Compiled by Andrea Rangno and Johanne Chou
ANAHEIM
The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center is entering its initial design phase. The transportation hub, which is scheduled to break ground in 2010, will link commuter and regional train services as well as bus, taxi and local transit services. Planners hope the project also will grow to include high-speed rail service linking the county to the Bay Area and Las Vegas, though funding for that is uncertain. The city of Anaheim and the Orange County Transportation Authority have selected the Los Angeles office of HOK Group Inc. as the architect. HOK will work with consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff to create phase one of the project, which will consist of the transportation center, rail tracks and platforms, parking, public art, street improvements and retail and restaurant facilities. Phase one is valued at about $180 million and is scheduled to be complete by mid-2013. The 66,000-square-foot project is slated to feature a 180-foot archway with skyline views and is aiming to obtain
a platinum certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system.
LAKE FOREST
Construction for a Hooters restaurant is almost complete in the El Toro Square Shopping Center just east of the San Diego (I-5) freeway. The restaurant, which is scheduled to open in September, will not feature the typical Hooters exterior, which is gray with an orange metal roof and tropical-themed entrance. The building will instead be tan in color and feature a craftsman design, with orange awnings, brick details and galvanized steel lighting fixtures. The interior of the restaurant will feature 30 widescreen plasma televisions and typical Hooters dress. Construction on the 6,000-square-foot building began in May and hiring for 110 positions began earlier this month. The owner is Hoot Winc LLC, which owns franchising rights for Hooters in Washington, Oregon and Southern California. The architect is Corona-based JDR Architects and the construction company is Lorentz Bruun Co., based in Portland, Ore. A Banner Mattress previously existed on this lot.
SAN CLEMENTE
Construction is complete on a renovation of the Holiday Inn Express near Avenida Pico, west of the San Diego (I-5) freeway. The hotel, formerly the Country Plaza Inn, was bought by Santa Ana-based DKN Hotels in 2007. The $3.5 million renovation included new outlets, sliding doors and closets for all rooms, as well as modern furniture and appliances. The hotel was also updated with a sprinkler system and wireless Internet access. Although exterior of the hotel, which is designed in a Spanish colonial motif, was preserved, the pool was refurbished and new pool equipment was added. Construction began in January and was completed last month. The architect for the project was Los Angeles-based Gene Fong Associates and the construction company was Satori, which is based in Utah.
FULLERTON
Construction has begun on a complete renovation of Lions Field on Brea Boulevard near Harbor Boulevard. The project, which has been in the planning stage for more than a decade, will feature a complete modernization of the softball fields and surrounding facilities. This includes new seating areas, concession stands, backstops, batting cages, maintenance buildings, lighting and parking as well as new landscape design. The project will cost about $13 million and is funded by a combination of city bonds. It is in the first phase of construction, which includes grading and reforestation and is expected to be complete in fall 2010. The construction company is Calabasas-based Valley Crest Landscape Development Inc. The engineering consultant is WEC Engineering.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Brethren Christian Junior/Senior High School just processed permits to renovate the school, previously Gisler School, which closed in 1986. There are plans to build a 26,000-square-foot gymnasium, bleachers on the football field to seat 624 spectators and 92 additional parking spots. The gym will be used for basketball games and other school activities, such as band rehearsals and performances, drama, choir and graduation ceremonies. The field will be used for football games and practices and for American Youth Soccer Organization and Sea View Little League games. The gym will be made available for church and youth programs. The proposed cost of the construction is $3.5 million. Kevin A. Coleman is the contractor. The high school is near Strathmoor Lane and Atlanta Avenue.
