California news
![Concept drawings feature a multi-level structure with 20 hands-on interactive exhibits Concept drawings feature a multi-level structure with 20 hands-on interactive exhibits](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/THUMB344955_530136_640942.jpg)
Central Coast Aquarium could reopen with new US$12m glazed facility
by Lauren Heath-Jones | 13 Mar 2020
The Central Coast Aquarium (CCA) in Morro Bay, California, could reopen with a contemporary and light-filled glazed building designed by RRM Design Group. The aquarium closed to the public in 2018, but proposals as part of a feasibility study suggest transforming the existing facility into a new 16,000sq ft (1,500sq m) aquarium. Concept drawings outline a multi-level building with full-height glazing in places, balconies and outdoor spaces. The new facility
![Lego Movie World announced by Merlin and follows the opening of a similar area at Legoland Florida earlier this year Lego Movie World announced by Merlin and follows the opening of a similar area at Legoland Florida earlier this year](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB342793_737782_694194.jpg)
Merlin Magic Making and Warner Bros will partner to design Lego Movie World California
by Tom Walker | 20 Aug 2019
Merlin Entertainments, the world's second-biggest visitor attraction operator after Disney, has revealed plans for the largest new addition at its Legoland California resort since the park launched in 1999. The new Lego Movie World area is set to open in 2020 and will be based on the popular Warner Bros movie franchise. The area is being designed by Merlin Magic Making, Merlin's in-house design team, in partnership with Warner Bros
![The project has been called the The project has been called the](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB341790_133004_50479.jpg)
LPA Design complete California's largest ice skating complex
by Andrew Manns | 10 May 2019
American architecture studio LPA Design have created The Great Park Ice and FivePoint Arena – the largest ice skating facility in the state of California. Located in Irvine, the 280,000 sq ft (26,000 sq m) complex comprises an Olympic ice rink, three National Hockey League (NHL)-size rinks, a multipurpose arena, an amphitheatre, a gym, an artificial beach, and a selection of dining and retail amenities. Described by the American Society
![The fresh design features a The fresh design features a](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB340971_658334_421614.jpg)
Bjarke Ingels Group draft updated concept for Oakland Stadium
by Andrew Manns | 28 Feb 2019
Danish design firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have revealed the latest changes to their vision for the proposed Howard Terminal Ballpark in Oakland, California. Set to replace the Brutalist-style Oakland Coliseum, the new sports complex, which will be the home of the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball (MLB) team, will have a circular instead of jewel box shape in order to "boost fans' experience". In a statement, Dave Kaval, president
![In a statement, BAR Architects described the property as a In a statement, BAR Architects described the property as a](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB29848_691880.jpg)
Renzo Piano-designed civic centre opens in California
by Andrew Manns | 08 Nov 2018
The City Centre Bishop Ranch (CCBR) – a retail hub and civic attraction designed by architect Renzo Piano – has opened in San Ramon, California. Comprised of two three-storey structures, the US$300m (€262.2m, £229m) complex draws influence both from Renaissance-era piazzas and the meandering hills of the nearby Diablo mountain range. "You can see how nature melts with the architecture," said Antonio Belvedere, a partner at Renzo Piano Building Workshop
![The new stadium will replace the Oakland A’s existing 51-year-old Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. / Fastily The new stadium will replace the Oakland A’s existing 51-year-old Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. / Fastily](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB28617_490845.jpg)
BIG to design new Oakland ballpark
by Tom Collins | 30 Aug 2018
Oakland Athletics baseball team has commissioned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), to lead the design process for its new ballpark and surrounding development in California. BIG will work in collaboration on the project with James Corner Field Operations, the landscape architect for the project, and Gensler. The new stadium will replace the Oakland A’s existing 51-year-old Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, which the A’s share with NFL team the Oakland Raiders. The decision
![A grand public staircase will curve towards the entry, linking the museum to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Argyros Plaza / Morphosis A grand public staircase will curve towards the entry, linking the museum to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Argyros Plaza / Morphosis](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB26986_972360.jpg)
