PALM SPRINGS, CA-Hard Rock International of Orlando has signed a deal with the Nexus Cos. of Santa Ana to develop a 450-unit condominium hotel in Downtown Palm Springs. The development site is near the city's convention center, close to the Spa Casino and Hotel.

The Palm Springs City Council granted Nexus exclusive rights to negotiate the acquisition of six acres adjacent to the expanded Palm Springs Convention Center for the development of Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. The location, at the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Calle El Segundo, is across the street from the convention center.

Nexus has since entered into contracts for the acquisition of an additional four acres which, with the city's owned parcel, will amass a 10-acre development tract. Construction of the new hotel could start in early 2008, with an approximate opening date of late 2009.

The project, which would be Hard Rock's 10th hotel, would include a20,000-sf Rock Spa, restaurants, bars and other amenities. HamishDodds, president and CEO of Hard Rock International, says in a statement that the company plans the property to appeal to leisure and business travelers.

The company says it will appeal to business and convention travelers through the inclusion of business facilities and meeting space. Among these will be 40,000 sf of planned meeting rooms.

Hard Rock is also making news today with the Seminole Tribe's impending acquisition of the 130-plus asset Hard Rock International from British gaming company Rank Group PLC for $965 million, as GlobeSt.com is reporting.