Assessment Phase Begins to Restore Chain Reaction

On April 1st, the long-awaited launch of the assessment of Chain Reaction, Santa Monica's landmarked art piece will begin. The assessment is needed to determine the integrity of the interior structure and the scope of work required to restore it. Chain Reaction has a structural steel interior frame, a fiberglass shell and copper chains on the exterior of the artwork which are in various conditions. The fiberglass shell will also be tested for strength. Due to the unique shape, a conservator and a structural engineer will examine the sculpture to design scaffolding which will provide the necessary access to conduct the assessment. After the assessment, recommendations will be made to the Landmarks Commission for the restoration. The scaffolding is scheduled to remain in place throughout the assessment and until the repair work is complete.

Chain Reaction, designed by American editorial cartoonist Paul Conrad, was installed on Main Street in 1991 and designated a landmark July 9, 2012 by the Santa Monica Landmarks Commission. For more information about Chain Reaction or for updates on the progress of the restoration project, visit the Architecture Services Division page of smgov.net.