More Input Sought on Development Plan
The developer negotiating to build on one of the city’s prime pieces of vacant land said this week that he may not be the right person for the job.
The remarks by Newport Beach developer Steve Hopkins came during a two-hour City Council study session Monday on how to develop the Shimizu site near MainPlace/Santa Ana.
“We’re mainly a retail developer,” Hopkins said. “Maybe we’re not the best-suited guys to do this.” He said he would conduct more meetings with community members before making a final proposal.
Council members expressed interest in residential, office and retail uses at the Shimizu site, named for the previous developer. Shimizu and the land owner, Orient Corp., have canceled their development plans, citing financial difficulties.
Council members also talked about a joint venture with the city of Orange, which is looking to develop the nearby Town and Country mall area.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
