City Council grants 2-year-extension for Palm Springs Virgin Hotel project
The Palm Springs city council is granting a two-year extension for the Virgin Hotel project in downtown Palm Springs.
The decision comes a month after the planning commission recommended a 3- year extension.
Read: Palm Springs Virgin Hotel project granted 3-year-extension
Michael Braun, the president of the developer behind the project, Grit Development, was at tonight’s meeting to present his case for a three-year extension.
“I did everything in my power to deliver what I promised, and I care about the quality and vision we share for the revitalization of downtown Palm Springs,” Braun said.
Read: What will, and won’t be coming to downtown Palm Springs
The discussion over the extension was lengthy, with council members raising several questions. The project is delayed due to lawsuits relating to prevailing wage.
Read: Braun speaks with News Channel 3 about delay and lawsuit
The council also gave the developer behind the project, GRIT Development, 60 days to improve the project space, plus prevailing wage with the use of transient occupancy tax benefits from the city.
Councilmembers told News Channel 3 after the meeting Braun has proved himself in the industry.
“We want to support him. This is a guy who has proven to us that he is good for Palm Springs. His developments are high quality. And we have no reason at this time to not support him,” said councilmember J.R. Roberts.
