OXNARD : Tentative OK Given to Project Renovation

City Council members have tentatively endorsed plans to renovate the 58-acre complex known as the Wagon Wheel, an aging motel-restaurant-bowling center near the Ventura Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway.

“At one point in Oxnard’s career, that was the premier spot for Oxnard,” Councilman Michael A. Plisky said. “But over the years it has deteriorated, and it needs to be totally renovated.”

Its owners, Martin V. Smith & Associates of Oxnard, plan to do just that.

During a study session with the Oxnard City Council on Tuesday, the developers unveiled preliminary plans for a high-rise residential, office and entertainment complex they hope will rival some of the finest tourist attractions in Southern California.

Smith Vice President Walter Calhoun said he was pleased with the reception the project received, despite the lack of detail. An environmental assessment and design reviews are under way.

“Our architect has revised the plan, changed its size and scope a little bit and integrated some important elements that we’ve been able to gather from visiting other sites,” Calhoun said.

Plisky asked that the developers come back to the City Council before a specific plan is completed.

“This is one of the last opportunities we’re going to have for this kind of development,” he said. “It has to be top-quality.”

Calhoun said he hopes to be back within two months with more detailed plans for the project.

It will be several years before actual construction begins on the project, which was prompted in part by state transportation plans to upgrade the nearby freeway interchange.