11 Reasons to Like the New Miramar Plan

In his latest column for the Santa Monica Daily Press, resident Bill Bauer says he is a fan of the newest plans for the renovation and expansion of the historic Fairmont Miramar Hotel.

With the disclaimer that he has not "lost his marbles" or "been bought off," Bauer—who has used his newspaper column to criticize City Council decisions, especially those about new development—gives 11 reasons why he supports the controversial redo.

On his list is the new east-west orientation of a proposed 261-foot tall tower that hotel owners say will have "minimal" impact on ocean views. "The height doesn’t bother me and I’m confident final design details will be tweaked over time," he writes.

The Art Deco tower, as proposed, is 21 stories tall with hotel rooms, condo units and ground-floor shops. It would replace an existing 10-story hotel tower. Also as part of the renovation, two new buildings would be placed on the 4.5-acre hotel property on Ocean Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard.

SEE ALSO: Miramar Plans 2nd Tallest Tower in Santa Monica

The project sparked opposition from the get-go and the new plans did little to ease concerns raised by several neighborhood groups and political action committees advocating for smaller, less dense development.

But the hotel's owners, MSD Capital, have said their latest design was inspired by feedback from community and city leaders over the past six years.

Bauer agrees.

"Miramar owners seem open to reasonable public comment," he writes. "While there’s still work to do, the current proposal responds to public concerns about size, appearance and traffic impacts."

To read Bauer's column, click over to the Santa Monica Daily Press.

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