Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula to Get $285M Expansion

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians recently revealed plans for a $285 million expansion of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. The project will be an economic catalyst that will generate $550 million in activity and create nearly 3,000 jobs, according to Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics.

The expansion will add around 550 rooms at a four-diamond standard, a luxury spa, new ballroom and meeting space, a resort-style pool complex and other enhancements. According to a statement from the Pechanga Band, more than a third of the new space will be dedicated to new suites.

A 23,000-square-foot spa, salon and fitness center will offer 17 treatment rooms and a terrace with hydrotherapy pools and will be included in a new two-story building. The hotel component will include 67,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. Two new restaurants will be added, bringing the number of current dining options to 13.

Delawie, the architectural firm that designed the original resort, is serving as architect for the expansion. Lifescapes International is the designing the pool area and landscaping.

Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro noted in the statement that “almost 20 years ago we started our journey toward self-sufficiency.” Still ahead is the environmental study, which requires approval of Temecula and Riverside County officials. The resort has provided $10.4 million to widen Pechanga Parkway and the development of a new bridge over Temecula Creek, as well as funding for construction of the Ultimate Interchange at the I-15 and Temecula Parkway.