Palm Springs Landmark Set for Renovation
The former Desert Fashion Plaza, once home to stores such as I. Magnin and Saks Fifth Avenue, looks like it will finally be renovated, much to the delight of residents and business owners in Palm Springs, Calif.
The owner, the Wessman Development Co. of Palm Springs, has submitted an application and preliminary site plan to the city of Palm Springs. According to plans, Wessman will build about 60 to 75 new stores in a lifestyle open-air setting along with a hotel, spa, restaurants and condominiums. About 40 percent of the 13-acre parcel will remain as open space, filled in partially by a palm grove. The center has tentatively been renamed Museum Market Plaza because of its proximity to the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The mostly deserted fashion plaza has been an eyesore over the past few years because of its largely vacant spaces, including that of its former anchor Saks, which departed in 2001. It also sits prominently in downtown at the intersection of Palm Canyon and Taquitz Canyon drives.
The property has been owned by a number of parties, including Eddie DeBartolo, former owner of the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise. The latest owner, Wessman Development, has sat on the property for about five years but has put its plans into motion in recent weeks, submitting an application and new site plan for the project.
Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of the year.
Broker Maggie Montes of CB Richard Ellis said the company is talking with a number of upscale chains for early commitments. “We’re targeting lifestyle retailers, which will fit in with this environment,” she said.
Names that have come up during the hearings include Banana Republic, Tommy Bahama and Barnes and Noble.
While Wessman has been taking some time to get the project in gear, Wessman principal John Wessman said he is committed to the project and improving the region. He has a number of ties to the community, being a former chairman of the Economic Development Corp. as well as being a former planning commissioner and chairman of the International Film Festival and Aerial Tramway attractions. —Robert McAllister
