Calimesa Planning approves next step for Summerwind

After more than a decade, Phase 1 of the Summerwind Trails project appears close to breaking ground after the Calimesa Planning Commission unanimously approved Monday night the Development Plan Review for 246 single-family residential units.

“I’m good. I like the project,” Commissioner Mike Barron said after the presentation from Community Development Director Travis Clark and questions directed at Jeremiah Acayturri, project manager for builder Lennar Homes.

“The goal is to have the grand opening in January, the second week of January,” Acayturri said, in regards to the completion of model homes. “Our goal is to start construction in September, mid-September.”

The resolution for the Development Plan Review still needs to go before the city council for a vote before building can begin. Phase 1 of Summerwind Trails, formerly known as Summerwind Ranch and located on the west side of Interstate 10, includes 633 homes and is situated on the eastern side of the development, near the city of Beaumont. At build out, Summerwind Trails is expected to bring approximately 3,600 new residential units to the city of Calimesa.

The two Phase 1 tracts approved Monday night each include three architectural styles in both one- and two-story floor plans, dual-plumbing for reclaimed water usage outdoors and home sites with enhancements.

Planning Area 7 features the Villas, 105 units of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes on 25 acres. Architectural styles are American farmhouse, prairie and craftsman/bungalow.

Planning Area 8 comprises the Cottages, 141 units of three- and four-bedroom homes on 31 acres, with designs in French country, California ranch and craftsman/bungalow.

Chairman Michael Brittingham preferred the home sites with enhancements that include shutters and trim around windows and doors.

“I definitely prefer the enhanced version,” he said. “Are you going to make that an option so if the homeowner takes another lot, they’ll have that option?”

“No. The enhanced home sites will be anywhere the home is visible to the public or open space,” Acayturri said. “Generally, I would say about half of the home sites there will receive enhancements.”

“I was just curious if that would be an option to the buyer if they wanted to do that, but basically they are going to have to buy the lot,” Brittingham said.

“Correct,” Acayturri said in reply.

Commissioners John Keith, Charles Hurt, Barron and Brittingham all voted in favor of the Development Plan Review. New commissioner Larry Smith was absent.