Local developer to work with Health District on project to redevelop campus; revenues will support community health programs
Last night (Nov. 19), the Beach Cities Health District Board of Directors named Mar Ventures and Continental Development Corporation as its preferred development team for its upcoming redevelopment of the former South Bay Hospital site. The Board authorized BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly and staff to prepare a Letter of Intent to initiate discussions to pursue a ground lease agreement and report back at the Board’s January 28 meeting with an update on discussions.
El Segundo-based Mar Ventures/Continental was one of three final proposals reviewed by the Board, following initial review by a BCHD consultant and Advisory Working Group comprised of community members, a board member, and BCHD staff.
BCHD plans to utilize a ground lease model, keeping the land publicly owned while partnering with a developer to bring new health-related services to its campus at 514 N. Prospect Ave. in Redondo Beach. This proven approach has successfully generated revenue for BCHD programs and services for 54 years, creating sustainable funding to support health and wellness programs and ensuring the campus continues to serve the community for years to come.
The Mar Ventures/Continental Proposal includes:
- Alignment with BCHD’s continuum of care model, including the integration of wellness, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE), and medical services within a community-oriented design.
- A financially viable structure, with the potential for a long-term ground lease and future joint venture opportunities for more revenue sharing to support BCHD programs and services.
- Responsiveness to community feedback related to building height, density, open space, and accessibility, while presenting a cohesive campus vision that connects new development with existing BCHD facilities and programs to enhance overall community benefit and accessibility.
- A local team consisting of Mar Ventures, Continental Development, Gensler, Torrance Memorial, and Silverado, bringing an established community presence and regional experience to the project.
Project Notes:
Here are some preliminary details residents should know about the redevelopment proposal submitted by Mar Ventures/Continental for the former South Bay Hospital site:
- 217 Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE) units – including a mix of Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, and Independent Living
- Medical Office Space – For doctors’ offices and medical services
- Building height of 60 feet – significantly lower than the 103 feet in the Certified EIR; BCHD’s tallest existing building is 76 feet
- Community Benefits – a host of amenities and programs, including a community garden, walking and exercise paths, an outdoor theater, an art gallery, and an outdoor community space for public events, such as farmers markets and outdoor yoga
- Ground lease revenue – will directly support BCHD programs and services. Mar Ventures/Continental’s proposal will generate $9 million for BCHD in the first 10 years of the agreement.
allcove Beach Cities’ New Location Moving Forward
In other BCHD Campus news from the November Study Session meeting, the allcove Beach Cities permanent location will move forward with plans to build a scaled-down, value-engineered facility at the southwest corner of Beryl Street and Flagler Lane, adjacent to the main BCHD Campus. The Board of Directors is reviewing methods to bridge a roughly $4 million gap in funding, utilizing debt, loans or charitable donations to complete the project.
