WHEN I FIRST MET Mark Hartley he was finishing up a phone conversation with country music superstar client LeAnn Rimes while at the same time giving his input at an important civic forum. Since that time I have had the occasion to be impressed many more times with this local entrepreneur.
A music agent and principal in the Fitzgerald Hartley Co. who works with some of the nation's top talent, Hartley could live anywhere he wants, but chose Ventura for its coastal charm. Since putting down roots here, he has also invested heavily in our thriving Downtown. Name a cool building and he has had a hand in transforming it. Even the Star Lounge received a facelift thanks to Hartley.
But it's his latest venture which has everyone talking. We've all been waiting patiently for the Watermark, a three-story dining extravaganza, to open on the corner of Chestnut and Main. It's housed in the historic Groene building.
I recently poked my head in the door to check on the restaurant's progress, as I often do when walking past, and was lucky enough to find Hartley in the house. He offered to give me a tour.
The project has taken longer than expected, Hartley said, because of the difficulties involved in adding a third story and an elevator to the handsome brick-and-tile building. The third level, with its retractable glass ceiling and panoramic views, is called W2O and will be open daily for lunch and late-night drinks and light meals. There's also a private dining room with an ocean view and terrace.
The main dining room, full of historic ambiance, polished marble and comfy banquettes, will specialize in steaks and seafood. The mezzanine level features a lounge area and a separate loft for wine tastings and special events.
THE DAY I VISITED, a special restoration expert was putting the finishing touches on the historic ceiling. "That's Harrison Ford's guy," Hartley explained. "I only have him for a little while."
Hartley has assembled the place a bit like William Randolph Hearst assembled San Simeon, with found pieces shipped from all over the country. And it's full of little touches that are uniquely his -- the jellyfish tanks on the third floor and commissioned works of art such as a painting by a local artist with an inset video of the artist painting it. The building, which once housed a bank, still has its vault. And that's where Hartley's keeping his special liqueurs.
A chef has just been hired and if all goes well, the Watermark and H2O will be open in June and will no doubt be packed with patrons. I can't wait.
In our slowing economy, with construction stalled all over town, it so wonderful to see the work going on in our Downtown. And we are lucky to have citizens like Hartley who love their town enough to invest in its future.
He owns the building with the new pizza place next door as well. When is that opening?
Bravo, Mark. Sounds like an awesome eating establishment to add to the attraction and draw of the downtown.
Not only a visionary, but a really nice guy !! Plus he has a great wife !!
Everything Mark does, is with flair and respect to the history of the Downtown corridor.
We're blessed to have him.
Well, I'm glad that this guy has "NOTHIN' BETTER TO DO, NOTHIN' BETTER TO DO" (quick take on Ms. Rimes current hit !) than invest in our downtown area. The bar he gave the facelift to is really quite stunning and I'm sure that this will be likewise. I took a cruise downtown with the famiily the other day and the area has changed significantly in the 14 or so years since we've called Ventura home.
Part of me wants to keep this little gem of ours a "secret" (let the drivers on the 101 keep on going north to Santa Barb and congest those streets) but visitors do bring the town much needed income with their tourist dollars.
WHat about a good music venue with open mic nites Mr Hartley, something for us maturing muso's without a regular band!?
I salute you !
Hey, Mean Dean, what's up? I always enjoy your perspective. Probably 'cause you're a rebel like me.
I think downtown is vastly improving as well, but I sure don't like the idea of parking meters. I was at a neighborhood meeting the other night and, of the 38 people in attendance, 36 opposed parking meters. We're getting ready to circulate a petition to send this same message to the City Council.
Hey, I realize we're in a budget crunch, but you cannot charge your way out of it, despite what Mayor Cole and Deputy Mayor Fulton say. People in the community are suffering the ill effects of a slumping economy too. When is the City Council going to take this into consideration?
Peter Livingston built the Watermark. Jim Rice is part owner of the Watermark, and Jim Rite ownes Jimmy's Slice, the pizza place next door, which was also built by Mr. Livingston. Jim Rice had nothing to do with the construction of either establishment, in case thats what anyone was thinking. If you have not seen the inside the Watermark, you definately need to, because it is a true work of art. I have seen the Watermark in all of its building stages, from beginning to end, and Peter Livingston is the real genius behind this!
I say give credit where credit is due, and credit is DEFINATELY due to Peter Livingston!!!
Peter Livingston of Livingston Construction built the Watermark. Jim Rice is part owner of the Watermark, and Jim Wright ownes the pizza place next door, which Peter Livingston also built. Jim Rice had nothing to do with building either establishment. I have seen the Watermark in all of its building stages, from beginning to end, and it is a true work of art, and Peter Livingston is nothing less than a genius!
I say give credit where credit is due, and credit is definately due to Peter Livingston!
Our small business here in Ventura is thinking of possibly hosting a Holiday party at the WaterMark. What's your flavor for December? Events?