Planning Commission approves Gaucho Grill at historic First National Bank building in Old Town Temecula

The Temecula Planning Commission voted 5-0 on April 2 to approve three planning applications allowing Gaucho Grill to occupy and renovate the historic First National Bank building at 28645 Old Town Front Street.

The approvals cover conditional use permit PA23-0467 for a Type 47 on‑sale general eating place alcohol license, modification to the development plan PA23-0499, and a certificate of historical appropriateness PA23-0500 for exterior and interior changes to the 1914 building. The applications were approved subject to the city’s conditions of approval.

Scott Cooper, senior planner for the Community Development Department, told the commission the project includes exterior paint changes using colors from the Old Town specific plan preservation palette, a new accessible entrance at the rear of the building, demolition and re-creation of outdoor patio areas to meet ADA requirements, an enclosed trash area, reconditioning of an outdoor patio cover and bar, and raised landscape planters along Main and Old Town Front streets. Interior work includes restroom renovations, new historically styled doors where needed, floor and finish replacements on both floors, light…