Laguna Beach Considers $23M Deal For Closed Catholic School Property

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The Laguna Beach City Council is considering whether to spend millions to purchase the site of the former St. Catherine of Siena Parish School property. The school closed its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic and never reopened.

City staff presented the possible acquisition of the property during the Tuesday council meeting. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is seeking $23 million for the 6.5-acre property at 30516 Coast Highway, according to the city staff report. The amount was determined based on two appraisals conducted by the city and the Diocese of Orange.

The property consists of four buildings with roughly 39,500 square feet of indoor space. The buildings were constructed in 2010 and are in "good working condition," according to the staff report. The property also features multiple outdoor spaces, including a basketball court, picnic areas, playground structures and sports field.

Possible uses for the property include a community pool, city hall and civic center, cultural arts center, parking structure, and skate park, according to the report. The Laguna Beach Unified School District submitted a letter to the city stating its interest in partnering with the city to help cover the cost to purchase the property.

The council directed staff to further evaluate the possible acquisition and return with a detailed financial plan and partnership opportunities during the Aug. 16 council meeting.