows for organic seating for walkers, skate-borders and cyclists to enjoy throughout the day and night. All together this project not only provides the needed gather space in PB, but it offers a fun and quirky ode to San Diego’s nature and to the Pelican Brown.

Project Information

Project Address: 

West Grand Ave, along boardwalk in PB

Project Owner/ Developer: 

City of San Diego

Owner Contact Name/ Email: 

Jihad Sleiman / JSleiman@sandiego.gov

Project Architect/ Designer: 

Wimmer Yamada and Caughey, TJ Dixon

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