Construction is expected to begin soon on ILWU Local 13’s new dispatch hall now that the entitlement and permitting process for the new building is complete. The new 32,565 square-foot hall will be a state-of-the-art “green” building and will achieve the LEED Gold standard, the second highest environmental rating available. The rating is achieved by utilizing environmentally friendly building materials and incorporating energy efficient elements into the building so that it uses less energy and water and minimizes the structure’s carbon foot print.
The construction is being paid for by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) on land leased from the Port of Los Angeles. The new dispatch hall will be at 1500 E. Anaheim Street in Wilmington, only a half-mile east of the existing hall.
“The Joint Port Labor Relations Committee and the Los Angeles Harbor Department have finalize the agreement and are now initiating the construction phase of the new dispatch hall,” said Local 13 President Joe Cortez. “This is a state-of-the- art Gold LEEDS building. This is not only a triumph for Local 13, but for the Harbor Area Community.”
Cortez noted that the new hall will be able to accommodate 2,962 people, (2,307 on the dispatch floor) which is four times the capacity of the current hall. The new hall will include construction of an on-site parking lot (812 spaces) with outdoor lighting, which would be enclosed by a 6-foot metal fence and parking lot entrances secured by 6 foot-high rolling gates.
“The new hall will have the most up to date technologies for dispatching jobs,” Cortez said. “This will create a more expedient and efficient method of dispatching jobs.” He added that the space will also be used for monthly membership meetings. The new hall is expected to open at the end of 2013.