TEMECULA, Calif.
The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians broke ground on a $285 million resort expansion. Tribal officials gathered around a circular mound of dirt near the property's hotel entrance and sunk their gold-gilded shovels into the ground. When completed in approximately two years, the Pechanga Resort & Casino will more than double the size of its resort amenities, and add more than 3,500 jobs to the region.
"Today, with the Eagle IV Expansion, we celebrate the beginning of the next chapter of Pechanga Resort & Casino and our history," said Tribal Chairman, Mark Macarro. "This development will build upon the quality and reputation of the original resort and continue our Tribe's entrepreneurial spirit for future generations."
The project involves adding a new, AAA Four Diamond, 568-room and suite hotel wing; a stand-alone luxury two-story spa and salon with 17 treatment rooms, a fitness center and hydrotherapy pool terrace; a resort-style pool complex with eight pool areas; two new restaurants; and an additional 67,000 square feet of event space. Tutor-Perini, the project's builder, estimates the expansion to be completed in 24 months.
"We estimate the expansion will result in an economic output of over $550 million, generating roughly 2,944 jobs up front as a result of construction-related activities," said Dr. Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics. "We estimate the local economy will benefit from an additional 560 jobs per year going forward as a result of expanded operations at Pechanga Resort & Casino."
A 2014 study by the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College found the combined economic impact of Pechanga tribal and resort activities resulted in the direct employment of 5,257 people, making the tribe one of the 10 largest employers in the Inland Empire region of Southern California.
Pechanga has also committed nearly $20 million to mitigate the effects of the expansion on the surrounding south Temecula area. A recent agreement reached with the City of Temecula provides funds for a new Temecula Parkway off ramp, widening of Pechanga Parkway, and salary of an additional city police officer.
"We are completely committed to making Pechanga Resort & Casino a world-class resort destination," said Patrick Murphy, president of the Pechanga Development Corporation. "We have consistently provided our guests with excellent quality and customer service, and now we're making their experience even better. We've brought in some of the best designers, architects and builders who have worked with other iconic properties to create stunning resort features. We are very excited for the future."
The design team is led by Delawie architects, the original designers of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in 2002. Lifescapes International has been selected as the pool area and landscape architects. Over the past five decades, the firm has designed iconic landscapes at the Bellagio, Wynn, and Venetian hotels.
CLEO Design out of Las Vegas and Los Angeles-based KNA Design will be leading the interior designs.
Upon completion of the expansion project, Pechanga Resort & Casino will offer 100,000 square feet of indoor event space and 1,090 total hotel rooms, alongside the 200,000-square-foot casino.
