Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina Bay Tower Exterior Improvements and Interior Common Area Refresh

The proposed project would involve renovations at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina Bay Tower (Bay Tower Project) by SSD Holdings, LLC, in the city of San Diego, California. The proposed project would involve the rehabilitation of the existing pool and event lawn areas, including the refreshment of existing landscape areas, and a new publicly accessible seating and view area and improved path. Work to specifically complete the proposed project is outlined below: Pool and Event Lawn Proposed improvements to the pool and event lawn areas, which are located on the west side of the hotel, would consist of the following: · New furniture, fixtures, and equipment; · Refreshment of existing landscaping; · Replacement of existing artificial turf; · Replacement of existing fencing that would not exceed the existing fence height; · Installation of new fencing along the north side of the event lawn that would not exceed the existing fence height; · Replacement of light fixtures; · Replacement of the existing pool snack structure; o Replacement of existing 210 sf structure, with a new 260 sf structure in the same location o Placement of new footings, without change to existing foundational pad o Connection of plumbing to existing plumbing lines · Application of new finishes to existing cabana structures; · Resurfacing of the existing pool deck; · Installation of a new ADA ramp connecting the event lawn and pool areas; · Replacement of the existing wedding ceremony backdrop with one of the same size; and · Replacement of the existing arbor between the pool and event lawn areas with one of substantially the same shape and size. Public Seating area and Improved Path The proposed creation of a publicly accessible seating and view area, and improvements to the existing internal pathway adjacent to the pool and lawn area, would consist of the following: · Demolition of exiting lattice structure, which is currently utilized for storage and located at the northwesternmost corner of the property; · Removal of approximately 4 existing palm trees and replacement at a minimum 1:1 ratio with non-invasive species elsewhere onsite; · Creation of an approximately 650 square foot concrete pad area, extending off the existing concrete pathway between the path and the water; · Installation of benches within the concrete pad area and public access signs per District standards; · Widening of the concrete pathway from 5 feet to approximately 8-10 feet; · Reconfiguration of the western parking lot to accommodate widened pathway, including restriping and removal of parking median dependent on emergency vehicle access and stormwater requirements; and · If median is required to be removed, removal of approximately 20 existing palm trees within the median and replacement at a minimum 1:1 ratio with non-invasive species elsewhere onsite. The purpose of the creation of a publicly accessible seating and view area, and improvements to the existing pathway is to create new opportunities for enhanced public access in and through the leasehold. The new seating and view area would create a connection to the neighboring leasehold to the west that doesn’t currently exist, and would create a welcoming entrance into the Sheraton leasehold for members of the public. The proposed scope of the project would not involve the expansion of the existing spaces or event capacity, and would be limited to the existing footprint. The proposed renovations are anticipated to begin in Winter 2025/2026 and are anticipated to take approximately 4 months to complete. The laydown area would utilize approximately 34 parking spaces within the parking lot immediately south of the pool and event lawn areas. There would be no permanent loss of parking spaces as a result of the project. Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor number of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Minimal truck trips associated with the removal of debris and transportation of materials are anticipated to be generated by the 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 would not 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. In addition to the above-described work, in May 2025 the San Diego Unified Port District (District) became aware of certain work completed in 2025 through a staff site visit. The following work was completed without the benefit of District-issued permits or approvals at the project site: · Replacement of carpet, wallcoverings, and draperies; · Replacement of new furniture, fixtures, and equipment in the restaurant and lobby; · Electrical upgrades and replacements including lighting, sound systems, and cabling; · Remodeling of common area bathrooms; · Exterior painting at restaurant patio area; · Restoration of irrigations lines surrounding the restaurant patio area; and · Repurposing of a meeting room as the new fitness center. With the exception of exterior painting and restoration of irrigation lines, all work completed was on the interior of the existing building. The completed work did not involve the expansion of the existing spaces or event capacity, and were be limited to the existing footprint.