Business View Civil and Municipal | April 2021

65 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL APRIL 2021 local destination venues like antique stores and microbreweries. “Those would fit perfectly,” McSweeney says. “We do all we can to promote that.” One development that has been attracting lots of attention downtown is the exciting Fillmore on Central project, which is being created by the owner of The Ranch Malibu (an outstanding luxury fitness, health and wellness retreat in the City of Malibu). Located in a former historic church, the Fillmore on Central offers more than 20,000 square feet of event space as a setting for weddings, special events, and the performing arts. Events can be held year-round indoors or outdoors for anywhere from 25 to 500 guests. “They are getting inquiries from as far north as Santa Barbara County through Malibu, Los Angeles, and Pasadena for people to host events out there,” Rowlands reports. “We’ve also heard there is a private high school over in Westlake Village that wants to hold a graduation dinner at the location, if they are allowed to.” The building has been meticulously renovated to maximize the charm and character of the former church and maintain the quaint feel of the community. “They really continued the historical integrity of the building,” says McSweeney. “The building looks remarkable on the inside.” In addition to the city being a residential and special events draw, Fillmore also relies on its major industries for jobs, including agriculture, the school system, and a few smaller industrial companies. Other valuable employers of note are NOV Ameron Poles, which makes concrete poles for streetlights, and Rotorcraft Support, Inc. that specializes in helicopter repairs and maintenance. The city is working on bringing in more businesses to the available space in its business park. “We actually approved the business park about 10 to 15 years ago, and it’s just now starting to take off,” says Austin. “We’ve got a Ventura County’s Newest, Premier Event Venue. This impeccably restored historic building offers nearly 20,000 square feet of customizable indoor / outdoor event space. 461 Central Avenue Fillmore, California Events@TheFillmoreOnCentral.com www.TheFillmoreOnCentral.com F I LLMORE , CAL I FORNI A