Palm Springs grants delayed Orchid Tree Resort project 1-year extension

The long-delayed Orchid Tree Resort near downtown Palm Springs is going to take a little longer.

The project was granted an extension despite concerns about financing and safety on the site.

Last month, the city's planning commission denied a request from developers for a 2-year extension amid concerns about progress and funding.

Last week, Palm Springs city council reversed that decision after an appeal and voted unanimously to approve a 1-year extension on the deadline to break ground as city leaders try to ease community frustrations.

"I guess I would say anything good takes time. And unfortunately, and I sincerely apologize that this has taken much longer than I would have wanted it to, but it just that's where we are today," said developer Richard Weintraub.

The site, which is 3.65 acres between Belardo and Cahuilla roads, is home to the historic Community Church and bungalows which were largely destroyed in a 2013 fire.

The approved 74-room hotel will include those historic sites as well as a restaurant, spa and meeting space.

Weintraub said he's met a long list of deadlines so far, and improvements have been made to the site including demolition of vacant, non-historic structures as well as steps taken for security.

But the planning commission originally denied his request for an extension, citing in part an April 2022 fire on the site and concerns about developers' ability to secure financing.

There is a Dec. 15 deadline to provide proof.

"Why is this project taking so long? I could give you a long litany of of answers here but I can say that...I hold this project extremely near and dear to my heart," Weintraub said.

City council ultimately voted 5-0 to grant a 1-year extension while requiring the developer to meet monthly with residents.