Featured in Preservation Magazine, the flagship publication of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the revival of the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach has been celebrated as a model for adaptive reuse. For GMA Architects, contributing to the $160 million restoration was an opportunity to help restore one of Southern California’s most iconic hotels while preparing it for its next century.
Opened in 1926, the Breakers has long been part of Long Beach’s story—from hosting Hollywood legends to sheltering the Red Cross after the 1933 earthquake. After years of decline, local developer Pacific6 and Eden For Your World led its transformation into a Fairmont property, reopening in November 2024.
Working alongside RVD Associates, Nadel Architects, HBA, and Spectra Company, GMA Architects balanced historic preservation with modern hospitality needs. Original plasterwork, stone details, and façade features were restored, while upgraded systems and amenities brought the hotel up to today’s standards. Subtle design elements and memorabilia weave the building’s history into the guest experience.
The project has earned national attention, federal historic tax credits, and a 2025 Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award, underscoring its cultural and architectural significance.
For GMA Architects, the Fairmont Breakers represents more than a project—it’s a statement of civic pride and a commitment to honoring history while designing for the future.
About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Fairmont Hotels provides unforgettable stays and legendary hospitality across 90 exceptional properties in 32 countries. Fairmont Hotels stand at the intersection of elegance and culture, where significant occasions are honored, and pivotal global events unfold. Our properties are as beloved by world leaders and business travelers as they are by families and those with a penchant for luxurious travel.
About Pacific6
Pacific6 is a Long Beach-based partnership of six founders, with diverse entrepreneurial backgrounds, including healthcare, financial services, risk management, human resources, legal affairs, and media/marketing development – spanning from Fortune 200 to small, independent companies.
The partnership’s six founders are committed to identifying, investing, and being involved in inspiring and important ventures. We seek projects –both for-profit and non-profit– that offer unique potential for economic and social advancement.
About National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1949 to protect and celebrate America’s historic places. Through advocacy, education, grants, and its flagship Preservation Magazine, the Trust highlights and supports projects that preserve cultural heritage, promote adaptive reuse, and keep historic landmarks relevant for future generations.
About GMA
GMA Design Group is a multidisciplinary architecture and design firm specializing in innovative, purpose-driven spaces. We partner closely with clients to deliver architectural and interior design solutions that align with their operational needs, brand identity, and long-term goals. With a portfolio that includes corporate offices, cold storage facilities, and industrial warehouses, our team brings technical expertise, creative vision, and a client-focused approach to every project. Known for our collaborative mindset and attention to detail, we are committed to designing high-performing, functional spaces that inspire and endure.
