Developers of West Harbor, San Pedro’s long-awaited waterfront development, announced another addition this week to the partnership they said will move the 42-acre attraction forward more quickly.
Carrix, one of the world’s largest independent marine and intermodal terminal operators, has formed a partnership with San Pedro developer Jerico Development and acquired a “significant equity position” in the waterfront development currently under construction, West Harbor developers announced on Wednesday, June 4. Carrix is the parent company of SSA Marine, operating multiple terminals in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
“They decided to make investment in the San Pedro community because they liked what we were doing,” said Eric Johnson, senior project executive for West Harbor.
No dollar amount was provided for the latest boost, but in February, the development announced a new round of refinancing, called a recapitalization, that would provide $61.5 million for West Harbor, the $500 million project that’s replacing the former, 1960s-era Ports O’ Call Village. The new development stretches about a mile along the port’s Main Channel, from just south of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum near Sixth Street and Harbor Boulevard. A promenade provides pedestrian space right up against the water’s edge.
Carrix is a leading operator of container, conventional cargo, and cruise terminals across the Americas and Vietnam.
Specifics of how the latest addition will be applied have yet to be hammered out, Johnson said, but “another seasoned invested partner provides the ability to accelerate” the efforts that currently aim to have soft openings by the end of 2025 and a grand opening in the first or second quarter of 2026.
The development is 80% leased.
“This will accelerate most everything we do,” Eric Johnson said, “and will allow us to do things bigger and better on the water side.”
His brother, Alan Johnson of Jerico Development, said the latest investment allows them to “keep things going.”
While tenant spaces are being readied for occupancy, the process has taken longer than many had hoped.
And one early signed tenant, Bark Social, an East Coast-based membership off-leash dog park, abruptly went out of business in November.
West Harbor is talking to other similar tenants to replace them but remain committed to making West Harbor “family and dog friendly” either way.
Including the first satellite location of Hollywood’s Yamashiro, tenants include the first California location for the experiential art gallery Hopscotch; and new locations for Mike Hess Brewing, Poppy + Rose, King and Queen Cantina, and Mario’s Neighborhood Butcher Shop and Delicatessen.
Besides Harbor Breeze Cruises, the Los Angeles Maritime Institute, with its historic tall ships, will be regular tenants. Guest docks are included in the build out, where private vessels can tie up and come ashore for visits.
The San Pedro Fish Market has signed a 49-year lease to be a major part of the new development mix. The family-owned San Pedro business is already operating from a temporary spot on the location. A new building is being constructed to house the popular gathering spot, formerly part of Ports O’ Call, that has long brought visitors from miles around to experience a part of the port and fishing town’s deep roots.
An amusement area near the restaurant will include a carousel and a Ferris wheel — up to 175 feet tall — that will provide views of the port’s Main Channel, and the World War II Battleship USS Iowa.
A pickle-ball space will round out some of the outdoor areas in the more northern section of West Harbor.
The second building, now framed, should be finished in August, and the Fish Market’s permanent space could be ready as early as late 2026.
If an amphitheater gets the final go-ahead — among concerns being address are parking, traffic, noise and plans for fireworks — work on that element will begin as soon as possible, Eric Johnson said. Nederlander Concerts will be a partner in the 6,200-seat outdoor venue.
West Harbor, located along the main channel of the port, is designed to offer a mix of restaurants, retail and entertainment, including a mile-long promenade, the outdoor waterfront amphitheater, waterside recreational attractions, and commercial vessel docks and piers.
“We see this as a pivotal development for San Pedro and the region,” Stefano Borzone, president of Carrix’s cruise division, said in a written comment provided in a release by the developers. “It aligns with our approach to long-term, community-focused investment and reflects our belief in the potential of the LA Waterfront.”
West Harbor welcomes the partnership, the developers said.
“Carrix’s capital investment strengthens our ability to deliver and enhance the quality of West Harbor’s built environment and guest experience—anchored by a unique, authentic, and fun collection of attractions,” Eric Johnson said, “helping to ensure the long-term success of West Harbor as a community-centered waterfront.”
Jerico will retain a controlling interest in the project, ensuring continuity of the West Harbor vision and maintaining its deep commitment to the local community throughout the completion and operation of the project.