MENU Show Menu SEARCH Show Search ABOUT PRINCIPLES LEADERSHIP HISTORY LEGENDARY ARCHITECT, RAY WATSON Irvine Ranch Master Plan HISTORY Since 1864, Irvine Company has been one of California’s largest landowners, evolving from a ranching and farming operation to one of the premier real estate investment companies and master planners in America. Today, we’re known for our commitment to long-term ownership and management of a high-quality portfolio—the breadth and quality of which is unmatched in the country. Timeline 2021 Irvine celebrates its 50th anniversary of cityhood and has become known as one of America’s greenest and most livable cities. 2018 Irvine Company completes the world’s first fleet of Hybrid Electric Buildings featuring state-of-the-art Tesla Powerpack battery systems at 21 high-rise office buildings. 2014 Culminating 50 years of open space master planning, Irvine Company announces a major land gift of 2,500 acres near Anaheim Hills, East Orange, and Irvine Lake. These gifts bring the grand total of parklands and open space given by the Irvine Company to 57,500 acres, or approximately 60 percent of the Irvine Ranch. 2010 Irvine Company designates an additional 20,000 acres to the County of Orange-bringing the total contribution of permanently preserved land to more than 55,000 acres, representing half the original 93,000-acre Irvine Ranch. 2006 More than 40,000 permanently protected acres of the 93,000 acre Irvine Ranch are designated a National Natural Landmark by the US Department of the Interior. Two years later, the same lands are named a California Natural Landmark - the first such designation - and marks the beginning of a new program for the state. 2005 The Irvine Ranch Land Reserve Trust is created to help ensure comprehensive protection and public access to the preserved lands. The trust is soon renamed the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, reflecting its increasingly active role in stewardship of the lands. 2001 Irvine Company designates 11,000 acres of pristine open space for permanent protection in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. This gift is the final link in a contiguous sweep of open space from coastal mountains to the sea on the historic Irvine Ranch. 1998 Pelican Hill Club, a public restaurant and conference facility, opens adjacent to Tom Fazio designed Pelican Hill golf course. 1996 Irvine Company contributed 21,000 acres to the Nature Reserve of Orange County, creating a massive contiguous habitat area home to a wide variety of rare plant and animal species and the vital ecosystems necessary to support their survival. 1995 Irvine Spectrum Center opens immediately becoming popular with the local community as well as visitors from around the world. Today, it welcomes more than 17 million visitors annually. 1992 The FBI names Irvine “America’s Safest Large City” for the first time, establishing a reputation that will help define the city as one of the most livable, family-friendly communities in the U.S. 1982 Irvine Company acquires its first San Diego buildings in 1982, with La Jolla Gateway in University Town Centre. Three decades later, the company continues to own and operate office properties in UTC, Downtown, Sorrento Mesa, Del Mar Heights and Mission Valley. 1979 Irvine Company transfers 2,791 acres of land to the State of California, which in turn becomes Crystal Cove State Park, preserving three and a half miles of precious coastline and priceless biological resources in the coastal foothills. 1977 A group of investors, including Donald Bren, purchase Irvine Company from the James Irvine Foundation. Bren becomes majority owner in 1983 and sole owner in 1996. 1976 On the first day of home sales of Woodbridge in Irvine, 10,000 would-be homebuyers enter a lottery for the initial 350 homes. The demand and instant sellout of the village’s first phase make national news. 1971 Irvine incorporates, becoming Orange County’s 26th city. 1969 Irvine Company headquarters in Newport Beach is completed at 550 and 500 Newport Center Drive. 1967 Irvine Company and Irvine Ranch Water District become pioneers in the use of recycled water in Orange County, building the Michelson Water Recycling Plant that delivers two million gallons of water daily. 1966 Irvine Company officials break ground on Newport Town Center (later renamed Fashion Island) a regional shopping center overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach. 1964 Irvine Company introduces its first residential village - the 619 acre Village of Eastbluff - near Upper Newport Bay. 1960 Acclaimed architect and urban planner William Pereira is commissioned to create a master plan to guide development and set standards for the entire Irvine Ranch. Master planning begins. Irvine Company sells 1,000 acres to University of California for $1 to build UC Irvine. 1953 The Irvine Ranch hosts the International Boy Scout Jamboree, welcoming some 50,000 Scouts from all over the world. Today, a plaque at Fashion Island commemorates the events. 1929 James Irvine II oversees installation of a sophisticated irrigation system on the ranch that includes the dam that created Irvine Lake. 1900 James Irvine II sets up permanent residence in the middle of the company’s agriculture operations. A replica is built on the site in 2018 and is now home to the Katie Wheeler Public Library. 1897 Irvine Company makes its first land donation of 304 acres to the County of Orange for Irvine Regional Park. 1864 James Irvine and three partners purchase land in what’s now Orange County, California, ultimately forming the 93,000-acre Irvine Ranch. THE IRVINE COMPANY® ©2021 THE IRVINE COMPANY LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Do not sell my info. 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