Video: Demolition of Main Beach Lifeguard Headquarters Begins

It was billed as a groundbreaking ceremony, but it was more like a rail-splitting, as a backhoe pulled down a steel barrier off the roof of the Main Beach lifeguard headquarters Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by the sound of many hands clapping.

The event marked the beginning of the building's tear-down and eventual reconstruction, which is scheduled to be completed in January, 2014.

Which is why all those ugly trailers are on Main Beach right now—they're serving as temporary lifeguard digs, as well as public restrooms and storage for assorted electronic systems.

"Main Beach certainly doesn’t look as grand as it usually does," said Mayor Jane Egly right before the backhoe operator began his handiwork, "but it certainly is going to in a few months."

Laguna Beach Lifeguard Chief Kevin Snow echoed Egly.

"Were asking the public to bear with us and realize that these functions are very important to continue the essential services we provide at Main Beach."

Built 30 years ago with volunteer labor, the old lifeguard station had become cramped and outdated. The new 6,722-square-foot building will be eco-friendly, with solar panels and solar-powered water heaters, as well as a green roof that will be topped with succulent plants.

Public restrooms will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the bluff it abuts will be restored, and a new path leading up to Heisler Park will also be built.

The city is spending $5.6 million on the project, with $4.3 million of that going to Riverside-based Stronghold Engineering.