Event

Ray Bradbury Adopt-a-Colonnade Restoration Project

(Venice, CA)The Venice Historical Society has announced an ambitious restoration project that is getting a jump start from a famous former Venice resident -- author Ray Bradbury. The iconic science-fiction writer is providing the initial funding to help restore Venice's architectural icons -- the columns that form the colonnade along Pacific Avenue and Windward and Market Streets in the legendary beachside neighborhood.

"Ray loves Venice and wants to help restore it. He spent a good part of his life in Venice, sold his first story here when he was 21 years old and wrote several other books here, explains Jill Prestup, President of the Venice Historical Society. Although he no longer lives in Venice, his attachment to it is still strong, and that's why he wants to help restore the downtown area around the Venice Circle. He is asking others to join him and contribute funds to rebuild the individual columns that make up the colonnades.

In honor of the former Venetian and in appreciation for his initial support, The Venice Historical Society has named the project after Bradbury. Under the Ray Bradbury Adopt-a-Colonnade Restoration Project, individuals can adopt a single column or buy a share in a column. Either way the column will feature a plaque with a dedication to the contributors. Think of becoming a sponsor: Martian Chronicle Sponsor- $2500- plaque with sponsor name(s) on column they helped restore; Fahrenheit 451 Sponsor- $250- plaque on a rock wall located at Windward Circle; A Graveyard for Lunatics - other.

In addition to the seed money from Bradbury the Venice Historical Society is the recipient of a $10,000 beautification grant from the City of Los Angeles which will help get the project off to a running start. According to Mark Antonio Grant, special assistant to Bill Rosendahl on this project, This renovation would complete the Gateway to Venice where tourists from all over the world come to visit one of Los Angeles most popular destinations. Venice was founded in 1905 and to restore the historic colonnades along Windward and Pacific Avenues would be monumental.