Ground-breaking launches Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center project

Officials say construction is about to begin at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center – the catalyst project for the Chula Vista Bayfront with a recent ground-breaking ceremony.

The Gaylord Hotels’ first West Coast location is expected to spur development on the 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront. Heavy equipment is positioned on site for the ground-breaking of the 1,600-room hotel and convention center.

“The closing of the Gaylord construction loan and the commencement of construction will bring thousands of construction jobs and 4,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs to the state of California,” said Ira Mitzner, CEO of RIDA Development Corp. “This project represents the finest of public-private partnerships and will create a strong and unique economic engine for the City of Chula Vista, Port of San Diego, and State of California for many decades to come.”

The port and the city successfully secured $275 million in public bond funding to support the public investment in the project and closed escrow in May. The first phase will include a resort hotel and convention center along with a brand-new public park, new roads, a parking structure, and supporting public infrastructure.

California Coastal Commissioner and City Councilman Steve Padilla called the event historic.

“The people of the State of California, our San Diego region and the City of Chula Vista can look forward to a transformative project that provides major economic investment, job creation and many other public benefits.”

The facility will be the South Bay’s first convention center and the largest public-private partnership ever undertaken by the Port.

“We are thrilled to announce the growth of the Gaylord Hotels brand with the addition of the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center,” said Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International. “Adding a West Coast group destination of this scale and quality to Marriott’s portfolio will provide our customers the exceptional meetings and events service and design that the Gaylord Hotels brand is known for in a highly-desired, premier Southern California location.”

Gaylord Pacific includes a convention center with four ballrooms, three levels of meeting space and two outdoor meeting and event lawns as well as multiple restaurants, a sports bar, resort-style pool, and an array of recreational facilities. The project will also include many public amenities including pedestrian promenades, bicycle access, a variety of food and beverage offerings, game activities, a nature playground, and more.

The hotel is currently projected to open in 2025.