A shuttered movie theater in Anaheim is poised to be razed and redeveloped with housing, per a recent report by the Orange County Business Journal. 

Last month, the Anaheim City Council voted to approve plans from Shea Properties of Aliso Viejo to redevelop a portion of the Anaheim Hills Festival Shopping Center at 8020 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road. The approximately 62,000-square-foot site is set to give way to the construction of a four-story, 447-unit apartment complex wrapping a parking structure.

The project is to include 45 homes set aside for moderate-income households.

According to a project website, the new development will leave in place existing tenants such as 24-Hour Fitness, Wood Ranch, Target, Hobby Lobby, and Tutor Time.

In addition to housing, the proposed development would add public open spaces including a park, as well as private amenities for property residents including pools, club rooms, and fitness centers.

The project was the subject of a lengthy public hearing, and concerted pushback, regarding potential impacts to evacuation in the event of a wildfire in the Anaheim Hills. The Business Journal reports that Shea Properties agreed to provide funding for public safety in response, including wildfire preparedness efforts and emergency response improvements.

Shea Properties is one of several development firms leading efforts to redevelop struggling malls in Orange County with housing and other uses.

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