South Bay native Allen Sanford has been in love with Redondo Beach since he first started surfing as a kid.

More recently, though, he said he has noticed “fewer and fewer places to hang out,” as well as a lack of changes to the waterfront. One day, while paddleboarding, he saw two vacant buildings – formerly a Ruby’s and a Chillers – and the idea “dawned on me” to create California Surf Club at the site.

The location, which opens this week, is a members-only club and a public restaurant. It was founded by Sanford and Rob Lissner, who are both also behind the annual BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach.

“From the start, BeachLife has been about building community through music, hospitality and coastal culture,” Lissner said in a statement. “With California Surf Club, we’re expanding that vision. We’re offering a space rooted in purpose and designed to unite people – not just for a night but a lifestyle.”

The 22,000-square-foot adaptive reuse was designed by architect Stephen Jones of bettershelter. Its features include a waterfront area with club-owned equipment such as kayaks, a lounge and bar, a space for events, a game room, and a public restaurant.

Sanford called the project a “risk,” but one that was “worth taking.”

“We will not be successful down here if more investment does not follow us,” he said. “We hope to provide some inspiration for people to want to invest down here.”

Sanford declined to provide exact investment figures for the club, only stating that it was in the millions.

Many members already

Despite its May 8 opening date, the California Surf Club already has 450 memberships signed, which includes many families, making the headcount closer to 900 total.

There is currently a waitlist for prospective members.

Sanford said he wants to avoid overcrowding and “provide a cool experience.” He added that “we won’t know if that was the right number until after we open” and may add more members depending on how things go at first.

There is also a day rate available for non-members to use the club.

Sanford said he hopes the club encourages more investment in the area and that he is able to work with the city “to strategically develop” the area.

“We’re super stoked that everybody’s behind us,” Sanford said. “I’m just a normal guy that likes to surf and go to the beach and my business hypothesis is that there are a lot of people like me.”