Master-Planned Perfection: The story of 60 years of planned community design Oct. 26: 9 AM - 4 PM $59 (LUNCH ON YOUR OWN AT IRVINE SPECTRUM) Sign up here (minimum attendees - 25; maximum - 50) Few people realize that southern Orange County is the most famous region in the world for planned communities. From huge ranches and raw land, some of the best urban designers in the nation created entire communities - Irvine, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo. The places they created are meticulously planned, beautifully landscaped, and, some would say, sterile. Venture with Hoffy with fresh eyes and a new perspective as he shows you 10 Great Places for People in Planned Communities. Can you promote a sense of community from urban design? Come and find out, and learn the story of these amazing places.
Tour includes: * UCI's Central Park: Early master plan concepts: * Woodbridge Village: Lake and beautiful new Village Center * Jeffrey Open Space Trail: a history trail like no other * OC Great Park: new Five Point neighborhoods: interesting housing styles and options * Woodbury Grand Boulevard: New urbanism in action? * Spectrum Center: themed shopping center with amazing amenities * The Park Apartments: cutting edge multi-family living * Rancho Santa Margarita: gorgeous artificial lake; town center mixed * Ladera Village Green: bringing people together? * Rancho Mission Viejo: enjoy a complementary drink at the Escencia Clubhouse, part of a 23,000 acre ranch, habitat reserve and newest (and last) planned community in OC.
"Experience 50 years of urban design evolution on a tour like no other I've done"
A Note from Hoffy: I earned my Ph.D. studying urban design in Orange County's planned communities and want to share my research with you. Although I personally would not choose to live in a planned community, they are fascinating places - designed from scratch, with tremendous attention to detail. Because they were designed from large ranch lands, designers could include features not possible in traditional cities. I've watched with great interest how planners have created a sense of place and people-gathering places. Have they succeeded? I'll show you the best and the worst. And then, you make up your mind. I guarantee you'll enjoy the journey. There's nothing like South Orange County in terms of master planning.
Village Green in Ladera Ranch: successful creation of a community-gathering place
Tour departs from Laguna Beach High School Parking Lot, 550 Blumont St., corner of Park Ave.