For proof, check out this success story in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. It could give the word “development” a good name because of this interesting angle (I’ve emphasized the particularly interesting parts):
“When we started planning the project, we basically thought there was no there there from Pasadena to Palm Springs,” said Colm Macken, of Forest City, one of the Victoria Gardens developers. “Out in the suburban sprawl, there was something missing.”
What planners thought was missing was not only retail development but a central gathering place — a Rancho Cucamonga downtown. The idea wasn’t for Victoria Gardens to be another mall, but a lifestyle center where residents could congregate and spend time, even when they’re not shopping.
Some residents are hesitant to call the 1.3 million-square-foot project a city center. But the city is celebrating the economic progress with a fireworks display this evening and anniversary festivities through the weekend. The city and developers said they believe there is much to celebrate because Victoria Gardens — with its city grid system and landscaped sidewalks — has claimed that downtown title.
“It’s not downtown in the urban sense but it’s a town’s downtown,” said Linda Daniels, the city’s redevelopment director. “Whether it’s weekday or weekend nights, you see couples strolling. People don’t go there just to shop.”
So not only is Victoria Gardens a financial success, but it’s also given the area a sense of community.