Plan for developing Packing House District approved by Placentia City Council

Placentia leaders have changed the rules for building in the downtown’s Packing House District to allow developers to create mixed-use and residential projects near the Metrolink station slated to open in 2020.

“It’s a game changer, said City Administrator Damien Arrula. “There are a lot of things happening in this area that are both unique and very exciting for Placentia.”

The zoning change has already generated interest from several transit-oriented developers that want to be part of the revitalization of the district – a 28-acre area of predominately empty lots and old industrial buildings along Crowther Avenue south of the Metrolink station and its adjoining parking structure. The new rules approved this month also set out a plan for how the district should look with pedestrian-friendly streets and sense of charm.

Integral Communities, in partnership with Lyon Living, has submitted a preliminary site plan to build a five-story, luxury apartment complex on 2.95 acres on Crowther Avenue where the Boys & Girls Club once was. The 215-unit project would be similar to a luxury apartment complex they built in Santa Ana, the Nineteen01 apartments, which include a clubhouse, pool and fitness center atop a concrete parking garage.

The resort-style living would appeal to everyone from millennials to empty nesters who want to benefit from public transportation and accessibility to shops, restaurants and public amenities, officials said.

“This is the type of project we were envisioning,” Placentia’s Director of Development Services Joseph Lambert said. “I believe it will be a great fit for the area and will help us accomplish our goals.”

In addition, the historic Packing House at the corner of Crowther Avenue and Melrose Street could turn into a gathering spot for dining and entertainment similar to the Anaheim Packing House or the Claremont Packing House.

“It’s exactly the kind of planning that both the state of California and industry experts have been advocating for,” said Mike Balsamo, CEO of the Building Industry Association of Southern California. “We have to begin looking at using our urbanized areas more efficiently in terms of land use, given the need for housing in the region.”

The Packing House District, anchored by the Metrolink station, has the potential to create up to $1.5 million in annual revenue generated from sales tax, property tax and vehicle registration fees and $15 million in one-time revenue, including development impact fees, a city economic report said.

According to the economic benefit analysis by Kosmont Companies, development projects would support 2,684 construction jobs and 333 permanent jobs to help boost Placentia’s economy.

“It will move us forward,” Arrula said. “From an economic development standpoint, it will help us out significantly in making our budget more sustainable. It will allow us to do a few more things in terms of city services and building reserves.”