Look for construction to begin on a new Tehachapi hotel in the coming months. At their Jan. 14 meeting, the Tehachapi Planning Commission approved the architectural design, site plan and the environmental impact report for the TownePlace Suites by Marriott. The three story, 82 room hotel will be located on the southeast corner of Magellan Drive between Capital Hills Parkway and Athens Street.

The project was originally submitted to the Commission by Tehachapi Lodging, LLC of Bakersfield at their Dec. 10, 2018 meeting. At that time, Commissioner Charles White commented that the stark modern look was not in keeping with the mountain feel that the Commission normally looks for. Developmental Services Director Jay Schlosser said that a total redesign was not feasible but suggested the possible addition of stonework to the facade. The commission agreed. The redesigned facade was brought back to the January meeting. City Planner Trevor Hawkes assured the commissioners that although the facade looked like brick in the drawing, it would be stone per City guidelines.

Commissioners Daryl Christiansen and Ken Wright asked about the new stop sign at the corner of Mill St. and Tehachapi Blvd. stating how many people were not stopping. Hawkes said the City was planning to put in a flashing stop sign at that corner. Don Marsh from Public Works got up to say he had actually installed the stop sign that day. Hawkes also said that the City is planning a Grand Opening for the new Park and Ride lot in late January or early February. They are trying to wait for the bus stop covers that are being supplied by CalTrans.