Abbot Kinney Hotel and Mixed-Use – Striving for LEED NC Platinum
REthink is leading the development of an 84-room boutique hotel and mixed use project in the popular commercial district on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, CA. REthink is the current asset manager of the existing buildings and businesses which include 4 bustling restaurants, offices, and retail spaces comprising the new Felix by Chef Evan Funke and a soon to be re-opened concept in the Willie Jane space.
The redevelopment of the site is in the entitlement phase with plans to build the 84 room hotel with an on-site restaurant, bars, spa, rooftop pool and pool deck, lobby/library/lounge, co-working space, and bike and board valet among other things. Our contextual design and sustainable development approach reflect a deep respect for what exists and a desire to build the foundation for what’s to come. Integrating lean design principles and a sustainable development approach that go well beyond LEED, our intention is to create a community within a community.
Located on one of the most vibrant streets in Los Angeles, the hotel will honor both the cultural lineage of Venice and the relaxed vibe and organic feel of the beach. The hotel embodies Venice’s rich history, its vibrant present and its exciting future.
Much like Venice, the hotel will mix old with new, repurposing and mixing materials in unique ways, varying elevations and materials to create character and inspiring spaces that are both public and intimate. Rooms will be “a room to come home to.” They will feel private, low key, comfortable, and unique, with simple, thoughtful design integrating local artists and artisans with Venice’s modern design roots. These common uses all surround and open up with large window walls to a large internal courtyard that will be the hub and heart of the hotel. The courtyard or “Neighborhood Living Room” will incorporate lush landscaping, sculptures, furniture, food take-away and a coffee bar. Two of the existing restaurants will also be preserved and will also open up to the grand courtyard.
The hotel will be of and for Venice – both introducing and evolving the history, culture and vibrancy that is the Venice community. We want the hotel to help create a key difference between visiting Venice and experiencing Venice. For us, an experience of Venice means meeting locals and being welcomed like an insider. It means feeling the energy and creativity that pulses through our streets all the way to the beach and slowing down long enough to breathe and take in our village by the sea. At our hotel, everyone will be a concierge – a source of information– and help to create a meaningful introduction to the area for a visitor or to let a local in on a new discovery.
Please see project website www.theveniceplaceproject.com