IRVINE : Firm Will Bid Goodby to 4 Bison

Four North American bison that have grazed around the historic Buffalo Ranch complex for six years will be auctioned off next month when the property’s main tenant leaves.

Lange Financial Corp., which owns the bison and has called the Buffalo Ranch home for more than 20 years, was informed recently that its month-to-month lease with the Irvine Co. will be terminated in February.

Irvine Co. officials said their decision was based in part on an impending street-widening project that will require the relocation of two buildings in the sprawling complex. The San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency plans to widen Ford Road as part of its toll road project.

William Lange, who heads Lange Financial, has been praised by local preservationists for his work over the years in maintaining the ranch’s historic integrity.

During the 1950s, the site was an amusement park filled with animals, including bison. In the 1960s, it was headquarters for William Pereira and other architects who planned the city and UC Irvine.

Lange “holds this place close to his heart,” said Sheila Starnes, a spokeswoman for the real estate marketing company. “He played chess here with William Pereira and as a boy stopped here for water when driving his bike to the beach.”

Lange could not be reached for comment.

Starnes said that Lange brought bison back to Buffalo Ranch in 1988. “I think the decision was attributed to the historical significance of the site,” she said.

The company will hold a farewell party at the ranch on Feb. 19 and 20. The event is open to the public and will include a petting zoo and hot-air ballon rides. On Feb. 20, the bison will be auctioned.

For more information about the “Last Round Up” event, call (714) 640-2388. People interested in bidding on the bison may call (714) 644-7003.

Lange Financial plans to move into a new location in nearby Newport Beach in late February.