Oceanfront Opulence
DISCOVER THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CONSERVATORY AT HOTEL CASA DEL MAR, WHERE HISTORIC CHARM MEETS MODERN LUXURY
By Sophia Lowe | Photos by Lisa Romerein
The nearly 100-year legacy of Hotel Casa del Mar epitomizes the lavish lifestyle of California's Gold Coast era. Originating in 1926 as a high-profile beach club, the now historic landmark encapsulates the opulence and allure of early 20th-century Southern California.
Perched on Santa Monica's shores, Hotel Casa del Mar began as "Club Casa del Mar," realizing Jack Harter and Tilford “Till” Harter's dream of establishing a premier resort. Esteemed architect Charles F. Plummer brought their vision to life, embedding Mediterranean Revival-style aesthetics into the grand design. Costing nearly $2 million at the time (equivalent to over $29 million today), the resort quickly emerged as a nexus of luxury, attracting celebrities and high-profile guests, including Clark Gable and Greta Garbo.
CLUB CASA DEL MAR, 1920s
Hotel Casa del Mar has witnessed the ebb and flow of fortune throughout its evolution. The resort thrived as a hub of leisure and illicit activities during the Prohibition era. But its popularity waned post-World War II, leading to the resort’s closure in the early 1960s. It wasn't until the Edward Thomas Hospitality Corporation acquired the building, and invested $50 million into its restoration, that the luxurious Hotel Casa del Mar we know today, was reborn in 1999.
The latest chapter in Casa del Mar's history features the transformation of The Conservatory. The newest event and meeting venue in LA’s Westside was designed by Jim Smith of Serving the Nation and Erik Peterson of PHX Architecture, an award-winning firm in Beverly Hills. Situated to provide captivating ocean views with two-story glass enveloped on three sides, this 1,750-square-foot space can adapt to various events, is completely private and can accommodate up to 120 guests. Erik, founder and President of PHX Architecture, shared insights into the design process, which aimed to seamlessly blend the property’s historic elegance with modern sophistication.
THE CONSERVATORY, A REDESIGNED MEETING AND EVENT VENUE ON LA'S WESTSIDE
"Our vision was to refresh the room by removing a tired restaurant concept with a new flexible space focused on the best 'room with a view' in Santa Monica," he said. This approach preserved historical elements while integrating modern touches.
"Anything modern, such as lighting and shades and A/V equipment, is all hidden and seamlessly blends into the background, keeping the historical framework of the space front and center," Peterson added. “The room is booked solid now and is getting rave reviews, so that alone is a testament to our vision.”
The large frameless glass wall that divides the space from the main lobby lounge has an elegant automated tinting feature, guests are often surprised at the ease in which it creates privacy when needed.
The transformation of Casa del Mar’s Conservatory involved key collaborations.
"Renowned interior designer, Michael Smith designed the lobby lounge and Terrazza Restaurant, and so we intended to play off of those special designs and be an added value to the space – not as contrast, but as something partnering with it,” Peterson said.
“The hotel is known for its high level of design sensitivity and using branded, award-winning designers is part of their success in creating amazing venues for discriminating clientele.” Addressing the challenges and innovations of the project, Peterson remarked, "It is our first project on the beach, offering an amazing view of the ocean which needed the flexibility to transform into various venues, such as a meeting room, dining room, lecture or board room, while avoiding the typical ballroom's neutral box appearance."
The renovation revealed unexpected historical elements, such as a structural block wall, prompting design adjustments. "Discovering surprises during demolition is common, leading us to transform a planned public bar into a service bar," Peterson shared.
PENTHOUSE SUITE
The design strategies focused on maintaining the building's historic essence, "Keeping the traditional original moldings and beams as the backdrop, painted white, allowed a modern look while preserving historical character,” Peterson said.
Erik emphasized the importance of enhancing natural lighting and spatial flow in their design, "Various levels of light are key to success, allowing us to change the atmosphere of the space with lighting controls."
PHX Architecture's work at Hotel Casa del Mar intertwines the venue's historic grandeur with contemporary luxury, embodying a celebration of its storied past.
"Our brand of re-imagining historic iconic properties for future generations requires a keen understanding of the historical importance of the space," Peterson noted.
Through careful design and strategic collaborations, PHX Architecture and Casa del Mar continue to cherish the legacy of California’s Gold Coast, ensuring its stature as a timeless beacon in Santa Monica’s cultural and architectural panorama.