Wyndham expansion approved

The Costa Mesa City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a massive expansion by the Wyndham Orange County hotel, but the construction will not likely begin for at least another year.

The Wyndham, located in Costa Mesa’s upscale north end, plans to replace its parking structure with a 23-story high-rise residential tower, renovate its lobby and restaurant, reduce the number of hotel rooms and add a spa on its first floor. The expansion, which would accompany a number of other high-rises in the area near South Coast Plaza, is the largest proposed for any hotel in Costa Mesa.

“From a hotel operator’s standpoint, we’re very pleased that the project is moving forward,” General Manager Tom Smalley said. “The project itself is going to add so much to [South Coast Plaza], and I’m very pleased with the commitment by the ownership to make the right contributions.”

Howard Zelefsky, the vice president of planning and development for Makar Properties, said it would likely take a year for the hotel to get building permits and finalize its construction plans.

He expected the project, once started, to last between 18 and 24 months. In the meantime, the Wyndham will conduct business as usual.

“Nobody can tell you at this point how long it’s going to take to get all the things you need to get for a project this size, but it’s going to be at least a year,” Zelefsky said.

A number of the Wyndham’s partners in the community have expressed relief that the hotel will remain open, according to Smalley. The Wyndham routinely works with local companies to set up conferences, retreats and other events.

Earlier this year, the hotel adopted a program called “Art of Generosity,” in which guests holding special events at the Wyndham can get a 10% discount, earn airline miles or choose other incentives.

“Those large companies have patronized our hotel for years, and those are the partnerships we’ve recently had to say, ‘so long’ to because we were going to be closing,” said Smalley, who also serves as the president of Costa Mesa’s Conference and Visitor Bureau. “Now we’re able to call those people up and say we can continue those partnerships throughout 2008.”

Makar, relenting to concerns expressed by Councilwoman Katrina Foley, affirmed their commitment to sustainable construction measures as a condition of the board’s approval. Developers further agreed to donate an undetermined, tax-deductible gift to the Bark Park, as proposed by Councilwoman Linda Dixon.

“Your proposal will probably attract people who have more pets than children,” Dixon said, explaining her suggestion. “I think that’s an important element.”

Zelefsky also expressed hopes that the hotel would contribute to the arts district, featuring pieces and dynamic architecture in the fast-growing district.

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com. CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626.