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Huntington Beach Civic Center Mural Photos |
Public Art with Eco-Themes
Huntington Beach, California
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When Seacliff Shopping Center across the street from the
Huntington Beach Civic Center on Yorktown and Main was
originally built, it contained eco-themes with stunning
bird murals and glass cases filled with educational
displays and information. While its use of expensive
tiles, woods and fountains was revolutionary for a
grocery store called Boys Market, and shopping mall
during that era (70's), declining rents and traffic
resulted in a tear-down and extreme makeover. But what
to do with the incredible murals valued at around
$1million?
Thanks to the likes of ecologists and those with a keen
eye for preserving collectible public art, individuals
such as former mayor Shirley Dettloff became involved in
saving the bird-themed murals, half a dozen or so. The
murals required tile restoration professionals to remove
them from the Seacliff Shopping Center and then reapply
them to the exterior walls of Huntington Beach's Civic
Center buildings--City Hall, Council Chambers and the
Police Department facilities building.
Sculpted "pelicans in flight" on sign posts that
enhanced the Seacliff Center were sold off to the
public, with several sets saved for the Civic Center.
This public art now serves as a reminder that Huntington
Beach includes a significant wetlands. It's a
Pacific flyway for migratory fowl that's proven to be
crucial in the survival of many birds who fly thousands
of miles annually from north to south. The Bolsa Chica
Ecological Reserve should not be missed by residents and
visitors.
But the tile artwork is another attraction worth
viewing. In addition to the murals at Civic Center
Plaza, you'll discover a large sculpture at this unique,
open plaza. The public can park free and view the murals
daily. The murals are located at 2000 Main Street,
Huntington Beach, California.
Where should you stay when visiting
Huntington Beach, CA?
Huntington
Beach Hotels
include not one but two Best Western hotels. The
Best Western
Huntington Beach Inn is located at
800 Pacific Coast Highway. Just a few blocks from downtown's Main
Street, and the Huntington Beach Pier, this hotel features some view
rooms. It used to be the closest to the Huntington Beach Pier but was
knocked out of first position by
Shorebreak Hotel at 500 PCH. The new hotel was
built by CIM as part of its "The Strand" development. It is operated by
the boutique hotel property management firm, Joie de Vivre based in San
Francisco.
Best Western Regency Inn at 19360 Beach Boulevard is the other BW in HB. It
features a Beach Boulevard location approx. 3 miles from the beach.
Comfort Suites
(16301 Beach Blvd.)
is freeway close on Beach Blvd. near Edinger Ave., while
Extended Stay Huntington Beach at
5050 Skylab West Circle is ideal for those staying on the north end of
the city near Boeing. It is freeway close, too, and accesses the Garden
Grove Freeway quite quickly.
Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort at 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy is a luxury beach
resort with elegant, beach-casual accommodations and pride of ownership,
ranking in the four diamond category. It's neighbor,
Hyatt Regency is also a resort featuring location, amenities,
and meeting space. For affordability, select one of the hotel properties
such as
Howard Johnson Inn
on 17251 Beach Blvd.
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