The Victorian, which announced it would close Monday, is set to be converted into a members club with a pool, spa and fitness center, according to city records.
The City Council voted 7-0 on March 24 to approve transferring the lease for the city-owned property at 2640 Main St. to a new company, The Santamonican Club, LLC. The item passed on the consent calendar and was not pulled for discussion, meeting minutes show.
A city staff report says the operator plans to turn the restaurant and nightclub into "a family-based recreation, events, and wellness facility for members." Planned work includes "a new pool," a "spa and wellness center," a fitness center, a "family/youth facility," a coffee bistro and a restaurant and bar.
The City Council voted 7-0 on March 24 to approve transferring the lease for the city-owned property at 2640 Main St. to a new company, The Santamonican Club, LLC.
A concept site plan in the report also shows a "Family Park" and "Family Gardens" on the property. The report does not say whether those would be open to the public or limited to members.
The plan states the lease would reserve up to 20% of membership capacity for free scholarship memberships for qualifying Santa Monica residents. The site's 25 public parking spaces and the lawn beside the California Heritage Museum would stay open to the public, and the operator must keep supporting the Sunday Main Street Farmers Market, which sets up on the property's parking lot.
The records do not say what a membership would cost or when the club would open. The Victorian's closing announcement did not mention the plan.
Gabe Kaplan
The Victorian posted an announcement to Instagram on October 5th at approximately 4:30 p.m. "After 20 incredible years, The Victorian is closing its doors," the post read, "but not before we say thank you.”
[The city did not immediately respond to requests for comment.]
This is a developing story and will be updated.