If you have walked through downtown Manhattan Beach lately, you may not have noticed anything different yet. But behind the scenes, the city is working through plans that could reshape two key spots in the heart of downtown for years to come.
The Two Sites
The first is the property at 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, home to the Vons site. The second is Lot 3, a public parking structure just behind the businesses on Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
The city has been studying redevelopment options for both, and for now, the ideas on the table range from a boutique hotel to a rebuilt public parking structure, along with possible code changes such as adjustments to height limits.
Where Things Stand
This summer, the city has been running a public engagement process, with booths at local events, focus groups, surveys, and design workshops. A conceptual proposal is expected by August, and City Council is set to review final proposals in September.
For now, the city has already set aside funding to move things forward. The fiscal year 2026 budget includes funding for the 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard site, part of which is earmarked for demolition of the existing building if that is ordered, with the remainder going toward design services. Lot 3 does not yet have a design budget of its own.
If a project does move forward, construction likely would not begin until early 2028, and the two sites would be developed on a staggered timeline rather than at the same time. The Vons site is expected to move first, largely because of how its financing is structured.
Why This Matters If You Live Here
Downtown Manhattan Beach does not change often, so any shift to these two sites is worth paying attention to, whether you are a longtime resident, a recent buyer, or someone considering a move here.
A hotel changes downtown differently than a rebuilt parking structure would, in terms of foot traffic, parking availability, and the overall feel of the area. It is still early, and nothing is finalized, but this is exactly the kind of local development that can shape property values and daily life in the years ahead.
We will continue to follow this story as it develops. In the meantime, if you are curious about how downtown's future might affect your own home or a potential purchase, we are always happy to talk it through.
