DEL MAR, CA—Encinitas, CA-based developers Zephyr and the Robert Green Co., the latter of which specializes in hospitality development, will work to develop the 16-acre stretch of oceanfront land that sits on the bluffs above North Beach here via a collaborative process with the residents and business owners in Del Mar and Solana Beach, Zephyr's CEO Brad Termini tells GlobeSt.com. The firms have entered into an agreement to jointly acquire and develop the parcel located between Via De la Valle and North Beach—also known as Dog Beach to many locals—between Camino Del Mar and the Pacific Ocean.

The land consists of seven parcels owned by three separate owners, all of whom have executed agreements with the developers. According to Termini, the two companies are seeking community input on the project's scope and design, which has not been finalized. Currently, proposed elements include a luxury resort, branded resort villas, restaurants and meeting space. A planning schedule will be announced soon.

The site is adjacent to city-owned land spanning four acres of walking paths – starting at North Beach and ending at a point overlooking North Beach and the Del Mar Race Track. The developers plan to enhance accessibility to the walking trails and are requesting ideas from the community on the design of a planned city park, which will be incorporated into the project.

We spoke with Termini about the project and how the development process is expected to unfold.

GlobeSt.com: What's unique for you about this oceanfront real estate project?

Termini: This 16-acre stretch of oceanfront land that sits on the bluffs above North Beach (also known as Dog Beach) in Del Mar is truly one-of-a-kind, and has been shut off from the public for the last 100 years.

Robert Green and I are both long-time North County coastal residents. We've walked and driven by the site so many times and wondered what was beyond the gates and if we'd ever be able to enjoy it. When we first heard about it, there was a proposal on the table to build five gated, private estates. That would mean the land would continue to be off limits to the public for another 100 years.

Over the course of the last year, we have been working with the land owners to assemble the site. While a resort that fits into the landscape of Del Mar is the centerpiece of the project, our goal is to create something that Del Mar and Solana Beach residents will think of as their own seaside gathering spot – a cornerstone of the community where we can come to celebrate special events, entertain and enjoy, with no barriers, for the first time. We're thinking of this project as something akin to the Hotel del Coronado. The Del is synonymous as a place people can go to enjoy the beach, eat at the restaurants and celebrate special events.

GlobeSt.com: How will the development process you're about to undertake unfold?

Termini: This will be a collaborative process with the residents and business owners in Del Mar and Solana Beach. To start, we held two community forums in May where both Robert Green and I and our key team members and staff were available to hear residents' ideas and talk about the community impacts and public amenities we are considering as part of the project—including walking trails, a park, improved access to North Beach and public parking. Exhibits showcasing different architectural styles that might fit into the community were on display for feedback, as well.

Next, we'll begin developing plans for the project and will submit them to the city for review. We'll continue an ongoing dialogue with the community through the process of the Citizens' Participation Program meetings, city council workshops, public scoping meetings and design review board meetings. Anyone with feedback can contact us directly at feedback@TheDelMarResort.com.

GlobeSt.com: Why is your firm collaborating with the Robert Green Co. on this project?

Termini: Robert Green and I live very close to the site. We have deep roots in the community and understand the importance of creating a project that complements and enhances the site, while also making it more usable and accessible to residents. Given our shared history and vision, along with Robert's extensive experience developing some of California's most beautiful resorts—like the Four Seasons Resort in Carlsbad, the Everly Hotel in Hollywood, the Pendry Hotel in San Diego and the recently announced Montage and Pendry Resort Hotels La Quinta—our partnership was a natural fit.

Likewise, Robert wanted to work with us because we have deep experiencing developing high-end, mixed-use properties in collaboration with local communities along the coast in San Diego and Orange County. Current projects include South Cove in Dana Point, which will feature a new community park with public art and 168 luxury residences, developed as a public-private partnership with the City of Dana Point across the street from Doheny State Beach; the Park, Bankers Hill, which is located adjacent to Balboa Park in San Diego's Bankers Hill neighborhood—and provides immediate access to museums, theatres and restaurants and features 60 luxury homes and two retail spaces; and SummerHouse in Carlsbad, which is an enclave of luxury ocean-view condominiums.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about the project?

Instant Insights /

How An Oceanfront Development Process Unfolds

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