Ribbon-Cutting of Presidents' Plaza, Monday, June, 15, 2022

A valuable community resource made its official debut on Monday, June 13, with the ribbon cutting of the newly refurbished Presidents’ Plaza parking lots. The festivities started at 8 a.m. in the center of Presidents’ Plaza East (between San Luis Rey and Portola avenues). The ceremony began with brief words of welcome before the ribbon-cutting itself. Click play on the video below to watch the ribbon-cutting.

Improvements to Presidents’ Plaza include new pavement, planter areas, modernized trash enclosures with ramps, new striped parking stalls, and enhanced pedestrian walkways. Parking canopies with and without solar are scheduled for installation later this year.

Project Overview

The City of Palm Desert is in the process of significant improvements to the Presidents' Plaza East and West Parking Lots. These aging, heavily used lots serve businesses and their patrons on El Paseo, Highway 111, and adjacent frontage roads between Larkspur Lane and Portola Avenue. The improvements include new asphalt pavement, underground utility upgrades, planter areas, modernization of the trash enclosures, new striped parking stalls, and enhanced ADA-compliant pedestrian walkways.

A primary project goal is to keep the community, patrons, employees, and business owners informed throughout the project's life. This page will be updated regularly with construction updates, interesting project facts, and important notices. Weekly updates complete with maps showing areas of expected construction activity can be found on the project's website.

Patrons and Business Owners

Businesses will remain open throughout project construction and will be accessible during construction. Directional signage and traffic control devices are in place around the site for your safety. Your continued support and patronage of the many businesses that utilize these parking lots are appreciated.

Courtesy Carts

Typically, two courtesy carts circulate on El Paseo from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A third cart has been added into the rotation and will focus on the streets around Presidents’ Plaza and within the parking lots themselves. Courtesy carts will pick up patrons at The Gardens on El Paseo at 15-minute intervals and can be dropped off at their desired location. Hours of operation have been expanded to service Presidents’ Plaza from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Temporary Parking Locations

Signage has been created to encourage patrons to park at the Gardens and to take a courtesy cart shuttle to their destination. City staff is also working on finalizing short-term parking agreements for the use of nearby parking lots (Union Bank at El Paseo and San Luis Rey and U.S. Bank at El Paseo and Portola) that Presidents Plaza businesses can use through the end of January for employee or valet parking.

Project Delays

The initial construction schedule projected completion by January 2022. During construction, the contractor unexpectedly encountered 14 previously unknown septic tanks. In addition, the contractor has encountered various existing private utilities in conflict with the planned construction, which must each be adjusted. These unforeseen challenges have contributed to delays in the construction schedule.  

The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) began installing major upgrades in mid-November but has encountered challenges procuring necessary components such as specific valves and fire equipment for both lots due to ongoing supply chain issues. 

Safety Priority

Please keep a lookout for our caution tape and delineators, and do not enter these areas. These spaces are subject to change due to work conditions or additional areas that may be needed to place work materials. The safety of the public, construction workers, and City staff is our number one priority. Project cones and traffic control devices will be placed in both parking lots. Please follow all signage for your safety and for that of others in the area.

For additional information on this project call the toll-free hotline at 844-226-2220. Residents, business owners, and other interested parties may also sign up for email updates by texting PRESIDENTS to 22828.