Terminal Island Memorial

The design concept started with the recognition that the new memorial site was placed adjacent to the original Terminal Island community site, that being the area near Cannery Street and Terminal Way. A viewing gate became the means by which the memorial would be “linked” to the original site.

What started as merely a statue memorial, we felt that cultural identification would be better achieved if traditional Japanese elements were incorporated into the design. The viewing gate is a toni, which frames a view of the original community site. The viewing gate was incorporated with a metaphorical “bridge” element which linked the former site with the now displaced memorial site. This curved bridge element contains photographs of former Terminal Island community life, etched onto granite plaques.

As the observer approaches the memorial, a formal rock garden serves as an entry. From either side, a ramp takes the observer to an elevated viewing platform from which Fish Harbor becomes more easily visible. This elevated viewing platform contains seating areas, and serves as a place for contemplation.

The key component for the gateway is the figurative sculpture of Terminal Island fishermen. Life-size figures serve as a visual link for the past fishing community and the present-day condition of the original site. A lost community of Japanese fishermen is depicted in the actions of the two figures. One figure is standing, showing the action and strength of the fishermen, and the other is looking out at his home across the harbor, contemplating his location while at the same time inviting the viewer to observe what has become of the once lively community of Terminal Island.

A panoramic view of the former harbor and community site prior to being destroyed is captured between layers of glass at the northern corner of the memorial. From this location, the observer is able to view the once thriving Japanese fishing community which was destroyed after the outbreak of World War II.

We envision this memorial to be an informative experience for those visitors that are unaware of the life which used to exist at Terminal Island. A person who visits this memorial will hopefully take with them an important piece of history for Southern California. But more importantly, this memorial will serve as a lasting tribute for those surviving Terminal Island member and their families.

Gruen Associates design concept.

Michael Enomoto, Partner-in-Charge

Craig Biggi, Designer