CLEAR LAKE – Clear Lake continues to build and thrive off it’s tourist-friendly foundation, as the community this week is now home to the Surf District Arch, showing the way toward their historic area of town.
“Today, crews are installing the new Surf District Arch — a major milestone in the Surf District Streetscape Project,” city hall said Thursday. “The arch will serve as a welcoming gateway to one of Clear Lake’s most iconic areas, celebrating the district’s unique history and energy.
“While the structure is now being placed, it will be painted and receive its finishing touches next spring as the project continues to take shape.”
City hall thanked citizens for their “patience as work continues in the Surf District” and promises a “completed look and the new life it brings to this vibrant part of our community.”
The Surf District includes the Surf Ballroom, where rock ‘n’ roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson had their last show. It also includes the Surf Music Experience Center, located next door to the legendary ballroom. The 10,000-square foot Surf MEC will function as a visitors center for the Surf District, with exhibits of never-before-seen artifacts related to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and the groundbreaking fully-immersive experience, Not Fade Away. Back in 2011, NIT reported that Clear Lake immortalized its place in rock’ n roll history in stainless steel, concrete and blue neon lights the city dedicated the new Three Stars Plaza near the Surf Ballroom. Also imminent is a proposed hotel project (the Oaks Hotel) in the Surf District that appears poised to move forward, as NIT reported in August. The construction site is generally located at 10 Allens Aly, near the Surf Ballroom.
(TOP PHOTO of arch via Clear Lake city hall.)