Gaylord Pacific Resort Hotel and Convention Center
Chula Vista, CA
A Landmark Project with Lasting Impact
When the City of Chula Vista and Port of San Diego set out to transform their bayfront into an economic engine for the region, they envisioned more than just a hotel — they envisioned a legacy.
Mortenson | McCarthy joined forces with RIDA Development, Marriott International, and HKS to bring that legacy to life: a destination resort and convention center that would drive long-term tourism, create thousands of jobs, and establish Chula Vista as a premier meeting and hospitality hub in Southern California. With expansive oceanfront views, top-tier resort amenities, and over 800,000 square feet of convention space, the Gaylord Pacific Resort Hotel and Convention Center is more than a building — it’s a catalyst for community growth.
Navigating Challenges with Innovation
This project challenged us to think differently — from how we managed rising costs to how we built a world-class destination on a complex site. But the reward was bigger than just solving problems. We helped shape something that will impact Chula Vista for generations.
Challenge: Aligning Ambition with Budget and Conditions
Initial pricing for the project came in over budget, threatening progress. Market volatility, rising steel prices and strict coastal development regulations added pressure. Site-specific complications — from a high-water table to historic rainfall — threatened delays.
Solution: Driving Cost Savings and Certainty with Creative Solutions
Through an exhaustive nine-month preconstruction effort, the Mortenson | McCarthy team found more than $35 million in savings without sacrificing design intent. One of the most significant adjustments involved replacing expensive open-web steel joists with prefab steel trusses, improving both cost and schedule.
To stabilize soil during one of the wettest seasons on record, the team activated a soil mixing strategy — injecting cement into the ground to reduce cave-in risk and avoid project delays. Additional innovations like debris netting and live utility tracking created a safer, more resilient worksite for the more than 7,000 craftworkers who contributed over four million hours on the project.
A collaborative scheduling effort brought all trade partners together six months before work began, allowing for a fully coordinated plan that enabled the project to finish six weeks ahead of schedule.
Results: Building a Destination, Uplifting a Region
The Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center brings world-class hospitality to Chula Vista while creating lasting economic and cultural benefits:
1,600
luxury rooms
22
stories
4.25
acres of water paradise: lazy river, wave pool, swim-up bars
800,000
square-foot convention center
1,600
stall parking garage
28,500
square-foot atrium
multiple
restaurants on property
The project is expected to generate 4,000 permanent jobs and contribute an estimated $14 billion in economic impact to the region. Over 80 percent of the workforce was sourced locally, reinforcing the project’s commitment to community development.
Enhancements for Guests, Operators, and the City
- Seamless visitor experiences blending indoor and outdoor resort amenities
- Smart design supporting year-round events, business travel, and leisure tourism
- Prefabrication and mass concrete strategies allowing earlier trade access and improved quality
- Integrated safety programs that exceeded industry standards and earned national recognition
Safety as a Cultural Driver
The team achieved an OSHA Recordable Incident Rate 80 percent lower than the industry average by implementing a layered safety strategy built on proactive risk mitigation, real-time communication and craft-driven accountability. Key initiatives included:
- Stop the Drop campaign with 100 percent tool tethering and debris netting
- Spider perimeter netting to protect in-progress atrium work
- Live Utility Authorization permits and soft-dig practices
- One Voice and See It, Own It, Share It programs empowering craft participation
These practices not only minimized hazards but also built a culture of ownership and safety excellence.
A Model for Sustainable Hospitality
The resort was designed to exceed California Title 24 energy standards, one of the most rigorous energy codes in the nation. With strategies aligned to coastal development mandates and environmental stewardship, the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center is built to perform long into the future.
JV Partner
Mortenson
Architect
HKS
