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The revitalization plan, which took shape in early 2022, focuses on two major factors; modifying land use guidelines to encourage more dense development and the elimination of barriers that traditionally impair development. 

A comprehensive land use study was completed, and in July 2023, the City Council formally approved the new zoning code which included increased building height limits, provided for greater FAR for commercial uses, higher density for residential, and reduced building setbacks and parking standards for commercial uses. 

Redevelopment of land that has been underutilized for decades is a crucial step to the downtown plan. In order to ensure rapid redevelopment of key parcels, the city recently completed acquisitions of several downtown properties. Securing these key parcels (shown in the image above) paves the way for the city to collaborate with visionary partners who share the vision of the potential of the Forge District. 

As new multifamily developments take root south of the Pacific Electric Trail, attention will naturally shift to exciting new vertical opportunities along Arrow Boulevard, Nuevo Avenue, and Wheeler Avenue.

Center Stage is transformed into Stage Red Theater

Fontana's downtown revitalization initiative is poised to breathe new life into the heart of the city, with a focus on creating a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. Spearheaded by the City Council, this ambitious project encompasses a range of initiatives, including the restoration of historic landmarks transformation of a beloved single-screen historic theater into Stage Red, an iconic live entertainment venue honoring Fontana's own Sammy Hagar.

With the Hagar Team's enthusiastic involvement in the venue's design and development, Stage Red promises to be a cornerstone of the city's cultural renaissance. Set to kick off with a highly anticipated performance by Sammy Hagar himself in Summer 2024. Stage Red represents just one aspect of Fontana's multifaceted approach to downtown revitalization, which also includes efforts to enhance housing, dining, and retail options while bringing a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

In addition to the land assemblage, allowing for thoughtful, master-planned private sector development, the city is also eliminating one of the most financially impactful deterrents to private investment into urban development. By reducing private development parking requirements and constructing public parking, developers will maximize the building footprint of their developable land. 

The City Council has approved funding for two new parking structures that will add over 800 new public parking stalls to downtown. 

The east parking structure will be completed in early 2025 and planning is already underway on a second, larger parking structure two blocks west, which is projected to be completed in mid-2026.

Spaggi's at the Fontana Women's Club

The opening of Spaggi's represents the first full-service restaurant opening in the downtown area in several years. 

First Responders Memorial

The envisioned Fontana First Responders Memorial would stand as a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable first responders who selflessly gave their lives during the tragic events of September 11th. By incorporating an authentic piece of the World Trade Center's structure into the memorial's design, we aim to create a poignant connection with the past while honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those heroes.

This memorial not only pays homage to the courageous individuals who lost their lives, but it also serves as a symbol of hope and resilience. By immortalizing a fragment of the World Trade Center, we are reminded of the strength of the human spirit and our collective ability to rise above adversity.

The actual steal beam which was recovered from the World Trade Center offers a deeply personal touch to the memorial. This enables us to pay special tribute to the exact moment when both civilians and first responders faced unimaginable challenges. Through this commemoration, we strive to ensure that their memories live on, serving as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

The Fontana First Responders Memorial invites visitors to reflect, remember, and find solace in the midst of tragedy. It stands as a beacon of unity and resilience, reminding us that even in the face of darkness, our shared humanity can bring forth light and hope for a better tomorrow.

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Forging an Entertainment District

Envision a downtown Fontana where every corner is alive with cultural vibrancy, where plazas and public spaces pulse with energy from local festivals, markets, and community gatherings. These pedestrian-friendly environments will do more than just improve walkability—they’ll transform how we experience our city, making it easier and more enjoyable to connect with each other and with our surroundings.

Picture the enhancements to Miller Park, which will soon become a central hub of activity, offering a serene yet lively space for recreation and social events. Stage Red, the Inland Empire’s premier intimate entertainment venue, was designed to offer a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience for the artists that perform and the fans that attend the shows along with the planned art gallery and children’s museum depicted below and the reinvention of the Packing House as a hub for food and family entertainment. These are just a few of the enhancements to this already vibrant area. They will add layers of cultural richness, becoming key destinations for the residents of the city and those throughout the region. All located along the Pacific Electric Trail, which connects Downtown Fontana to Downtown Claremont, these city initiated projects will further the City Council’s vision for a unique entertainment, arts, and historic distric. These developments are laying the groundwork for something extraordinary. A vibrant social scene that reflects the spirit of Fontana and strengthens our community’s identity. Artists’ renderings offer a glimpse into this exciting future, where the Arts and Historic District becomes a magnet for creativity, culture, and connection. This is the downtown we are building—a place where history and modernity meet, and where every street tells a story worth exploring.

The proximity of green spaces, the amphitheater, and the Miller Recreation Building to the downtown area will undoubtedly provide an unparalleled amenity that is rarely found in suburban downtown areas.

Completed

Traffic Patterns

As part of the environmental study that is accompanying the rezoning efforts funded by SB 2, we are studying a proposed recirculation of traffic in the downtown area. 

Recirculating the traffic will occur in two phases, with the first phase creating a traffic loop around Sierra Ave, allowing a reduced amount of traffic to continue traveling north and south. Phase two will be the complete elimination of vehicular traffic on Sierra Ave between Arrow and Orange.