Sixties period signage goes up at Lompoc’s Village Inn resort forward of June revival

The property, which has undergone main renovations because the summer season of 2021, is slated to formally open to the general public in June, in accordance with Mercer.

Above all else, Mercer mentioned, the resort’s iconic design was the explanation behind the acquisition.

“It is what acquired us to purchase the place,” Mercer mentioned, referring to its historic lineage illustrated in a late Sixties classic postcard which exhibits the boutique resort in its heyday, brandishing the identical clear strains and distinct yellow signage out entrance. 

“I mentioned, ‘We have to do that — that is very cool,'” he added.

Situated minutes from downtown Lompoc, northbound alongside Freeway 1 in Vandenberg Village, the practically 7-acre property, previously the White Oaks Lodge, was bought in October 2019 for $3.1 million by Mercer’s actual property funding firm, Realty Middle Administration Inc., or RCMI, situated in Culver Metropolis. The corporate additionally owns the Diplomat flats complicated in Vandenberg Village.

The historical past of the The Village Inn dates again to the late ’60s and ’70s when its reputation as a gathering place for contractors and others who had been on the town to conduct enterprise at Vandenberg Air Drive Base supplied respite via short-term dwelling quarters. It was renamed the Spaceport Inn within the Nineteen Eighties, then the Days Inn within the Nineteen Nineties and, now, boasts its authentic identify.

Since being bought greater than two years in the past, the whole property has been gutted and overhauled — right down to the sewer strains and electrical system, in accordance with RCMI consultant Wally Kane, whereas preserving some historic options all through, together with its retro design. 

One instance, Kane mentioned, is the elegant terrazzo flooring found beneath the previous lamanent discovered within the foyer and bar space, which has since been eliminated.

“We’re simply going to buff all that out and go away that the best way it’s,” Kane mentioned, noting that the lamanent, with a narrative of its personal, was probably added throughout a Nineteen Seventies replace to accommodate a disco-era dance ground.

One other component that may dwell on, Kane mentioned, is an authentic stone and stucco wall function, which was constructed for the lodge’s inside through the Sixties. In an effort to increase the wall, Kane mentioned the staff was in a position to find further stones from the unique buildout at a neighborhood rock quarry. These stones have since been put in as an adjoining wall within the upstairs mezzanine.

“Dave and I put the entire thing collectively from the get-go,” he mentioned. “We’re not slapping it collectively by any means.”

As soon as full, the property will function 61 midcentury-themed rooms, every with a personal patio. A collection of double-queen suites and ADA-accessible suites will likely be accessible. Different options will embrace a renovated pool and deck, pool home, backyard gazebos and a particular marriage ceremony venue on the again garden. There are also plans to plant wine grapes alongside the frontside of the property.

“We hope to get 1,500 to 2,000 bottles out of what we plant to serve within the restaurant,” Kane famous.

In accordance with Normal Supervisor Chris Milton, the restaurant and bar — named “Dave’s Place” — will provide a full menu of domestically sourced California-style delicacies and specialty drinks that cater to each inexpensive and fine-dining budgets.

“We wish our troopers to have the ability to dine right here,” Milton mentioned, referring to close by Vandenberg Area Drive Base. “I am a disabled veteran, so we wish to welcome them right here.”

Along with indoor eating on the restaurant and bar and seating within the upstairs mezzanine for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, out of doors eating will even be an possibility for patrons as particular person, self-contained consuming areas referred to as “pods” will likely be accessible to be used.

“The nostalgic a part of this challenge, and what it actually means to individuals, is what makes it enjoyable,” Milton mentioned. “It is what retains us going as a result of what it’ll imply to the neighborhood.”