Improvements to Interior and Exterior Hotel Spaces and Recreation, Pool and Fitness Areas by Manchester Grand Hyatt
Summary
SCH Number
2025090429
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Improvements to Interior and Exterior Hotel Spaces and Recreation, Pool and Fitness Areas by Manchester Grand Hyatt
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/10/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would involve interior and exterior improvements by Manchester Grand Hyatt in the city of San Diego, California. Manchester Grand Hyatt (MGH) (Applicant) is proposing a series of property improvements that are currently scheduled to occur in late 2025 through 2026. The scope of work includes interior club, restaurant, and retail updates and renovations, necessary exterior maintenance and repairs, and improvements to the exterior recreation, pool and fitness areas. Work to specifically complete these various improvements is outlined in further detail below.
Project Element 1:
•Façade Maintenance & Repairs: These repairs would include removing and replacing caulking at joints and windows, patching the Exterior Insulating Finishing System (EIFS) as necessary, pressure washing the façade, and repainting the exterior of the building. These improvements would take approximately 6-12 months to complete and would require hand tools, pressure washers, and a swing stage for façade access. Work for this portion of the proposed project is anticipated to begin fall 2025.
•Top of Hyatt and Grand Club Renovations: Work to specifically complete this component of the proposed project would include, new furniture, fixtures, equipment (FF&E), and finishes including but not limited to, carpet, paint, vinyl wallcoverings, and millwork modification. The proposed work would also include acoustic paneling, retrofit of existing lights, additional sconces, replacement of window shades, installation of new finishes in the existing bathrooms, and adding an electrical circuit in the kitchen for additional cooking equipment. These improvements would take approximately 2-3 months to complete and would utilize hand tools. Work for this portion of the proposed project is scheduled to occur from late 2025 to early 2026.
•Market 1 Renovations: Work to complete this portion of the proposed project would involve new finishes including tile flooring, wall tile, millwork, paint, wallcoverings, new lighting layout, and new retail shelving. Work would also include new food service equipment in the front of house service line and additional refrigeration and equipment replacement in the back of house kitchen. This work would require mainly hand tools with minor use of a concrete saw to cut access to allow for plumbing relocation at the service line. This portion of the proposed project would take approximately 4 months to complete and is anticipated to begin fall 2025.
Project Element 2:
•Recreation Area Renovations: The current recreation space for the Hotel is located on top of the existing parking structure. This portion of the project proposes to further activate the space to allow for improved use of the space. Work to complete this activation effort would include restriping the existing sports courts, adding synthetic turf, replacement of the existing chain link fence with glass windscreens in select locations to enhance views, installation of a shade structure with retractable fabric, and the addition of restrooms and equipment storage to the recreation area. Hand tools would be utilized for most of the proposed work. The shade structure would require approximately three (3) nonsequential days of crane use to load materials for the shade structure. Placement of the crane would be in a location that does not disrupt public access. Work to complete this portion of the proposed project is anticipated to begin early 2026.
Project Element 3:
•4th Floor Pool and Fitness Renovations: The existing 4th floor pool and fitness space is located between the Seaport and Harbor towers, and directly above the Seaport and Grand Ballrooms. Work to complete this portion of the proposed project includes resurfacing of the existing deck, installation of new glass balustrades to reduce wind impact, relocation of the existing cabanas and fire pit, new landscaping, service bar, and shade trellis, new pool enclosure fencing, and enhancements to the children’s play area. The existing pool and hot tubs would remain in their current location and receive new plaster, tile, and coping. The fitness center would receive new flooring, vinyl wall covering, and new updated equipment. Work would be completed mainly with hand tools but would require approximately three (3) nonsequential days of crane use to load materials for the shade structure, and approximately three (3) days for concrete pumping equipment. Placement of the crane would be in a location that does not disrupt public access. The pool plaster would be mixed on the deck using portable mixers. This portion of the proposed project would take approximately 6 months to complete and is anticipated to begin summer 2026.
•Seaview Renovations: Renovations to this restaurant space would include minor new finishes and improvements to existing equipment. This work would include new carpet, vinyl wall covering, paint, lighting retrofits, and induction tops to increase kitchen efficiency. All work would be completed with hand tools. This portion of the proposed project would take approximately 2-3 months to complete and is anticipated to begin summer 2026.
All construction staging required for exterior work included in the above project elements would be located on the basement level of the parking structure and the recreations space. Parking of necessary vehicles would occur at either the nearby ACE or ABM lots.
Due to its temporary nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor number of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment, such as limited use of cranes. Minimal truck trips associated with the removal of debris and transportation of materials are anticipated to be generated for this Project. The proposed project would not result in a change in size, capacity, or operations of the hotel facility from that which is currently existing. Therefore, the Project is not anticipated to result in impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic. Furthermore, the applicant would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
Contact Information
Name
Kelly Cunningham
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Dena Roady
Agency Name
Manchester Grand Hyatt
Job Title
General Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Information
Interior and exterior locations of the Manchester Grand Hyatt at 1 Market Place in the City of San Diego, CA
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15302 (Replacement and Reconstruction) and Sections 3.a (3). and 3.b. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would involve negligible expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would not result in a significant cumulative impact due to the continuation of the existing use, would be located on the same site, and would have substantially the same purpose and capacity.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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