Discover the Charm of Old Town Newhall – May 2018

 With lots of development planned for the cooler months of this year, Old Town Newhall continues to expand and change as the heart of the Main Street community thrives. Before the end of 2018, construction will begin for The Laemmle Theater and Newhall Crossings, a mixed use space for residential units and retail shops.
Jason Tolleson, Owner of Serrano Development Group, said he thinks The Crossings will attract restaurants and retailers. “Generally a community of similarly-minded people {associated with the arts} buy into a project like this,” he said.
He is also excited about the new parking structure built by the city on nearby Railroad Street. “We have a relationship with the Old Town Newhall Association and they are excited for more parking to arrive. It’s going to drive traffic for the district. The increase in activity will help drive interest in the district businesses,” he added.
Interest in Main Street continues to grow as new restaurants, health and fitness and specialty shops make their mark here. With 2 theaters, a radio station, and a contemporary church in the neighborhood as well, this burgeoning area appeals to a large cross-section of Santa Clarita.
Ever wonder about the history of Old Town Newhall and its 271 acres? In the 1870s it was purchased by Henry Mayo Newhall. For less than $2 an acre, Newhall served as the main portal of the city.
Old Town Newhall is known, perhaps, most of all for its many film stars. One such silent film star, William S. Hart, acquired 230 acres of land and built a home known now as Hart Mansion. According to Wikipedia, Hart “imbued all of his characters with honor and integrity.”
The Downtown Newhall Walk of Western Stars dates back to 1981 where it continued annually through 1993. Some of the stars inducted: John Wayne, Charles Bronson and Jack Palance. In 2000 the Walk was incorporated into the city of Santa Clarita’s annual Cowboy, Poetry and Music Festival.
Old Town Newhall’s charm was recently bolstered by the 2012 addition of the
Old Town Newhall Library located at the north end of Main Street. It holds over 60,000 books as well as periodicals and DVDs. Unique to this library is the History Room, located on the second floor. It holds records and items mostly of Old Town Newhall history and some details of Santa Clarita as well.
A city gem not to be overlooked is The Veteran’s Historical Plaza on Walnut Street, honoring our veterans. Beautifully landscaped, it features fountains, US and California flags, and bronze story boards depicting the nation’s military conflicts. It’s a good place to stop and reflect.
In other Old Town Newhall news, a restaurant called The Old Town Junction is scheduled to open in June. Their menu features refined American cuisine celebrating the local produce of California. General Manager Mandy Meeks said the dishes will be made with fresh ingredients and the taste is “food forward”. The space includes a kitchen, a bar and a patio for outdoor dining.
Don’t forget Thursdays @ Newhall featuring SENSES Block Party every third Thursday of the month from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This energizing event brings live music, food trucks, themed activities and adult beverages to Main Street from March to October. Other events that rotate weekly: Jam Sessions, Revved Up, The OutWest Concert Series and the ARTree Speaker Series. Be sure to check out these hip happenings as the weather warms and the nights get longer. And the annual 4th of July Parade, is right around the corner. Come out to Main Street to take part and wear your favorite red, white and blue to show your patriotic spirit.