Working with government agencies and residents over the past 40 years, The Irvine Company has planned and created thoughtful, balanced communities that set The Irvine Ranch® apart from the type of urbanization that has consumed much of the Southern California Basin.

The Irvine Company’s commitment to the communities on The Irvine Ranch goes beyond simply serving as planner and builder. As part of its long-term commitment to quality on The Irvine Ranch, the company continually invests in each of its properties. The ongoing process of assuring each unique community remains true to the overall plan helps keep our communities fresh and inviting, while reinforcing value and maintaining the highest of standards.

Communities on the Ranch, including Tustin Ranch®, Santiago Hills™ in Orange, Irvine, part of Newport Beach and Newport Coast®, are evidence that master planning works.

"Our planners have developed a set of core principles based on the development and implementation of more than a dozen communities over the past 40 years," says Rob Elliott, group senior vice president of Urban Planning and Design for The Irvine Company. "We are constantly learning, innovating and reviewing what has worked well, and include the best ideas in each new community."

What elements contribute to smart planning?

Community Involvement. Community input is an integral part of each step in the planning process. Over the past three years, staff from The Irvine Company have met with hundreds of community leaders, residents and elected officials from the city of Orange to discuss the project and gather valuable input, which is reflected in the revised plan.

Careful balance. The synergy of development and open space will be balanced and thoughtful. "We have that with East Orange, with 90 percent preserved for open space and recreation," notes Elliott. "Our goal now is to relate the community to the surrounding rural character of East Orange."

Identity. Open space, parks, trails, recreation facilities and distinctive entries assist in creating a sense of community character. "On the ranch east of Orange," says Elliott, "our mission is to complement the natural environment of the area. There’s a rural heritage that can be conveyed through our plan and its details." The land will drive the plan – preserving the natural contours and arroyos.

Home design. A variety of home designs and neighborhood site plans contribute to the character and quality of the community. Several core principles distinguish our neighborhoods:

• A range of housing types to assure a balanced community
• Architectural styles that capture and reflect the qualities found in nearby existing communities. For Orange, this means a combination of Spanish, Monterey, cottage, craftsman and ranch forms and influences.

Landscaping. Landscaping provides an overall fabric and texture that ties the community together as a cohesive place. It is responsive to the uniqueness of the area’s conditions and opportunities. East of Orange, existing oak and sycamore trees will be the foundation for the design palate and landscaping in the new communities. Streets are designed with public, landscaped spaces for pedestrians, automobiles and in some instances trails. Streetscapes will be designed to complement the surrounding landscape.