The former Ikea site in Burbank will be redeveloped to feature both retail and residential space, the City of Burbank Planning Division announced Jan 5. Real estate development firm Crown Realty & Development and CAPREF Manager LLC, owner of the site at Burbank Town Center, plan to build almost 70,000 square feet of commercial space, 1,000 housing units and around 200 hotel rooms at 600 N. San Fernando Blvd. The redevelopment has estimated cost around $400 million with Dallas-based CAPREF putting an additional $60 million to update the Burbank Town Center mall by adding dining and entertainment venues. Tenants that will fill the space include H&M in a two-level store, an ice skating rink and a farmers market. Jim O’Neil, project manager for the former Ikea site, said that over the past five years the city has added less than 60 new housing units and during the same period it has gained more than 1,300 jobs. The mall originally planned to build 1 million square feet of office space, and while that never happened, O’Neil still wants to bring back daytime shoppers. “We think that vision was a good plan and so the concept that we are purposing is the same type of plan that will bring that daylight population back. At the same time, we’re filling the need of providing new housing,” he said. The project will be built in phases subject to market conditions. It still requires a traffic and noise study, along with water-supply and air-quality analysis, all of which will be conducted after the environmental impact report is approved by the community, which could take six to eight months. “The city is growing, it has to try and maintain thoughtful planning in projects in its community that will help it foster growth for the residents and its businesses,” O’Neil said. To O’Neil’s knowledge there are no concerns yet with the project, and CAPREF has received support from the public, he said. “The goal of Burbank’s general plan is creating a new neighborhood downtown, putting density adjacent to transportation, retail and amenities, and creating a walkable environment. We’ve heard from people who live or work in the area who would love to be able to live in Burbank but today can’t because there is a lack of housing that they can move into,” O’Neil added. If the project obtains approval, construction would start in 2020. Ventura County Tourism Julie Mino had a rough first week as president of the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mino was appointed president on Dec. 4, but lost her home the following day in the Thomas Fire, putting her takeover of leadership on hold. Despite the rocky start, she has hope and new strategies for the future of Ventura County. “I’m excited to be in this role and look forward to the years to come,” she said. Mino, who has worked in social and corporate event planning, believes she can build Oxnard’s presence in the regional tourism marketplace. She plans to “strategize to market Oxnard as a destination for tourists, locals, day visitors, meeting planners and really getting us on the map through advertising and marketing.” She plans to work with restaurants, attractions, hotels and beach front activities, and specifically to learn what has worked and hasn’t in the past. She plans on marketing in the virtual world and on social media. Mino conceded that Oxnard is often overlooked by travelers and planners. “Our culture, Heritage Square, performing arts and different community aspects that we have make us such a unique and amazing destination for people,” she said. “We have quite a mix of mom-and-pop and locally owned businesses as well as bigger names, brand-name attractions and businesses. And since there is such a mix, I think that everyone would benefit to have a bit of tourism.” Mino completed the hotel and restaurant management program at Santa Barbara City College and the Hilton Sales course. She has worked in the hospitality and nonprofit sector for more than 18 years. Staff Reporter Stephanie Bedolla can be reached at (818) 316-3130 or [email protected].
