‘Blessing of the Ground’ at Dana Point

Most developers save their hallelujahs until after a project is completed. But Dave Busk gave thanks before his new office/retail project in Dana Point even broke ground. Busk, who develops custom homes in South County, held a “blessing of the ground” last week for the vacant land he bought at the corner of Del Prado and Violet Lantern near the Dana Point Harbor.

The 9,000-square-foot center, dubbed the Piazza Del Violeta, won’t break ground until next March--for a New Year’s Eve opening. But Busk brought out a couple of ministers and a rabbi to say a few words. “There’s an old trite saying,” Busk laughed. “God answers prayers.”

Busk is trying to line up an eclectic collection of tenants for the proposed building, including a coffeehouse, art gallery, small restaurant and perhaps a garden boutique. Busk Development will move into the second floor of the building, and Busk’s personal office will be in a tower on a third level.

Busk took inspiration from older brick and stucco buildings here and in Texas, as well as Richard O’Neill’s Mission Promenade across from Mission San Juan Capistrano. The price tag for the project, which will have an antique brick facade and second-story fireplace: $2 million.

What is an appropriate developer’s blessing? It could be the scripture printed on the invitation from 2 Chronicles. It ends: “So the people built and prospered.”