Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008 - (Page 30)

VISIONARY FINALIST Back from the Brink Thriving mixed-use development exhibits essence of sustainability. By Rob Kundert This is the fourth in a series of articles that features the 2008 SLDI Visionary Award finalists announced in May. F or 75 years, silica sand was mined and separated inside two massive water pits that commanded 60 acres of land on the outskirts of Corona, California, in Riverside County, southeast of Los Angeles. That ended 30 years ago, and the long-abandoned site devolved into a dilapidated dumping ground for everything from asbestos to garbage, all poised to send pollutants through the two, fast-track gateways to the aquifer below. SE Corporation reversed this condition, and reclaimed the site with an innovative design that restored safety to the aquifer and brought balance back to previously destroyed habitat areas. In place of the pits, the company established two surface lakes which became the “Heart” of a 543-acre, mixedused community it called Dos Lagos – a development created in sustainable fashion. “We believe that sustainability is not only good for the community and the environment, it is also a profitable proposition for our development industry,” said Ali Sahabi, president and CEO of SE Corporation. Since 1996, SE Corporation has worked with the city and agencies at every level of government to reclaim the site and create a point-of-pride for the entire community. “From the very beginning, we took a proactive approach to public-private collaboration,” Sahabi said. “Rather than get into situations that put us in conflict, we try to figure out what works and what can be beneficial to everyone.” The result is a project that boasts successful habitat restoration blended with a range of residential options, from single-family homes to condos, in a walkable development integrated with restaurants, shopping, LEED®-certified office buildings and a golf course. Testament to the project’s success is its rise in valuation. In 1996, the assessed value of the site was $5 million. At full build-out, the figure is projected to skyrocket to approximately $1 billion. Challenging Potential Sahabi saw promise in the site when it drew his attention in the mid 1990s. Its location along a major highway, the I-15 corridor, was attractive. But there were some significant obstacles. Mining operations had left their mark. Not only did the two huge pits pose a threat to groundwater, but the refuse from the mining operation—consisting of clay soils and mine tailings— were piled around the site and dumped into Temescal Wash, a once-teaming waterway that coursed through the area. Additionally, crumbling buildings and industrial infrastructure covered in graffiti dotted the landscape. Like much of Riverside County, the site was environmentally sensitive. An ecological review revealed that the area around Temescal Wash was found to be a natural habitat for wildlife, in particular two endangered bird species: the California Gnatcatcher and Bell’s Least Vireo. tion, work began to convert the two mining pits to better use. Designers came up with an innovative plan. First they cleaned out the silt material at the bottom of the pits and constructed a type of sub-drain. “Basically we rebuilt the natural aquifer on the bottom of the pit, then back-filled the area and the two lakes are now on top of the old pits,” Sahabi said. “Over time, the sub-drain system under the fill area is going to act as agent to rebuild the aquifer in this whole region.” The developer set aside 135 acres for habitat and worked to revitalize Temescal Wash, which was nearly choked off with mine tailings and trash. Previous developers who attempted to build on the site planned to re-channel the stream through a concrete course. SE Corporation restored the creek to its natural condition, stabilized the banks and revived the flow-way habitat. “That is one of our proudest initiatives on this project,” Sahabi said. “It is a terribly important part of the ecosystem, especially here in Southern California where we have shortages of water.” The Built Environment The two lakes and the natural landscape around them became what the developer called the “Heart” of the development. The total of nine acres includes public space around the bodies of water for social gatherings. The lakes are set at different elevations. A uniquely designed pedestrian bridge appears to dive into the lower of the two lakes, past a waterfall, and connects the north and south parts of the project. Besides creating a place to sit and reflect, amenities in- Begin at the Bottom After clearing away the refuse, which included professional removal of the asbestos that had been piled in one loca- 30 October 2008 Sustainable Land Development Today

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Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008 Contents Our Voice Editorial Board SLDT Resources Dynamic Duo Holding Your Ground Technology Low Impact Stormwater Management Seeking Your Feedback Preferred Providers Bookstore Back from the Brink Finance Transportation Building Smart Industry News Advertiser Index Products/Services Showcase Marketplace Last Word

Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008

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