Thom Mayne to create 'inspiring and dynamic' new home for Orange County Museum of Art
by Kim Megson | 01 Jun 2018
The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) is to move to a new home in Costa Mesa, California, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne and his studio Morphosis. Groundbreaking for the new building will take place in 2019 within the Segerstrom Center for the Arts complex – the county’s largest centre for arts. The projected opening has been announced for 2021. With nearly 25,000sq ft (2,300sq m) of exhibition
![Designed by architect Gensler, the 22,000 capacity Banc of California Stadium is the first new open-air stadium in LA since 1962 / LAFC Designed by architect Gensler, the 22,000 capacity Banc of California Stadium is the first new open-air stadium in LA since 1962 / LAFC](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB26339_396800.jpg)
Los Angeles FC celebrates opening of Gensler-designed Banc of California Stadium
by Kim Megson | 26 Apr 2018
The new home of Hollywood Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Los Angeles FC has officially opened in the city’s Exposition Park. Designed by architect Gensler, the 22,000 capacity Banc of California Stadium is the first new open-air stadium in LA since 1962 and has also been LEED silver certified for its sustainable design features. Ground was broken on the US$350m (€289m, £251.5m) project in August 2016 on a site once
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB25258_936985.jpg)
Swooping Bighorn Clubhouse 'a tableau for a new lifestyle experience'
by Kim Megson | 22 Feb 2018
The leader of a Californian golf club claims to “have walked through the threshold of the future” by overseeing the construction of a luxurious new Clubhouse that provides a “tableau for a new lifestyle experience.” R D. Hubbard, chair of the Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, said the site's former clubhouse was torn down in 2016 in order to be replaced by a building “that is as much about
![The three-starred Michelin restaurant is regularly listed as one of the best in the world / Michael Grimm The three-starred Michelin restaurant is regularly listed as one of the best in the world / Michael Grimm](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB25219_806518.jpg)
Bon Appétit: Snøhetta unveil The French Laundry’s kitchen and courtyard re-design
by Kim Megson | 20 Feb 2018
International architects Snøhetta have unveiled their kitchen extension and garden redesign for the world-renowned restaurant The French Laundry, in Yountville, California. The three-starred Michelin restaurant, which was founded in 1994 by American chef Thomas Keller and named after one of the building’s former uses, is regularly listed as one of the best in the world. Snøhetta – working in collaboration with San Francisco studio Envelope A+D and Keller – aimed
![Designed by GlazierLe, Delawie Architects and EDG Interior Design Firm, Montage Healdsburg will emphasise environmentally sensitive design / Montage Hotels and Resorts Designed by GlazierLe, Delawie Architects and EDG Interior Design Firm, Montage Healdsburg will emphasise environmentally sensitive design / Montage Hotels and Resorts](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB24778_715580.jpg)
Montage to open wellness resort in California’s ‘wine country’
by Tom Walker | 29 Jan 2018
Montage Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open and operate a spa resort in Sonoma County, at the heart of California's wine country. Montage Healdsburg – a property owned by Ohana Real Estate Investors and developed by The Robert Green Company – will feature 130 guestrooms and will have a focus on wellness and food. Exact resort details are yet to be confirmed, but facilities include a large Spa
![Runyon Group and LBA Realty are transforming the property into a mixed-use leisure and commercial destination / Equinox Runyon Group and LBA Realty are transforming the property into a mixed-use leisure and commercial destination / Equinox](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB20962_717289.jpg)
Equinox first tenant announced for redeveloped Culver City icon
by Kim Megson | 17 Aug 2017
American fitness operator Equinox has been announced as the first tenant at One Culver; a former movie studio HQ in California that is being comprehensively renovated by international architects Gensler. Culver City real estate firm Runyon Group today (17 August) confirmed that Equinox will open “an expansive space filled with cutting edge fitness equipment, world class personal training, and unparalleled amenities” in the revamped 1980s office block, well-known for its
![A luxury camping experience – Redwood Canyon Glamp sites – is being developed in the resort’s 20 acres of redwood forest A luxury camping experience – Redwood Canyon Glamp sites – is being developed in the resort’s 20 acres of redwood forest](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB20737_118936.jpg)
