Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-06-10
WILL CONSTRUCT
!. PLAZA AT VENICE
GARDEN TO COST $4,000 TO
BE BUILT ON PIER
TO BE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR
ELKs' REUNION
Abbot Kinney Company Plans EIab-
crate Amusement Resort at Sea-
port-ModeIed After PhiIa-
deIphla Structure

The construction of a mammoth $780,
900 plaza and garden. to be modelled
after the famous continental gardens
of Philadelphia, in the space between
the auditorium and the dancing pa
vilion opposite the ship cafe, near the
Venice pier, was announced last night
by DR.. Charles S. Bentley, secretary of
the Abbot Kinney company of Venice.
The contract for the building of the
plaza was awarded yesterday to the
Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific company,
and the contract stipulates that the
work must be completed by July Il,
so that 1t will be thrown open to the
public when the Elks visit Venice.
July Is.
To accomplish this great construction
feat in such short space of time will
require herculean efforts on the part
of the contractors, and Sharles w.
Corbaley, general manager Of the At
lantic, Gulf and Pacific company, an
nounced that 400 men will begin the
work this morning.
When completed this plaza will be
the greatest scenic attraction in Ven
ice, as no money will be spared in pro-
ducing the most artistic and beautiful
effects. The space between the audi
forum and the dancing pavilion is 240
by It's feet, and huge piles will be sunk
in the ocean and the plaza will be
raised to the level of the pier
Venetian Style to Prevail
In the center of the plaza will be a
large band stand constructed in Vene-
tan style. All the architectural designs
will follow the usual Venetian lines.
Seats will be provided for the accom-
mediation of 5000 persons, and the space
will be set off in circles and squares
filed with palms, hanging baskets,
plants and flowers of all kinds.
Poles will be erected on the edges
of the plaza at short intervals, from
which flags will fly. Near the band
stand will be a beautiful electrical
fountain which will play at night and
which will be dotted with vari-colored
electric lights.
When completed the plaza will have
the appearance of mammoth SHE'LL
with the opening facing and on the
pier, although smaller entrances will
be on every side. At the entrance from
the pier will be erected high steel
arches, which will be graduated In
height, tapering toward the rear. These
arches will support 5000 lights, and
when illuminated will produce the
shell-like appearance. The lights will
be vari-colored and controlled by a
SWITCH, SO Ifdl COlOT SlleCLS
can he produced by simply manipulate
ing the switch.
To Drive Three Hundred Piles
1t is estimated that it will take
nearly two weeks to drive the 300 piles
necessary to support the structure, and
the piledrivers will be set in position
today. The piles, which will come from
San Pedro and San Francisco, will not
arrive for several DAVIS
These piles will be encased in cement
to prevent destruction by parasites.
The floor of the structure will be laid
on these piles, which will be level with
the rest of the pier. A promenade will
extend around the entire structure.
There will be no covering except the
steel arches. which are for the scenic
effect that will be produced when the
colored lights are turned on
The visiting Elks who will attend the
convention in Los Angeles and will
pass a day at Venice will have the first
opportunity of entering the garden.
which, when completed will be one of
the most novel and picturesque in the
world.