FILLMORE : 4 Design Finalists Enter 2nd Round

A design competition that could change the face of Fillmore has entered its final phase with the announcement of four contest finalists.

The winning firm will work with city planners and Fillmore citizens to design a commercial and tourist complex in Fillmore’s downtown that officials hope will boost revenue and revitalize the central business district.

The top choice will be announced late this month, city officials said.

Nine Southern California design firms submitted colorful sketches of possible uses for the 13 acres of railroad right of way that the city bought from Southern Pacific three years ago.

The four finalists chosen by city officials are Mainstreet Architects of Ventura, Urban Design Studio of Newport Beach and Sasaki Associates and Turrini-Brink, both of Santa Ana. City officials would not give an estimate for the final amount of the contract because the finalists have been asked to submit competitive bids for the second round of the competition.

“I was really impressed by the amount of work that went into the presentations,” said Councilwoman Linda Brewster at a presentation of the drawings last week. “They showed real imagination. We had everything from plain wrap to Disneyland.”

Hotels, shops and a railroad museum were suggested by several firms, with the more fanciful proposals including such amenities as a miniature lake and a children’s park with diminutive trains.

But City Planner Tony Perez said the selection committee focused on the designers themselves.

“Doing it this way, with a contest, allowed us a more in-depth look at who we might be working with,” Perez said. “What we’re looking for is the most well-rounded team with the most to offer citizens, because citizens will be part of the process.”