Last week, my office was pleased to sponsor the 11th annual High Desert Economic & Real Estate Symposium at Victor Valley College. The event showcased the region’s exciting potential with insights and development news from local leaders.
“While I’m far from a student of astrology, I could argue the stars have aligned for the High Desert,” said Coldwell Banker Commercial President Jason Lamoreaux.
Mayors Share City Growth Plans:
During the symposium, a panel discussion featuring city mayors offered a glimpse at upcoming development projects:
- Adelanto: Mayor Gabriel Reyes announced plans for hundreds of new single-family housing units, a multi-family residential development, and more than 18 million square feet of industrial development in the pipeline.
- Apple Valley: Mayor Scott Nassif outlined the approval process for 20 million square feet of industrial development in North Apple Valley, along with the arrival of a new Sprouts grocery store and Love’s Travel Center. He was also excited to report on the expansion of Providence Medical Center to include a sexual assault center. “Those centers are all down the hill, so having one up here will make a big difference for those people who need that care,” he said. “We’ve also been working with them on a trauma center — talking about level 3 to start with — and then we’ll move on to the other levels, so that’s very exciting.”
- Victorville: Mayor Liz Becerra reported continued commercial growth with two new hotels (Wyndham Garden Inn and Residence Inn), a Raising Canes restaurant, and three massive warehouse projects totaling 4 million square feet in space. This includes a Goodyear plant next to Amazon, a Coca-Cola distribution center on Nisqualli Road, and a 2.2 million square foot warehouse at the former Westwinds Golf Course.
- Hesperia: Mayor Rebecca Swanson announced a 1.2 million-square-foot Maersk distribution center and several new restaurants, including a Rosa Maria’s and Oasis Buffet. She emphasized the city’s transformation from a traveler’s stop en route to Las Vegas to a thriving community. She is especially enthusiastic about the Silverwood Project. “Everything’s been thought out, from hiking paths to horse trails,” she said. “We have an enormous opportunity for growth, offering families a place to live and work so they don’t have to go down the hill.”
County and Industry Growth:
San Bernardino County’s Director of Real Estate Services Terry Thompson reported increased demand for County services in the High Desert. “We are growing to meet the needs of the communities we serve,” he said, adding that the County completed four High Desert transactions last year for the Sheriff, District Attorney, Public Health and Probation departments.
Additionally, Silverwood Project General Manager John Ohanian announced the release of 489 lots to builders including Lennar, Richmond American and Watt Homes. Construction is beginning this fall with model homes opening in the first quarter of 2025.
The High Desert is certainly on a fast track for significant growth, with new housing, businesses, and jobs on the horizon!