Compiled by Billy O’Hare
Construction is progressing at the Lotus Walk housing project near Harbor Boulevard. Developer Olson Co. of Seal Beach plans to complete the first of six phases in November with the rest slated to finish in 2010. Plans call for 159 homes, a pool and four courtyards with different themes. Homes in the five-story building consist of one-story flats and two-story townhomes, ranging from 750 square feet to 1,683 square feet. Flats start in the $300,000s. Townhomes start at $450,000. The developer is targeting young professionals and first-time homebuyers, according to Olson’s Mark Gelberg.
Olson Co.’s Olson Homes has sold nearly all of its 100 townhomes at Founders Walk off Beach Boulevard. The homes are near the site where a Metrolink station is going up and is set to open this month. The houses have two-car garages and covered balconies. The project includes a clubhouse, pool and a playground. Homes range from 1,502 square feet to 1,676 square feet and start in the $500,000s.
Irvine-based Brandywine Homes has submitted specific plans for its Garden District development on Beach Boulevard on the city line between Anaheim and Stanton. The project is set to replace theme park Adventure City. Part of the development is set to take place on 10 acres occupied by the 50-year-old theme park. Plans call for condominiums, townhomes and stores, as well as parks and walkways. Construction isn’t set to start until fall 2008. Brandywine has started marketing the homes to young professionals and families. Homes are expected to start in the $400,000s.
Construction has begun on a $42 million rail undercrossing for Jeffery Road, which officials describe as the largest public works project yet in Irvine’s history. The project is designed to reroute traffic under rail lines used by Metrolink. Colorado’s Sema Construction Inc. is heading the project. Irvine-based Tetra Tech Inc. did the project’s design, which includes plans for a construction detour between Walnut Avenue and Irvine Center Drive. The undercrossing is set to open in late 2009.
Fountain Valley officials approved plans for a 5,790-square-foot retail building on 9475 Warner Ave. Developer Michael Adams & Associates is awaiting construction permits and expects to start work soon. The project is set to include a drive-through Starbucks Coffee with a patio, which was approved after some debate about its impact on traffic. A convenience store could be in the works, according to city planner Robert Franklin.
