WARNER SPRINGS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Poised to rejuvenate a longtime San Diego County destination, Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc. (PHG) has acquired the historic Warner Springs Ranch – an iconic San Diego County destination long known for its healing natural hot springs. The nearly 2,400-acre property was purchased at auction by PHG, who will have $15 to $18 million invested in the acquisition, with plans to invest up to $50 million in the renovation and redevelopment of all facilities.
PHG is scheduled to take over operations on April 1.
CBRE was the broker on the deal. According to Jeff Woolson, managing director of CBRE, “Pacific Hospitality Group’s bid was selected by the Warner Springs Ranch board of directors and confirmed at auction.”
The property, which was founded as a working ranch in the mid-1800s and opened as a resort in the 1920s, currently encompasses a 27,000-square-foot main lodge, 250 casita units, a 144-acre golf course and club house, four tennis courts, equestrian facilities, two restaurants, a spa, campgrounds, three swimming pools, a private airport and meeting facilities. Known as a health resort as well as a recreational destination, Warner Springs Ranch has gained considerable fame over the years for its therapeutic natural hot springs and quiet rural location.
According to PHG’s Chairman, William H. McWethy, Jr., an extensive renovation will be completed in phases, with the first phase – a completely upgraded and renovated golf course – slated for completion in the Spring of 2014. PHG has also announced plans to incorporate a new winery/tasting room; a state-of-the-art gym and fitness facility, a beach and tennis club, expanded meeting facilities, cattle and horse grazing, a spa/wellness center, cultural center, luxury RV park, hunting and fishing opportunities, and a variety of food and beverage options. In addition, the existing 250 casita units and main lodge will be upgraded and renovated.
McWethy emphasized that his company is keenly focused on respecting the local natural habitat as well as the property’s rich history – observing important conservation, tribal and historic issues: “A valley wide conservation zone is an integral part of the plan,” McWethy said. “We are eager to embark on the enhancement of all the facilities at Warner Springs Ranch and are committed to transforming it into one of the region’s top golf/equestrian resort and spa facilities.”
Founded by Chairman McWethy in 1986, PHG has a long history in the hotel industry and was instrumental in renovating such historic San Diego properties as Old Town’s Hacienda Hotel and Heritage Park.
According to McWethy, when complete, the ranch and all of its facilities will be open to the public. The resort will continue to offer memberships, including “legacy memberships” – at 50 percent of the standard price – to those who were original owners.
For more information, visit http://www.phgcorp.com.
Editor’s Note: Photos available upon request.