TUSD board approves exchange agreement to pursue development of Hamilton site, pledges $10.63 million for nearby park and field upgrades

The Torrance Unified School District board on Monday authorized staff to finalize an exchange agreement and open escrow with Trumark Properties for the surplus Hamilton site, a long-discussed parcel in North Torrance.

CBO Keith Butler summarized a multi-year community process that included outreach with North Torrance Little League, girls softball and the neighborhood association. Butler said Trumark's offer to the district was approximately $64.5 million for the property, subject to entitlement and final unit mix. "We are committing... $10.63 million into a beautiful facility" at El Nido Park and roughly $10 million toward renovating North High's softball facilities, Butler said, adding that the district and developer had negotiated protections to avoid lost seasons for Little League and girls softball during construction.

The board discussed timing, due diligence and neighborhood concerns, and trustees praised the level of community engagement. Trustee comments repeatedly emphasized that the district's contribution is a ceiling that "can only go down," and staff said they will seek value engineering and city grants to reduce net cost.

After discussion the board voted to adopt a resolution authorizing the district to proceed with a negotiated exchange agreement with Trumark and to let the developer begin due diligence. The motion carried.

Staff said the project will move forward through an entitlement and CEQA process led by the city; the exchange agreement would enable the district to fund park and field improvements while transferring the surplus property for housing development. Specific housing plans, unit counts and final financial terms will be refined as Trumark completes due diligence and works with city planners.