Simi officials consider luxury hotel near Reagan Library
By Eliav Appelbaum Acorn staff writer

Wearing a colorful, loosefitting collared shirt and sandals, Willie Stark looked like Jimmy Buffet's fishing buddy.

Stark wasn't pursuing a marlin- he was visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on a temperate afternoon with his wife, Fran, from their home in Chandler, Ariz.

Like the Starks, many guests of the library spend their nights outside of Simi Valley. Seeking to change that trend, the city is looking into the possibility of building a luxury hotel in the area.

"There's a perceived gap in the hospitality accommodations in Simi Valley," said Brian Gabler, assistant city manager and director of economic development. "It's something that's been discussed for over a year. We've started to look at it closer and determine if there's a market for it."

Many distinguished guests and dignitaries stay in Westlake Village, West Los Angeles or Beverly Hills. Ideally, Gabler said, a luxury hotel would be built next to the library.

Duke Blackwood, director of the Reagan Library, is receptive to the idea of a luxury hotel.

"I think it would be a benefit to the community," Blackwood said, "because it would attract people to stay here and enjoy Simi Valley and the surrounding communities. For those who normally stay outside of Simi, this would give them an option to stay close to the library. Hopefully, this would add some prestige to the area."

Reaction from library guests about adding such a hotel was mixed.

The Starks, who are staying in San Juan Capistrano for vacation, said they would consider staying in a hotel next to the library.

"I'm sure it would work. I'd stay right here," Willie Stark said as he snapped photos of the scenery from the courtyard with his digital camera. "I could spend all day here. I could spend a week here."

Trish and Grant Simmons of Woodland Hills also thought adding a high-caliber hotel was a fine idea for guests outside the immediate area.

"I think it would be great," Trish said. "If you came out here for business at the library or some sort of event, why wouldn't you stay here? It's a hike to drive here from either Ventura or Los Angeles."

Edward McDevitt, who's originally from Simi Valley, now lives in North Carolina. Even though McDevitt said he probably wouldn't stay in such a hotel since he has family here, he could see other visitors staying in town.

"I think it wouldn't be bad," he said. "It couldn't hurt, and it would be good for tourism."

"I don't know the area that well, but I think it would work," said Larry Zimmerman of Atlanta, who together with his wife, Michele, was staying with relatives in Valley Glen. "This is certainly a great attraction, and I think an upscale hotel would do nicely."

Other visitors to the library were more cautious about a luxury hotel coming to Simi Valley.

"I don't see this place as a destination. It's a great place to visit, but I don't know how close the hotel would be to other attractions in the area," said Hal Perry of Tucson, Ariz. Perry is staying in an RV at Point Mugu.

"A hotel would be a disturbance to the great views. This is a gorgeous location. I like it just the way it is," Perry added.

Mike and Michele Martini of Chatsworth were making their first visit to the Reagan Library.

"In Simi, this is it," Mike said. "There's just not a whole lot in the area to go to other than this."

Michele added, "If I were from out of town, I'd stay here for an event, not just for a visit."

Gabler said the city has contacted a consultant specializing in the hospitality industry to see if Simi Valley could sustain an upscale hotel.

If there is a market, the city would then address the type and size of a hotel. From there, other amenities, including banquet facilities, must be considered, Gabler said.

"This is really the beginning stages. That's where we're at now. If it makes sense in the market and local economy, then it's something we're interested in."