Alila to make North American debut in Big Sur
by Jane Kitchen | 31 Jul 2017
Singapore-based Alila Hotels & Resorts will open its first North American resort property in California’s fabled Big Sur region in autumn 2017. Transformed from the Ventana Inn into 'Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort', the multi-million-dollar revitalisation is being led by San Francisco-based interiors firm BraytonHughes Design Studios and architecture firm Parks & Associates of Carmel, California. Included in the development will be 59 revamped guest rooms, suites and villas;
![One signature attraction allows guests to take control of the Millennium Falcon / Disney Parks One signature attraction allows guests to take control of the Millennium Falcon / Disney Parks](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB20363_450896.jpg)
Disney reveals scale model of new Star Wars lands at D23
by Tom Anstey | 14 Jul 2017
Disney has offered its most in-depth look at its upcoming Star Wars Land yet, unveiling a scale model of the attraction ahead of the D23 fan expo taking place this weekend in Anaheim, California. Two years on from the last D23, when Bob Iger first revealed plans for two Star Wars attractions at Disney’s Florida and California theme parks, the operator unveiled the model, which has been made available for
![The sled would then descend underground / The Boring Company The sled would then descend underground / The Boring Company](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB18868_951537.jpg)
Going underground: Why does Elon Musk want to dig beneath Los Angeles?
by Kim Megson | 04 May 2017
Following hot on the heels of electric cars, solar-storing roof tiles, and the super-fast Hyperloop transport system, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has begun work on yet another city-shaping concept: a network of underground of tunnels that will ease congestion in gridlocked cities. Musk has founded a new firm, drily named The Boring Company, to develop the concept – with the first tunnel network visualised for Los Angeles. A video has
![McDonald describes the blue-and-white spa as 'Moorish and edgy in its design' McDonald describes the blue-and-white spa as 'Moorish and edgy in its design'](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB18638_116880.jpg)
Designer to the stars revives landmark Californian hotel
by Jane Kitchen | 21 Apr 2017
A landmark 1925 California hotel with a storied history will be reborn this summer, with new interiors created by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard – who has dreamed up glamorous homes for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Eva Mendes and Cher. When it first opened in 1925, the Hotel Californian was one of the first of a new wave of Spanish Colonial Revival style structures, but was open for little
![Nobu Ryokan Malibu will welcome guests from 28 April 2017 / Barbara Kent Nobu Ryokan Malibu will welcome guests from 28 April 2017 / Barbara Kent](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB18485_429260.jpg)
Nobu Hospitality returns to Malibu to debut first property in Ryokan Collection
by Kim Megson | 11 Apr 2017
Luxury hotel and restaurant group Nobu Hospitality has announced the opening date of the first property in its new Ryokan Collection. Nobu Ryokan Malibu, located above the famous Carbon Beach along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, will welcome its first guests on 28 April. Studio PCH and Montalba Architects have transformed a 1950s vintage beach motel “into an exclusive destination retreat reflecting the cool elegance of the California coastline.” The property
![The signature Santa Barbara Spanish Colonial style, sea-inspired building was the brainchild of the late Barry Berkus, whose vision was seen through by architects AB Design Studio following his death in 2012 The signature Santa Barbara Spanish Colonial style, sea-inspired building was the brainchild of the late Barry Berkus, whose vision was seen through by architects AB Design Studio following his death in 2012](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB16909_365827.jpg)
California's long-awaited Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation opening this month
by Tom Anstey | 01 Feb 2017
Twenty-five is the magic number for the long-awaited Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (MOXI), which will launch on the 25 February after receiving US$25m (€23.2m, £19.8m) in capital funding. The project also took more than 25 years to complete, after being first proposed in 1990 when the Children’s Museum of Santa Barbara incorporated as a non-profit organisation. The 25,000sq ft (2,300sq m) MOXI broke ground in 2014. The signature
![The curving roof will cover more than the stadium itself, including outdoor ‘rooms’ and plaza spaces designed to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor environments / HKS The curving roof will cover more than the stadium itself, including outdoor ‘rooms’ and plaza spaces designed to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor environments / HKS](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB15275_420915.jpg)
