This winter has been a busy one for the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians with a major expansion concluding and a significant purchase of another resort property in Temecula.
In March, the tribe celebrated the opening of its expanded casino and resort that makes it the largest casino in the western United States. The $300 million expansion started three years ago and includes 568 new rooms and suites as well as a new large new spa and pool complex. The resort now has 1,090 rooms. The existing spa was created by converting hotel rooms, while the new stand-alone building has 17 treatment rooms.
The new 4.5-acre pool complex replaces the pedestrian single pool with a showcase facility. It has four pools, three hydro-spas, a swim-up bar and a Baja ledge for chaises and daybeds that skim the water. Another pool is family-friendly with two waterslides plus a water feature that sprinkles kids at the splash pad. The complex includes The Cove, a large grassy area that can be used for parties and concerts.
Earlier this year, the tribe announced the purchase of the Temecula Creek Inn Golf Resort from JC Resorts earlier this year. Originally built in 1969, the 305-acre Temecula Creek Inn borders the Pechanga Reservation in southern Temecula. Â The property features a 27-hole golf course, 130 guestrooms, a 240-seat restaurant, meeting space, and multiple wedding venues. Â TCI employs approximately 270 people and has been operated by JC Resorts since 1986.
âWe are very pleased to regain this property that holds special historic and cultural meaning to our tribe,â said Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro. Â âFor Pechanga, this acquisition also represents diversification of our tribal economy in an industry in which we have significant expertise.â
âWe are very pleased with this sale and are confident that the legacy of TCI and the care of our employees will continue under Pechangaâs stewardship,â said Paul L. Reed, President of JC Resorts. Â âWe couldnât think of a better owner of Temecula Creek Inn than Pechanga. Â An overriding consideration for us was that the new owners would take care of our employees and guests the way we have for the last 30 years. Â Without question Pechanga is the right buyer that ensures the future success of the property.â
âClearly, we are confident in the long-term outlook for tourism in Southern California wine country,â said Edith Atwood, President of the Pechanga Development Corporation Board of Directors. Â âTCI has been a marquee property for many years with a strong brand and operations team. Â We plan to maintain operations as they are today – guests and employees will not see any changes for the foreseeable future.â
The sale is expected to be finalized this month.
The tribe employs more than 5,000 people in Temecula. The expansion will add about 550 jobs. The project also included widening Pechanga Parkway and a $14 million contribution to interchange improvements at I-15 and the Temecula Parkway.