WWW.UPLANDCA.GOV UPLAND CALIFORNIA SUN, STUNNING VIEWS, AND A CITY THAT HAS IT ALL
UPLAND, CA SUN, STUNNING AND A CITY THA AT A GLANCE UPLAND, CALIFORNIA WHAT: A dynamic city focused on downtown revitalization, housing, and retail growth WHERE: San Bernardino County, California WEBSITE: www.uplandca.gov WITH A BOLD VIEW TO DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AND A COM MUNICIPALITY HAS MUCH TO BE PROUD OF 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
G VIEWS, AT HAS IT ALL MMITMENT TO ITS RESIDENTS, THIS DYNAMIC There are very few cities that can boast both a stunning natural backdrop and a vibrant downtown area that has everything a resident would desire. Upland, California, can do just this. Wrapped up in one beautiful package, with an eye to its future, Upland is a city to be envied. Never losing sight of the easy lifestyle that Upland has always been able to offer its residents, as well as a nod 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
to its historic charm and character, city officials are now turning their attention to ensuring that the very best amenities, restaurants, and retail services are taking up shop in the city’s scenic downtown corridor. Already a vibrant municipality with a diverse population, the push for extended retail and hospitality options for the city has transformed this gem from great to unsurpassed. For over 100 years, Upland has represented a charming and historic west coast treasure, providing a great place to put down roots, raise a family, and to come and explore its natural assets surrounding the heart of the city. “Historic Downtown Upland (HDU) has been the heartbeat for Upland, and our recent effort to revitalize and encourage residents and visitors to embrace its long history and enjoy the many existing and new businesses that continue to make HDU a worthwhile destination continues to be our focus,” Mayor Bill Velto states. DOWNTOWN BUSINESS GROWTH Focusing on the downtown corridor has paid off for Upland. Not only has the foot traffic increased in Historic Downtown Upland, but visitors are also able to take part in its hospitality and retail renaissance. After getting out and exploring on foot, residents and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to satisfying their palate. Over the last few years, Upland has successfully attracted an impressive array of dining options to its HDU. Setting up shop and taking advantage of the warm welcome and accommodating business facilitation from the city, nine new restaurants now call Upland home. “We are very happy that new restaurants have chosen us. Most recently, Kings Brewery with Crazy Gringo BBQ, Studio Four29,Two Frogs Cantina,The Axe Lair, Barcuso Social Club, Patra Dining, Reunion Upland, Captains Grill, Pro-Five Brewing Company, Rescue Brewery- the list goes on,” Mayor describes. Beyond its new culinary options, the mayor also 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 UPLAND, CA
points to other businesses that have also made the active choice to set up their operations among the storefronts of the HDU, adding to the commercial and retail vibrancy of the historic downtown. “Recently, 4 new parklets were constructed in the Downtown, and the City’s central urban plaza will be under construction toward the end of the year. The Tom Thomas Magnolia Plaza will provide a central public space for holiday celebrations, small concerts, and other civic events,” Velto expands. “The Plaza will also be a quasi-trailhead as it is located along the Pacific Electric Trail, which is a major Class 1 Bike Trail. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be able to stop downtown and rest or have a bite to eat.” Civic officials note that the master plan for the city center has been carefully thought out and is part of an overall strategic investment in Upland to ensure its position as a retail, hospitality, and business destination among its peers. To further enhance the vitality of the downtown area, city efforts have also included attention to streetscape upgrades that provide for an aesthetically pleasing downtown shopping and eating experience. Easily accessible by foot, the city also connects to nearby trails and further walking options that create an unparalleled urban outdoor appeal. “Our vision for our downtown is a mixed-use environment of restaurants, specialty retail, breweries, entertainment, and residential uses all coexisting within a pedestrian-oriented environment that encourages all generations,” Robert Dalquest, Development Services Director, summarizes. INFRASTRUCTURE TO MEET RETAIL EXPANSION “What makes Upland stand out is our desire and commitment to always be better at providing critical services to our residents, businesses, and visitors,” the Mayor offers. “Council members and staff work closely to define the most appropriate responses to the needs of the community. We work hard to find ways to meet the 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
demands of our residents and not waste resources and the limited funding we have- customer service is high on our list of necessary commitments,” he adds. To this end, Upland has been very hard at work ensuring that the infrastructure needs earmarked for the city are addressed, as retail has moved in and business expansion continues. As the Mayor highlights, the city’s infrastructure priorities center around key growth areas of the city. “We will be rehabilitating the historic Route 66 (Foothill Boulevard) that covers over 3 miles through the heart of our city by 2026 to be ready with the Route’s 100th birthday celebrations,” the Mayor begins. “Also very high on our list and will be shovel-ready by early 2026, is the Downtown Upland Parking Structure, which is 5 levels and will include 409 parking spaces with 9,900 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. The site is centrally located in www.fordofupland.com 909 581 4920 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 UPLAND, CA
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Downtown, and the project will enable the City to sell three existing surface parking lots to increase the density for commercial and residential development and support the future building out in Downtown,” Velto elaborates. By devoting considerable efforts to the areas that the city has strategically pinpointed within the municipality, the Mayor outlines that this will ensure commercial, housing, and retail growth remains a measured approach, and aesthetically reflects the city’s overall vision well into the future. HOUSING IN FOCUS With the downtown vision taking shape, Upland is looking to ensure that residential housing keeps pace. A number of residential options are under development, and the city has the long-term view to increasing housing throughout the municipality. “There are several new residential developments underway in Upland. Currently under construction is a 32-unit for-sale townhome project,Towns on First, in Downtown Upland by City Ventures. Recently, the City Council approved the Villa Serena Specific Plan, which is a planned development consisting of 65 forsale detached single-family homes located at 15th Street, between Fernando Avenue and Monte Verde Avenue,” Melecio Picazo, Economic Development Coordinator. 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 UPLAND, CA
“The Downtown has two residential developments which will start in 2026, which include an 111-unit high-end apartment complex on A Street, and the Magnolia and Euclid Villas, which total 174 units for seniors and workforce housing. Also, the City is currently processing three residential projects totaling 250 units,” he adds. TOURISM AND THE ROAD FORWARD Given the amount that is going on for Upland, it is little wonder that the road forward is one of continued growth and economic expansion. Beyond the work that civic officials are focused on, Upland has always been a tourist draw based on what it offers the visitor. “The City is strategically located in the heart of the Inland Empire and near a number of amenities, including entertainment, fine dining, and specialty shops for tourists to enjoy. Some of the attractions to enjoy in Upland include Bullwinkle’s Family Food & Fun Center at 7th Street and Benson Avenue, Hanger 18 Indoor Climbing Gym on Stowell Street, Axe Lair on 2nd Avenue, or book a tee time for a round of golf at the Upland Hills Country Club.” “The City’s iconic Euclid Avenue features the only unique Madonna of the Trail monument in California,” Picazo details. As to what lies next, with a natural backdrop to 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Ford of Upland www.fordofupland.com Ford of Upland has been serving the community since 1960, with two locations and one of Southern California’s largest fleet operations. We provide mobile service units for convenient at-home or onsite repairs. Visit us to discover why Ford of Upland is the top choice for all your automotive needs. be envied, the city’s focus remains on its valued residents, those coming to pay a visit, and the vision it has strategically put in place for this California gem. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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