Major Developments and Expansions in the Coachella Valley

Palm Springs Convention Center

A new partnership with Oak View Group paves the way for Palm Springs’ $125 million plan to refresh its convention center. The agreement, approved in July, also covers management of the city’s Bureau of Tourism and is expected to boost both bookings and the destination’s economic footprint.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Those flyboys are at it again! A $2.5 million campaign launched in 2023 includes a modern turbine-inspired façade, a new gift shop, and the Ronald M. Auen Learning Center. “We’re in the process of finishing the build-out,” says president Fred Bell, who estimates upgrades will continue through mid-2026.

Palm Springs International Airport

PSP’s 20-year master plan will add seven new gates, an upgraded rental car center, and more to the airport ranked 35th in America by The Washington Post. Out front, a $100,000 rehabilitation is restoring architectural details. A new “Stay and Play” pass invites non-travelers beyond security.

Plaza Theatre

After more than a decade dark, The Plaza Theatre is nearly ready for its second act. The estimated $34 million restoration includes brand-new lighting, audio, and projection systems; a restored starfield ceiling; and a reconfigured lobby. Lily Tomlin headlines Dec. 2, but rumblings suggest a surprise Dec. 1 curtain-raiser may be announced soon.

College of the Desert Palm Springs Campus

On the site of the old Palm Springs Mall, a $405 million College of the Desert campus is rising to serve 3,000 students. The project includes classrooms, labs, culinary test kitchens, and what will be one of California’s first community college casino management programs. Completion is targeted for fall 2027.

Cathedral City Cove Center

The new Starbucks and Chipotle — both drive-thrus — have officially opened in this developing downtown center across from Agua Caliente Casino. More tenants are planned, including Farmer Boys, Circle K, and potentially the third location of a popular locally owned pizzeria. The city envisions new housing to follow in the surrounding area.

Cotino

The first residents have begun moving into this Storyliving by Disney community that will grow to 1,900 homes. At its center, Cotino Bay spans 24 acres. Now being filled, it will feature two pool inserts for swimmers and open waters for kayakers and paddleboarders. The  Incredibles 2–inspired Parr House and a public town center with shops and dining will debut in 2026.

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Expansion

Construction is underway on a $79 million Student Services Building, funded by the state, to open in 2026 or 2027 with student services, a bookstore, and wellness space. The campus aims to add classrooms, labs, dorms, and an administrative center serving up to 8,000 students by 2035.

Eisenhower Health

An $80 million Cardiovascular Institute and $45 million Washington Family Center for specialty and behavioral health are slated for completion by April. Across Country Club Drive, a $9 million child care facility for  140 children of staff will sit beside a new adult day center for seniors with memory loss, with intergenerational programming planned.

DSRT Surf

Palm Desert can soon hang 10 at this 5.5-acre surf lagoon, which, developers say, will require only 24 million gallons of water per year, less than what’s used to irrigate two holes on a golf course. Located at Desert Willow, the project includes a 92-room hotel, restaurants, and 83 residences, plus pickleball and a skate track. Groundbreaking took place in 2024.

Indio Grand Marketplace

What’s in a name? HCL Indio Land Development rechristened the former Indio Fashion Mall as Indio Grand Marketplace and plans to redevelop the 1975 shopping center. Phase one encompasses two commercial buildings totaling 12,800 square feet, estimated to begin construction this year with a summer 2026 finish.

Coachella Prospera

Design begins this fall on a remodel of Bagdouma Park Community Center, extending its role as a health and community hub, with construction planned for 2026. Meanwhile, a $2 million grant funds bike lanes through Connecting Coachella, and an Urban Greening partnership will add trees across the city.

Empire Polo Club Proposal

Developers have unveiled plans for 218 acres near the Empire Polo Club in Indio, home to the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals. Early designs call for housing, retail, restaurants, and possibly sports facilities, transforming land around the grounds into a mixed-use district. The proposal is in early review stages.

CV Link

“Substantially complete,” a CV Link spokeswoman says of the envisioned 40-mile, 14-foot-wide recreational pathway that follows the Whitewater River levee from Palm Springs to Coachella. Portions are already open for walkers, bikers, and low-speed EVs, with future phases envisioned north to Desert Hot Springs and south to the Salton Sea.

Lake Cahuilla Upgrades

Riverside County is investing $12 million into upgrades at Lake Cahuilla. Plans include reopening the swimming pool, adding splash pads, and improving campgrounds and bathrooms. The 30-year lease extension ensures the park will continue as a popular recreation spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.

Thermal Ranch Proposal

A proposal under review for Thermal Ranch, south of Avenue 62 along Harrison Street, reveals aspirations to develop 862 private homes, workforce housing, a hotel and commercial core, and an equestrian center about 30 percent larger than nearby Desert International Horse Park. Planned infrastructure includes a power substation.