Business Park Emerging at the Site of Former San Fernando Airport
Every city wants a “golden triangle” these days, and San Fernando is no exception.
The $38-million San Fernando Business Center, under construction on the former site of the San Fernando Airport, is billed as the cornerstone of San Fernando’s golden triangle--the area bounded by the Foothill (210), San Fernando-Simi (118) and Golden State (5) freeways.
The 33-acre park at Arroyo Avenue and Foothill Boulevard is being developed by Overton, Moore & Associates of Carson and Copley Real Estate Advisors of Boston on land formerly owned by Lucky Stores.
“This project is the largest single industrial development in the eastern part of the San Fernando Valley and is specifically designed to fill a market void in buildings of 50,000 square feet or more,” according to Dan Koch of Overton, Moore.
The first phase--consisting of three buildings of 72,000, 93,000 and 133,000 square feet--is scheduled for completion in December, according to Peter Poulson of Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Services in Glendale, the marketing agent. He added that the center will eventually have 700,000 square feet of space.
San Fernando City Administrator Dan Penman said the project fits in beautifully with the city’s attempt to improve its image.
“We’re thrilled to have a company of Overton, Moore’s caliber developing an integrated project of this scope and quality,” he said. “The city has been looking forward to the development of this property for years to generate jobs and attract quality users in aesthetically pleasing buildings.”
He added that the city of 20,000 has an identity problem; although it is independent of Los Angeles, it is often lumped in with the adjoining northeast Valley communities, to the detriment of San Fernando.
Designed by the Withee, Malcolm Partnership, Hermosa Beach, the concrete tilt-up buildings will be distinguished by recessed entries, tinted solar curtain-wall glazing and ceramic tile and steel truss accents at entries.
Overton, Moore’s Koch said that a cooperative effort between the city and his firm to create an assessment district and new water system to service the project was critical in making it a reality.
