It took three men and a single 60-passenger vessel to spark a lifetime of journeys with the Catalina Express. It was a simple need, really, to have quick and reliable transportation to and from the Island on a regular basis.
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Now, 30 years later, the journey continues as the founders of the company step into a new chapter and a new home.
Greg Bombard, president of the Catalina Express, knew the San Pedro terminal needed a change. After years of brainstorming and planning, Bombard decided to relocate to the adjacent building that was the original seaplane hangar. Where the Grumman Goose landed and dispatched regularly to the Island, is now the inviting location of the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal.
The new terminal, which began construction in mid-February, has a cool “urban buzz” with a style of its own, said architect Ed Quental of Watermark Development.
Catalina-bound passengers enter the new terminal through a towering entryway surrounded by Phoenix palm trees, and continue to the Spanish mission-style building that has a refreshing contemporary twist. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting, which was an important goal for Bombard.
Bombard said the biggest challenge with the former terminal was that passengers were confined to a closed-off building with no real views of the outside marina from inside the old terminal. “There were no windows, no one ever saw anything. You missed the experience,” said Bombard.
After three decades of service, he said the former terminal will be torn down within a month to make way for the expansion of China Shipping.
The surrounding area of the new terminal has been improved as well, with improved and expanded parking and landscaping.
The entire port area has been improved and is more visitor-friendly, including a full walking path from the Catalina Express terminal, to the cruise ship terminal, and to the battleship Iowa.
Both terminal buildings were built in 1966. The larger building was used to accommodate the SS Catalina and other smaller vessels serving the Island, according to Elaine Vaughan, Catalina Express vice president.
While the old terminal was a very large 25,000 square feet, the new terminal has a current footprint of 7,500 square feet with adjacent outdoor land of 18,000 square feet.
“This is a big change from the 25,000 square feet of all indoor space from which we have been operating,” said Vaughan. “We are taking advantage of the new outdoor space with its wide open view of the harbor to present a relaxing and peaceful option to passengers compared to the waiting area inside of the old terminal.”
Passengers will now have access to expanded services in the waiting area of the terminal. The plaza-style outdoor area is fully equipped with seating and tables, a putting-green, and bocce-ball courts.
Framing the whole experience is a majestic view of the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the channel. To the south, a view of the USS Iowa battleship (a short walk from the new terminal) and on a clear day – a view of Catalina Island in the distance. It’s an experience that both islanders and visitors will enjoy.
The helicopters serving the Island have a permanent heliport and an integrated gate system, also adjacent to the terminal. This combination of air and sea transportation in combination is historic to the Island, so the re-use of the hangar and establishment of the “Catalina Air and Sea Terminal” is fitting.
Also new to the terminal is the Express Grille and Catalina Bistro, something that was not envisioned in the original terminal. The new dining venues are set up to be stand-alone dining destinations for the area, and Bombard said that he hopes to inspire people who dine at the terminal to also visit Catalina. Express Grille, led by Chef Laurel Lyman, serves a full breakfast, steaks, and other cuisines. Bombard said people who wish to dine have access to waiter service, but there will also be an outside access window of the Grille for those in a rush.
In addition to the Express Grille, Catalina Bistro is an enchanting glass-window beer and wine bar inside the terminal that provides passengers with full service and flat screen TVs. Bombard said he intended the glass walls to provide sunlight throughout the building and to give passengers an easy peak at the TV screens inside.
Gary Miltimore, Catalina’s renowned artist, supplied custom artwork that is featured in the lounge, as well as in the background of the ticketing area. His pieces add to the regal style of high-ceilings and black old-fashioned chandeliers in the ticketing area.
Quental said he and Bombard wanted to create a beautiful yet comforting place – a goal that has easily been achieved in the new terminal.
“We want it to be inviting so people can come relax in shorts and flip flops,” said Quental. “Greg (Bombard) is intuitive about what’s the right thing to do. He knows his customers and he can deliver more to them now.”
According to Vaughan, it took over nine years of planning to get the ball rolling. About $2.8 million was invested in this expansion project and about $800,000 came from the Port of Los Angeles. Vaughan said the Port was able to contribute in parking enhancement and waterfront infrastructure, the piling/pier foundation that supports the Catalina Express docks and floats.
Bombard and Vaughan expect to boost business and hopefully make the terminal a local attraction.
“The amenities of this port will boost the reputation of the long time Catalina seaport here in San Pedro,” Vaughan said. “The new, upgraded, modern facility with all of its outdoor charm and its refined food service should impress and bring business to the area. It’s a relief to know that we have a stable position on a deep water harbor for the next 25 years. I look forward to working to establish this port in the community and to present the enhanced passenger experience that we built here.”
The Catalina Express last year celebrated its 30th Anniversary, with a very popular regional promotion which provides free round-trip transportation to Catalina Island on the passenger’s birthday. More information about the Catalina Express, the free birthday trip promotion, fares, schedules and other promotions can be found on the Catalina Express website, www.catalinaexpress.com or by calling 800-481-3470.
