Project Summary
This project includes a continuation of the Mane Street design and scale with independent local retail, ten lower-price guest rooms, Bunkhouse cafe and a welcoming pedestrian corridor. Tucked out of view behind the existing motel, thirty seven additional rooms and stargazing cabins with guest amenities including a small pool, bath house and ample parking.
Pioneertown Motel Project Details
The project represents a significant local investment in an existing locally owned and operated small business.
Based on a decade of operational insights, we have thoughtfully designed this project as a quiet respite. The concept is focused on immersion in nature, stargazing and wellness— complimenting the liveliness of Pappy and Harriet’s, Pioneer Bowl and Red Dog Saloon.
Any events taking place on property will be for hotel guests only, confined to controlled areas and under strict noise regulations.
We acquired 2 adjacent parcels to the West of the proposed project site in order to create a generous buffer between uses. The site is primarily surrounded by vacant land, proposed parking and Pappy’s parking.
The project will generate only 18 new incoming and outgoing trips per hour at morning peak. We have provided significant convenient parking tucked behind the project site in order to eliminate any impact on parking in Pioneertown.
Our goal is to increase professionally managed overnight accommodations within walking distance of Pappy and Harriet’s, which can attract over 1,200 guests for nighttime concerts. The project will make our streets safer and reduce the demand for short-term vacation rentals in our neighborhoods.
The project will provide a new dining option in Pioneertown. Alongside our team at Red Dog Saloon, we have over 5 years operating experience in Pioneertown and deeply understand the value of putting our community first.
The project will create local jobs from construction to operations. As demonstrated with our existing projects, we prioritize local artists, experts and community members in order to interweave the soul of the place into the project.
The Specifics
Historical Preservation
Will the project detract from Pioneertown's historic character and change the visual landscape of this unique desert community?
Our Approach
Historic Site Preservation: The project has been designed in harmony with Pioneertown's historic Mane Street character.
Architectural Harmony: Design inspiration drawn directly from guidance in the Mane Street National Register Historic District recognized by the National Park Service.
Visual Integration: The bulk of the project will be positioned behind the existing motel, preserving the scale of Mane Street.
Authentic Design: Buildings proposed for Mane Street will be in "Old West" style and aligned with existing architecture.
Materials Selection: All buildings and materials have been selected to harmonize with Pioneertown's Mane Street structures.
Lighting
Preserving Pioneertown's dark night skies is essential to residents and the desert environment. How will this project address light trespassing and pollution?
Our Approach
Dark Sky Preservation: We are aligned with the community in appreciation of dark skies. The night sky is one of the community’s greatest amenities.
Dark Sky Standards: The project will adhere to all Dark Sky standards and even go a step beyond, where safely possible.
Discrete Lighting Design: More discrete lighting levels around the property, including downlighting and warm tone bulbs.
Minimal Light Levels: Careful design to prevent light pollution while maintaining safety for guests and locals.
Aesthetic Consideration: Lighting designed for safety and discreet accenting, with full knowledge that there is no better nighttime aesthetic than on open sky full of stars.
Community Character
Will the scale of this project affect Pioneertown's unique small-town character and local community feel?
Our Approach
Local Ownership: Continued local ownership and management by long-term community members.
Job Creation: New employment opportunities for local residents.
Controlled Tourism: Providing supervised, well-managed accommodations as an alternative to unregulated short-term rentals will be a net community benefit.
Community Integration: Design that encourages visitors to respect and appreciate Pioneertown's unique character and history through art, education and activation.
Economic Sustainability: Supporting a sustainable tourism economy that benefits existing local businesses.
Traffic & Parking
Will this project increase traffic on Pioneertown's limited roads and potentially create parking problems, especially given the town’s rapidly increasing popularity?
Our Approach
Limited Traffic Impact: The project will generate only 18 incoming/outgoing trips per hour in mornings.
Manageable Peak Hours: A maximum of 21 incoming/outgoing trips during peak afternoon and evening hours.
Meeting & Exceeding Parking Requirements: San Bernardino parking requirements have been met and substantially exceeded with additional convenience parking, hidden off Mane Street.
Discrete Parking Design: Guest parking by rooms with additional parking screened from adjacent properties.
Preservation of Rural Character: Careful planning to maintain the character of local roadways while accommodating necessary access.
Ecological Design
What is the ecological impact of a development of this size? Pioneertown is in need of more tourism infrastructure, but it can’t come at a cost to its environment.
Our Approach
Ecological Philosophy: Our approach to design integrates natural materials and landscape to facilitate seamless connection between guest and nature.
Light Environmental Footprint: Design approach "prompts us to touch the land lightly."
Natural Materials: Commitment to natural non-toxic materials and beautiful natural materials.
Resource Conservation: Conservation of resources is considered an imperative.
Energy Efficiency: Passive solar design incorporated throughout the project.
Integration with Nature: Indoor-outdoor living spaces that celebrate the desert environment.
Water & Waste
What about water availability in the desert environment and environmental concerns regarding waste management?
Our Approach
Responsible Water Sourcing: Potable water provided via a metered connection.
Water Recycling: Grey water from guest rooms and the pool facility will be diverted for landscape irrigation of native, drought-resistant plants.
Advanced Wastewater Treatment: Instead of a standard septic system, on-site treatment through a high-performance "package plant" using filtration and anaerobic digestion to pre-treat effluent.
Integrated Waste Management: Contracted services for solid waste, compostable food waste, and recycling conveyed off-site.
Introduction
The Pioneertown Motel project represents the next chapter in our ongoing love story with this extraordinary desert community. Set against the backdrop of the timeless Mane Street, our thoughtfully designed project celebrates the rich heritage of Pioneertown while addressing the evolving needs of both visitors and residents. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and pioneering spirit that defines this special place, we envision spaces where authentic experiences unfold naturally, creating meaningful connections between guests, locals, and the land itself. This isn't just about adding some rooms—it's about creating a sustainable, harmonious extension of the Pioneertown experience that benefits everyone who cherishes this magical corner of the high desert.
Get in touch!
Most of you know us well, but in case you don’t have direct contact information, please feel free to reach out. We welcome any and all feedback. Thank you.