October 24, 2025

Costa Mesa Begins Redevelopment at Fairview Developmental Center

News Summary

Costa Mesa is launching a major redevelopment initiative at the former Fairview Developmental Center, aimed at establishing a new Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center. This facility will enhance disaster response for 23 million residents across Southern California. Additionally, the redevelopment may include 2,300 to 4,000 housing units and promises to address community needs for affordable living and recreational spaces. A public hearing is scheduled to gather community input on the plans.

Costa Mesa is embarking on a significant redevelopment project at the former Fairview Developmental Center campus, which has been a noteworthy site since its establishment. State and local leaders are currently advancing plans for a new emergency operations facility, the Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center, which broke ground last week.

The Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center, covering 15 acres, will feature a substantial 39,000-square-foot office space and a 21,000-square-foot warehouse. This vital facility aims to serve as a disaster response hub for Southern California, benefiting approximately 23 million residents across 11 counties and 226 cities. The project is expected to be completed within the next two years, enhancing the region’s preparedness for California’s frequent natural disasters and aiding in public safety efforts.

The Fairview Developmental Center spans 115 acres and was opened in 1959, initially serving over 2,600 individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. However, it closed in 2015, leading to the relocation of its remaining residents to smaller housing options. In 2022, Costa Mesa received $3.5 million in state funding, designated for planning the redevelopment of 100 acres of the site into much-needed housing.

The city estimates that the redevelopment will yield at least 2,300 residential units, contributing significantly to the city’s goal of building a minimum of 11,760 homes by 2030. Under state requirements, 40% of the proposed housing units must be affordable for low- to very-low-income families. The Costa Mesa City Council is scheduled to review proposed housing scenarios on October 21, which could suggest between 2,300 and 4,000 housing units. If a plan is approved, an environmental impact study will follow to assess the feasibility and implications of the proposed housing designs.

As per the city’s preferred development layout, the proposal includes 3,800 housing units, 35,000 square feet of retail space, and 12 acres of open space. Moreover, the plan outlines two access roads connecting the new development to Harbor Boulevard, one of which passes through a golf course.

Despite the optimistic projections for new housing, residents have expressed concerns regarding the density of the housing plan and the apparent lack of recreational spaces and amenities that are essential for community well-being. A public hearing for the City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers to address these concerns and to gather further input from the community.

The planning process and the environmental impact study are anticipated to continue into late 2024. However, it may take several years before construction can commence, with the completion of residential units projected to occur over a decade away. This redevelopment initiative differs from prior major mixed-use proposals in Costa Mesa as it dedicates specific portions of the site for emergency operations and housing management, illustrating the city’s commitment to enhancing both public safety and housing accessibility.

Consultations regarding the provisions of recreational and community amenities alongside residential units will continue, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community development as Costa Mesa moves forward with these pivotal changes.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

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