ANAHEIM, Calif. (September 29, 2017) – Orange County-based Lifescapes International has been selected to design the landscape environment for the recently announced $245 million development of the Westin Anaheim Resort, a four-diamond resort by local developer Wincome Group.
“This is a monumental project for the City of Anaheim, which drew a record 23 million visitors last year,” says Dan Trust, Executive Vice President and COO of Lifescapes International. “The city is investing substantially in its resort corridor, and we are pleased to bring our seasoned experience in creating iconic destinations to this new project.”
Lifescapes is known for designing the landscapes of some of the world’s most iconic hotels, including the Bellagio Resort & Casino, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Fontainebleau Miami Beach (remodel in 2008), and the Wynn Las Vegas, among many others.
“We understand that today’s consumers expect luxury amenities that integrate seamlessly into a destination’s overall look and feel,” Trust explains. “For that reason, we will create a design that is both luxurious and functional, delivering an inviting environment that guests will enjoy for years to come.”
According to Paul Sanford, CEO of Wincome Group, “We knew that working with such a high caliber company as Lifescapes International would bring value to this project. Their designs bring a sense of luxury and sophistication that is required for a 4-diamond hotel.”
The Westin Anaheim Resort will offer more than 600 rooms situated within a 630,000 square-foot environment, rich with lavish landscaping and elegantly-designed, social gathering spaces.
Al Amador, Senior Principal/Project Designer for Lifescapes and the lead designer on this project, explains, “We are building on the developer’s vision, which is to create a haven of luxury and a hub of excitement for tourists and staycationers alike.”
Leveraging the resort’s close proximity to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, Lifescapes will design a luxurious rooftop deck where guests can enjoy park views and nightly fireworks shows, according to Amador.
“Urban rooftop decks have emerged as one of the hottest design trends of this decade, and our expertise in creating entertainment-driven, immersive rooftop environments is unmatched,” Amador says.
The new deck will feature ample banquette seating nestled around modern fire pits, with portable shade structures and furniture that can accommodate public gatherings as well as private parties, weddings, or corporate events.
“On the roof, we plan to integrate a long, linear raised water feature with floating planters, bringing a visual texture to the deck’s comfortable elegance,” Amador says.
Lifescapes will also design the four-diamond luxury resort’s new pool area, including two expansive pools and a luxurious spa surrounded by lush greenery and lounge furniture.
“Anaheim attracts both families and individuals seeking fun and relaxation, and our design will offer both,” notes Amador. “The main pool will focus on luxury, complete with private cabanas and an elite look and feel, while the secondary pool focuses on family fun, complete with an overhead structure for shade and a nearby restaurant with seating areas overlooking the pool.”
Lifescapes will also design a unique motor court for the new resort, featuring specialty paving in a custom design with ample lanes for traffic.
“Smooth, comfortable arrivals are essential to the luxury experience, and this upscale and thoughtful motor court will deliver efficiency combined with style,” explains Amador.
The motor court will feature an on-grade fountain with a stunning water feature which, according to Amador, can be turned off to allow cars to park or drive over it when needed.
The Westin Anaheim Resort is located at 1030 W. Katella Avenue in Anaheim, California, just south of the Disneyland Resort and west of the Anaheim Convention Center, which recently underwent a $190 million expansion project.
In addition to Landscape Architect, Al Amador, Lifescapes’ design team on the project includes Roger Voettiner, Vice President of Design; Mike Meyers, Sr. Project Director; Fernando Ortiz, Project Manager; and Berj Behesnilian, Field Art Director.
Michael Hong Architects will serve as the architect on the project, with HED serving as Architect of Record. Interiors will be designed by Dianna Wong Architecture & Interior Design, while GLUMAC will oversee engineering/MEP and Englekirk handles structural engineering.
Lifescapes International is an internationally recognized landscape architectural firm that has become an influential force in the industry through its design of innovative, creative, and trendsetting landscape environments. For nearly 60 years, the company has remained true to its mantra: “We Create Gardens People Love.” SM
Recognized as trendsetters designing resorts and hotels, casinos, multifamily and retail/mixed use projects, Lifescapes has designed notable projects including The Mirage; Bellagio; Wynn & Encore Las Vegas; The Venetian; Fontainebleau Miami Beach; the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki in Greece; The Grove, and Rockefeller Center Channel Gardens, among many others. Additional information on the firm is available at www.lifescapesintl.com.
