Del Mar: Civic Center and Town Hall

A seaside oasis of unhurried, yet civilized living, the city of Del Mar is known for its laid-back charm. The Del Mar City Hall expands the lush and walkable village center south along Camino Del Mar, providing important indoor and outdoor public gathering spaces in a civic heart that fits the spirit of the place.

Perched on a steep westerly slope on the west side of Camino Del Mar, Del Mar City Hall offers views of the Pacific Ocean from well-scaled garden terraces flowing directly into Town Hall and City Council Chambers, as well as City Hall public spaces. An entry garden, Town Hall Commons and Ocean View Terrace link outdoor spaces designed to accommodate Del Mar’s Farmers Market. The outdoor spaces can be accessed directly by pedestrians arriving from the village center along Camino Del Mar with parking below and out of sight. An all-season breezeway with large operable doors accommodates covered outdoor gathering or enclosed Town Hall overflow for large events.

Located at the highest corner of the block, Town Hall is capped by an iconic glass and wood cupola supported by a Torrey Pine-inspired truss and forming a gateway beacon from the southern approach to the city. Natural ventilation strategies are employed through the cupola at Town Hall and a clerestory of operable windows at City Hall, taking advantage of the Pacific breezes to reduce energy costs and create a pleasant workspace for visitors and city staff.

The architectural character of the buildings and site is drawn from inspiration throughout Del Mar, highlighting the human-scaled spaces and textures found in its most well-loved public spaces and gardens. An expressed wood structure throughout the main public spaces with wooden trusses and wood exterior cladding, is congruous with the Coastal Craftsman style of the Del Mar Library, and the historic Powerhouse Park Community Center and St. Peter’s Parish.