Construction partners Mortenson and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. have completed one of the most ambitious hotel developments in the United States — the $1.3 billion Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center. The nearly two-million-square-foot complex, located along the scenic Chula Vista Bayfront just south of San Diego, marks the largest hotel project in the nation and a major milestone for the region’s tourism industry.

The 22-story Marriott-operated resort features 1,600 guest rooms and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The property’s attractions include a 4.25-acre waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool, waterslides, poolside bars, and private cabanas, all designed to establish the resort as a Southern California destination.

The project, a collaboration between Mortenson | McCarthy, RIDA Development, the City of Chula Vista, the Port of San Diego, Marriott International, and HKS Architecture, broke ground in August 2022 at 1000 H Street in Chula Vista.

The resort also boasts a state-of-the-art 800,000-square-foot convention center equipped with an expansive exhibit hall, modern meeting spaces, large ballrooms, and event-ready amenities. Other highlights include multiple dining establishments, a massive sports bar with a 75-foot TV, a large atrium, and a 9-story parking structure with 1,600 stalls.

“This project will be a beacon for tourism in Chula Vista for decades to come,” said Andrew Corson, Project Executive for Mortenson I McCarthy. “As a joint venture, Mortenson I McCarthy is proud to have completed the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in record time in only 34 months.”

To keep the complex project on schedule, Mortenson | McCarthy engaged all trade partners six months prior to physical construction, allowing for detailed coordination of work plans and timelines. The joint venture also implemented advanced construction methods, such as an Auger Cast Pile foundation system using 1,744 piles, and placed over 110,000 cubic yards of concrete. More than 2.5 miles of glass handrails and privacy screens were installed throughout the site.

“Receiving the Liberty Mutual Workers Compensation Gold Award is not just a milestone — it’s a testament to the unwavering commitment, discipline, and culture of safety that define the Mortenson I McCarthy team,” said Andrew Haase, Senior Safety Engineer II for Mortenson | McCarthy. “It’s not just a policy we follow; it’s a standard we set.”

Over the course of construction, nearly 4 million work hours were logged by more than 7,000 craft professionals. The project was recognized for its exemplary safety practices, earning the Liberty Mutual Workers Compensation Gold Award — an honor awarded to teams with a DART (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred) rate 80% better than industry benchmarks with a minimum of 200,000 work hours.

The resort is already proving to be an economic driver for the region. During construction, it supported approximately 3,000 jobs annually. Once operational, it is expected to provide 3,900 permanent jobs throughout the resort and surrounding businesses. The response from job seekers has been enthusiastic, with over 35,000 applications received so far.

The Gaylord Pacific Resort is expected to draw both national and international visitors and significantly enhance the appeal of the South Bay area of San Diego County as a tourism and events hub.

Originally reported by McCarthy.