Wyndham set for renovations

The Costa Mesa Planning Commission approved a plan for the Wyndham Orange County hotel to undergo its largest expansion in history, an undertaking that would close the hotel for more than a year and put in a spa, renovated rooms and a neighboring residential tower.

The commission voted unanimously to recommend the plan at Monday’s meeting, setting the stage for the City Council to rule on it Nov. 20.

Tom Smalley, the hotel’s general manager and president of the Costa Mesa Conference and Visitor Bureau, said Wyndham officials hoped to start the construction in June.

The hotel in the wealthy district surrounding South Coast Plaza would close to customers while the work was being completed.

Despite the temporary loss of business, Smalley said, he and his colleagues were keen on the renovation.

“The development of the South Coast Metro area is developing into one of the key destinations and key corporate markets in Orange County,” he said.

“Where the Wyndham is located is right in the heart of that.”

The changes proposed for the Wyndham, which resides on a three-acre plot on the Avenue of the Arts, include reducing the number of hotel rooms, renovating the lobby and restaurant, and building a spa facility on the first floor.

The existing parking structure would be demolished and replaced by a 23-story high-rise residential tower and a new seven-level parking structure for both the hotel and tower.

The residential tower, expected to house 120 condominiums, would join five other high-rises planned for the north Costa Mesa area.

Smalley did not have an estimate for how much the project would cost.

Claire Flynn, the city’s acting principal planner, said the Wyndham’s upgrade was the largest project of its kind being undertaken by any hotel in Costa Mesa.

She said she expected the City Council to approve the proposal.

“Based on the public comments we’ve received, there hasn’t been any concern expressed from the community,” she said. “It appears most people are supportive.”

Smalley acknowledged a number of companies held conferences and other events at the Wyndham and they would have to seek accommodation elsewhere while the hotel was closed.

He added, though, that other hotels in the South Coast Metro area expected to take up the burden.

“All of the hotels in the area have been extremely supportive and wanting to work with us through the transition period,” he said.

“We don’t feel there will be too much disruption to our business partners’ plans,” he said.

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com.