A very wet winter has delayed progress on construction in Old Town Newhall, but developers of Newhall Crossings and Laemmle Newhall Theatres say construction has ramped up once again.
“The rain came at the worst possible time,” said Jason Tolleson, principal of Serrano Development. “But we’re shooting for both (projects) to be finished and open around the same time.”
He and Greg Laemmle, president of the family-owned theater business, had originally targeted construction completion of the developments, on the corner of Lyons Avenue and Railroad Avenue, by the end of the summer but, due to weather delays, they expect to open by the end of the year or early 2020.
“The rain has affected any of the projects that we’ve been trying to do,” said Jason Crawford, the city of Santa Clarita’s economic development manager. “It’s full speed ahead on both Newhall Crossings and Laemmle Theatre and we’re hoping it will open as soon as possible so that you can see the progress.”
Both developments will soon take shape as the two anchor projects that make up the revitalization of Old Town Newhall, as well as the new, neighboring parking structure. Newhall Crossings is a mixed-use space with 20,000 square feet of retail, 47 residential units and a 372-stall public parking structure. A central courtyard will connect the mixed-use site with the theater, which will be a two-story, seven-screen location with 500 seats for moviegoers.
But for now, construction has only shown passersby vertical construction of Newhall Crossings and foundation work for Laemmle Newhall.
More will soon be visible, said Tolleson. For example, a portion of a building at Newhall Crossings has recently undergone wall sheathing, dressing the building in yellow, which strengthens the wall system and prepares the building for its final color and trim. Within the next couple of months, interior work such as the production of drywall and installation of features like cabinets and plumbing fixtures will take place.
Tolleson said several businesses have reached out about leasing “now that the building is taking shape.” Some of the latest announced to join the Newhall Crossings includes family-owned ice cream company Pops Artisanal Creamery and Rustic Burger House, which will mark their second locations for both businesses.
Just next door at the Laemmle site, footings have been set and steel has been ordered, said Tolleson. “We expect to erect steel in early May and pretty soon you’ll see the shape of the building,” he said.
“We’re very excited for this project to add to the already vibrant framework of Old Town Newhall,” he added.
