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 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA—With a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, ground breaking commenced for the Terranea Resort, an expansive 102-acre coastal resort and conference center in the Los Angeles area.  Terranea, which has already been in development for eight years, is owned by Lowe Enterprises, and is being developed by Lowe affiliate company Lowe Destination Development and will be managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, also a Lowe affiliate company. The ambitious venue, designed to smoothly interface into the rolling  oceanfront topography of Southern California, is a 582-room, $450 million Mediterranean-style resort & conference center that also features 123,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space including 31 meeting rooms and an 18,000-square-foot main ballroom.

One reason for the time involved in the planning of the project has been the company’s desire to design a one-of-a-kind destination that blends with the natural setting and benefits the local community. "We have the rare opportunity to create the only true luxury destination resort along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles County," said Robert J. Lowe, chairman and CEO, Lowe Enterprises.  "To ensure that Terranea will be a jewel for the entire region, we have brought to its planning all of what we have learned in 35 years of developing exceptional resorts."            

Terranea’s restaurants, pools, spa and function spaces, as well as 90 percent of the rooms, will showcase the stunning and sweeping ocean views unique to the location. Casual and fine dining options include a cliff-side bar and a specialty restaurant overlooking the Pacific with 270-degree views of the California coastline.

 "This is an unusual site, as it runs along the curve of the coast, so we carefully positioned each building and facility to capitalize on this dramatic setting," said Rob Lowe, Jr., president, Lowe Destination Development.  "The design mandate for Terranea was to ensure that the spectacular views can be enjoyed from as many vantage points as possible."

Among the resort’s exceptional amenities are a 25,000-square-foot oceanfront spa and fitness facility and three swimming pools each with its own ocean view.  

Terranea is also one of the few U.S. conference centers able to be green from the get-go. The venue design incorporates environmentally sensitive programs such as the creation of 14 acres of habitat, a landscaping program using non-invasive native plants and a sophisticated water management plan featuring vegetated open channels known as bioswales to clean water run-off before it flows into the ocean.  The property also provides the public with access to an extensive network of trails within and outside the property. "Our development plan knits together the existing public trails with new trails throughout the property to optimize access and enjoyment of the natural environment for guests and residents," added Lowe, Jr.

In addition to its ample meeting space, the venue features a business center, full-service concierge and each guest room includes desktop work stations, flat screen televisions and private balconies. Terranea also includes a nine-hole golf course a state-of-the-art spa  with 24 treatment rooms offering customized wellness programs along with separate men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.

"Terranea will offer the quintessential California experience," said Charlie Peck, president and chief operating officer for Destination Hotels & Resorts. "When we open our guests will be treated to a signature service that will make Terranea truly distinct among the world’s finest resorts."

Terranea is located 15 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport, and is a short drive to the area’s many attractions, entertainment and cultural venues.  The venue was designed by Hill Glazier Architects, Turner Construction is the general contractor.  Terranea  is scheduled to open in spring 2009.