Planning Board Gives Approval to Ownership Resort Project

A developer won approval Monday to transform a nearly 20-year-old apartment complex on West Orangewood Avenue near Harbor Boulevard into a luxury vacation ownership resort.

The Planning Commission voted 6 to 0 in favor of the project down the street from Disneyland. The proposal will be forwarded to the City Council for review.

James M. Watkins, president of Winners Circle Resorts International Inc. of Del Mar, said the plan is to convert the 139-unit Emerald Springs Apartments into the 136-unit Dolphins Cove Resort.

Winners Circle Resorts plans to invest about $6 million in the project.

Because of the ambitious efforts by the Walt Disney Co. and the city to upgrade the area, Watkins said, the project is ideal for the location.

“All studies show that it will be very well received by the public,” he said. “We’re enthusiastic that the city is committed to improving the Disneyland and Anaheim Resort area.”

The property will be remodeled with such amenities as a new swimming pool and spa, a putting green and a playground. The buildings will be remodeled in a Spanish motif with tile roofs. Three of the apartments will be converted into a lobby and clubhouse. The rest will be renovated as one- and two-bedroom units.

Watkins said the remodeling will be done in phases over four years. As current tenants move out, their units will remain vacant, he said. Remaining tenants will be offered relocation benefits, he said.

The first phase, expected to begin this summer, will include exterior improvements, such as landscaping and work on the facade, Watkins said.

The City Council is expected to review the project next month, officials said.