CALIFORNIA BUSINESS MINUTE
Ventura
03-10-09
Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.
A development partnership has crafted a multimillion-dollar concept to raze Venturas
oceanfront according to a presentation by the partnership before the City Council. The
intent is to renovate Venturas aging waterfront into a regional attraction for tourists and
locals and pump much-needed investment in the local economy.
The concept includes:
A beach theater at the southern tip of the California Street plaza for public events
A public market to showcase Ventura Countys agricultural produce and goods, similar
to the Ferry Building in San Francisco and the Oxbow Public Market in Napa
A 28,000-square-foot conference center and glass-enclosed pavilion with views of the
Channel Islands and pier that could be used for community events and weddings
Equipment rental stores, with offerings such as kayaks, bikes and surfboards, to serve
as a hub for outdoor recreation
A series of smaller two-story retail and restaurant buildings along the promenade.
Along Harbor Boulevard, a series of taller, four-story buildings for office uses, some residential
penthouses and a 60- to 80-room luxury hotel next to the pier
All parking is proposed to be below grade. In addition, the owners of the Crowne Plaza hotel
also would add a second all-suite hotel next to its existing facility and a 300-space parking
structure. All told, the concept could cost several hundred million dollars.
The partnership has requested exclusive negotiation rights for up to two years to develop the
property. The project is pending city council approval.
I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.
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