Temecula Resort & Spa Proposal Gains Conditional Planning Commission Approval: 3-2 Vote

TEMECULA, CA—Opportunity and preparedness appear to have met in Old Town Temecula, as the city is one step closer to approving the construction of the Temecula Resort & Spa.

The new resort, slated for a 2.15-acre lot on the east side of Front Street, between First and Second streets, has undergone numerous redesign iterations as city staff recommends the Planning Commission's approval. After a lengthy discussion, the proposal and redesign received a three-to-two approval from the planning commission at the Nov. 20 Planning Commission Meeting.

The line item about the current planning activities will be included in Tuesday's Community Development report for the Temecula City Council. The Planning Commission's approval remains subject to the conditions of approval and the discretion of the city engineer and building officials.

Commissioners Adam Ruiz, Gary Watts, and Bob Hagel felt the applicants had met each reservation with an acceptable solution, voting yes; Commissioners Lanae Turley-Trejo and Fernando Solis were unconvinced due to the size of the building and design, with no votes on the plans. The project's next phase will be discussed at the Dec. 10 City Council Session.

The planning commission reviewed the applicant's most recent answer to the requested changes for the resort, which were raised over seven previous meetings: adding entrances to shops and restaurants from Old Town Front Street, relocating the pool from the back of the resort to the Old Town Front Street side, and enhancements to parking.

During the meeting, two commissioners remained concerned about whether the overall design "fits" with Old Town. Two public members expressed concerns centered on potential traffic and parking problems.

The Temecula Resort & Spa project application was submitted in January 2022. Since then, the planning commission has worked with the contractor over seven meetings to avoid the "canyon effect" such a large building would create when placed among smaller structures. A meeting in May called for adjustments to the plans, which applicant Steve Kim and associates addressed.

"They've made a lot of changes, and I think they're trying, but it's not there yet," Turley-Trejo said in the Nov. 20 meeting. Her reluctance was matched with Commissioner Fernando Solis.

Watts agreed that her concerns were valid but said he supported going forward with the project.

"We've tried to reach a point acceptable to the city and the applicant. The applicant has met the standards in the Old Town Specific Plan. It isn't what I would build, but in a matter of fairness, the applicant has met all of the requirements."

Commissioner Adam Ruiz expressed positive reactions to the design proposal for the building and its need in Old Town Temecula.

"The nexus of this project is the economic standpoint. We knew something this size could present itself (in Old Town). It's more palatable on the outskirts," he said. Of the design changes, Ruiz indicated that the new concepts meet what was asked of them in earlier meetings. "I remember in May, we asked for a redesign, and we gave direction on it, and they've done it. The pool was a massive point of contention, and they've addressed that. They've checked every single box. It's what this hotel represents and could bring. I support this project."

Commissioner Hagel agreed with Watts and Ruiz in supporting the applications. "The applicant has responded well; they've done everything we've asked them to do, and the changes add value to the hotel. It's important for creating jobs and commerce, and the other businesses in Old Town will benefit."

Is Old Town Temecula the right place for a large-scale resort hotel? The Temecula Resort & Spa applicant says yes. The proposal calls for a 288,269-square-foot resort with 355 rooms. The full-service hotel would offer a spa, wedding garden, grand ballroom, banquet lounge, bars, restaurants, gym, retail space, pool and four-level parking garage.

Though the planning commission did not vote unanimously, the Old Town-specific plan was adopted in 2010 for that portion of Old Town to accommodate multi-story buildings.

Initially, when the applicant met with the city about a large, seven-story, 100-foot-high hotel in Old Town that would contribute to its economic development, the city embraced the prospect of putting a five-star resort in Temecula.

During public comments, two construction professionals spoke in favor of the project. Andrew Melling asked that local contractors and state-certified apprentice workers be hired to help build the hotel.

Another resident and construction professional, James Hill, favored the construction. "I'd like the city to continue to grow Old Town into a destination," he said.

One resident expressed concerns, saying, "I don't think this big of a complex should be in Old Town. "You're turning a historic district into an enterprise one. The original planners planned for small buildings there, and now you're combining parcels into a mega-complex."

"I would love a hotel here," Commissioner Solis said. "This rendering, I just feel it needs more work."

Commissioner Ruiz disagreed with Solis and Turley-Trejo, saying of the overall design, "It's subjective. You either like it or you don't."

Related:

Proposed 7-Story Hotel In Old Town Temecula: Approval Appears Closer

Another Hotel Proposed For Old Town Temecula