Architects HKS declare LA Stadium 'a venue unlike any other in sports' as construction kicks off
by Kim Megson | 28 Nov 2016
The Kroenke Sports and Entertainment company has broken ground on the new HKS-designed Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, which will be the new home of National Football League (NFL) franchise the LA Rams. Sized at nearly 3 million sq ft (278,700sq m), multipurpose venue is set to be the largest in the NFL when it opens in 2019. It will include 70,000 fixed seats, with the flexibility
![The ambition of the designers was to bring a contemporary twist to a historic local landmark / Jay Graham The ambition of the designers was to bring a contemporary twist to a historic local landmark / Jay Graham](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB14315_492694.jpg)
SB Architects bring new life to century-old California winery and visitor experience
by Kim Megson | 17 Oct 2016
Following an extensive renovation, the acclaimed Freemark Abbey winery in California’s Napa Valley has reopened to reveal a total transformation of its century-old stone building, which now houses a high-end restaurant and visitor centre. San Francisco firms SB Architects and BraytonHughes Design Studio led the design of the project, which pays homage to Freemark Abbey’s past while introducing several complementary contemporary features. The original stonework dating from 1886 is highlighted
![The Golden 1 Center will host its first NBA preseason fixture on 10 October / Golden 1 Center The Golden 1 Center will host its first NBA preseason fixture on 10 October / Golden 1 Center](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB13820_946540.jpg)
Is AECOM’s new Sacramento arena the most sustainable stadium ever built?
by Kim Megson | 26 Sep 2016
The new California home of US National Basketball Association franchise the Sacramento Kings has become the first indoor sports venue to achieve LEED Platinum certification. The US$507m (£336m, €476m) Golden 1 Center, which will host its first preseason fixture on 10 October, is the highest-scoring stadium ever certified by the US Green Building Council – the body that oversees the LEED system. It is also among the top three per
![Since African Adventure opened, the zoo has experienced a 40 per cent upswing in attendance / Fresno Chaffee Zoo Since African Adventure opened, the zoo has experienced a 40 per cent upswing in attendance / Fresno Chaffee Zoo](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB12597_706411.jpg)
CEO of California zoo outlines ambitious masterplan after African expansion doubles visitor numbers
by Tom Anstey | 07 Aug 2016
Since opening its US$57m (€51.5m, £43.7m) African Adventure, California’s Fresno Chaffee Zoo has experienced a 40 per cent upturn in attendance. Funded mainly by a levy a tax to help support new zoo projects and programmes, the 13-acre (57,000sq m) project offers a modern home for a number of species, including African elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, giraffes, ostrich, springbok and more. “It’s by far the largest project we’ve done both
![The hotel has hosted several US presidents / Chris Bucka The hotel has hosted several US presidents / Chris Bucka](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB12060_753214.jpg)
Reagan's favourite LA hotel to be revamped as Century City begins US$2.5bn development
by Kim Megson | 13 Jul 2016
A construction agreement has been reached to revamp the Century Plaza, California's iconic crescent-shaped hotel. According to Commercial Property Executive, real estate firm Next Century Partners has secured $1bn (€902m, £752m) in construction financing to begin overhauling the Los Angeles hotel as part of a wider US$2.5bn (€2.25bn, £1.8bn) mixed-use development of the Century City neighbourhood. When finished, the hotel – which has hosted several US presidents and was particularly
![Newport Beach-based architects HPI are handling design for the project / Orange Coast College Newport Beach-based architects HPI are handling design for the project / Orange Coast College](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB11846_553965.jpg)
US$16.4m planetarium development breaks ground in California
by Tom Anstey | 12 Jul 2016
Ground was broken last month on a US$16.4m (€14.8m, £12.6m) planetarium development for the Orange Coast College (OCC) in Costa Mesa, California. Part of a larger seven-year US$965m (€854m, £625.2m) renovation to OCC’s district campuses, the 125-seat planetarium will include a 3D immersion theatre with a 40ft (12.2m) dome, a large Foucault pendulum and open space for exhibits. Newport Beach-based architects HPI are handling design for the project. "It will
![Lucas said in a statement that he would be taking the museum to his home state of California Lucas said in a statement that he would be taking the museum to his home state of California](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB11538_915344.jpg)
