Historic Motor Inn on California’s Coast Highway Restored to Original Glory
The Capistrano Seaside Inn wasn’t the first motor inn to service weary travelers along California’s famed Pacific Coast Highway–but it’s a primary example of receivership’s ability to help revitalize a neglected piece of history and bring back an iconic landmark. Originally built as the Swallows Motel in the World War II era, the property would later become the Capistrano Seaside Inn.
It fell into serious neglect in the early years of the 21st century. At its low point, the Inn was listed as one of the nation’s 10 worst motels on Yelp, and it was eventually red-tagged by the City of Dana Point. But times have changed, and the fully renovated property is scheduled to reopen this summer as El Caminante Bar and Bungalows. The former Seaside Inn is ready to reclaim its spot as a beautiful and historic treasure on the California coast, thanks in part to the work of Receiver Mark Adams and California Receivership Group (CRG).
The property “was once considered a sterling example of the California motor court” according to an article in The Real Deal. The Dana Point Historical Society notes that it drew the likes of such luminaries as June Lockhart, Dean Stockwell, and Jerry Lee Lewis for extended stays. The Inn was added to the inventory of the Dana Point Historic Resource Register in 1997 (though it has not yet been formally designated). According to a 2017 report by Architectural Resources Group, the property also appears eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources.
Historic Photos of the Property
It wasn’t always smooth sailing for the Seaside Inn, however. After the post-World War II boom years, the property fell on hard times in the 1970’s before being purchased in 1979 and renovated as the Capistrano Country Bay Inn. After some heady years during the late 70’s and 80’s, the Inn was sold and quality started to slide. The Inn was red-tagged in September 2016. In April of 2017, acting on a petition from the City of Dana Point, the California Superior Court appointed Mark Adams and California Receivership Group as Receiver to abate code violations at the property.
Photos of the Nuisance Property Before Receivership
CRG went to work, removing graffiti and trash in July of that year, working to secure the property, and bringing in full-time security to deter the trespassers and squatters who had begun staying at the property after it was closed to the public. The receivership also began work on a retaining wall behind the property to stabilize the hillside. This work was completed just in time, as within the month heavy rains forced the closure of a nearby stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway due to landslides.
Photos of the Nuisance Property In Process of Remediation
As work progressed, it became clear that architectural plans would be necessary for the rehabilitation. In 2017, Architectural Resources Group, an architectural firm specializing in historic properties, was brought in to provide guidance on preserving and highlighting the historically significant features of the Inn and to develop the necessary plans. Unfortunately, the rehabilitation work at this point was derailed by several years of litigation.
Finally, in June of 2021, Artist Guild Hospitality purchased the property with the understanding that they would complete all necessary abatement work. After sustained effort on their part, the work was completed with keen attention to detail. The results are a breathtaking boutique hotel that honors its past glory while providing a modern luxury experience.
Mark Adams noted, “Our work on the Seaside Inn exemplifies the work CRG has been doing now for 24 years. Indeed, I can remember driving this stretch of PCH as a child, as my family drove from Westchester to San Diego to visit family. I applaud Artist Guild for their outstanding work, monumental patience, and professionalism in bringing this inn back. I wish them the best of luck.”
The former Seaside Inn is ready to reclaim its spot as a beautiful and historic treasure on the California coast.
