The Fanita Ranch is a 2,635-acre master-planned community consisting of 2,950 single- and multi-family units. The project concept, created by DPZ Partners, includes three separate villages consisting of parks, farms, vineyards, orchards, and gardens while preserving 60 percent of the land into a habitat management program.
Project Challenge and Solution
This was a politically charged project due to several concerns including traffic, environmental, fire hazards, and the project’s steep terrain. H&A collaborated with CalTrans to initiate the following improvements along Route 52:
- Preserved 60 percent on the site to Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP)
- Implemented a fire plan with extended fuel modification zones and emergency egress
- Designed a grading plan to balance, cut, and fill
- Provided landform grading techniques on publically visible slopes
Interesting Features
The project design focused on a wide range of wellness and sustainability features including an extensive trails system, a community farm, orchards, vineyards, and gardens to promote healthy living and to protect the natural environment. Over 60 percent of the project’s total land will be preserved in the City of Santee’s MSCP.
Sustainability
A solar farm that will provide all on-site power needs. A 25-acre farm will provide food for the community. The internal circulation system will reduce automobile trips.
Stats
- 2,635 acres
- 2,949 units (1,272 single-family, 797 multi-family, 445 active adult, 435 mixed-use)
- 36.1 acres of agriculture
- 31.4 acres community park
- 28.9 acres neighborhood parks
- 19.2-acre elementary school
- 33.5-acre RV storage & solar farm
- 228 acres of on-site open space
- 1672.9 acres of habitat preserve
