VB Attorneys Assist with Orange Show Revitalization
Varner & Brandt Client, The National Orange Show, Together with the City of San Bernardino and the Lewis Group of Companies Announce Plans to Transform the
National Orange Show Property into a Vibrant, Multi-Use Regional Destination
San Bernardino, CA —September 29, 2009 — Officials from the National Orange Show, the City of San Bernardino and the Lewis Group of Companies announced plans today to transform the National Orange Show property into a vibrant, multi-use regional destination.
The National Orange Show property spans over 120-acres and is centrally located approximately one mile north of the 1-10 freeway and ½ mile east of the 1-215 freeway at the southeast corner of "E" Street and Mill Street. The landmark property has been a part of the community since 1911 and is the proud home of the 94-year old National Orange Show Fair that draws more than 80,000 visitors each year. The National Orange Show is also a year-round events center hosting a variety of other events.
"This is a great day for San Bernardino and the entire Inland Empire region. We're very excited to announce today one of the largest, if not the largest new development in the Inland Empire in the last 2 ½ years" stated Bob Balzer, Chairman of the National Orange Show Board of Directors. Balzer also expressed his enthusiasm about the alliance that has been formed between the National Orange Show, the City of San Bernardino and the Lewis Group of Companies to develop this project. "By working together as a team we have been able to create a project of which we can all be proud. This development will help boost the local economy and create a healthier marketplace".
According to Randall Lewis, Executive VP for the Lewis Group of Companies, the "120- acre plus mixed-use development will include a dynamic mix of retail, entertainment, education, office and light industrial uses that will transform the Orange Show grounds into a modern, multi-faceted venue and help revitalize San Bernardino's "E" Street and Arrowhead Avenue corridors". Each of the facets of the approximately 1,500,000 square-foot development will be designed to be synergistic with each other in terms of architecture and functionality. The existing water feature that runs through a portion of the project will be enhanced and expanded becoming a key focal point of the development. Lewis stated that the project will be developed in multiple phases over several years with the first phase anticipated to break ground in 18-24 months.
Mayor Pat Morris praised the project stating "We are very excited about this development that will be a catalyst for new investment in the area bringing additional jobs and increased economic vitality to the City of San Bernardino plus the entire Inland Empire region. We see this project as an anchor for the revitalization of the "E" Street corridor and an important link between Downtown San Bernardino and Hospitality Lane". Within a 15-mile radius there are over 1,400,000 people. This development is well positioned to become a key destination in the Inland Empire.
The proposed development is designed to blend with and support the operations of the National Orange Show. "The annual fair will continue in its long standing tradition throughout the entire development process," according to Dan Jimenez, General Manager of the National Orange Show, "The development will also provide new funding that can be used to improve the Orange Show grounds. We will be able to modernize many of the buildings and improve the aesthetic appeal of the grounds both internally and around the perimeter which will greatly enhance our guest experience".
The project is also designed to be "transit-friendly". The location has already been designated as a bus-stop for the planned Omnitrans Bus Rapid Transit service. In addition, a new light rail train system that is also in the planning stages includes a station on Mill Street.
Vice Chair, 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales, whose district includes the National Orange Show, commended the development team for designing a project that will have "a true regional draw and positive impact on the image of San Bernardino and the surrounding area."
About the National Orange Show Events Center
The National Orange Show Events Center is the Inland Empire's premier source of entertainment and all-inclusive event solutions. With the historic tradition of the annual citrus fair at the heart of the organization since 1911, the National Orange Show Events Center is at the forefront of the events industry while working to maintain strong community connections. For more information, visit www.nosevents.com.
