Future Uncertain For Fire-Damaged Rancho Mirage Restaurant

The investigation continues into Tuesday morning’s fire at GG’s Island restaurant in Rancho Mirage.

Damage was extensive to the restaurant, designated an historical landmark by the city.

Orginally opened as the Chart House in the late ’70s, the building had unique architecture that stood out.

It was built into the mountain, with a berm on the south side of the building designed to keep the indoor temperature comfortable year round.

Estimates to restore the building, which is owned by developer John Wessman, run into the millions of dollars.

At this point, the city isn’t sure if Wessman plans to go to the expense of restoring the building.

“I think they’re going to have to go in and look at the structure and see if any of it can be saved,” said Rancho Mirage Councilman Richard Kite. “From what I understand, most of it’s a total loss, so they may have to take it straight down to the ground and rebuild if that’s what their choice is.”

News Channel 3 attempted to contacted Wessman for comment on the fire.

Wessman’s office said he isn’t granting interviews regarding the fire, and that in general, the company policy is no interviews.