In 2004, the city officially announced the beginning of a new era in South Fontana. Hundreds of acres just south of the I-10 freeway would one day become developed land that would contain a neighborhood commercial center, a park, residential homes, new

businesses and a hotel and conference center. While many were applauding the commitment from both the City Council and the developers who designed the Empire Center, others looked to the land in nearby locations and wondered what would happen to those areas.

One year later, the wait was over. In December 2005, the United States Postal Service started construction of the $5 million Fontana Southside Station Post Office. The building, which opened in December 2006, is a full-service facility and has been a welcome addition to the large residential and commercial bases. It delivers to 10,174 mailboxes and in July 2007, the office had made 12,124 sales transactions and had 5,515 customers. Happily, when compared with January 2007 figures, this is an increase of 3,201 in transactions and 2,204 more customers in only five months.

Mike Cannone, with USPS Public Affairs and Communications says, "They [Fontana Southside Post Office] expect to pick up about 400 new deliveries in the near future from new housing and a few from businesses," he adds, "The Post Office has picked up quite a lot of business since it opened as customers find the location convenient, parking plentiful and generally enjoy the new facility."

Obviously, the continued growth and positive impact that development has made to South Fontana attracted the attention and investment from a nationwide retailer. In July, 2007 the City of Fontana was pleased to welcome the most recent addition to our southern quadrant. The new Home Depot is located on South Santa Ana and Sierra Avenues. The 109,629 square foot facility, complete with a 34,715 square foot garden center, as well as a 6,500 square foot retail building and 4,977 square foot restaurant pad has the potential to bring hundreds of jobs to the area. As described by John Valles, human resources manager, "This store is a very special one, in that the vast majority of

our associates live within the South Fontana community. It is truly a neighborhood store! We have received an abundance of support from the community, as well as, the surrounding businesses. We're looking forward to being your neighbor."

The new building was designed with several enhancements, not to mention the landscaping which is above the standard requirement. The softer aspect, combined with a well designed building from all angles, will quickly become a favorite shopping area for people in the south of Fontana and neighboring cities.

What lies ahead for the southern region of Fontana? Construction will soon begin on Sierra Square located at the Southwest corner of Sierra and Slover Avenues. With 1,200 SF - 15,000 SF build-to-suit shops and restaurants, the plans of which include a bank, Holiday Inn Express, and full-service restaurant. Chili's Bar and Grill is a potential partner for the project.

According to Elisa Grey, economic development manager for Fontana Economic development, "Economic Development has worked diligently developing the southwest and southeast corners of Sierra and Slover. We see this intersection as a gateway into the rich retail potential in south Fontana."

Across the street the Empire Center continues to expand. The four-story, Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center will be the final phases of development. A restaurant has been included in the design plans for the Hilton Garden Inn. The developer is actively researching and talking to several restaurants to include Applebee's, TGI Fridays, and the Elephant Bar.

Says Grey, "Both the Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express will solidify our intent on creating opportunities to provide the highest quality developments to the area."

Until announcements about the restaurants are made, many will look to the areas and wonder what will go into the locations. If short term history tells us anything, the new establishments will be worth the wait and are bound to compliment all the smart growth planning that has gone into the development of the area.

For more information about economic development in South Fontana, please contact the Economic Development Center at (909) 350-6653 or visit online at www.fontanabusiness.org.