Beach access and coastal views are the reward for a complex project.
We worked on this complex project for at least 6 years. As a three story, 4-flat building a block from the coast, the project fit into several complex regulatory jurisdictions. In California, nearly any project within one mile of the Pacific Coast is regulated by the California Coastal Commission. Getting approval from this agency is a prerequisite to all other approvals that are necessary to build a project. Working through that process as well as the other required community reviews was challenging, but also confirming to see the positive reception our design got at nearly every review.
For this project, the ultra-compact design meant many complicated details and installation conditions. The small site was almost completely covered by the building, leaving almost no room to store materials or stage equipment. The very high water table gave the excavation, plumbing, and concrete subcontractors quite a hard time, often scheduling work to occur at low tide to avoid the ocean from flooding the excavations.
After a super complex design and construction process, it’s very gratifying to see it completed and people living in it. With four units, steps from the beach and several parks, the location is perfect for short and long term renters. Even though the area is busy day and night, the residents have a peaceful refuge on a quiet pedestrian-only street and a private, high perch hang out on the roof to watch the nearby historic wood roller coaster and or the Pacific surf roll in.
We couldn’t have asked for a better client or general contractor. As a team, we were all excited about this project and committed to making the project the best it could be. These are my favorite kind of projects, when everyone is working toward a common goal and we work together through the process and inevitable challenges.
