Latest News – Palm Springs Downtown Redevelopment News

Palm Springs Downtown Redevelopment News

Here’s the latest on our new downtown district.

Recently I attended the city council meeting about the Palm Springs Downtown Redevelopment that for the first time would show us what our new downtown would look like.  As you may recall, we have a defunct almost empty block of stores on Palm Canyon that was once called the Desert Fashion Plaza.  For years, it has been an eyesore as the city and the property owner struggled to come up with a plan and a design that would please everyone.

Well, the did it and the initial plans look superb!

Palm Springs Downtown Redevelopment News

Demolition of the old mall will begin in February 2013 and construction of the new streets and buildings will begin in the Fall.  And what a slick area it will be.

Consider this:

• A new 4 star luxury hotel that will anchor the south end of the property.
• A large park opposite the museum with a permanent stage for outdoor concerts and other events
• New shops, restaurants and streets that ties it all together.
• Great new retail opportunities for icon type stores
• A Marketplace located next to the existing Hyatt for small retailers and eateries designed to give the small businesses a chance at being a part of this new project.
• New streets, and existing streets re-aligned or extended.  Imagine a clear sight line between Palm Canyon and the Museum!
•  It will be pedestrian friendly
• The design is intended for year round use because of the use of modern misting techniques.
• New Main Street will close each evening allowing shops and restaurants opportunity to occupy the street for dining and other uses.

Pedestrian Friendly Market Street will turn into a pedestrian mall every night

The city is on target to build the ultimate modern outdoor dining and shopping experience for locals and tourists. The proposed 3-block area will allow access to all areas of the project and all areas will each have their own reason to draw visitors into them.  And they are proving that their efforts at  keeping the Palm Springs Downtown Redevelopment project on target and on time are spot on.

The exciting new Palomar Hotel

With a new street configuration, the plan includes restaurants, local boutiques, offices, free parking structures and the latest spin on the project, the 4-star Kimpton Hotel off of Taquitz Canyon.  Gone are ideas for a movie theater or a hip bowling alley.  (Thankfully)

If all goes as planned, Mayor Pougnet says locals and visitors could be doing their Christmas shopping at the new downtown center by the end of 2014.

For more information visit the city website for Measure J.