Lucas museum coming to California after director drops Chicago plans
by Tom Anstey | 27 Jun 2016
After nearly two years of legal disputes, George Lucas has finally pulled the plug on plans for his Museum of Narrative Art in Chicago, with the director now thought to be eyeing San Francisco or Los Angeles for his legacy project. Blaming delays over a lawsuit from a parks group opposed to development along the city’s waterfront, Lucas said in a statement that he would be taking the museum to
![The slide – which is just 1.25 inches thick – has been designed by architects Gensler as part of the OUE Skyspace LA attraction / OAE Ltd The slide – which is just 1.25 inches thick – has been designed by architects Gensler as part of the OUE Skyspace LA attraction / OAE Ltd](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB8709_431506.jpg)
Clear glass skyslide to open 1,000ft above Los Angeles
by Kim Megson | 03 Mar 2016
In recent times, CLAD has reported on a glass-bottomed swimming pool suspended between two towers and a glass bridge crossing a canyon. Now, a forthcoming Los Angeles attraction is taking things one step further, with an outdoor glass slide located 1,000ft above the ground. The 45ft Skyslide will link the 70th and 69th floors of the Bank Tower; the tallest building on the west coast of the US. Thrillseekers who
![The Rose Bowl hosted the 1994 football World Cup Final – one of many high-profile sporting events to take place there The Rose Bowl hosted the 1994 football World Cup Final – one of many high-profile sporting events to take place there](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB7901_947791.jpg)
Exhibition designers Mather & Co to dream up visitor attraction for California's iconic Rose Bowl stadium
by Kim Megson | 09 Feb 2016
British exhibition and interior designers Mather & Co will venture into the US market for the first time after winning a competitive tender to develop a new visitor attraction and stadium tour experience at California’s world famous Rose Bowl Stadium. The 92,500-capacity facility, designed by American architect Myron Hubbard Hunt and located in Pasadena, is a National Historic Landmark and the country’s 12th largest stadium. Since its construction in 1922
![The hotel's rooftop will have a clear view of the famous Hollywood sign / Rockwell Group The hotel's rooftop will have a clear view of the famous Hollywood sign / Rockwell Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB7639_67275.jpg)
David Rockwell designs 'playfully sophisticated' Hollywood property for Dream Hotels
by Kim Megson | 01 Feb 2016
David Rockwell’s design studio have revealed the first renderings of the “playfully sophisticated” Los Angeles hotel they are creating for boutique operator Dream Hotels. The 179-room Dream Hollywood Hotel, located on the city’s Selma Avenue, will open in Q2 2016. The building’s architecture and design – created by the Rockwell Group – celebrate the mid-century modern architecture of Hollywood and LA and are partly inspired by the work of Austrian-American
![Designed by local architect Chris Pardo, the hotel will be located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and surrounded by historic desert modern architecture / Chris Pardo Designed by local architect Chris Pardo, the hotel will be located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and surrounded by historic desert modern architecture / Chris Pardo](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB7534_437878.jpg)
Virgin Hotels to open first California location
by Jane Kitchen | 28 Jan 2016
Lifestyle brand Virgin Hotels will open its first California location in Palm Springs in late 2018. The hotel will feature 150 bedrooms, multiple restaurants, a rooftop terrace and pool, and a spa – likely similar to its first spa location in Chicago, where clients can completely customise treatments. Designed by local architect Chris Pardo, the hotel will be located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and surrounded by historic
![The 60-storey structure would feature an open-air atrium and vertical gardens / Nardi Associates The 60-storey structure would feature an open-air atrium and vertical gardens / Nardi Associates](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/344693_885281.jpg)
Design emerges for 'vertical garden' mixed-use tower in LA's South Park district
by Kim Megson | 08 Jan 2016
Californian architecture practice Nardi Associates have unveiled renderings for a mixed-use tower in downtown Los Angeles designed as “a giant urban tree”. Situated on the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street in the district of South Park, the Olympic Tower is visualised as a 60-storey structure featuring an open-air atrium and vertical gardens created by a combination of real vegetation and digitised landscape images projected by LED displays. According
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