What’s New in Old Town Newhall?

 Each time you stroll the streets of Old Town Newhall, chances are you’ll discover something new if you’re paying attention.  New storefronts are constantly popping up, and many of the area’s most beloved businesses have been there for years – you just may not have noticed them before.  Old Town Newhall is full of “hidden gems,” and according to recent developments, more hidden and not-so hidden gems are on their way.
“There’s definitely a buzz about Old Town Newhall,” said Denise Covert, Economic Development with the City of Santa Clarita.  “I probably get a phone call a week from businesses that are interested in opening up in the area.  We have a lot of private investors who are looking to grow the area, as well.”
A new microbrewery and a tapas bar, for example, are expected to open in Old Town Newhall soon, Covert said.  Redevelopment efforts extend past the business community, however.  Five residential buildings are currently undergoing a complete rehabilitation – from flooring to appliances to exterior façade and paint, Covert said.
The biggest development in recent months has perhaps been the approval of Newhall Crossings, a mixed-use project currently in development and negotiations.  After a long succession of public comments during a Santa Clarita City Council meeting on February 2, the Laemmle Theatre Project got the green light alongside two other projects to build a parking structure and mixed-use building.  In a unanimous 3-1 vote, City Council members Marsha McLean, Bob Kellar and Dante Acosta voted in favor of the project, and City Council member TimBen Boydston voted against the project.  City Council member Laurene Weste recused herself from the vote because of the proximity of her residence to the project site.
On March 22, City Council awarded a contract for a bridging architect and construction support services to Walker Parking Consultants, Inc. for the proposed parking structure, as well as a contract related to environmental testing.  The next step toward construction of the Laemmle Theatre Project is a detailed negotiation of Purchase and Sale Agreement, which provides a legal framework for future proceedings, with City of Santa Clarita officials.
Once ground is broken, Newhall Crossings is set to bring 20,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, as well as 46 residential units with subterranean parking.  Part of that retail space includes the development of a Laemmle Theatre, projected to include seven screens and approximately 500 seats.
All three projects are approved for a block of city space directly across from Old Town Newhall Library, where Main Street and Railroad Avenue intersect with Lyons Avenue and 9th Street.  Laemmle Theatre will be housed on the corner where Railroad Avenue and Lyons Avenue intersect.  The parking structure will be constructed on the corner of Railroad Avenue and 9th Street, and mixed used structures will face Main Street.  A small open space in the center of the three projects will be used as a public plaza.
With so much happening in Old Town Newhall, it’s no surprise residents and businesses alike have taken a leap of faith and called this vibrant corner of the SCV their home.  They’ve discovered all Old Town Newhall has to offer.  When was the last time you visited?
For more information about happenings in Old Town Newhall, please visit www.oldtownnewhall.com.