BREA : Cottages May Replace Row Houses in Downtown Project

Single-family cottages, as opposed to row-style townhouses, would be constructed as part of a 50-acre downtown redevelopment project under a plan expected to receive final City Council approval Tuesday.

The council tentatively agreed last week to allow Baywood Development Group to build 96 detached homes on Ash Street and Walnut and Madrona avenues.

The original 1991 agreement between the city and Baywood called for construction of 146 row houses. But that was before the sharp downturn in the Southern California townhouse and condominium market.

Mayor Glenn G. Parker and council members Bev Perry and Councilman Burnie Dunlap supported the change from townhouses to detached dwellings. Councilman Carrey J. Nelson, who owns property near the proposed development, abstained from voting.

The only opposition came from Councilwoman Kathryn E. Wiser, who said the switch from townhouses to detached units would result in “a totally different project.” If such a “drastic change” was approved, the city should allow other developers to submit proposals, she said.

Under the new plan, Baywood would build homes in folk Victorian and craftsman styles, reflective of Brea’s architectural heritage from the early 1900s. The two-story, three-bedroom homes would range in size from 1,300 to 1,600 square feet.

Estimated selling prices would range from $180,000 to $220,000. Ten percent of the homes would be designated as affordable housing units with a maximum of $10,000 in assistance. The Brea Redevelopment Agency would receive more than $4.2 million for selling the property to Baywood.

Bill Watt, president of Baywood Development, said his intent is to create an urban feel to the residential project. Garages would be situated at the rear of the property to help make the units “street friendly,” he said.

“I feel very comfortable with the deal that has been put together,” Perry said.