April 7, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Venice Shorts: Local Architect Proposes Monument at Washington Square & the Pier

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

in Hard, News
Related Posts

BuildStrong is Leading the Effort to Rebuild the Pacific Palisades

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

The recent wildfires in the Pacific Palisades caused extensive property damage, leaving many residents unsure about how to move forward....

Marina del Rey Beachfront Building Blends Residential, Commercial Space for $12M

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

The listing highlights a 270-degree view spanning the Pacific Ocean, Venice Pier, and the Los Angeles skyline A four-story mixed-use...

Caltrans Explores Bus Lane Expansion on Lincoln Boulevard; Public Meeting Set for April

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

The corridor serves key destinations including Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, and Los Angeles International Airport Caltrans is conducting a...

(Video) Adorn Your Home With Plants and Pottery from Urban Jungle

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

Go To Urbanjungleplantsandpottery.com For More Info Go To https://t.co/wwFel8ysgG For More Info pic.twitter.com/6zwObF87bB — Yo! Venice! (@YoVenice) April 4, 2025

Former MTV Star Says Parents Forced to Sell Palisades Home Due to High Reconstruction Cost

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

The home had been a “cherished” family residence for 37 years  Former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt said his parents...

Three Teens Arrested in Santa Monica Armed Robbery

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

The group threatened to shoot if the victim didn’t hand over his phone Three teenagers were arrested after allegedly robbing...

Join UCLA’s Innovative Memory Research Study!

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

Are you ready to contribute to groundbreaking research and help shape the future of memory treatments? Do you sometimes find...

Coming Soon: Easter Extravaganza at Regent Santa Monica Beach

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

Book your Delectable Brunch, Easter Festivities This Easter, step into a world of celebration and refined delight at Regent Santa Monica Beach....

Suspect Still Outstanding in Westminster Dog Park Shooting

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

The Victim Has Been Described as a “Protector” Who “Got Shot Defending a Homegirl” Police continue to look for the...

THIS WEEKEND: Venice Fundraiser to Support Marine Mammal Care

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

The nonprofit rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured marine mammals along the Los Angeles coastline A fundraiser benefiting the Marine...

Mikomi Sushi Opens New Santa Monica Location

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

The new location continues Mikomi Sushi’s commitment to serving sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls Mikomi Sushi, a well-regarded sushi restaurant...

(Video) Palisades Art Gallery Owner on Relocating to Santa Monica

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Bruce Lurie Owned What Was The Only Fine Arts Space in Palisades. The Gallery Has Found a New Life in...

Venice Shorts: Local Resident Joins Trump Administration at HUD

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Conservative Community Activist Soledad Ursua Lands Senior Advisory Role at the Department of Housing & Urban Development By Nick Antonicello ...

Levain Bakery to Open Venice Location with Special Guests and Charitable Twist

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Bigger Than a Cookie: Levain’s Venice Opening Is a Flavorful Fundraiser Levain Bakery, the cult-favorite cookie destination founded in New...

Historic Beethoven Market Reopens as Community-Centric Restaurant

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Originally established in 1949, Beethoven Market was a grocery store serving the community for 75 years Beethoven Market, a longtime...