A vineyard, orchards and farms, equestrian stables and spots for hosting events top three proposals the City Council and community will be looking at Tuesday, May 17, envisioning how San Juan Capistrano could use what’s left of 65.5 acres of undeveloped city space.

The City Council narrowed down proposals for developing amenities on its Northwest Open Space from an original group of seven submitted ideas, selecting three “for further review and consideration based on their proposed concepts, compatibility with current uses on the site, and operating experience,” city spokeswoman Matisse Reischl has said.

The city didn’t release what all the proposals were, but one made public by its developer was for what would have been Orange County’s first man-made wave pool. Councilman Sergio Farias, who represents the area encompassing the Northwest Open Space, said previously he felt the wave pool was not in line with community members’ desire for something non-intensive on the site.

Purchased with funds from a bond measure passed by voters in 1990 to save the property from commercial development, the undeveloped property off the 5 Freeway north of JSerra Catholic High School is a space residents have repeatedly said they want to remain passive and open for the public to enjoy. The site also has cultural and archaeological significance for the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, the region’s early inhabitants — another reason preservationists say to avoid excessive development.

The city completed a Putuidem Village in December featuring kiichas, the original dwellings of the early residents, and a small outdoor amphitheater, and the Northwest Open Space already was home to the historic Swanner House.

Here is a peek at what the submitted proposals that will be considered Tuesday outline:

Capistrano Vineyards

The proposal from San Juan Capistrano residents Jim Adam, Ron Schreiber and Colby Cyburt, who have experience in development and real estate, envisions turning the area into a community use and event space, renovating the historic home for wine tastings and smaller events, and constructing barn-style buildings for large weddings and other activities.

Orchards and vineyards would be featured on the property, as well as community gardens, activities such as bocce ball and horseshoes, and walking and horse trails.

Their idea also calls for a full-service equestrian facility with stables for 149 horses, riding areas and horse rentals, including opportunities for children from lower-income communities.

C&C Development

This proposal also sees using space for events, including fixing up the Swanner House and building a new roughly 6,000-square-foot structure to serve as venues. An event lawn, working garden that grows seasonal plants and vegetables, and an olive grove are part of the vision.

In a summary, C&C Development said its representatives are “also able to be flexible in our approach on this project.

“We would entertain being integrated as part of an award to another bidder for the use of the remainder of the NWOS.”

Frontier Real Estate Investments

San Juan Capistrano-based developer Dan Almquist, with Frontier Real Estate Investments, proposes a hub on part of the property with food and drink options and multiple event lawns and structures, including a barn and greenhouse, surrounded by an orchard.

On another piece of the land, the proposal calls for a roughly 5-acre “truly functioning farm,” with an orchard and rows of crops that could supply food for the site and restaurants downtown. More acres would be earmarked for equestrian uses, including stables for 149 horses, arenas to hold events and competitions and a cultural center dedicated to the city’s heritage.

A “recreational core” would include walking trails and 11 meadows.

No final selection is expected to be made at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. After presentations on the three proposals, San Juan Capistrano leaders will be asking questions and community members will be able to provide input.

Then city staff will “further analyze the proposals based on feedback received during the presentations and return to a future City Council meeting,” officials said.

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