Battleship USS Iowa, Image Credits: Dawn Endico

One would never expect a bond between the mighty USS Iowa—one of America’s most powerful battleships—and the delicate beauty of hibiscus and bougainvillea. But that connection is real and it runs deeper than most people realize.

It actually started over 40 years ago at Cal Poly. In 1986 when Courtland Studio LLC founder Paul Lewis was a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Joe Vertrees was a student at Cal Poly Pomona they served together as co-chairs of the student committee for Cal Poly’s 1987 Rose Parade float, “Breaking the Ice.” One of the highlights of an intense, unforgettable week of floral decorating came when the Captain of the soon-to-be-commissioned fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena visited the Cal Poly students and christened their float right before move-out to the Parade route. That moment still brings a smile to those who attended.

 

Hibiscus, Image Credits: Getty Images

Bougainvillea, Image Credits: Sóc Năng Động on Pexels

Fast forward four decades. Joe and Paul have stayed in touch and collaborated professionally several times through the years. Most recently, Courtland Studio was honored when Joe asked us to join the design team for the new Freedom of the Seas Pavilion and Visitor Center at the Battleship USS Iowa in San Pedro.

The Lewis and Vertrees families have Navy ties. Paul’s father served in the Navy during the Korean War and Joe’s grandfather and uncles served in the Navy during World War II. Their stories of service have always been part of their family identities.

As the lead architect and engineer, Joe and his firm Vertrees A&E brought their signature expertise and thoughtful approach to this special waterfront project. Their design creates a welcoming, functional space that honors the ship’s legacy while serving veterans, students, and the community for years to come.

Paul Lewis, CDR Will Fritchman Captain of USS Pasadena, Joe Vertrees at the christening of the 1987 Cal Poly Rose Parade float “Breaking the Ice”

For the landscape, Courtland Studio LLC developed a planting palette that tells part of the USS Iowa’s story. Hibiscus and bougainvillea—vibrant plants native to the Pacific islands where the USS Iowa saw its first action in World War II—were chosen to frame the pavilion. These bold yet graceful plants provide color, screening, and a living reminder of the ship’s early service in the Pacific Theater. They bring life and beauty to a site defined by strength and history.

The Courtland Studio LLC staff has enjoyed working with Joe again. His deep experience in architectural and engineering design—especially on complex industrial, transportation, and community projects—made him the perfect partner for this meaningful endeavor.

Projects like the Freedom of the Seas Pavilion remind us why we love what we do: bringing together history, community, and thoughtful design to create spaces that matter.