Calimesa Boulevard Downtown Revitalization Project

The City of Calimesa project provided development codes and design guidelines to create a pedestrian-oriented atmosphere consistent with traditional Southern California architectural styles.

Appropriate vernacular styles were identified such as Mission, Rustic Lodge, and Ranch.  Public involvement was an integral portion of this effort.

Goals:

• Complete physical/design assessment and market study
• Generate an opportunities and constraints analysis
• Evaluate existing downtown development and urban design standards
• Prepare architectural design guidelines

Summary

For this project, Compass Blueprint worked with the City of Calimesa to prepare a revitalization plan for the Downtown Business Corridor.  Through the public involvement stages of this project, the community envisioned a mixed-use area that induces economic development and reduces auto usage through alternative travel modes.  In order to create a center that enables economic development to grow, a complete physical/design assessment and market study was done for the existing downtown area.  An opportunities and constraints analysis was then completed after the assessment and study was done.  In order to develop a downtown business code, existing downtown development and urban design standards were evaluated.  In addition, architectural design guidelines were prepared for the City in order for them to achieve their vision for the Downtown Calimesa area.

Results:

• Downtown Business District Zoning Code covering 142 acres
• Streetscape and street design standards for study area
• Architectural design guidelines and style book
• Acquisition of redevelopment funds to get the zoning code adopted
• Study provided content for ARRA grant application in 2009