News Summary
The Irvine Company is set to transform 235 acres at the Oak Creek Golf Course into a major residential neighborhood featuring around 3,100 housing units. The project includes single-family homes and apartments, addressing the local housing shortage. Plans also involve community enhancements such as parks, trails, and educational facilities. Public meetings are scheduled to discuss the proposal, which aims to meet state housing mandates while balancing open space preservation.
Irvine
The Irvine Company has proposed a substantial residential development at the Oak Creek Golf Course and nearby commercial plots, transforming 235 acres into a neighborhood that will feature approximately 3,100 housing units. This initiative aims to address the local housing shortage and is expected to be the largest residential project in Irvine since the Great Park was introduced a decade ago.
The development plans include the construction of up to 1,500 single-family homes on the golf course itself and an additional 1,600 apartment units at the Innovation Office Park adjacent to the course. The new residential neighborhood will be located at the northeastern edge of the Irvine Spectrum District, roughly one mile from the Great Park.
The project’s overall cost has not yet been determined. However, the value of the 235-acre site could surpass $1 billion if sold, with an estimated worth of approximately $5 million per acre. Given the current average home price in Irvine is about $1.6 million, the sales from these homes could potentially generate revenue of around $2.4 billion for builders and developers.
While the Oak Creek Golf Course will continue its operations during the planning phase, the Irvine Company anticipates seeking city approval for the development by summer 2026, with construction expected to kick off in early 2027. A public meeting is scheduled for May 13 to discuss the plan, which includes establishing a memorandum of understanding between the company and the city.
Community Enhancements and Educational Facilities
As part of the community development, there are proposals to maintain the existing clubhouse, transforming it into a community center alongside plans for a public park. The Irvine Company is also committed to funding a new school for grades pre-K through sixth or eighth, free of charge to the Irvine Unified School District. Additionally, the development will feature parks and trails for both cyclists and hikers, contributing to the area’s recreational options.
The new village aims to enhance housing options and improve local infrastructures, including transportation, schools, and open spaces. The project design incorporates community feedback, noting that over 90% of respondents to a survey expressed support for the concept of single-family homes in a village-style arrangement.
Addressing Housing Needs
This development is a response to Irvine’s state-mandated requirement to create around 58,000 new homes and apartments by 2045. Plans exist for additional housing projects across Irvine, including 15,000 units at the Irvine Business Complex and 26,607 units in the Spectrum area. These efforts aim to meet the overall housing supply demand while also making strides toward providing more affordable housing options.
Local officials are optimistic that this development will positively contribute to addressing the city’s growing population and housing challenges. In tandem with the development, the Irvine Company is looking to counterbalance the loss of open space by donating land for a nature preserve and avocado groves to the city. The new residential area is set to maintain the picturesque, tree-lined landscape that characterizes the existing golf course.
Background on the Golf Course
The Oak Creek Golf Course was considered expendable due to high green fees and limited local engagement. Its redevelopment aligns with a national trend of repurposing golf courses in response to shifting recreational demand patterns. The Irvine Company emphasizes its commitment to master-planning developments that integrate essential community elements like parks, schools, and efficient transportation options.
The Irvine Company, which manages a substantial real estate portfolio largely centered in Orange County, continues to navigate the evolving landscape of community needs, aiming to create spaces that are both functional and beneficial for residents.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Irvine Co. Looks to Replace Golf Course with 3,100 Home Village
- Wikipedia: Irvine, California
- Bisnow: Irvine Co. Wants to Replace Irvine Golf Course with 1,500 New Homes
- Google Search: Irvine Company Housing Development
- LA Times: Newport Center Irvine Company
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Irvine, California
- The Real Deal: Irvine Company Eyeing Oak Creek Golf Club for New Homes
- Google News: Irvine Housing Development
- What Now: Irvine Company Proposes 3,000 Homes at Golf Course Site
- Google Scholar: Irvine Housing Projects
- OC Business Journal: Irvine Co. Proposes New Housing for Spectrum Area
