The Strand in Huntington Beach | The Malakai Sparks Group

Officially opened on May 16, 2009, The Strand in downtown Huntington Beach was the brainchild of the CIM Group, Inc., an entity recognized for investing in urban communities and transforming them into social and retail hotbeds, its launch festivities accompanied by music, speeches by local officials, tours of the commons area of the Shorebreak Hotel and a “Duck-a-Thon” event – to say nothing of the fitting welcome commencement by Shirley Dettloff, mayor of HB at the time.

The Strand was developed in the 5^th and PCH district of Huntington Beach by the CIM Group, with this area being a hip and chic social center that draws both locals and visitors regularly like a moth to a proverbial flame; a parking garage to accompany the project opened in 2008 and office, retail and hotel space opened throughout 2008 and 2009. This enabled access to parking from 6^th Street just off Pacific Coast Highway, with 5^th Street, which runs through the center of The Strand, being opened from PCH to Walnut, thus providing another vehicle and pedestrian connection between Pacific Coast Highway and downtown Huntington Beach.

On December 4, 2008, one of the first retail operations opened at The Strand in the form of Forever 21, with Active Ride launched on December 13 and Ra Sushi on December 15 – representing the first in the center’s collection of top retailers and restaurants. Rip Curl, Johnny Rockets and CVS Pharmacy followed suit with openings in January of 2009.

Initially conceived as a “premier project in an outstanding location” destined to be a “good urban investment to add both jobs and quality of life to the community” by the CIM Group’s principal John Given, The Strand now ranges in size from three to four stories and has become a dynamic, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development bustling in downtown Huntington Beach comprised of 68,000 square-feet of office space and a 157-room boutique hotel – the aforementioned Shorebreak – on the upper levels. Set on three acres, the development now represents a public/private partnership between the CIM Group and the City of Huntington Beach and boasts wide sidewalks for outdoor café dining, a sweeping public plaza, a plethora of shopping and dining options and a variety of entertainment events/activities that routinely captivate residents and visitors.

A Closer Look at Shorebreak Hotel

Sure, the legendary Elvis Presley may have crooned about the “Heartbreak Hotel,” but Huntington Beach has become home to a lodging option that exudes no overtones of heartbreak – in any sense of the word. Opened amidst a whirlwind of anticipation in May of 2009, the Shorebreak Hotel in The Strand coincided with the City of Huntington Beach’s Centennial celebration and offered a stylish and contemporary experience as the brainchild of Joie de Vivre, an organization renowned for its distinctive properties and quality service.

Now known as Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, this boutique locale is situated just steps from the hottest sand in Surf City and at the epicenter of the Main Street scene. Inside the lavish property awaits a relaxed, coastal vibe achieved via spirited interior design, an open-air patio with cozy fire pits, elevated beach-chic dining at the Pacific Hideaway restaurant and spacious, airy accommodations – many offering views of the Huntington Beach Pier.

Real Estate Surrounding the Strand

Being in the heart of downtown Huntington Beach. The Strand is surrounded by many different types of homes and condos. Being that Huntington Beach Real Estate has always been desirable: The Strand development has just added to its value by giving the area yet another desirable place to go. We have seen an explosion in Huntington Beach condos for sale and have even pushed Huntington Beach’s Oceanfront Homes For Sale to new highs. The Strand has done wonders for the local real estate market, and don’t see that changing in the foreseeable future. Below is a list of homes around The Strand for you to look over. If you are interested in any of them, please reach out to Malakai directly – 714.655.1627

A New Brand?

To many native Huntington Beachers, The Strand will always be The Strand – but there are city officials who claim the moniker of “5^th and PCH” is the new actual name for this commercial center; irrespective of what it might be referred to. However, the fact remains that this plan to reintroduce locals and visitors to an area that was sometimes overshadowed by Main Street has been a success story, totally complementing the downtown district’s chic vibe and attracting those with an eye for beauty and intrigue like almost nowhere else in California.

The Strand in downtown Huntington Beach, with its myriad of restaurants, retail office space, and a boutique hotel, can indeed be called a project of excellence…for a number of reasons.

Thanks for reading! For any questions about The Pasea or area around it please call or text me (Malakai) directly at 714-655-1627. As I am the area expert.