Renovations Coming to Casa Malibu Inn

The Casa Malibu Inn is about to get upgraded from the 1950s to the 21st century.

North Broadway Ventures, LLC is applying for a coastal development permit and a demolition permit for major changes to the Casa Malibu Inn at 22752 Pacific Coast Highway.

The motel has not been renovated since its original construction in 1950, according to a city of Malibu staff report dated March 21.

According to property records, co-founder and chief executive of Oracle Corporation Larry Ellison purchased Casa Malibu Inn in 2007 for $20 million.

The motel has a long history, and is rumored to be a secret escape for actress Lana Turner.

The project's designer, Studio PCH, LLC, has proposed an interior and exterior remodel. Studio PCH provided the design of Nobu Malibu and the restaurant next door, which still does not have a tenant.

The plans also include an upgrade to the existing septic system.

According to city staff, the motel currently does not comply with beachfront commercial development standards. To become in compliance with Malibu's Local Coastal Program, the designer has proposed a reduction in the floor area and the number of rooms from 22 to 16.

"To be considered a remodel, at least 50 percent of existing exterior walls of each structure must be maintained, and by definition, no new or altered foundation is allowed," according to the report.

A condition of approval requires the removal of existing "Private Beach" signage from the seaward decks.

The Malibu Planning Commission will consider the permits for the remodel at its 6:30 p.m. April 1 meeting at Malibu City Hall.