Municipal Gym Restoration
Opened in 1935 as the Palace of Electricity and Varied Industries
In 2021 the public discovered a whole new pedestrian zone in the Pan-American Plaza, as thousands came to the Municipal Gym for the first COVID vaccinations.
History-minded observers took inspiration from the fact that the Palisades area was again a place of hope and action during a time of widespread fear -- because these were the elements attending the creation of the Palisades buildings in the first place.
Looking beyond the prevailing fears of economic Depression, San Diegans in 1934 launched a seven-month marathon of design, construction, and promotion to create a two-year nationwide hospitality campaign:
the California-Pacific International Exposition of 1935-36.
Built with a spirit of hope and action, these buildings
carry the message of persistence and optimism to us today.
Vintage Images
Postcard:
Palace of Electricity and Varied Industries
H.O. Davis:
Director of Works and General Supervisor
Relief-sculpture Mural and Marquee Ornamentation
Architect's rendering
Maquette: Relief sculpture mural
Architect's rendering
Planning for Restoration
Current Activity
View from the top:
Steel truss holds up the marquee
Mayor Todd Gloria
hails the new paint job in historic color
1935 entry floor:
Painted concrete is due for cleanup
Bucket of Paint Club: online donors bought paint and City crews applied it
Open for inspection: C100 team looks at the bearing capability of the marquee
Ornament panel of cast GFRC:
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete