In a rare move, the City of Malibu has approved plans to redevelop the site of a defunct car wash next to "Billionaire's Beach," with a hotel.
The project, named the Sea View Hotel, is backed by applicant Norm Haynie, who has sought to build on the property at 22729-22741 Pacific Coast Highway since at least 2016. The approved plan would permit the construction of a 39-room boutique inn, along with a spa, a ground-floor restaurant, and parking for 91 vehicles.
Aerial view of the proposed Sea View Hotel looking southwestLuis Tena
Designed by architect Luis Tena, the Sea View Hotel would require the construction of a new three-story edifice featuring 17 guest rooms. The remainder of the planned rooms would be located in a repurposed office building to the north.
The proposed hotel adapts to the sloping topography of the project site with stepped building heights that create a terrace effect (and balconies for each guest room). Plans also call for a communal roof deck above the upper building.
View of the proposed Sea View Hotel looking east from PCHLuis Tena
Construction is expected to occur over a roughly 18-month period.
The Malibu Times, describing the Sea View as a "rare success for a developer in Malibu," reports that the deciding factor for the project was the inclusion of a 20-inch check valve that would increase water supply into the city during emergencies. Nonetheless, Haynie expressed discouragement at other conditions placed on the hotel, including a limit on larger gatherings which the developer indicated may kill interest from potential operators.
Elsewhere in Malibu, other hotels are also returning to action following a pandemic-induced lull.
The owners of the Native Hotel in Point Dume recently announced a partnership with Proper Hospitality, which will rebrand the property as the Hotel June Malibu. Another Hotel June location opened last year just north of Los Angeles International Airport in Westchester.
