Westminster Mixed-Use Districts Economic Feasibility Analysis

JKA, working as a subconsultant to Economic & Planning Systems (EPS), was retained by the City of Westminster, CA to develop multi-family and mixed-use conceptual design options to serve as a basis for the evolution of this city’s zoning code.

JKA and EPS first observed existing conditions in Westminster as well as visited successful multi-family and mixed-use projects in surrounding communities. Then, working with City staff, prototypical sites were identified. Utilizing EPS’s market research, JKA then developed alternative designs for each of the prototype sites exploring different typologies and densities. Preferred scenarios that balanced financial and design factors were then developed. To facilitate understanding by decision-makers and the public of local fit and scale factors, renderings of each of the preferred options were prepared. To accommodate the overall intensification of major boulevards and ensure mass, bulk, and use transitions to surrounding lower scale residential communities, JKA then utilized the visualizations to develop recommendations for revised City design standards that may be adopted by the City as zone text amendments. The next step, led by De Novo and approved in September by the Council, is to implement with further community review the new density and design standards.