SAN CLEMENTE : Casa Romantica Proposal Revised

Responding to calls for less hotel development in the city’s seaside Pier Bowl area, the historical society has presented a new wish list for the preservation and development of Casa Romantica.

Last week, about 70 residents had a chance to tour the scenic palatial mansion built by city founder Ole Hanson in 1927. They also reviewed the San Clemente Historical Society’s scaled-back luxury hotel proposal for a portion of the three-acre site.

In June, the historical society proposed buying Casa Romantica from the city for $5 million and building a 90-room luxury hotel on the adjoining grounds. But that proposal was not well-received by many residents because it would have allowed development on the coastal bluffs in front of the mansion.

Under a revised proposal, the historical society is considering the option of building a 70-room luxury hotel on two parcels of land. A conference center and 47 hotel rooms would be built along the northwest side of the mansion, while 23 hotel rooms and a restaurant would be built down the hill.

“We kept in mind what the community wanted,” historical society president Charles Ashbaugh said.

Ashbaugh said he believes that a financial arrangement with a hotel developer would more than recoup the $5-million cost of the site.

In addition, businesswoman Maureen Gates, who currently leases the mansion for weddings and other special events, would continue to operate her business.

Harry Root, a retired lawyer and member of the historical society, said that 18 of the 20 residents who responded to a survey supported the plan.

However, some residents have voiced concerns about traffic congestion and other disruptions that could be caused during construction of underground parking lots.

The historical society has yet to submit a formal proposal to the City Council.

“We’re just introducing it to the community and getting their input,” Root said.