A once-popular, nine-hole golf course near downtown Palm Springs will be leveled to make way for a three-story resort hotel that will house 169 residential units.

The Bel Greens Golf Course, which opened in 1972, has long been abandoned. It was known for its five holes of water, narrow fairways and panoramic views of the mountains. Located on 35 acres of property at 1001 El Cielo Road in south Palm Springs, it is located near downtown Palm Springs.

It is now littered with dead trees and brush, empty chardonnay bottles and squirrels roam the property foraging for food.

The “Closed” sign speaks volumes.

Santa Monica-based Watt Companies, who is currently in escrow on the property, requested its architectural team meet with Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs, ONE-PS, this week at City Hall to review the plan, according to Amy Blaisdell, communications director for the city of Palm Springs.

“After years of no action around this property, we are thrilled the developer reached out to ONE-PS to share their vision for this blighted part of South Palm Springs which has affected the surrounding neighborhoods of Mesquite Country Club, Sonora Sunrise, Los Compadres, Little Beverly Hills and Demuth Park,” said Christine Hammond, chair of the ONE-PS Code Enforcement and Public Works Committee.

“We appreciate that they took the time to share their ideas with residents who live nearby and gave them a chance to ask questions and provide input. Ultimately, I think this outreach will help make it an even better project, one that appeals to prospective buyers and users,” Hammond said in a news release.

The plan includes a three-story hotel, 45 single-story cottages, 60 two-story detached homes and 64 townhomes. The hotel, located in the center of the property, will feature a restaurant, pools, spa, fitness center and tennis courts. Homes will be priced between $300,000 and $500,000, with homeowners given the opportunity to purchase a hotel membership that will include recreational facilities and a shuttle service to downtown.

“The Planning Department looks forward to reviewing the application for the proposed project, which will revitalize this blighted area long in need of attention,” said Flinn Fagg, Palm Springs’ planning director.