As equipment recently began moving around on the west hills of Temecula, many people had questions.
What the heck is being built?
Who is building it?
When did this get approved??
This land has been the subject of many development proposals for decades. Back in the early 90’s, Broadway producer Zev Buffman proposed a massive ‘Branson Missouri’ style entertainment district. It would have had an opera house, other theaters, shops and a western style vibe. This idea was so unpopular with old school residents that it went to a public vote where it barely passed. Although it passed, other issues arose and Mr Buffman moved on to other ventures. One could argue that Zev was ahead of the times in seeing Temecula’s potential. RIP sir. Here is a link to an LA Times article: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-10-mn-41167-story.html
This new project is a decade in the making. The property was bought for $25.2 million by Ambient Communities with the intent on the development of residential housing. After the required studies and planning were completed, the project was approved by the city council in late 2017. You can read the very detailed 390 page document here: http://laserfiche.cityoftemecula.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=1627035&dbid=2&repo=Temecula
After the development was approved by the city council, a collection of conservation groups sued the city in January 2018. The lawsuit claimed the southern most part of the development would infringe on the routes of mountain lions native to the area. A judge agreed and halted the project.
After years of negotiations between the various parties, a settlement was reached in October 2020. The settlement keeps 55 acres on the south end as permanent open space. You can read further details here: https://mountainlion.org/2020/10/26/temecula-altair-lawsuit-settled/
Now the project will move forward as planned and approved. The development will consist of up to 1750 homes, condos, mixed use, education (elementary school) and open space w/ trails.
It will also have a ‘western bypass’ road that will connect Temecula Parkway with Rancho California Rd.
Overall, the design elements we found make it look like a very upscale community, similar to Harveston. There are a few photos below of artists renderings.
You can sign up for updates at this site: https://altairtemecula.com/
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