The “Surfside” project created a new restaurant entertainment venue within the historic 1908 Windward Avenue Hotel in Venice, California. The hotel has been in continuous operation for over 100 years. Located at the foot of Windward Avenue on the internationally famous Venice Boardwalk, the design goal was to offer a varied aesthetic which would be inviting to any tourist and the local community.

The challenge was how to renovate a 4-story unreinforced masonry building to a structurally upgraded facility while retaining the charm of the historic structure. By carefully exposing the old brick walls, steel moment frames and new shear walls were added, the team was able to create exciting open spaces to accommodate various dining options. Additionally, the building’s front façade arcade walls were demolished and seismically restructured so the restaurant interiors would open onto the street and exterior patios with new roll up doors.

The various environments included a serpentine bar and a separate sports bar that both spilled onto the street, a dining room, and a mezzanine lounge for late night cocktails. By creating a variety of social spaces, Samesun has the opportunity to offer an exciting hotel dining/entertainment experience for locals as well as cater to the international tourist.