Popular Santa Monica party mansion set to shut down

A longtime Santa Monica restaurant and nightclub announced it will close permanently at the end of the month.The Victorian announced on Instagram Monday that it would close after 20 years. Its final weekend will be its annual Halloween party on Oct. 31.Located a block away from the Santa Monica Beach, the Victorian operates as a restaurant during the day, serving up weekend brunch, dinner and happy hour. On weekends, DJs performed across its basement, main floor and upstairs spaces. It also offered weekly salsa and bachata lessons. The Victorian didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. While it did not provide a reason for its closure on social media, city records show its closure is clearing the way for a private members club with wellness amenities.According to city records first reported by Santa Monica Daily Press, the Victorian will be converted into a members club including a pool, spa, fitness center and coffee bistro.Meeting minutes from March show the Santa Monica City Council approved transferring the lease for the city-owned property to the Santamonican Club LLC. A city staff report shows that the Victorian would transition from “its current use as a restaura...