THE CLEO PROJECT

The Cleo Project

The Cleo Project (working title) is a hotel concept in Laguna Beach, California. Located at the Northeast intersection of South Coast Highway and Cleo Street, this three (3) story 112-room hotel has over three (3) subterranean levels of structured parking, and consists of approximately 77,633 square-feet with 2,470 square-feet of restaurant space and 1,360 square-feet of supporting patio area. The property size is 48,242 SF. This unique contemporary California escape is a new step in Laguna Beach’s quality of place. It will bring activation to the street scene of this area, improve authentic experiences, provide creative exhibition space and an option for much needed public parking in the area.

The hotel concept includes a unique marketplace that is used as a combination of social meeting space, art gallery, and retail. Open space is achieved through a combination of balcony spaces, ground level open space and rooftop level pool deck / bar / roof garden.

The Cleo Project will thoroughly improve the current block for visitors and residents of Laguna Beach. As stated in the Los Angeles Times article from June 2017, “More than a half dozen highly visible businesses are shuttered between Legion and Cleo streets with no new tenants in sight. True to form, Sleepy Hollow has become Laguna's business ghetto…Recent owners who left all point to the obvious: no parking, no foot traffic and no real community support.” The Cleo Project aims to change all this.

The hotel project is committed to utilizing existing neighborhood massing, design, architecture and style that is unique to Laguna Beach. With steeping building massing that is similar to the neighboring plots and buildings, rooftop layout that is similar to existing buildings, and architectural elements of glass, metal, brick, and vegetation integration, The Cleo Project will engage the area and improve neighborhood pedestrian experience.

The three subterranean parking levels netting 223 stalls with the main entrance and hotel drop-off accessed off of Cleo Street will offer guests and residents better parking opportunities and improved street level aesthetics and interaction.

Offering more opportunity for pedestrian engagement in this block, car access in and around this area, and the prospect for more social spaces, casual interactions and meaningful exchanges, the development of this area will benefit local businesses and residents and invite guests that support Laguna’s creative ecosystem to this neighborhood of Laguna Beach.

The Cleo Project will focus on attracting guests that feed and support the creative ecosystem in Laguna Beach, bringing creatives, creative supporters, experience seekers, and intellectually driven people to the city of Laguna Beach. These types of visitors have been proven to participate, support, invest, and enjoy creative destinations like Laguna Beach. However, we also aim to have this project be a place to bring together locals alongside visitors, offering quality experiences available to residents as well as guests.

FAQ:

We understand that there will be many concerns and questions about the planned growth and development, as well as other projects on the horizon.

HOW WILL PARKING BE AFFECTED?

With each project, an in-depth parking proposal will be submitted that adds parking spaces, beyond what’s required, to our city. A parking and traffic study is part of our application process and will be open for public review. We plan to meet and exceed all parking requirements.

WHEN WILL CONSTRUCTION BEGIN, AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

Right now, we are still pending approval, so we do not have exact dates or timelines for the construction process.

WHAT WILL THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT BE?

An environmental impact study will be conducted during construction where we comply with all environmental guidelines. Additionally, we intend meet LEED’s Bronze standards for energy efficiency and we will be implementing advanced technology for trash and waste disposal. We will lead the way in Laguna Beach in hotel construction as Sustainability and Green Technology will be a significant part of this development.

WHAT WILL THE OVERALL SITE CONTAIN?

The overall site will contain a hotel, restaurant, social spaces, and a gallery option.

HOW TRULY COMMITTED IS LAGUNA CREATIVE VENTURES TO THE ARTS COMMUNITY OF LAGUNA BEACH?

As our name indicates, creativity and artistic endeavors are at the center of everything we develop. We are committed to the artistic heritage of Laguna and want to see it thrive again. Moving forward, Laguna Creative Ventures will play a critical role in attracting guests who appreciate Laguna’s artistic past as well as the innovative creative endeavors of today and beyond.

WILL BE THERE COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT LOCALS CAN PARTICIPATE IN?

By creating, developing, and nurturing partnerships with museums and artists, we will provide many opportunities throughout the year for community attendance, as well as participation.

HOW WILL THE CONSTRUCTION IMPACT THE TRAFFIC AND PARKING DURING THE CONSTRUCTION?

A study will be done to determine how to best mitigate any resulting traffic/parking issues that could arise during construction.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THE BUSINESSES AT THE CURRENT LOCATION?

Currently, the only tenants on the property are affiliated with The Laguna Beach Company.