City Council to End Casa Romantica Pact

Amid growing debate over the future of the historic Casa Romantica, the city is planning to seek development proposals for restaurants or any other uses for the mansion.

The City Council, in its capacity as the local Redevelopment Agency, is set tonight to dissolve an exclusive agreement with the Ruby Restaurant Group, allowing others to submit a variety of development proposals.

“We are confident our plan is most viable, but if someone has a better idea, let’s see it,” said Douglas Cavanaugh, president and chief executive officer of the restaurant group.

Since the Redevelopment Agency reached the agreement with the group four years ago, residents have been gathering opposition to plans for a restaurant in the 70-year-old mansion.

The residents have said they want to see the mansion turned into a museum or cultural center.

The Redevelopment Agency bought the bluff-top home, built by the city’s founder Ole Hanson, in 1989 for $2.5 million.

Jim Holloway, community development director, said the city will send out requests for development proposals Thursday. Responses are due back June 16.

The council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. today at City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio.

Information: (714) 361-8200.