News

A plan to fill an abandoned lot with 52 townhouse-style condominium units on Orangethorpe Avenue got the nod from the Fullerton City Planning Commission and next goes to City Council for approval.

Developer Brandywine Homes is proposing to build on the 2.7-acre site that has been vacant since 2009. The land was previously a car dealership and is surrounded by commercial and residential property. The specific location for the proposed development is 1030 and 1110 W. Orangethorpe Ave.

“Fullerton is a great central location where people want to live,” said David Barisic, Brandywine Homes vice president. “There are fantastic schools and it has great access to jobs with close proximity to LA County, Orange County and even easy access to the Inland Empire.”

The plan was received well by the Fullerton Planning Commission, said Heather Allen, planning manager.

Brandywine Homes plans to build three-story buildings that are different in style and make up.

“The city of Fullerton, and we agree, wanted something that was contemporary in style,” Barisic said.

The units will range from 1,700 square feet to 1,950-square feet and will vary between three different styles: traditional two-story town home, three-bedroom flat with elevator access and a unit that comes with a separate living space with its own kitchen and access.

The item has been scheduled for City Council consideration March 19.

If approved, model homes are projected to be completed in November, Barisic said.

Joan Wolff, a Fullerton planning consultant, said the city is also looking into other applications for housing projects by other organizations that wish to develop in Fullerton.

“We’re starting to see an increase in applications for housing,” said Wolff. “New housing development is a sign that the housing market is starting to pick up.”