More Public Input Sought On Palm Desert's Lupine Plaza Retrofit

PALM DESERT, CA — Opened in autumn 2020 to temporarily support local restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lupine Plaza in Palm Desert is still thriving with its colorful umbrellas, string lights, landscaping, tables and chairs. Its popularity has spawned an idea: The city is considering a retrofit to make the plaza a permanent outdoor dining destination for visitors and locals alike.

Lupine Plaza includes the closure of a one-block section of Lupine Lane to provide safe outdoor dining. Patrons can order takeout food from one of dozens of area restaurants, and then find a seat under an umbrella at one of the plaza’s tables. Drinks have been available from a restaurant pop-up bar.

Shaded outdoor seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Palm Desert City Council has brought on design firm MIG and public artist Robin Brailsford to work through the "Lupine Plaza reimagined" process. The city also convened a sub-committee that includes representation from City Council, adjacent property owners to the plaza, and members of various city committees and commissions.

MIG hosted a community workshop on December 3 at Lupine Plaza to solicit community feedback and will host at least one more on a date to be determined.

In the meantime, the city is seeking feedback. A portal has been established that lets those interested in the proposal get updates and provide feedback. Click here to learn more.

According to the latest timetable, the city is hoping to have a final draft plan in place by March.