Published in the May 25 – June 7, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Kathy Sullivan
Kathy Sullivan
Frank Léal’s vision of the new development of his property is destined to become a timeless centerpiece to our downtown. Edith Ramirez, the chief planner of the city’s Economic Development department, used the words “amazing” and “remarkable” when she described the $60-million investment planned for his property located on the old Downtown Mall and Granada Theater site. Having a hotel in downtown was on the list of New Year’s wishes sent out on the city’s 2015 holiday card.
It was thought to be an almost impossible ask, since getting financing for such a venture would be extremely difficult. Edith is not sure this project could have ever come about with anyone else. When Léal came along, many saw him as the answer to many a prayer for many reasons.
Not only was he able to finance the project, but he was able to guarantee the rooms and retail would be filled with his many business projects and contacts. Léal believed in the potential for Morgan Hill and saw the opportunity to be one of the entrepreneurs investing in the future here. His team made sure the architectural style would blend well with adjacent buildings. The first two floors will be brick façade. The third and fourth floors are stepped back, which will help create for people looking upward from the street the illusion of the hotel being at the same level as surrounding buildings.
This project includes a Market Hall, a specialty food area which will include a butcher and choices such as to-go meals, sandwiches, a bakery, coffee kiosk, sushi, barbecue ribs, fresh vegetables, milk and cheese — all locally produced items you would look for if you were living in the downtown or surrounding area. A 2,500-square-foot flower shop designed with glass doors will enhance views for pedestrians and patrons. The hotel’s third and fourth floor will each include 30 rooms.
A spa, pool, conference rooms, banquet hall and fitness center will be other exciting additions. Also in the works are a wine bar and a steak house which will be on the first floor near the hotel entrance. A plaza patio can be used for events. The rooftop will be graced by lighting and olive trees.
The Granada Theater project is set to be completed by late September, Léal said. It will be a dinner hall with a modern “Rat Pack” but classic look. It can be used for weddings, plays, dinner theater and will have dining, drinking and performances of many kinds.
Léal’s ambitious undertaking is an opportunity with benefits that are just beginning to come to the surface. It’s a big deal for our city as well as our downtown. Adding all these features and attracting out-of-town visitors will both add to our tax base and give us all more areas to play and enjoy.
Kathy Sullivan is a board member of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association. She wrote this column for Morgan Hill Life.
