Huntington Beach Civic Center Mural Photos |
Public Art with Eco-Themes
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.
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