News, Development, Santa Monica, Hotel

Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects Selected To Design Miramar Hotel

Posted Dec. 20, 2013, 9:10 am

Brenton Garen / Editor-in-Chief

Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects will design the new Miramar Hotel, owner Ocean Avenue LLC announced Friday.

Ocean Avenue LLC spokesman Alan Epstein said the selection of the internationally renowned firm followed a thorough search process that included many of the world’s finest architects.

“Pelli Clarke Pelli is a brilliant architectural firm," Epstein said. "Cesar and Rafael Pelli lived in Santa Monica for many years and have a deep understanding of the community. We look forward to working with them to create a new architectural landmark for the city.”

Epstein said Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects would bring expertise to this project as it has hundreds of awards for design excellence.

He added that as a recipient of the Firm Award, the American Institute of Architects’ highest honor for an architectural practice, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects was acknowledged as a master of its craft.

"We look forward to introducing Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects’ stunning design to the community in the months ahead," Epstein said. "Our goal has long been to return the Miramar to its rightful place as one of the greatest luxury hotels in Southern California, while increasing open space, protecting ocean views for the community and returning the Moreton Bay Fig tree to public view.”

In 1991, Cesar Pelli was selected as one of the 10 most influential living American architects.

Four years later, the AIA awarded Cesar Pelli the Gold Medal, its highest honor for an individual. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has been a leader in environmentally sustainable design, having created one of the first 50 buildings in the world to achieve LEED certification.

Since then, nearly every project they designed has achieved LEED certification.

Rafael Pelli said the firm was excited to create a design for the new Miramar Hotel that would "vitalize and anchor the important corner of Wilshire and Ocean."

"Many of my fondest memories growing up nearby are of the area all around the Miramar -- Palisades Park, Third Street, the Pier," Rafael said. "It is a special place that requires a special vision."

The Miramar is located at 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica.