A massive, sprawling Hotel Circle property that was once envisioned as a global center for a local televangelist has gone up for sale — after just four years.
Morris Cerullo purchased the property, which was previously the Mission Valley Resort, in 2011. He originally did so with the idea of turning it into a “religious Disneyland,” combining entertainment with hospitality, imbued with a strong flavor of his particular brand of Christianity.
The San Diego City Council approved the $160 million project, which became the Legacy International Center’s main campus in 2017. It includes an international market, a five-story resort, restaurants, office spaces, a performing arts venue, and a replica of Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall.
It also boasts “the finest stone imported from Jerusalem” in a real estate listing.
The campus was envisioned by Morris Cerullo as a luxurious center for his global ministry and teachings, the listing says.
“Designed to stand as a lasting testament, the center boasts an unparalleled architectural marvel, incorporating rare imported materials and cutting-edge technology that are virtually irreplaceable.”
The Legacy Resort and Spa property is currently selling for $215 million.
Construction began in 2018. The project was completed in 2020, the same year that Morris Cerullo died.
Cerullo, a Pentecostal minister, ” was the founder of the television show “Victory Today,” and published dozens of books. He was also accused of deceptively targeting Jewish people for conversion to Christianity and making false claims about being able to “cure” disabled people.
