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Building History

Prominent Hollywood developer Gilbert S. Stephenson engaged the architectural firm of Parkinson and Parkinson to design the Miramar Hotel's first portion, finished in 1921. Stevenson had grand plans for the Miramar, seeking to make it a huge, destination hotel for wealthy travelers visiting Santa Monica. The hotel replaced the landmark residence of Senator John Jones, who entertained many dignitaries at the house during the 1890s and 1900s. A notice in the Southwest Builder and Contractor stated: ""Hotel building,,,Architects John and Donald Parkinson are preparing plans for a group of hotel buildings to be erected on the former Senator Jones property at Santa Monica for Gilbert S. Stephenson. It will be known as the Miramar Hotel. The present residence on the property will be remodeled for hotel purposes." (See Construction Notices, Southwest Builder and Contractor, 12/24/1920, p. 20, col. 3.) Opening in 1921, the hotel proved popular with visitors; a second, six-story addition, the Palisades Wing was completed four years later to the designs of the young architect William W. Ache. (See "Plans for a Second Unit," Southwest Builder and Contractor, 11/07/1924, p. 54, col. 3.) Stephenson lost financial control of the Miramar Hotel during the Depression in 1932. A syndicate of bankers purchased the hotel from him.

Toronto-basedFairmont Hotels and Resorts International (FHRI) purchased the Miramar in 11/1999, and changed the hotel's name to the "Fairmont Miramar." (See Cindy Frazier, "Santa Monica: Buyer of Miramar Hotel Changes Name to Fairmont," The Argonaut, 11/04/1999, p. 7.)

Building Notes

There were Miramar Hotels in Santa Monica, Santa Barbara and San Pedro, CA, in the early 20th century.

Alteration

The hotel has undergone many additions and remodelings since its foundation in 1921. The Palisades Wings was completed in 1924, 32 poolside bungalows were completed during the 1930s, and a new tower addition was finished in 1961-1962. The Palisades Wing, the first stage in what owner Stephenson envisioned as a much grander hotel, contained 6 stories and was situated at the corner of 2nd Street and California Avenue.

PCAD id: 6033