HERE WE GROW AGAIN!
By K.P. Sander
Eastvale – Like the beautiful bow on a Christmas package, all of the ongoing construction projects are getting their finishing touches to help make 2014 in Eastvale merry and bright. There are also a lot of new gifts in development to make the future dazzling as well.
From the proposed Arco Gas Station and retail development in the northeast corner of the city at Riverside Drive and Hamner Avenue to the nearly completed Homecoming at the Preserve at the southwest corner on the Chino border, Eastvale continues to thrive.
Traffic delays are still a reality as construction of the 224 “Copper Sky” condominium units continues near the schools at Schleisman Road and Scholar Way. Roadway improvements around the project will ultimately provide improved traffic flow throughout the schools and into the new housing, as well as enhanced pedestrian safety, all said and done.
The development of more housing is also underway on Citrus Avenue, just south of the High School at Scholar Way, where the Granja Vista Del Rio ranch used to be. Still central in this development is the historic Desi Arnaz house, which will be preserved by Jurupa Community Services District. The beautiful architecture of Arnaz’ Spanish ranch-style home provides inspiration for the development. “The Palms” will consist of 197 detached single family homes, as well as an additional 39 acres of open space south of the project that will include trails (part of the current east to west system) and a pond.
The forthcoming “Trails at Eastvale” housing project is in the plan check phase for construction at the corner of Archibald Avenue and 65th Street. Recently the home for some of Eastvale’s last bovine residents, the project will include 224 single family homes with eight floor plans (on the smaller ALUC-zone lots) and will surround a new neighborhood park and adjoining trail system with exercise stations.
Yet another housing project that has broken ground is “Cleveland Square” on the north side of Limonite Avenue at Scholar Way. 350 two-story condominium units with active-park, pool and outdoor spaces will urbanize the vacant fields as development starts moving toward the Gateway shopping center. It certainly sounds like a population boom is on the horizon.
With more people comes the need for more parks, and Phase I of the new Eastvale Community Park located at the southeast corner of Citrus and Hamner avenues is ready to open, hopefully this month. The initial 45 acres includes Lighted Sports Fields, Picnic Areas, Concession Stands, Restroom Facilities and Parking. The park will also extend the Eastvale Trail, which will connect from the park to the Santa Ana River Trail (which all told, will be over 110 miles from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean upon completion).
Live Eastvale, Shop Eastvale! As we continue to flourish the opportunities to shop and dine increase and encourage us to keep our dollars in the city we call home. Starting in the Cloverdale Marketplace, located at the southwest corner of Limonite and Hamner and anchored by Ralph’s grocery store, several new businesses come to life. New dining options include the delicious Waba Grill and soon to open Ponino’s Pizzarena. The Learning Experience (Academy of Early Education) opened in the fall of 2013, and the Soccer Wearhouse is putting the finishing touches on with a grand opening scheduled for January 11, 2014. With all the new sports fields imminent, this should be a popular store.
One of the largest shopping centers, Eastvale Gateway, located at the northeast corner at Hamner and Limonite, has a wide variety of options to encourage residents to stay local. With multiple anchors, such as Home Depot, Target, Von’s and the Regal Cinemas, Gateway truly has something for everyone. The popular Ulta Beauty and Massage Envy businesses opened a few months ago along with a plethora of dining options make variety the spice of Eastvale. From On the Border to Buffalo Wild Wings; and from your old favorites, Farmer Boys and Pick Up Stix (and new favorite, Jersey Mikes), to the recently opened Habit Burger Grill and Dickie’s BBQ Pit, the only difficulty is narrowing your choices down to just one. The center has the perfect Date Night options close to home.
