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City showcases 'Orange Yards' vision for West Catella gateway; council receptive
Summary
City staff and consultants presented a 120‑acre 'Orange Yards' mixed‑use vision—recreation, an innovation hub, and a Collins Channel linear park—aimed at leveraging the Santa Ana River and nearby OC Vibe; council asked for developer outreach, infrastructure studies and stepped‑up implementation planning.
City staff and consultants on Aug. 12 unveiled 'Orange Yards,' a placemaking and market framework for roughly 120 acres in the West Catella gateway area intended to knit together the Stadium Promenade, the Santa Ana River and nearby entertainment developments.
Diego Velasco of City Thinkers presented a three‑part concept: a recreation and entertainment district fronting the river and Stadium Promenade, an innovation/entrepreneurial hub emphasizing flexible industrial and lab/office space, and a linear park along the Collins Channel to create pedestrian and bike connections. The plan emphasizes adaptive reuse of large industrial buildings, transit‑oriented development near the regional Arctic transit facility, and streetscape improvements to make West Catella a visible gateway.
The consultant's market analysis reported low vacancy rates and strong rents for many property types (office vacancy excepted) and identified housing and experiential retail as catalysts for broader growth. The team recommended early public investments—streetscape, mobility hubs and targeted infrastructure upgrades—to prime private investment and pursue a mix of financing sources, including state grants and financing districts.
Public reaction at the meeting was generally supportive though some speakers and councillors raised branding concerns about the 'Orange Yards' name. Local business owners and long‑time operators urged the consultants to weave existing businesses such as Orange Land RV Park into the story and to preserve the family‑oriented aspects of any riverfront programming.
Council members asked staff to prioritize outreach to developers and institutions, to evaluate service‑level and infrastructure implications (including police and fire coverage) for denser uses, and to research financing tools such as an enhanced infrastructure financing district. Staff said a project website and story map will be posted to maintain stakeholder engagement and that the next steps include formation of a steering group and targeted developer briefings.
Ending: Staff will pursue implementation items including additional outreach, an implementation toolbox for zoning and incentives, and initial funding strategies to support public improvements and catalyze private investment.
