Brandywine to Acquire Alondra Site for New Housing

By Brian Hews

After nearly four years of working through the State’s lengthy environmental remediation process begun in 2009, the City of La Mirada has received final approval of the cleanup work at the Alondra Center North housing site.

The State Department of Toxic Substances Control approved the City’s proposed Remedial Action Plan for the property in December, 2011. Once this plan was approved, the City was able to move forward with the clean-up plan by going out to bid for a contractor to perform the work. After the contract was awarded, all required testing and remediation work was completed. A final report was submitted to DTSC in February, 2013.

No further cleanup work will now be required by the State. The City, acting as the Successor Agency to the La Mirada Redevelopment Agency, will now proceed with the sale of the property to Brandywine Homes. Escrow is expected to close within the next month.

Brandywine was founded in 1994 with a business plan to help revitalize established neighborhoods and convert underutilized and often run-down space into needed housing. Brandywine has grown into one of the pre-eminent infill builders in Southern California. “ We understand the value of community, long-term partnerships and people who deserve quality design, craftsmanship and service right in their own hometown,” said Jim Barisic founder of Bradywine.

Under the terms of the agreement, the property will be developed into 41 new homes. Brandywine, which has been working to complete its planning process, will obtain necessary building permits following the close of escrow. Construction of the model homes is expected to begin in the summer.
In 2009, the City issued a Request for Proposal looking for a qualified developer to purchase the land and develop quality single family homes. After carefully reviewing the proposals based upon factors such as design quality, aesthetics, density, and financial feasibility, Brandywine Homes was selected.

The development will feature 41 Craftsman-style homes with three or four bedrooms, two and one-half to three and one-half bathrooms, two-car attached garages and private fenced rear yards. The homes will be two-story, ranging in size from approximately 1,300 to 2,000 square feet. Homes will be priced at approximately $500,000. Six of the smaller homes will be made available for purchase at prices starting in the high $200,000s by moderate-income buyers. Income guidelines are set annually by the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
For information on the homes, contact Brandywine Homes at www.brandywine-homes.com or (949) 296-2400.