Outlet Mall Set for Orange County
Developer Craig Realty Group of Newport Beach, Calif., has closed escrow on a 51- acre swath of land in San Clemente, Calif., where the company has begun grading for a 650,000-square-foot outlet center set to open in fall 2008.
The site is part of the long-planned Marblehead project, which includes 313 residential units. Irvine, Calif.–based SunCal Cos. is the developer of Marblehead.
Craig Chief Executive Officer Steven L. Craig said his firm is planning an upscale center filled with well-known fashion labels. The stores will overlook the Pacific Ocean and be adjacent to a boutique hotel, large bookstore, movie theaters and restaurants—all designed in a Spanish colonial theme.
The Marblehead project has been in the works for 12 years. Developers were required to gain approvals through the California Coastal Commission, which reviews ocean-adjacent projects.
“We are very grateful to the people of San Clemente as well as city officials who have supported this project throughout the long entitlement process,” Craig said.
SunCal will restore about 100 acres of degraded natural habitat and two landmark bridges over Marblehead Canyon. Craig said the outlet center also would have the most advanced water-quality improvement system in California. Additionally, Marblehead will contain a four-mile trail system that will connect the retail shops and homes to coastal bluffs.
Craig has developed several outlet centers, including Cabazon in the Palm Springs area, The Citadel in Los Angeles, Lake Elsinore Outlets and Franciacorta Outlet Village near Milan, Italy. —Robert McAllister
