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Laguna Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Laguna Beach Begins Construction on Permanent Pedestrian Plaza
The Promenade on Forest Avenue, created during the pandemic, will become a permanent fixture in the downtown area.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Construction has begun on the permanent conversion of Lower Forest Avenue in downtown Laguna Beach into a pedestrian plaza. The Promenade on Forest, created in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to boost the local business community, will now become a permanent fixture in the area, with plans for landscaping improvements, designated spaces for seating and performances, and widened walkways along storefronts.
Why it matters
The pedestrian plaza is expected to provide a boost to local businesses and create a more walkable, community-focused downtown area in Laguna Beach. However, the project faced some opposition from community groups concerned about its fit with the character of the area and potential impacts like the loss of parking spaces.
The details
The $5.5 million construction project will remove the existing curb and gutter and install linear trench drains. Landscape improvements will include new gardens, shrubs, vines, flowering plants, and trees. The plan also includes designated areas for public seating, dining, and performances, as well as widened walkways along storefronts. The construction is expected to be completed by June 2026.
- Construction began this week on the permanent pedestrian plaza.
- The Promenade on Forest was created in June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Coastal Commission approved the permanent conversion in a hearing on August 15, 2026.
- The City Council awarded the $5.5 million construction contract on January 13, 2026.
- The construction is expected to be completed by June 2026.
The players
Village Laguna
A community group that appealed the project to the Coastal Commission, raising concerns about its fit with the character of the area and potential impacts like the loss of parking spaces.
Friends of Forest Avenue
Another community group that appealed the project to the Coastal Commission, also raising concerns about the project's impact on the character of the area and potential flooding risks.
Superb Engineering
The construction company awarded the $5.5 million contract to carry out the permanent conversion of Lower Forest Avenue into a pedestrian plaza.
What’s next
The construction is expected to be completed by June 2026, at which point the permanent pedestrian plaza on Lower Forest Avenue will be open to the public.
The takeaway
The permanent conversion of Lower Forest Avenue into a pedestrian plaza is expected to provide a boost to local businesses and create a more walkable, community-focused downtown area in Laguna Beach, despite some initial opposition from community groups concerned about the project's impact on the character of the area.
