Laguna Beach presents $186–$440 million facilities master plan, prioritizes public safety and near-term projects

Laguna Beach city staff and consultants presented a facilities master plan at a special City Council meeting that organizes 26 city facilities into three priority tiers and outlines near-, mid- and long-term investment strategies.

The plan, presented by Dustin Alamo of Grip and Structures and Charlie Williams of LPA Design Studios and introduced by Gavin Curran, the assistant city manager, groups projects into: Group 1 (high-impact, near-term projects), Group 2 (strategic modernization) and Group 3 (long-range transformational projects). “This effort is more than just building. It's about aligning community services with real needs both today and into the future,” Alamo said.

Why it matters: the assessment flagged aging systems, seismic vulnerabilities and space shortfalls across the city’s portfolio. The consultants estimated about $314,000,000 in maintenance needs over 20 years and presented a broad cost envelope for all options between roughly $186,000,000 and $440,000,000 depending on renovation versus new construction.

Key findings and priorities

- Inventory: 26 facilities classified across six categories (civic/admin, library, public safety, parks & recreation, leased cultural venues and parking). Public safety buildings performed relatively well but still show critical seismic and water risks.

- Space shortfalls: the combined evaluated shortfall totaled about 62,000 square feet; the police department was cited as operating at roughly half the space it needs and the fire department was described as short by about 10,000 square feet.

- Cost ranges: the police department rebuild could range from $27 million to $71 million depending on scope; consultants provided a total planning range of $186–$440 million for the portfolio. Group 1 — which includes a replacement of Fire Station 1, library improvements, Forum Theatre accessibility upgrades, Lang Park light renovations and a reimagined Community Recreation Center (CRC) with potential housing — was estimated at $52–$80 million.

Public input and next steps

Consultants said the plan was shaped by stakeholder meetings, pop-up events and a town hall. They reported consistent community emphasis on public safety, library retention in its current location (with improved parking and space), and improved CRC and Susie Q amenities. “This is a conversation starter, not a conclusion,” Alamo said, asking the council for guidance on priorities and outreach.

Council direction focused on moving Group 1 items into further design and funding analysis, identifying parking impacts if Fire Station 1 is relocated, and pursuing funding partnerships for larger projects. Staff said they will incorporate council feedback and align priority projects with funding strategies and scopes for implementation planning.

The presentation materials and next-step schedule will return to council at upcoming meetings for more detailed scoping and community engagement.