The Port of Los Angeles has announced plans to invest $4 million in the Pacific Battleship Center’s Freedom of the Seas Park and Pavilion, which will rise next to the Battleship USS Iowa.

The project, approved by the Board of Harbor Commissioners through an amendment to the Battleship Iowa's lease, calls for the construction of an approximately 17,500-square-foot building which will house a multipurpose venue with space for up to 550 visitors.

The PavilionPacific Battleship Center

“Battleship IOWA has become an important part of the LA Waterfront and a destination that connects people with our maritime history, our veterans and the Harbor community,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka in a news release. “This $4 million investment will help the IOWA team build on its success and create another great place for people to gather, learn and experience the LA Waterfront.”

The overall $17-million project, which is also to include a new park with public art and gathering space, is being developed by the non-profit Pacific Battleship Center. The initial phase will include the pavilion building, and additional features will follow in a later phase.

Site plan for new green spaceSWA

SWA is designing the space, according to plans included with the project's environmental study. A project website estimates a 2027 completion date for the initial phase, with subsequent open spaces along the waterfront following between 2028 and 2030.

The project follows other recent efforts to build open space along the waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles, including a new promenade adjacent to the West Harbor development and multiple parks in Wilmington.

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