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<\/a>Mission Valley News reported about the hotel\u2019s major makeover plans in the September edition [bit.ly\/1gn8TzA<\/a>], and Majcher\u2019s PowerPoint presentation on Dec. 2 provided an even deeper look into the magnitude of the redevelopment project.<\/p>\n Majcher listed the project\u2019s community priorities:<\/p>\n \u2014Create a \u201cfront door\u201d at the San Diego River<\/p>\n \u2014Activate the river with parks and trails<\/p>\n \u2014Enhance community bicycle and pedestrian connections<\/p>\n \u2014Enhance access to the trolley<\/p>\n \u2014Design walkable environments<\/p>\n \u2014Incorporate mixed-use development<\/p>\n \u2014Balance the needs of current residents and new development\u00a0<\/sup><\/p>\n Majcher said the goal is to create a destination for everyone, while activating the river by expanding parks and multi-use trails and providing a walkable neighborhood. Between the Town and Country project and the luxury apartment development by the Casey Brown Company on the Union-Tribune property next door, the river will be transformed from Fashion Valley Road east to Avenida del Rio, Fashion Valley mall\u2019s entrance off Camino de la Reina.<\/p>\n Another benefit from construction will be improvements to North Hotel Circle Drive and Fashion Valley Road near the hotel, he said.<\/p>\n The project\u2019s first phase, starting in January, will focus on the park and the river, pedestrian and bicycle connections, Hotel Circle, the hotel, the convention center, the lobby and the entry. These are the major components that will transform the aging dowager into a modern, appealing destination for tourists and conventions, Majcher said.<\/p>\n Doug Phillips, the director of sales and marketing, told Mission Valley News in September that many of the older buildings on the property will be demolished, including the one- and two-story ranch style\/motel rooms, the Meeting House, Regency Ballroom, Garden Ballroom, the existing restaurants, lobby and Bella Tosca Spa.<\/p>\n The new lobby will be 11,000 square feet and more welcoming to arriving guests, Majcher said, noting that the current lobby can be somewhat confusing to first-time visitors.<\/p>\n New restaurants and bars will be built during the first phase, he said.<\/p>\n The second phase, likely a few years away, will turn to the residential components. Majcher told the planners that 840 residential homes will be built.<\/p>\n