The Holman Building

Project Details

Historic Glamour Returns to Monterey’s Holman Building

The newly glamorous historic Holman Building sits in the heart of vintage Pacific Grove, California, in the Monterey Peninsula. It’s surrounded by panoramic destinations, including Pebble Beach, the Monterey Bay Coastline, and the Seventeen Mile Drive.

Built in 1924 as a department store by Rensselaer Luther Holman, the Holman building has undergone numerous renovations in its 90-year history as the largest independently owned and operated department store between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Holman was so iconic it is referenced in John Steinbeck’s epic novel, Cannery Row.

“The windows were central to the success of this historic rehab project,” says Pete Ruiz, principal at KW Coastal Estates. “The wall of windows that frame the breathtaking views of the ocean and city create natural artwork.”

Work began in 2017 when WRD Architects was hired to bring the Holman back to its original beauty. While restoring the façade to its 1920’s style, all of the windows were replaced with WINCO Series 1450 windows. These new, energy-efficient, dual-glazed windows replicate the original, three-part Chicago- style windows. The new windows feature large fixed- center panels flanked by two smaller casement windows, providing views of some of the most spectacular
scenery imaginable and ocean breezes.

The newly renovated Holman is now home to 25 luxury, ocean view condominiums situated on levels two through four. On the fifth floor are four large penthouses with outdoor living spaces and fantastic views of the peninsula.

Today, the Holman is a resplendent, historic landmark that some very lucky Pacific Grove residents, can now call home.