Workshops Scheduled to Collect Input on the Future Development of Tustin Legacy Core
In the wake of a devastating fire that engulfed the historic north hangar over two years ago, city officials in Tustin are embarking on a new planning phase for the Tustin Legacy, a developing neighborhood that is home to one of the city’s most iconic structures. The fire left the community with a singular hangar, prompting efforts to revitalize and reshape the area.
Residents will have the opportunity to participate in open-house workshops scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23. These sessions, held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Tustin Community Center, located in the Market Place at 2961 El Camino Real, aim to gather community input regarding the future of the Tustin Legacy. Both workshops will present identical information, allowing for multiple opportunities for engagement. Additionally, a pre-workshop survey was made available online to garner further public insight into the residents’ vision for the Tustin Legacy Core.
The Tustin Legacy Core is defined by several boundaries: Valencia Avenue to the north, Warner Avenue to the south, Armstrong Road to the west, and Tustin Ranch Road to the east. This area encompasses the now-cleared north hangar site as well as the remaining south hangar site. Framework plans depicting potential development scenarios will be utilized during the workshops to facilitate discussions and collect feedback from community members. This input, along with documentary screenings focusing on the area’s military history and designated comment stations, will inform decisions relating to future development efforts in the Tustin Legacy Core.
In 1996, Tustin was designated the authority for the redevelopment of the soon-to-close Tustin Marine Corps Air Station. A comprehensive framework for the 1,600-acre Tustin Legacy district was established in 2003, leading to the construction of over 4,200 homes, shopping centers, educational institutions, government facilities, and approximately 95 acres of public parks. Currently, around 600 acres within the district remain undeveloped.
Recently, the city has entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Tustin native Dan Almquist and his firm, Almquist Development, to explore possibilities for a 52-acre mixed-use project near Red Hill and Warner Avenue. While preliminary plans are subject to modification during the planning process, city officials indicate that the concept will include a blend of retail and residential spaces, with a portion designated as affordable housing, along with enhancements to Tustin Legacy Park.
As Tustin moves forward with this revitalization effort, community engagement and collaboration will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Tustin Legacy. City officials stress the importance of public participation in this transformative journey. Media News Source.
