Update / Follow-up on the news : SAN CLEMENTE : Work Finally Begins on Shopping Center

Grading has begun for the long-awaited, $60-million Plaza Pacifica, the city’s largest shopping center yet.

The 600,000-square-foot center, to be built at Avenida Pico and Avenida la Pata, is expected to include a theater complex, a supermarket and department stores. In addition, 166 luxury homes will be built on the 155-acre site, as well as a 130,000-square-foot corporate park, said officials from the Costa Mesa-based developer, Ramser Cos.

Construction of Plaza Pacifica’s 77-acre retail complex is expected to begin in early 1996.

The grading start is a major step for a property earmarked for development since 1986 but delayed because of depressed market conditions and a sluggish economy.