City to Demolish Octagon Building

The octagon-shaped building next to the Redondo Beach Pier—also known as Parcel 10—will soon be no more, the city council decided Tuesday night.

The building, which has been empty for several years due to structural issues, was further damaged several weeks ago by strong winds in the area, according to Public Works Director Mike Witzansky.

"The wind event blew off panelings that structurally surrounded the Parcel 10 building for several years, exposing the interior of the upper floor of the building," Witzansky told the council. "It exposed a condition that we think is potentially a danger to the health (of visitors) … It is potentially unstable enough to fall over at any given time."

The council approved an emergency demolition of the building, which will cost the city an estimated $61,827. Witzansky said the Public Works Department will initiate work Wednesday, and that the building would probably be torn down within 10 days.

"We'll remove all the material (and) we'll do our best to get it down to a smooth grade surface, and it will remain a concrete foundation," Witzansky said. "Once we get the material out of there … we can look at how we can beautify the space."

In the meantime, the city has closed the ramp that circles the building from the Redondo Beach Pier to the International Boardwalk until the octagon building is torn down, according to a notice sent to neighbors.