HUNTINGTON BEACH : Rebuild Maxwell’s, Panel Recommends

The aging Maxwell’s by the Sea restaurant should be torn down and rebuilt at its current site just a few feet south of the city pier, a citizens’ committee is recommending.

The General Plan advisory committee, which will pass along its recommendations to the City Council, rejected a second option calling for construction of a new Maxwell’s restaurant about 150 feet south of its present location. The vacant area created by moving the restaurant could then be used as extra space for a pier plaza.

Officials said moving the restaurant would require the approval of city voters and the California Coastal Commission. Under a city law, any new development on the city beach requires voter approval.

However, officials said that a new restaurant built on the same spot would not have to go before voters or the Coastal Commission.

The Maxwell’s by the Sea building was constructed in 1932 by the Works Progress Administration and initially served as a dance hall.

The building needs major structural improvements to meet fire and health codes, Community Services Director Ron Hagan said in a report.

Jerry Person, one of the members of the General Plan advisory committee, said he voted to keep a new Maxwell’s at its current location because it is less expensive than building at a new site and because of the uncertainty about winning approval for the move.

Roy Richardson, another member, said Thursday that he favored a new location. Richardson said the city will lose lease revenue after the building is torn down and while it is being rebuilt. Lease money, however, would continue to come to the city if Maxwell’s could operate in the old building while construction of the new restaurant is underway, he said.

Paul Wimmer, who acquired Maxwell’s 16 years ago, has submitted new plans to the city calling for a dinner house, entertainment area, outdoor seating area and banquet facilities. Cost of construction is estimated at $3.3 million.

The city receives about $300,000 in annual lease payments from the restaurant.