News Summary
The Irvine City Council is set to review a major proposal for 1,858 new apartment units at Discovery Park. This redevelopment project, recommended by the Planning Commission, includes traditional Spanish-style architecture, affordable housing, and over 5,000 square feet of retail space. The initiative aims to address local housing needs, with a portion of the units allocated for moderate and very-low-income households. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to engage in discussions regarding this significant development poised to reshape Irvine’s housing landscape.
Irvine – The Irvine City Council is poised to review a significant proposal for the construction of 1,858 apartment units at Discovery Park, located near the corner of Laguna Canyon Road and Discovery. This redevelopment project is a part of a broader initiative by the Irvine Company to address the pressing housing needs in the area.
The Irvine Planning Commission previously recommended the project unanimously last month, indicating strong local support. The anticipated apartment complex will consist of four five-story wrap-style buildings, designed to enhance the urban landscape while contributing to the housing stock in Irvine.
This proposal aligns with the Irvine Company’s plan to construct approximately 8,700 homes and apartments across various neighborhoods in Irvine. Currently, Discovery Park is a vacant area surrounded by existing office buildings, giving the prospective development significant potential for urban growth.
The land, zoned for medical and science usage, also permits residential development, making it a fitting choice for such a project. The unit breakdown includes 596 studios, 802 one-bedroom apartments, and 460 two-bedroom apartments, with varying sizes ranging from 367 to 1,727 square feet.
Part of the development plan includes an affordable housing strategy, aiming to provide units designated for moderate and very-low-income households. City staff reports indicate that at least 310 of the 1,858 units will be reserved as affordable housing for a period of 75 years. Furthermore, public benefit funding of at least $14,725 will be allocated per unit.
In addition to the residential units, the project also features proposals for over 5,000 square feet of retail space, enhancing the convenience for future residents and providing additional service options in the community.
The architectural design will incorporate themes inspired by Spanish and Palazzo styles, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the new development. Planned amenities include lounge pools, a fitness center, barbecue grills, spas, and nearly eight acres of landscaping, along with a 2.56-acre publicly accessible private park.
This proposal for Discovery Park is part of a more extensive housing initiative, which also encompasses another Irvine Company project aimed at developing 2,500 housing units near the University of California, Irvine. Additionally, there is a substantial 3,100 single-family home development underway at the Oak Creek Golf Course, further evidencing the company’s commitment to addressing housing demands in the region.
In another part of Irvine, about 1,261 apartments are currently under construction on the Irvine side of The Market Place, replacing approximately 200,000 square feet of retail space and contributing to the overall housing strategy.
Irvine currently boasts 117,000 housing units and is actively working towards meeting a state-mandated goal of adding about 58,000 new housing units by 2045, as part of a response to California’s requirements that local governments facilitate the construction of new housing units. The city’s General Plan Update necessitates further residential unit additions to comply with the Regional Housing Needs Assessment.
As the Irvine City Council prepares to review the proposal, community members and stakeholders are encouraged to engage and provide their input on this major development project that aims to reshape the housing landscape in Irvine for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal
- Wikipedia: Irvine, California
- Orange County Register
- Google Search: Irvine California housing development
- Bisnow
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing development
- Los Angeles Times
- Google News: California housing news
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