In March 2015, Council directed staff to prepare a lease of two downtown City parking lots for development of a  hotel and public parking structure. Lots 4 and 8 are located on Hope Street between West Evelyn Avenue and Villa Street - the Hope Street Lots. Developing these lots meets the City's goal of attracting a high-quality downtown hotel, while increasing available public parking in Downtown. The project also includes a modest office and retail component. Development of the lots will generate revenue to the City through taxes and a long-term ground lease. 

Selection of a Development Team - In January 2016, Council directed staff to proceed with the Exclusive Right to Negotiate Agreement for development of the Hope Street Lots with The Robert Green Company (TRGC).  In May 2016, the City Council approved the negotiated business terms by and between the City and TRGC. 

Planning, Design, and Entitlements - In November 2018, the Council approved a five-story, 179-room hotel to be operated by Joie de Vivre Hotels with three levels of underground parking and ground-floor lobby amenities, including a restaurant, bar, cafe, and courtyard, on Lot 4 and a four-story mixed-used building with 49,000 square feet of office and 3,500 square feet of ground-floor retail with three levels of underground parking on Lot 8 (see Meeting Agenda and Staff Report - Item 6.1).

Prior Public Meetings

• October 27, 2021 - Zoning Administrator approved a permit extension for the planning entitlement permits. (Meeting Information)
• May 17, 2016 - Council discussed an economic development subsidy pursuant to California Government Code Section 53083 and authorized the City Manager to execute the Disposition and Development Agreement and ground leases. (Meeting Agenda and Staff Report - Item 6.2)
• May 3, 2016 - Council approved business terms for the Disposition and Development Agreement and ground leases. (Meeting Agenda and Staff Report - Item 7.1) 
• January 12, 2016 - Council reviewed the qualified development teams.  (Meeting Agenda and Staff Report - Item 7.2)
• October 6, 2015 - Council continued discussions with the Robert Green Company regarding the project. (Meeting Agenda and Staff Report - Item 7.1)
• March 31, 2015 - Council review a developer for the Hope Street Parking Lots 4 and 8. (Meeting Agenda and Staff Report- Item 7.1)
• January 20, 2015 - Council discussed the development of the downtown parking lots. (Meeting Agenda and Staff Report - Item 3.1)