Potential realized and returns delivered
Investors had sky-high expectations for a historic-but-neglected building, but proposals kept coming up short. It was RMD Group’s vision that sent enthusiasm through the roof - literally.
Built in 1887, the Grand Pacific Hotel building had an iconic Victorian facade and a desirable corner-lot location in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. But the interior was lackluster and worn with significant structural challenges.
Investors sought a partner who could see past its limitations and find the best use for the space. Among national restaurant and retail suitors, RMD stepped in with a pitch to keep it local.
Seeing the light
We assessed the three-story site for opportunities. Underwhelmed but not discouraged, we continued to the top level where a creative vision struck: a rooftop restaurant venue.
For the levels beneath, we considered a bold but calculated opportunity. We suggested opening up a portion of the second floor – a minimal sacrifice of uninspiring seating space – to create a mezzanine, expanded views, and dramatic high ceilings below.
Building better
We were awarded the full project – from permitting and design to build out, marketing and launch. With the historic exterior walls intact, we executed a complete rebuild inside, adding steel supports and seismic bracing for the new rooftop space.
The venue would open to become:
Huntress – Contemporary steakhouse with intimate mezzanine bar and catwalk overlooking the main dining room and its floor-to-ceiling wine display.
Grand Pacific Room – Sophisticated private event space, occupying the 3rd story above the restaurant.
Lumi – Eclectic, open-air restaurant with Japanese cuisine by the Michelin-starred chef Akira Back.
“We knew the building had great potential. But only RMD produced the specific plan to achieve it. They were the only ones who figured out how to put a modern rooftop on top of a 130-year-old building with both amazing design and quality. They have delivered on every promise.”
- Sumeet Parekh
Managing Partner, HP Investments
With an eye on the future, RMD Group purposefully architected the multi-function venue as three distinct revenue centers, maximizing accounting and operational efficiency. Most importantly, it affords management the ability to monitor each business model’s success independently.
