Brief
Santa Monica approves private‑club conversion of The Victorian venue
The former nightlife spot will become a members‑only club with pool, spa and children’s programming, with up to 20% of memberships reserved for locals.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Santa Monica City Council voted 7‑0 on March 2026 to transfer the lease of the historic Victorian‑style property at 2640 Main St. to The Santa Monican Club, LLC, converting the former restaurant The Victorian into a private members club.
What happened
The Victorian, a two‑story building constructed in 1892, closed after 20 years of operation. Operators Garner Gerson and Adir Tal approached the city late in 2025 with a proposal to shift from a late‑night model to a family‑focused venue. The council’s unanimous vote approved the lease transfer and the city’s renovation plan, which includes a new pool, spa, fitness center, coffee bistro and restaurant. Renovations are slated to begin by the end of 2026, with an opening targeted for mid‑2028.
What the reports add
The New York Post notes that the club will reserve up to 20% of its memberships for Santa Monica residents and will market itself as “family‑focused,” offering recreation, wellness and children’s programming. The article also highlights that the city’s approval came after the operators’ early conversations indicated the nightlife model had “run its course.”
What was said
City Manager Oliver Chi said in a press release, “Garner and Adir came to us with a clear read on their own business. During our early conversations, they shared that their nightlife model had run its course at The Victorian, and that families were what Main Street needed next.” The release added that the city’s role was to help keep the historic property active and open to the community.
How it came about
The proposal followed a period of declining late‑night patronage at The Victorian, prompting the owners to seek a new direction. The city’s swift approval reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic venues for private‑club models, as seen in other markets where membership‑only clubs are expanding amenities to attract families and local residents.
Key facts
- Santa Monica City Council voted 7‑0 to transfer the lease of The Victorian to The Santa Monican Club, LLC. (nypost.com)
- Renovations are expected to start by the end of 2026 with an opening aimed for mid‑2028. (nypost.com)
- Up to 20% of club memberships will be reserved for Santa Monica residents. (nypost.com)
- The planned amenities include a pool, spa, fitness center, coffee bistro and restaurant. (nypost.com)
- City Manager Oliver Chi said the nightlife model had run its course and families were needed next. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “New ‘private club’ plans emerge for site of LA restaurant shuttered after 20 years”
