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Council approves Made by Meg concession to operate Veterans Historic Library; firm will invest in renovations
Summary
The City Council unanimously approved a 10-year concession agreement with Made by Meg to operate the Veterans Historic Library as an event and community space, with an estimated $900,000 in interior improvements and a $325,000 credit toward those renovations in the first two years.
The Redondo Beach City Council unanimously approved a concession agreement on Tuesday with Made by Meg (MBM Hospitality Inc.) to operate the Veterans Historic Library as a public-facing event and cultural space. The firm will manage daily café operations, rent the interior for private events, and organize rotating exhibits while investing in significant interior renovations.
Under the 10-year agreement (with two five-year extension options), Made by Meg will operate a café open at least four hours daily, Wednesday through Sunday, and manage event rentals while preserving community access. The firm committed to approximately $900,000 in interior improvements, including a complete kitchen and bathroom renovation and ADA upgrades. To recognize that investment, the city will provide up to $325,000 in credits during the first two years. The concessionaire will also receive a monthly $3,500 facility-management credit to reflect maintenance obligations for major systems.
Council and staff said the arrangement balances public access with professional operations and capital upgrades. Community Services Director Elizabeth Hausch walked the council through the terms: city access to interior spaces for public programs will be preserved (the city may reserve the facility up to two years in advance, and the city retains exclusive use of the north lawn for special events). MBM will also allocate 1.0% of net annual sales toward future facility improvements and 2.5% to marketing the venue.
Made by Meg owner Meg Walker described the company’s experience operating historic venues and outlined plans for community exhibits and a public launch after improvements are complete. Staff said the city has already completed several capital items — a new roof, elevator service, and window replacement — and plans for exterior ADA and accessibility fixes are underway; MBM’s interior work will supplement those upgrades.
The council approved the agreement by unanimous vote; staff estimated the city’s guaranteed minimum rent across the 10-year term at roughly $2.2 million, with additional percentage rent possible depending on event and café sales. Staff projected the renovation work could be complete by June 30, 2026, followed by a community opening celebration within six months.
Why it matters: The library is a National Register landmark on the waterfront. The agreement aims to revitalize a historic public building while maintaining community access and generating revenue for the city.
What’s next: City and concessionaire staff will finalize construction and permit schedules, manage the $325,000 credit accounting, and coordinate a community reopening event when interior improvements are finished.
