- Advertisement -

Work to begin on T.O. Ranch at old Kmart site after cleanup delays

Must read


Construction is expected to begin this summer on the largest mixed-use project in Thousand Oaks’ history after delays caused by removing and preventing potentially hazardous chemicals from the soil and groundwater.

T.O. Ranch will feature 420 residential units along with 15,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. Previously home to a Kmart, the 325 Hampshire Road site had been vacant since the store closed in 2004.

“It was an eyesore for a long time … and that is gone now and the developer wants to put something nice in its place,” Planning Manager Stephen Kearns said. “They have a really good project and concept. It should spur future redevelopment of areas nearby and a lot of activity, so it’s a positive all around.”

Kearns said the remediation process only recently neared completion.

“The developer is anxious and ready to do go,” he said. “They wanted to start a while ago obviously and were delayed by this requirement.”

Sherman Oaks-based developer IMT Capital did not respond to interview requests by press time.

In this 2020 file photo, the site of the former Kmart store in Thousand Oaks sat empty for years. Work to begin construction on The T.O. Ranch project is expected to start in coming weeks.

In this 2020 file photo, the site of the former Kmart store in Thousand Oaks sat empty for years. Work to begin construction on The T.O. Ranch project is expected to start in coming weeks.

When did the T.O. Ranch project get approved?

The Thousand Oaks City Council unanimously approved T.O. Ranch in June 2022, and the Kmart was demolished the following year.

The 349 apartments will include studio, one- and two-bedroom, live-work and affordable options, while the 71 townhomes will include two-, three- and four-bedrooms options, according to the toranch.com website. Residents will also have access to a pool, fitness center, learning center, work space and dog park.

The project faced delays last year after the California Department of Toxic Substances Control required IMT to remove chemicals from the site, Kearns said.

According to department records dating back to January 2023, the substances were diesel and gas from an auto service business that previously occupied the property as well as chemicals called tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene from a dry cleaning businesses that previoulsy occupied a nearby property.

A 45-day public comment period allowing residents to provide feedback on IMT’s draft response plan ended Dec. 30, 2024

IMT paid the department roughly $185,000 for cleanup costs from June 2023 through June 2025, state records indicate.

Currently, the 12-acre site sits behind steel beams and plywood designed to block any sights and sounds.

What’s next for the old Kmart site?

The city plans to issue IMT a grading permit next week, and the company is expected to begin work by the end of summer, Kearns said. In the next few weeks, he said, the developer will submit revised building plans based on the city’s feedback.

This will also allow the company to place vapor barriers on the ground to ensure any remaining chemical substances are contained, completing the remediation process.

IMT, Kearns said, will likely establish a date for completion after beginning grading. Department of Toxic Substances Control records indicate construction is expected to last two and a half years.

Makena Huey is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at makena.huey@vcstar.com. This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Fund to Support Local Journalism.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Work to begin on T.O Ranch at former Thousand Oaks’ Kmart site



Source link

- Advertisement -

More articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

Latest article