Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan Taking Shape With Proposed Hotel Project

The City of Dana Point recently released a notice of preparation for a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a proposed hotel development that is part of the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan.

The project proposed by R.D. Olson Development would involve the construction of two hotels and demolition of the Dana Point Marina Inn, two boater service buildings, and parking areas. 

Located in the Dana Point Harbor area, the Dana House Hotel would be designed as a boutique hotel with 130 market-rate rooms and associated amenities. The hotel would also include boater services, associated ancillary uses, and boater parking. The other proposed hotel, Dana Point Surf Lodge, would be an affordable hotel with 139 rooms, three of which would be designed as dorm-style rooms, and associated amenities.

Back in October 2018, the Orange County supervisors approved a 66-year, $337.82 million lease with Burnham Ward Properties, Bellwether Financial Group, and R.D. Olson Development to plan, design, and execute the Dana Point Harbor waterfront’s revitalization. The three companies would specifically revitalize the local marina, update the commercial core, and bring online a new hotel.

The project will require a Coastal Development Permit, Zone Text Amendment, and Local Coastal Program Amendment. The project’s public review period ends on October 26 at 5:00pm. The City of Dana Point will hold a public scoping meeting electronically and in-person at the City Council Chambers on October 7th at 6pm. The purpose of the scoping meeting will be to present the proposed project, describe the EIR process, and receive public comment.

WATG will be designing the project with construction expected to take 43 months.