October 14, 2024
In a key step forward in the public approval process for Related Bristol, the Santa Ana City Council voted 6-0 to approve a plan to redevelop a 50-year-old declining retail center along South Bristol Street into a dynamic mixed-used urban village with an unprecedented package of economic and community benefits worth an estimated $544 million.
A second and final vote by the City Council on the proposed redevelopment of the Metro Town Square Shopping Center is expected on October 15 to receive approval to move forward and begin work on specific design and construction plans. Groundbreaking for Related Bristol, developed by Related California – the largest developer of mixed-income housing in the state, with 3,750 apartments, 350,000 square feet of retail and commercial uses, 200 senior living units and a 250-room hotel is anticipated in early 2026 and the project would be built in three phases over a 10-year period.
“Our hope is Related Bristol will serve as a catalyst for future generations to live, work and visit Santa Ana,” said Steven Oh, Executive Vice President of Related California. “We are encouraged and appreciative of the 400 letters of support and 1,400 comments we’ve received during the past two years. We are ready to start and deliver what we believe is the future model for growth and high quality residential development in this great city and elsewhere in this region.”
Once completed, Related Bristol will be the largest private investment in Santa Ana’s long history. As proposed, it will generate $500 million in new net revenue to the city in the first 30 years of the project, $544 million in community benefits and 16,800 new jobs with first source local hiring initiatives focused on Santa Ana and Orange County residents.
“Related Bristol is a vision to transform south Santa Ana into a marquee destination and unparalleled center for culture, community and connection,” said Gino Canori, President of Related California. “Related Bristol will be a welcoming place for all, serving not just the residents who may live on site, but the surrounding neighborhoods and greater Santa Ana region. It is a transformative project that will impact this city and central Orange County for decades to come.”
Related Bristol is adjacent to South Coast Metro where art, fashion, entertainment, commerce and businesses are thriving. This landmark development will complement and further define with its own flavor and flair, one of the most desirable and accessible lifestyle hubs in Orange County.
A major component of this project is the unprecedented mix of economic and community benefits that will address many of the community priorities. In response to the community’s feedback, Related worked closely with city staff for more than a year to create and advance the largest package of benefits in Santa Ana’s history, including:
- 13 acres of open space or nearly one-third of the site in the form of parks, outdoor plazas, lush landscaping, water features, gardens and pedestrian-only paseos.
- Active programming and free community events in Related Bristol’s three major parks.
- A public safety office for private and public security to reduce response times and improve safety at Related Bristol and in the surrounding neighborhoods, if requested by the city.
- $16 million in affordable housing in Lieu Fees.
- $22 million contribution towards a Community Benefit Fund that could be used for fire and life safety improvements in Santa Ana, a multi-use community center or library, affordable housing, public art, or other community benefits as determined by the city at its discretion.
For more information about Related Bristol and the plan to create a new southern gateway to Santa Ana, visit www.RelatedBristol.com.
