Carefully planned central commons establishes a mixed-use community hub
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DETAILS

LocationIrvine, California United States
ClientIrvine Community Development Company
SERVICE:
Size1,400 acres

SWA provided planning services related to entitlement and land use for 1,400 acres of land in the City of Irvine, representing the last “flat land” development within the Irvine Ranch. Fundamental to the planning of Woodbury was the concept of a village “commons” with a mix of retail, residential, and office uses, which also includes a recreation center, public community park, and elementary school as well as a series of neighborhood parks, echoing a variety of distinct architectural styles. Equally important was the establishment of the landscape framework that became the backbone of the community, with four major entryways, two green inner loops, and a pedestrian esplanade providing connections between the village commons and the retail center. The enclave connects to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, an innovative departure at the time from traditional urban park landscapes to ‘California Native Meadow’. It also introduced the first phase of a now-implemented broader regional trail system. SWA worked with the City staff in preparing the General Plan, pre-zoning, and annexation applications. This project received the Pacific Coast Builders Gold Nugget Grand Award in 2004 for the “Best Community Site Plan—100 Acres or More”.

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