The expectation of eventually building the Presidio hotel next to the Bankhead Theater seems to have come unraveled. The location was the problem, as it could not accommodate parking for the guests as well as other challenges. Ultimately, it was as infeasible as we suspected it would be since it was conceived in 2016.
There is a group of concerned residents that is proposing a new location that they believe can allow a downtown hotel to be a success. The Independent published a story about it.
History of the Downtown Livermore Hotel Planning
In 2016, Lennar Multifamily Communities originally was poised to develop a massive 260 unit apartment complex. The residents pushed back, and elected a new Council that year with candidates who pledged to do something different. The new Council focused on a smaller housing plan and other aspects including the Presidio hotel planning.
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| July 2016 | City signs exclusive negotiating rights agreement with Presidio | Formal beginning of current Presidio project |
| 2017 | Downtown public planning process | Hotel location and downtown configuration debated |
| Jan. 2018 | Council approves plan against the advice of residents and CBG | Hotel placed on the east side of S. Livermore despite the problems |
| Feb. 2018 | Hotel Term Sheet approved | Formal deal with Presidio advances |
| Sept. 2018 | DDA + design approval | Hotel formally entitled |
| 2019 | Referendum campaign | Project becomes subject to voter challenge |
| Mar. 3, 2020 | Measure P passes >2/3 | Voters affirm hotel development agreement |
| 2020–21 | COVID/delays | Project economics deteriorate |
| Jan. 2022 | City loans $2MM for purchase of offsite parking around the corner and down the street. | Presidio buys Railroad Ave property for guest parking. |
| May–June 2022 | Revised design approved, no more onsite parking for guests | 133-room version approved; underground garage eliminated |
| 2022 | City projects May 2024 construction | First major post-restructuring schedule |
| 2024 | No construction | Schedule missed |
| Spring 2025 | Another projected construction date | Also missed |
| 2026 | City now projects 2027 start; Presidio cancels project | Still approved; completion TBD, but just a project in name only |