Long-stalled Marblehead project finally underway again in San Clemente

The houses in Sea Summit at Marblehead will range in price from just under $1 million to more than $3 million and look over one of the region’s most prized coastlines. (Christina House / For The Times)

Jan. 22, 2015 5 AM PT

With demand for high-end housing surging, the long-delayed seaside residential development has been jolted to life. Work has begun anew on the 248-acre Sea Summit at Marblehead, where a new developer plans to build 309 single-family homes.

The Sea Summit at Marblehead project, last known simply as Marblehead, skidded to a halt after financier Lehman Bros. collapsed in 2008 and left Irvine developer SunCal short of funds. (Christina House / For The Times)

More than 100 acres of land at the Sea Summit at Marblehead residential project will remain undeveloped. (Christina House / For The Times)

Sea Summit will be divided into four neighborhoods intended to appeal to different tastes in buyers. The plan includes five parks and four or five miles of trails. (Christina House / For The Times)

A previous owner graded lots for homes and paved streets and sidewalks before declaring bankruptcy in 2008 and leaving the project in stasis. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Sea Summit at Marblehead will have a private club for residents, with a fitness center, pool, patios and a fire pit. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Houses at Sea Summit at Marblehead will go on sale this summer after model homes are completed. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The Sea Summit at Marblehead project, shown in 2001, is in San Clemente and bounded by Interstate 5, upper left, Avenida Pico, center, and El Camino Real, lower right. (Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)

A 2009 view of weeds and heavy machinery sitting idle and reflected in a puddle at the unfinished development then known simply as Marblehead. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)