A new 23,400-square-foot mixed-use arts and events facility recently debuted in Laguna Beach.
The 3-story building, dubbed 7 & #176; [seven-degrees], sits on about half an acre of land next to the Sawdust Festival grounds in an area the city has designated the Civic Art District.
The project was developed by DeeMark Partners and designed by Laguna Beach architect Lance Polster & Associates. The property, formerly the site of an auto repair shop, was purchased by DeeMark several years ago. Cost of the project was not disclosed.
7 & #176; [seven-degrees] includes 6,200 square feet of artist work-live studios,the first to be built in the city in recent years,and 5,600 square feet of exhibit and event space, an 800-square-foot gallery, a 6,400-square-foot underground parking garage and 4,400 square feet of outdoor terrace and garden. It will be able to host events for up to 300 people.
Mark Orgill, the interior designer and president of DeeMark Partners, said the developers hope the building will become a model for the district, which is bounded by the city’s municipal buildings on Forest Ave. and the Boys’ & Girls’ Club on Laguna Canyon Road.
Dee Berthiaume, another principal in DeeMark and the project designer, has also worked on projects for the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana and the new Sage Hill School at Newport Coast.
