Tustin Development to Include 421 Homes

An Upland-based builder is purchasing more than 50 acres from the Irvine Co. in Tustin for a planned community of 421 moderately priced homes.

Lewis Homes Enterprises is reportedly paying more than $30 million over the next several months for the tract east of Jamboree Road, next to the Tustin Ranch Golf Course. The site will be one of the largest in Orange County to be developed by a single builder in recent years.

Grading has begun at the site and the company plans to open model homes for four subdivisions called Independence in July. The homes there will range from 1,500 to 3,500 square feet and will be priced from under $200,000 to about $350,000.

The homes at Independence will be sold with fewer standard amenities than some communities offer in an effort to keep prices down, although options will be available to upgrade them, said Randall Lewis, executive vice president.

The development is the latest in a push by Lewis Homes into Orange County. Last year the company purchased land for about 500 homes in Rancho Santa Margarita. It is also selling homes elsewhere in Tustin Ranch.

“We’re trying to shift more of our activity into Orange County. It’s one of the strongest markets in the state,” Lewis said.