Project to be complete in January 2023
Developers have released plans for the re-launch of Santa Monica’s iconic hotel, The Georgian, unveiling in January 2023.
BLVD Hospitality, in partnership with ESI Ventures revealed their plans earlier this month for the redevelopment.Located on Ocean Avenue perched above the Santa Monica waterfront, The Georgian has been a fixture of the Southern California coastline since it first opened in 1933. Seeing several iterations over the years, regular guests to the hotel and world-renowned restaurant, the Red Griffin, ranged from Hollywood stars Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe to First Mother Rose Kennedy.
BLVD acquired the landmark hotel in August 2020 with the intent to restore one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable and photogenic hotels to its former glory.
“The refreshed concept will embrace much of the hotel’s retained original detailing, while thoughtful materials and an elaborate art program combine to create a series of spaces which brings a new chapter to The Georgian for generations to come. Touches including fully custom Art Deco furniture, ornate lighting, rare imported Italian marble, and the Sunset Bar’s Havana Deco-inspired floor pattern set an architecturally striking stage for a very modern set of operations and service standards,” reads a press release announcing the relaunch.
The project includes a restoration of the 84 guest rooms and 28 suites, alongside new and refreshed offerings including the famous ocean-view Sunset Terrace, Dining Room, and Sunset Bar. In addition to The Library and gymnasium, The Georgian will also be home to two private meeting and dining spaces, The Gallery and The Writer’s Room. The Gallery will showcase an evolving curation of work by international artists on a quarterly basis. Additional details around the food and beverage program are expected over the coming months.
“I had passed by The Georgian many times before stepping foot inside the architecturally stunning property for the first time 13 years ago. I could see The Georgian had such a striking presence and charm, she just needed to be brought back to her full potential. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful group of passionate and inspired visionaries and partners working to give The Georgian what she has deserved for decades,” said Jonathan Blanchard, Founder and CEO at BLVD.
Known as Santa Monica’s First Lady due to being one of the first high-rises built along Ocean Ave, the turquoise Period Revival-meets-Art Deco monument offers a rare glimpse into Old Hollywood and golden-age California history. BLVD says its vision will “re-energize the hotel in a way that revives the iconicity that emanated from its doors in the 1930s and decades following.”
Developers noted the project is being approached as a historically-inspired restoration rather than a redesign. The project designer is London and Los Angeles-based boutique interior architecture and design firm, Fettle.
“The story of Santa Monica’s First Lady is one filled with magic, intrigue, sophistication, and quite certainly, a touch of debauchery. Our vision is that each one of those elements will coalesce with contemporary California culture to once again make The Georgian California’s crown jewel. And we’re honored to be a part of such an inspired and passionate community as Santa Monica,” said Nicolo Rusconi, Co-Founder and President at BLVD.
The re-imagined property will once again be a bastion of culture and inspiration for global jet setters and local tastemakers alike. From legendary sunset views to her rich enigmatic history, it’s here inside The Georgian where Los Angeles’ best-kept secrets will continue to live and thrive.
