Tour shows off Harvest at Limoneira, models now open at new development

May 01, 2019

The City Council, Limoneira-Lewis Development Partners, Chamber of Commerce representatives, city staff and citizens went on a tour of the new Harvest at Limoneira development where models have opened for inspection and the clubhouse is ready for guests.

The City Council, Limoneira-Lewis Development Partners, Chamber of Commerce representatives, city staff and citizens went on a tour of the new Harvest at Limoneira development where models have opened for inspection and the clubhouse is ready for guests.


In tune with its website that notes, “You’d be surprised to see how easy it is to cultivate happiness” Limoneira Co. President/CEO Harold Edwards and Lewis Homes President Richard Lewis proudly showed visitors the new development where 1,500 housing units and amenities are being built on the extreme east end of the city.
“This was,” said Lewis Vice President Tim Jones at the April 12 gathering, “a huge accomplishment for all of us,” including Santa Paula voters who in 2008 overwhelmingly approved the development by more than 80 percent.
“The weather in Santa Paula is beautiful,” said Lewis. “We’re very excited,” about the development, which is being built in phases.
Edwards said he is also excited to “Have such a great day to show it off and the progress we’ve made,” over the years, in spite of a road filled with bumps, ranging from the Great Recession and permitting issues to the greenbelt agreement with Fillmore.
Edwards said it was in 2004 that former City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz contacted him about developing the former 500-plus-acre Teague-McKevett Ranch, property originally obtained by CC Teague, who in 1908 was Limoneira’s first general manager. The Queen Palms still lining what had been the main entrance to the ranch were planted in 1908 and the old pump house has been kept for more touches of history.
“Wally said it would be a partnership — ‘You do it, and we’ll support it,’ ” laughed Edwards.
Visitors saw the fitness center, pool and spa, yoga studio, tot lot, and clubhouse that can hold more than 200 people that will be available for residents.
Frederica Lewis and Mike Penrod, the project’s general manager, helped pour the champagne used to toast the new development.
“I really want to thank our city partners,” said Richard Lewis. “We’ve done about 50 ventures and this is the best of the best!”
City Manager Michael Rock said it was a “landmark day, a long time coming for the city and the community. We’re waiting for the big day,” May 18 when the development officially opens “and reality sets in.
Amenities at the 37-acre public park that will include a variety of sports, amphitheater, picnic areas, and a water feature as well as walking trails and open space is still being finalized but Rock said construction should begin on the facility in about three months.
“Everybody in the city will benefit,” said Penrod, who has been with the project since “Day One” with his Parkstone Group.
Jones said one developer, KB Homes, is expecting occupancy in July, and it is anticipated that each builder will construct approximately 200 units a year.
Jones said the Homeowners Association will cost each resident $187 at build-out and the HOA will care for the clubhouse streets, lights, parks, the 5.5-acre sports park, and maintenance, among other expenses.
Mayor Clint Garman said he was pleased as there are many things happening in the city ranging from new — albeit smaller — development and business enterprises.
Of Harvest at Limoneira Garman noted, “I’m looking forward to 6,000 new Santa Paulans.”





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