Diamond Bar Town Center TAP

Report Summary: Diamond Bar, situated in the East San Gabriel Valley, is poised for significant change. Dominated by suburban design and a major highway intersection, the city aims to undergo a transformation. With a diverse population and plans for a pedestrian-oriented 'Town Center,' Diamond Bar seeks to attract a mixed-income community. The comprehensive General Plan update outlines a 45-acre commercial area's redevelopment, despite complex ownership issues. To address these challenges, the city engaged the Urban Land Institute-Los Angeles for guidance on market possibilities, implementation strategies, and design frameworks for the Diamond Bar Town Center. This vision faces challenges like traffic congestion and housing affordability, but the potential benefits are substantial. A revitalized Town Center could serve as a transformative hub, celebrating Diamond Bar's demographic diversity, active lifestyle, culinary culture, and scenic surroundings. Key questions posed to the ULI TAP panel include: Urban Form/Placemaking: How can Diamond Bar convert suburban-style commercial centers into a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented Town Center? What design options can advance the overall vision for the Town Center? Market Feasibility: What mix of uses and densities are required to create a Town Center environment and sense of place? Is there market demand for such a mix of uses? How can the city counter market forces that maintain the status quo? Financial Feasibility: What measures are needed to ensure a positive net fiscal impact for the city? How can the city encourage property owners to invest in creating a new Town Center? Implementation: What are the key next steps and implementation tools available to facilitate the Town Center's creation? What steps can property owners take to help realize this vision? What strategies and incentives can promote property owner partnerships and participation? Balancing use and development density will require a Specific Plan that offers both certainty to attract investment and flexibility for financial feasibility. The TAP recommends using an urban framework with urban-sized blocks, residential density, and a focus on pedestrian movement. Deliberate design choices should leverage the site's natural typography, optimize parking, and create spaces for pedestrian-only areas. These recommendations align with the community's vision for a new Diamond Bar Town Center, connecting suburban redevelopment to its rural beginnings, natural landscapes, and fostering interpersonal connections for a sustainable future. In conclusion, the TAP offers recommendations in planning, land use, finance, and design for the designated Diamond Bar Town Center mixed-use Focus Area. These recommendations aim to guide the development of an accessible, pedestrian-oriented community hub that celebrates diversity and vibrancy. The vision includes higher residential densities than currently allowed in the Vision 2040 General Plan, potentially providing affordable housing options and driving demand for businesses, walkability, and gathering spaces in the Town Center.