What is considered the Flats of Beverly Hills?

The Flats generally refers to the area between Santa Monica Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, from Doheny Drive on the east to Whittier Drive on the west.

Do lots get larger in the northern part of the Flats?

In general, yes. As you move north through the 500, 600, 700, and 800 blocks toward Sunset Boulevard, both the lots and the homes tend to become larger.

Why do buyers focus on the Flats of Beverly Hills?

Buyers are drawn to the Flats for its larger lots, broad streets, privacy, central location, and the fact that homes and parcels generally become larger as you move north through the neighborhood.

Santa Monica Pier: Bridging the Past to the Future

Growing up, the Santa Monica Pier wasn’t just a place, it was the place. It anchored every memory of summer, every firework show that painted the sky, and every late-night walk when the world felt simple. The smell of the ocean, the hum of the Penny Arcades, and the laughter echoing off the wooden boards, those weren’t just sounds, they were Santa Monica’s heartbeat.

Back in the early ’90s, the pier had its big comeback, new rides, new life, same soul. But for those of us who remember the fireworks shows of the ’70s and ’80s, when the city lit up the ocean late at night, the pier was already legendary.

It’s always been more than a landmark. It’s a time capsule one that stays timeless.

The History and Evolution of the Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier opened in 1909, originally as a utility pier for sewage outflow — not exactly the glamorous start you’d expect. But in 1916, an amusement park turned it into the beloved destination it remains today. Families, dreamers, and tourists have filled it ever since.

The bridge that connects Ocean Avenue to the pier was built in 1939. For 86 years it’s handled endless traffic, earthquakes, and salt air. Now, it’s finally time to give this gateway to the Pacific a well-deserved retirement.

Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement: Building for the Next Century

Now comes the biggest change yet: after decades of faithful service, the old access structure for the Santa Monica Pier bridge is finally being replaced. Built in 1939, the bridge has weathered some serious wear — concrete failure, exposed steel, and seismic risks now too big to ignore.

So here’s what’s happening: The City of Santa Monica, working with Shimmick Construction Co., is moving forward with a bold plan, a full replacement of the bridge, built for the next century of visitors, cyclists, and beachgoers.

Ahead of the main construction, utility relocation is already underway — electrical gear beneath the pier is being moved to keep services running smoothly. Next comes a temporary access ramp, so the pier stays open, followed by demolition of the old bridge and the rise of the new one.

This isn’t just a rebuild. It’s a bridge rethink, wider sidewalks, upgraded railings, modern lighting, full accessibility, and seismic resilience that meets 21st-century standards. A design that doesn’t copy the past, it builds on it.

And yes, the famous blue “Santa Monica Pier” sign isn’t going anywhere. It’ll be removed during construction, carefully restored, and then reinstalled, a preserved icon that will once again welcome visitors when the work is done.

Cost and Funding for the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Project

The total price tag for this project sits around $35 million, with $30 million covered by the Federal Highway Bridge Program. That’s not pocket change, but it’s an investment in keeping one of California’s most recognized landmarks safe and functional for decades to come.

Santa Monica Pier Construction Timeline: From Blueprints to Reality

Fall 2024: Early prep and utility relocation already underway.
Late 2025: Main construction officially begins, including the temporary access bridge.
Summer 2026 – 2027: Demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new structure progress side by side.
End of 2027: Project completion , months before the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games bring global attention to Southern California.

The new bridge will stretch 447 feet — about 50 feet shorter than the old one — but it’ll gain five extra feet in width, creating safer space for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles alike.

Santa Monica Pier and Farriswell. — Sant Monica Pier

Preserving the Spirit of the Santa Monica Pier

Change is inevitable, but what matters most is how it’s done. Santa Monica isn’t erasing its history — it’s protecting it. The upcoming project honors the past while preparing for the future, ensuring the Santa Monica Pier remains a living, breathing part of the city’s identity.

When the cranes are gone and the blue sign shines once again in 2027, the new bridge will stand as a symbol, not just of engineering, but of endurance.

Generations grew up on this pier. Generations more will too.

The Santa Monica Pier will always be something special, a place where time slows down and memories never fade. Whether you’re an adult reminiscing about childhood visits or a kid experiencing it for the first time, the magic is the same: the laughter, the lights, the ocean breeze, the thrill of that first ride on the Ferris wheel.

This is where memories are made, and where the story of Santa Monica continues.

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