Festival’s Theme Is Revitalization

Garden Grove is saying it’s not too late for a renaissance.

For several years, the city has been fighting for ways to reinvent itself after watching businesses close, property taxes fall and residents move to the South County during the recent recession.

The city has embarked on a variety of new building projects, including new hotels near Disneyland and an education center. Officials plan to celebrate the coming revitalization over the next week with Renaissance Garden Grove, a festival aimed at announcing to Orange County that Garden Grove is back.

“People have moved on to South County,” Mayor Bruce Broadwater said. “We have really turned things around. We want to see people come back.”

On Monday, officials will break ground for three hotels along the northwest section of Harbor Boulevard and Chapman Avenue. The hotels are expected to generate about $4 million in tax revenues a year, City Manager George Tindall said.

The section along Harbor Boulevard is considered a “gateway” to the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland, which is being expanded.

“We’re trying to take advantage of what’s occurring in Anaheim,” Tindall said. “There’s a perception that this area is no place to live. It’s not true. This is a hidden jewel.”

Other city plans include the Juvenile Justice Center, which would house probation officers, youth counselors and police officers under one roof.

The city is continuing development of an education center at Euclid Street and Garden Grove Boulevard. Construction will begin this fall for a Cal State Fullerton satellite campus that officials hope will attract about 2,000 students.

And this week, the U.S. Economic Development Administration granted the city $1 million for improvements along Harbor Boulevard. The money will pay for sewer upgrades, water lines and traffic signals.

Among the upcoming highlights of Renaissance Garden Grove:

Today, the public is invited to join local professional athletes for “Breakfast With Champions,” 8 to 11 a.m. at the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Ave., $2.

Today, 11 a.m to 4 p.m., bands from around the nation will perform at the “International Pop Overthrow,” the Village Green, 12842 Main St. Tickets are $3 to $5.

Also today, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., prospective homeowners can shop at a Home Finders Fair at the Courtyard Center, 12732 Main St. The event is free.

On Monday at 10 a.m., the city will host a groundbreaking for three hotels at Harbor Boulevard and Chapman Avenue. The plans are for a six-story Hilton Garden Inn, a six-story Hampton Inn and an 18-story Embassy Suites.

On Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. there will be a Leadership Luncheon and workshop, Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Ave.

A finale concert with Michael McDonald and Christopher Cross will be held Sept. 5 at the Village Green, 12842 Main St. Information: (714) 741-5117.