Scheduled to open in August 2001, the $240-million property,located on 17 prime acres of California coastline, features aTuscan-inspired architectural style. With a majority of its 400guest rooms (including 74 suites) featuring ocean views and anon-site 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert TrentJones, Jr., the property is being promoted as the first luxuryresort hotel to be built in Orange County in 16 years.

"This is an important event in the life of Orange County," sayseconomist James L. Doti, president of Chapman University. "We willhave a strong economy next year in Orange County and this is one ofthe reasons why."

Once opened, Doti expects the resort to generate revenuesequaling $3 million a year in the form of occupancy taxes. It willalso add to the county's job growth numbers, employing almost 1,000people. The resort should attract an international presence to thearea, not just domestic guests, totaling 250,000 new touristsannually, Doti said. And, he added, it will attract a "high-endmarket" with its share of "influential dollars."