VNC Secretary Tima Bell, a Venice native proposes conceptual landmark for Washington Square at Oceanfront Walk Committee Meeting
By Nick Antonicello
At Monday’s May meeting of the Oceanfront Walk Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council (www.venicenc.org), board secretary Tima Bell announced with committee consent that he would investigate the feasibility of a publicly funded monument at Washington Square and the Venice Fishing Pier.
Bell made a brief presentation why he thought such a monument or landmark was appropriate, as he identified this particular location as the gateway to Venice Beach, as he fondly recalled his days growing up here in the neighborhood and that such a monument would enhance the overall esthetics of this entrance to the beach by cars, as well as bicycles, and other electric and motorized vehicles.
Bell indicated his work and findings will be at no charge and that if approved by the standing committee would be sent to the full VNC for approval.
The committee gave Bell the go ahead by a vote of 7-0.
Bell indicated this would be a publicly-funded project and that he will review all options for site selection and eventual placement and construction. Bell said once he has gathered all the necessary information, he will come back to the committee to make a more specific presentation for consideration.
Bell would then seek formal VNC approval and hopefully move ahead with placement and construction.
Committee members were excited by Bell’s announcement as all were in agreement Washington Square is in need of public investment and infrastructure, and the possibility of other improvements such as landscaping would also be considered as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics, marking the third time LA would host this 17-day international extravaganza.
The Oceanfront Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council is an all-volunteer standing committee co-chaired by Deborah Keaton and Nico Ruderman. Other board members are Noel Johnston, Colleen Saro, Mehrnoosh Mojallali, Mark Rago and Clark Brown.
According to his professional biography, Tima Bell was born in New York City and was raised in both Venice Beach, California and Peaks Island, Maine.
Bell brings a breadth of experience and leadership to Relativity Architects where he is a founding partner.
Bell studied at Rice University and the Southern California Institute for Architecture and his passion for art led him to the practice of architecture as a launching point to explore the three dimensional space within his own paintings.
In addition to his American studies, Tima has spent considerable time studying throughout Europe and completed a one year artist-in-residency in Israel. Since then, Bell has pursued the exploration of art and the built environment through his own practice of architecture and design. From straw-bale construction to various high-end hospitality projects and from motion picture studios to master plans, he is vigilant throughout the process to achieve balance between quality, style and efficiency.
Bell also served as an adjunct professor at Woodbury University and acts as a guest juror at several Los Angeles universities. As co-founding Principal of RA, Bell continues to explore the physicality of art and architecture through his work with RA.
He has received an AIA scholarship as well as two AIA Hospitality Design awards. Additionally, Bell is the recipient of both the Individual Boutique 18 Design Award and the Boutique 18 Design Restaurant Award.
Nick Antonicello is a thirty-one year resident of Venice who also serves as a member of the VNC’s OFW Committee. Have a take or a tip all things Venice? Contact him via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com
