Conceptual image showcasing the Huntington Beach hotel-retail village development.
California Resources Corporation has unveiled plans for an 800-unit hotel-retail village over 92 acres in Huntington Beach. Located between downtown and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, the project features a mix of housing types and a 350-room hotel, while reserving 23 acres for open spaces. The initiative, which aims to balance development and conservation, faces regulatory hurdles before construction can begin.
California Resources Corporation has announced plans to develop a significant 92-acre site in Huntington Beach into an 800-unit hotel-retail village. The proposed area, situated between downtown Huntington Beach and the protected Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, aims to combine residential, commercial, and recreational opportunities along the scenic coastline.
The new development is planned for a location adjacent to Bolsa Chica State Beach, specifically bordered by Goldenwest and Seapoint streets, and lies next to the Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area. The ambitious project will feature the construction of up to 800 housing units that encompass a variety of living arrangements, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Notably, 10% of these residences are earmarked for affordable housing.
In addition to housing, the project proposes a 350-room hotel, along with numerous shops and restaurants stretching along 1.2 miles of coastline. The developer has expressed intentions to preserve 23 acres of the parcel as open space, which is expected to include plans for a public park along the Pacific Coast Highway. This aspect is part of a broader initiative to enhance community access to green spaces.
Prior to construction, the project faces notable regulatory hurdles. It requires a zoning change and must receive approvals from both the California Coastal Commission and the Huntington Beach City Council. While detailed information regarding the cost and timeline for completion has not been disclosed, the developer indicates that substantial restoration of the industrial land is necessary before it can transition to residential use. This complicated process may result in a timeline that could extend over several years, possibly longer than anticipated.
The Bolsa Chica area has experienced ongoing conflicts between conservationists advocating for the protection of sensitive ecosystems and developers seeking to capitalize on available land. A pivotal moment in this discourse arose in 2016 when the Bolsa Chica Land Trust successfully secured 11 acres of land previously at the center of a dispute. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and is a critical habitat for various species, heightening the urgency of balancing development with conservation efforts.
California Resources Corporation, established in 2011 as a spinoff of Occidental Petroleum, holds a market capitalization of approximately $3.2 billion. The company is engaged in crude oil, natural gas, and other petroleum product developments throughout California. The organization emphasizes that the transition from industrial land to a mixed-use community aims to create new housing and economic opportunities while addressing the future needs of the Huntington Beach community. This forthcoming development does not aim to resolve concerns regarding high-density housing, according to the developer’s plan.
While the project proposes several benefits for the local economy, including potential job creation and enhanced tourism, it also raises questions about its impact on the existing community structure and environmental consequences. Stakeholders and residents remain attentive to how this project unfolds, particularly in relation to their longstanding commitments to conservation and community integrity.
As the regulators review the proposal, the focus will likely remain on ensuring that both development and environmental preservation can coexist in the thriving coastal region.
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