Porter Ranch residents flocked to the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council meeting on May 4, 2010 to hear about the property on Rinaldi between Porter Ranch Drive and Mason. The Porter Ranch Development Company (PRDC) unveiled its updated plan for residential units on the western two thirds of the space and retail on the remaining one third closest to Toys R Us. They had previously presented a proposal to the PRNC for a shopping center on that property in November 2005.

The residential units would be two and three stories ranging in size from approximately 1,350 to 1,950 square feet and located within the Las Brisas gated community. Units will have on average two enclosed parking spaces and have access to one guest space for every two units. The total number of residential units planned is 500, which is a 270 unit reduction from the previous plan. Some of those 500 units are already built in the Las Brisas community.

The gated residential section is intended to be interwoven with the retailing section promoting a healthy lifestyle of walking to local services.


Erik Pfahler of Porter Ranch Development Company explained that the retailing portion is entitled Aldea, which means little village and is envisioned to suggest a local village for strolling, shopping, and relaxing. The design calls for a small theater about half the size of the Northridge Pacific Theaters, better restaurants, and a civic plaza at the heart of the village. Leasing discussions have begun, but at this point no tenants have been signed.

Porter Ranch stakeholders were enthusiastic about the possibilities in the proposed design. Questions were asked about the residential density, architectural styles, and types of potential tenants. Several people inquired about the sufficiency of the parking. Parking is planned to meet or exceed city requirements and all 1,100 spaces were full sized, not compact. Parking is distributed throughout the project allowing shoppers to park near their destination and access the village on foot. The PRDC notes that the parking configuration could be adjusted based on tenant needs.


Artist Rendering of Aldea


Click the above image for a larger view

At the conclusion of the presentation the PRNC discussed the community’s concerns and passed a motion to draft a letter in support of the project. Board members intend to note the community’s parking concerns in the letter. The next step in the project is a public hearing scheduled for June 1, 2010, 9:30am at Marvin Braude Building, First Floor Conference Room, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. PRDC plans to begin construction on the commercial portion in 2012. Construction is expected to require 14 months.

This article also ran in the June 2010 North Valley Community News. Additional details also at the Valley Voice.

Disclaimer provided by Porter Ranch Development Company: Although these contents are considered to be true and correct, the Porter Ranch Development Co., Shapell Properties and their agents or affiliates do not make any warranties or representations to the accuracy of the exhibits. All illustrations are artist’s concept only, are not to scale and are subject to change in actual production.