SR-906-000 (2)
CCS: cccsadmn\share\staffrep\415EIR.word
Council Meeting: February 13, 2001 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute
a Contract with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for Preparation of an
Environmental Impact Report for the 415 Pacific Coast Highway Project
Introduction
This report recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate
and execute a contract with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for the preparation of
environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) for the 415 Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Project. The contract amount is for
$127,162 including $16,586 in contingency funds.
Background
415 Pacific Coast Highway is a 5-acre site located north of the Santa Monica Pier.
Developed by William Randolph Hearst in the late 1920?s as a beachfront estate for
actress Marion Davies, the property was sold in the 1940?s to a private party and
converted to a hotel and beach club. In 1960 the State purchased the property and the
City, under an operating agreement with the State leased the facility to a beach club,
the Sand and Sea Club. A proposal in the late 1980?s for a hotel with some community
facilities was defeated in a citywide referendum, and Proposition S was passed limiting
hotel and restaurant development in a new beach overlay district which includes the
site. The City assumed responsibility for the site in 1991 and operated it as a public use
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summer beach facility with rented banquet and reception areas for private parties. The
facility has been closed to the public since it was damaged in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake.
The City Council conceptually approved the preferred site use alternative for 415 Pacific
Coast Highway in July, 1999, following an extensive public planning process under the
leadership of the 415 PCH Working Group. The proposed site use combines public
recreation components with a revenue generating use (Banquet Center). The
significant historic elements of the site will be preserved. The North House will be
restored as a meeting facility with a focus on community and non-profit activities. The
Main Building will be rehabilitated as a two-story banquet and meeting facility. The
pool, one of the few remaining pools designed by noted architect Julia Morgan, will be
restored for recreational swim and a changing and shower facility will be added. The
pool deck and adjacent park will serve as a gathering place for families. The beach
square, adjacent to the existing restaurant, will establish an informal meeting place that
draws from the beach path and volleyball courts, and the beach greens.
Approximately 300 parking spaces will be provided in the north and south lots which will
be connected by an access road. Concession stands will offer beach equipment rentals
and refreshments. The proposed use includes the potential for an Interpretive/Visitor
Center for the National Park Service and California State Department of Parks and
Recreation to serve as a gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation
Area which includes Santa Monica State Beach.
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Since the time the City Council approved the preferred site use, staff has completed
temporary repairs to the Main Building roof to protect this building from further
deterioration, and is pursuing outside funding opportunities, in particular, State
Proposition 12 funding which was approved by the voters in 2000.
Discussion
City staff issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in October, 2000 to seventeen firms for
the preparation of environmental documents and received proposals from eight firms.
The proposals were reviewed by staff from the Departments of Community and Cultural
Services, Planning and Community Development, and Environmental and Public Works
Management. Staff recommends the selection of Rincon Consultants, Inc. for several
reasons. Rincon has recently completed several EIR?s on City projects. The firm is
familiar with environmental issues within the City of Santa Monica and has an excellent
track record in preparing comprehensive, clearly written environmental documents.
Rincon has assembled a strong consultant team including Historic Resources Group
and Kaku and Associates. Historic Resources Group has extensive experience in
dealing with the State of California on historic preservation issues which will be critical
for this project. Kaku and Associates participated in the development of the preferred
plan and is very familiar with the transportation issues of this site.
Budget/Financial Impact
Funds are available in the amount of $127,162 in CIP Account C11052094.589000.
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Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a contract with Rincon Consultants, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $127,162,
including $16,586 in contingency funds, for preparation of environmental documents
required in accordance with CEQA for the 415 Pacific Coast Highway Project.
Prepared by: Barbara Stinchfield, Director
Karen Ginsberg, Assistant Director
Department of Community & Cultural Services
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