Santa Monica, CA 

Historic restoration and reconfiguration of the Casa del Mar Hotel, originally built in 1926. In its original beach/basement level swimming pool, Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan) and Esther Williams both perfected their swimming skills. However since those glory days, it had been in decline for several decades until it was purchased by the owners of Shutters on the Beach, a successful luxury hotel on the beach just across the street. The work involved the removal of the pool and lockers at the beach level to accommodate a large ballroom and side spaces, and so as to allow for the insertion of vertical seismic sheer walls and 60" deep beams to carry the weight of the main salon and terrace above, complete room and bathroom reconfiguration, replacement of all plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, handicapped accessibility throughout and a wading pool on the terrace two levels above the beach, all in conformance with California's criteria for historic restoration. It is now a thriving five star 135 key luxury beachfront boutique hotel and spa.

For Brian Thomson and HLW International, LLC.

Interior furnishings and finishes by others.