What is Related Bristol?

An exciting new 41-acre mixed-used urban community, Related Bristol will be replacing the aging retail and vast expanses of parking now in place on South Bristol between Sunflower and MacArthur. It will include a vibrant, people-first community of contemporary apartments, unique shopping, neighborhood services and dining experiences as well as a premium hotel, a senior living component and a significant array of programmed open spaces designed to optimize outdoor living in the heart of Santa Ana’s South Coast Metro neighborhood.

Who is Related California?

One of the largest developers and owners of mixed-use, mixed-income and affordable housing in California, Related California has 33 years of experience creating communities throughout the state including Orange County and more specifically, Santa Ana. As long term owners, we differentiate ourselves from other developers because we heavily invest in our communities for the long-run and are proud of our legacy as true community partners. Our role in Related Bristol will be from concept to completion.

Will the Project Be Built All at Once?

Related Bristol is envisioned to be built in three phases. If the development’s approval process goes as planned, phase one construction on the site’s southern half between Sunflower Avenue and Callen’s Commons could begin in 2026, with a projected completion by 2030. Phase two in the northeast corner of the site from Callens Commons to MacArthur Boulevard could begin in 2030 and be completed in 2033; the third and final phase could start in 2033 and finish in 2036.

Why is Related Bristol Being Proposed Now?

The families who have owned the property for generations approached Related because all the retail leases at the existing Metro Town Square expire in 2025. This presented a rare opportunity to reimagine the entire site. Moreover, in-person retail is changing as consumers gravitate away from traditional grab-and-go shopping centers in favor of experiential shopping with specialized stores and a diverse mix of dining options in a highly walkable pedestrian friendly setting.

Has This Project Been Approved Already?

No, the Project has not been approved. The Project has just commenced its public input and review process with numerous public meetings and hearings to be scheduled throughout 2023. In addition, the city is just commencing its Environmental Impact Review process, which must be completed before the Project can receive City approvals. We encourage the public to participate throughout this process.

Will There be Adequate Parking?

As long-term owners, we are committed to the long-term functionality and quality of the experience at Related Bristol, including the parking experience. After analyzing the actual parking demand based on data from similar projects and the City of Santa Ana census, Related Bristol will be designed to accommodate up to 2 cars per residential unit in addition to the parking provided for the other uses. Much of the residential unit mix will be comprised of studio and one-bedroom apartments that may not even require 2 vehicles per household.

How Much Open Space Will Related Bristol Provide?

The Project is envisioned as a model of urban design and an example of how projects can contribute to the City of Santa Ana’s goals set forth in the Open Space Master Plan. Nearly one-third of Related Bristol, or approximately 13 acres, is being planned as active and accessible public open space, including three major parks, open-air plazas and pedestrian-only pathways. The community is encouraged to use the open space—access will not be limited to Project residents and tenants.

Will Existing Retail Tenants Onsite Be Able to Stay?

The phased construction of the Project provides the potential for lease extensions for nearly two-thirds of the tenants on the Property through 2030 and even 2033. This provides the majority of the tenants many years to plan their transition. Additionally, we are in conversations with all the tenants to understand their business plans and welcome community input on the types of retail uses and tenants for the Project.

Is the Density and Height of Related Bristol Aligned
With the City’s General Plan?

Yes, the design, density and people-first vision of Related Bristol as an urban village with significant, programmed open spaces is aligned with Santa Ana’s General Plan, which was revised and approved by the City in early 2022. In fact, the proposed building area is about half the allowable that could be built based on the current General Plan. Related made the decision to place a premium on the quality of experience for residents and visitors by not developing the project to its maximum size. In terms of building height, the two high rises planned for Related Bristol are no taller than the high rises already existing nearby in South Coast Metro.

Will the Apartments or Senior Living Units Be Affordable?

The Project will comply with the City’s Housing Opportunity Ordinance through the Project’s Development Agreement. The Housing Opportunity Ordinance allows for the provision of on-site affordable apartments, the payment of in-lieu fees, and other compliance options. Related is soliciting the City’s and community’s input on this topic prior to determine which method of compliance to pursue.

Will Any of the Residences be For-Sale or Will They All be Rental Apartments?

The Project site itself will be ground leased by the applicant which makes the provision of for-sale housing challenging. As a result, the Project is currently envisioned not to have any for-sale residences.

How Will Related Bristol Address the Homeless Issue and Crime in the Area?

In terms of the homeless issue, Related Bristol, alone, cannot solve this social crisis. However, the Project team will work collaboratively with the City of Santa Ana, police and the community to contribute meaningfully to a solution. As far as security and safety, Related is committed to working with the City, police and the community to find the best and most effective ways to ensure residents and visitors to the development and the South Coast neighborhood feel safe and are protected.

How Will Related Bristol Impact Traffic During and After Construction?

The City will evaluate the environmental impacts that the Project generates as part of the required Environmental Impact Review (EIR) process. The EIR will include an evaluation of the impacts from traffic and the mitigation measures required.

What Improvements are Planned to Infrastructure (Water, Sewage, Power, etc.) to Accommodate the Proposed Project?

Related is working closely with the City of Santa Ana and the relevant utility providers in order to determine what infrastructure improvements are required in order to serve the Project. The City will be evaluating the environmental impacts of those improvements as part of the required Environmental Impact Review (EIR) process. The EIR will include an evaluation of the impacts to infrastructure and the mitigation measures required.

How Will Related Bristol Impact Santa Ana Schools?

The City, working with the Santa Ana Unified School District, will perform a needs assessment to evaluate whether Related Bristol results in significant impacts to local public schools.

What is the Best Way to Receive Updates about Related Bristol?

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