The Miramar Santa Monica transforms a storied legacy

Santa Monica, CA, USA

When the Miramar Hotel originally opened in 1920, guests were drawn to its breathtaking gardens and open spaces. In the years since, these gardens and public spaces became greatly restricted, with building additions and tall walls surrounding the property. The new Miramar Santa Monica restores the property’s original estate garden and enhances its offerings to ensure this iconic destination remains a beloved part of Southern California’s coastal community. 

The existing site.
14,000
square feet of publicly accessible open space

Preserving a beloved institution

The contemporary design celebrates two local Landmarks, the historic Palisades Building and the spectacular Moreton Bay Fig Tree. These Landmarks became driving forces behind a design that celebrates Miramar Santa Monica's dramatic ocean views. The design also preserves the popular Bungalow and FIG Restaurants which will both return in new and improved locations.

The existing Palisades Building.

Designed to serve international travelers and the community 

The new hotel will include 301 updated guest rooms, up to sixty market-rate condominiums, and the adjacent development of a 100 percent affordable housing building. Working in harmony with the local community, the balance and overall design allows over 50 percent of the site as open space while adding much needed housing density to Southern California’s coastal community. An expanded events space will further serve business and social groups as well as the larger community. 

Leading a more sustainable future

The site’s innovative design, which will pursue LEED Platinum certification, integrates forward-looking technology with traditional approaches to harness the restorative powers of nature and provide deep connection with the outdoors. By employing modern and efficient systems, the new hotel will create 15 percent reduction in energy usage and 20 percent reduction in water usage.

“The Miramar hotel has been a beloved part of the Santa Monica community for nearly 100 years. This new plan allows us to honor the hotel’s past while moving it towards the future.” — Ellis O’Connor, BDT & MSD Partners

More About the Project

Project Collaborators

  • Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
  • MEP: Syska Hennessy Group
  • Landscape Architect: Gustafson Guthrie Nichol
  • Environmental Design: Zinner Consultants

Project Information

  • Location: Santa Monica, CA, USA
  • Client: BDT & MSD Partners
  • Size: 500,000 sq. ft. / 46,000 sq. m.
  • Height: 130 ft. / 40m.
  • Firm Role: Design Architect
  • Certification: LEED Platinum Targeted
  • Renderings: ATCHAIN

Related Projects