Ventura Seeks Plans to Develop Office Project

The city of Ventura is inviting prospective developers to submit proposals for building an office project that’s expected to help upgrade the community’s downtown area.

Gregory L. Carson, a City Council member and chairman of Ventura’s Redevelopment Agency, says his group is seeking an owner-user or developer “with a unique and creative approach to develop a quality professional office project” at the northwest corner of Thompson Boulevard and Figueroa Street.

The 26,000-square-foot parcel on the city’s “Victorian Row” will accommodate one building of 10,000 to 15,000 square feet or two buildings of 5,000 to 7,000 square feet each, Carson said. He added that the agency will consider proposals to subdivide the site for two unrelated projects.

“We envision a project that is reflective of a historic Ventura architectural style and which conforms to the recently enacted Downtown Specific Plan,” Carson said in a letter sent to builders and other business people.

Without specifying what help a developer might receive, Carson said the Redevelopment Agency “will be involved in facilitating the project.” He noted that the property is near Ventura’s oceanfront promenade and the recently renovated Ventura Pier.

Downtown Ventura, which for years has been considered in need of a commercial revival, recently got a boost from completion of a new $5.5-million courthouse and office facility for the State Court of Appeal.

The deadline for submitting proposals is April 21. Details: (805) 658-1995.