New Starbucks Approved For Temecula Tower Plaza: What To Know

TEMECULA, CA — Plans for a proposed Starbucks on the northwest corner of Ynez and Rancho California Road were approved by the City of Temecula Planning Commission last week. The coffee shop was approved to take up residence inside the former old bank building in the Temecula Tower Plaza shopping center.

The new Starbucks, located at 27425 Ynez Road, does not have an opening date but plans for remodeling that bank building can now commence.

"The revisions to the site and structure are in conformance with the General Plan for Temecula and with all applicable requirements of State law and other Ordinances of the City," a spokesperson for the Planning Commission has said.

According to the planning commission documents, Starbucks would operate a drive-thru and modify the existing 3,600-square-foot building. The exterior would be modernized, as would landscaping, and local architects would revamp the former bank building's interior to accommodate the restaurant chain's unique look and feel.

According to the landlords, it should be an ideal location for a spot where over 38,000 cars pass by daily.

Maikel Faragalla of Temecula's Urban Dwell Architects proposed the new drive-thru coffee shop on June 29, 2022. It wasn't until March 28 that he applied to allow for a drive-thru at the site, documents show.

The new Starbucks owners would complete the incomplete stretch of sidewalk immediately east of the site along Ynez Road, "thus improving the pedestrian experience in the area," the documents read. The exterior of the bank building will also be updated to a modern look, according to Faragalla's proposal, as would the landscaping, adding rock roses, flax, palms and olive trees in keeping with the city's water-wise themes.

There is currently one other coffee shop in the Town Center Plaza

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