Costa Mesa Firm Completes $75 Million Renovation of Former Champagne Towers

Mirror Staff

   Built by band leader Lawrence Welk in 1969 on Ocean Avenue, Champagne Towers was one of the largest apartment complexes in Santa Monica. 
   After suffering extensive damage in the 1994 Northridge earthquake, it was closed for repairs and renovation. Now, after five years and a $75 million renovation, it is about to reopen as a luxury high-rise. 
   In May, 1998, the building’s new owner, Irvine Apartment Communities, engaged McLarand, Vasquez and Partners, a Costa Mesa-based architectural firm to undertake the redesign and renovation of the structure. 
   A spokesman for the design firm said, “We’re seeing greater acceptance of rental housing as a primary or secondary residence for an affluent California demographic. This ocean-front project has all the locational amenities such as restaurants and quaint shops and boutiques—within walking distance—that would be attractive to that clientele. The design goal was to capitalize on the ocean views and modernize the interior amenities and design features to create a true luxury residence experience.” 
   The 16-story building now has two units on the first floor, eight units on floors two to 15, and six penthouse units on the sixteenth floor. The apartment range in size from 1,048 square feet to 2,012 square feet. All the apartments have both ocean and city views. 
   In collaboration with Roma Group design, McLarand, Vasquez developed a roof-top club house with a courtyard and gardens, an expanded pool area and a new gym and business center. 
   Designers of Water gardens in Santa Monica, McLarand, Vasquez is currently working on the Westgate and Playa Vista projects.