Redondo Beach’s Iconic King Harbor Breakwater Undergoes $6.8 Million Revamp

When you walk along Redondo Beach’s Moonstone Park and stare out at the long concrete wall that hugs King Harbor, you’re looking at one of Southern California’s biggest breakwaters. Built in stages starting back in 1937, it’s been the harbor’s first line of defense for nearly a century.

This summer, that wall is getting a serious facelift. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working with local contractors Connolly‑Pacific, broke ground on a $6.8 million repair project in late June. The job is slated to run through mid‑November, with crews moving barges and cranes along the shoreline as they restore the battered sections.

What exactly are they fixing? Years of pounding waves have worn away the “rubble‑mound” structure—those big, jagged armor stones that sit on the seafloor and absorb wave energy. Recent annual inspections showed the damage was not just lingering, but actually accelerating, prompting engineers to act before any localized breach could occur.

Connolly‑Pacific’s crews are using a water‑based crane to lift the old stones, set them back where they belong, and drop in brand‑new armor blocks that weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 tons. Roughly 8,000 tons of fresh stone, hauled in from Catalina Island, are being placed on the harbor side of the wall. The aim? Bring the breakwater back to its designed height, width, and slope so it can keep doing its job—shielding the marina, the waterfront restaurants, and the countless boats that call King Harbor home.

“The structure is incredibly robust,” said Blake Horita, the project manager for the Corps’ Los Angeles District. “It’s one of the largest in the region, with a crest height of about 20 feet.” He was quick to add that while the breakwater is far from a magic barrier that stops every swell, it remains essential for protecting harbor infrastructure.

Historically, the breakwater has seen its share of drama. The infamous storm of January 1988 slammed 25‑foot waves over the wall, carving out holes and causing over $16 million in damage. That event pushed engineers to over‑build the barrier, which is why today it can weather most winter swells. The last major overhaul before this current work took place in 1999, so the $6.8 M effort marks the first big repair in nearly three decades.

Construction is being staged at Mole B, which means a few parking spots near Moonstone Park are temporarily out of service. City officials have tried to keep the park open and even allowed the Lanakila Outrigger Club to keep its lessons running. Boaters are being asked to stay clear of the barge’s anchor wires and to navigate the area with extra caution.

When it’s all said and done, the repaired breakwater will once again sit proudly at its intended dimensions, ready to deflect the Pacific’s relentless push. Until then, locals can watch the massive stones being lowered onto the water and appreciate the hidden labor that keeps their harbor safe.