By SDCNN Staff

The massive Morris Cerullo Legacy International Center project has received the Planning Commission’s blessing, and now it will go to the City Council for a final vote.

The Planning Commission voted 6-0 on June 8 to advance the project, after adding a handful of conditions that must be met.

Redesigned completely by the architectural firm Carrier Johnson + Culture, the new version of the Legacy Center largely drew raves from commissioners for its final design that architect Gordon Carrier called “timeless” and “mystical.” The new plans have previously been approved locally by the Mission Valley Planning Group and its Design Advisory Board.

The “religious tourism” complex will replace the aging Mission Valley Resort, located at 875 Hotel Circle South. The 391,000-square-foot complex comprising five structures will have a performing arts center for theater, movies and lectures; an IMAX theater; a religious museum and a replica of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem; a garage with 659 parking spots; and a resort hotel.

The commissioners added a number of contingencies to get their approval, including:

• Improving pedestrian access to the complex, currently limited to each end of the complex.
• Adding a covered structure at the bus stop.
• Providing more electric-car charging stations, including fast-chargers.
• Charging for onsite parking to encourage ridesharing or public transportation.
• Sidewalk improvements, including a direct route to the complex for pedestrians who get off at the bus stop.

The date for the City Council vote has yet to be determined.