Santa Monica’s pier turns 100

A century ago, work crews finished construction on the Santa Monica Pier.

Ben Frans-Knight, executive director of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation said other West Coast pleasure piers have fallen to the wrecking ball. He told KPCC’s Patt Morrison the one in Santa Monica survived because people there fought for its preservation in the 1970s
 
Ben Frans-Knight: “I think there’s many things that have been preserved and that’s been one of the core goals I think of the people of Santa Monica, and certainly pier restoration. You can still walk out over the waves, you can still fish on the pier, there’s still rides and amusements, and a carousel building that has been here since 1917, is still open to the public for all generations to come and ride the horses and experience the magic.”

The pier marks its 100th birthday Wednesday with a sunrise ceremony and fireworks after dark.