Plans to fill prominent Uptown lot moving forward; construction could start this year

Plans to develop an empty lot in the city’s bustling Uptown Design District are moving forward at Palm Springs City Hall, but a necessary next step was delayed Monday evening.

Looking back: Rios Development, which designed the city’s new Downtown Park, hopes to construct multiple buildings holding two dozen condominiums and more than 5,000 square feet of commercial space on 2.4 acres along North Palm Canyon Drive, across the street from the Desert Art Center.

• The city’s Planning Commission first saw the project in January 2021. It approved the plans in February, subject to conditions.
  
  
• In early March, the Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved a zoning change that allows for the project.

Driving the news: Before ground can be broken, the city’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC) must first review plans to shield outdoor lighting to prevent glare and hide equipment and trash enclosures from view.

• The ARC was scheduled to take up the issue Monday. However, its monthly meeting was postponed.

But wait: One element not included in the project is affordable housing. Members of the City Council lamented that fact during their March 9 meeting. Still, they said they were encouraged by the fact the developer has financing in place.

Next steps: Following all necessary approvals, ground should be broken on the project by the end of the year. It will take 24 months to complete. 

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