Hesperia is located at the intersection of I-15 and U.S. Highway 395. Hesperia is strategically positioned 35 miles north of the city of San Bernardino, 50 miles northeast of Los Angeles County, and 195 miles south of Las Vegas. Hesperia has a population of about 80,000, an elevation of 3,250 feet above sea level, and a land area of 72 square miles. Housing prices in Hesperia are priced well below those in Los Angeles and Orange County. Hesperia also has the Hesperia Unified School District, which offers a high caliber education to its students. Hesperia is a young community... the average age is 31.98 years. They also have a large school age population, promising a fresh labor pool for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

San Bernardino County and Hesperia agree on $29-million regional center

According to the Victorville Daily Press, June 2, 2009, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, approved a final agreement with the city of Hesperia to build a regional government center. The center will consolidate and centralize county services currently located in San Bernardino or scattered throughout the High Desert region.” High Desert residents deserve to have easy access to county services without having to drive to San Bernardino,” said 1st District Supervisor, Brad Mitzelfelt. “This project has been a priority of mine and it’s gratifying to know that our local residents will have a high-quality facility in a central location to serve their needs for decades to come.”

The High Desert Government Center, located in the civic park on Seventh Avenue just north of Main Street, will be a two-story, 66,900-square-foot office building on 4.42 acres, donated by Hesperia. The county building is expected to cost $29.2 million.

 

Sara Lee Corp. locates in Hesperia

According to the Hesperia Star, March 31, 2009, Sara Lee Corp. is leasing a 2,250-square-foot industrial warehouse space in Hesperia. Sara Lee's Hesperia location is at 12221 Poplar Street, near the intersection of Highway 395 and Interstate 15.

The deal was handled by Lee & Associates, the largest independently owned and managed commercial brokerage company in North America. Ryan Travis, sales and leasing agent of Lee & Associates' Inland Empire North office, represented the tenant and the landlord.

Sara Lee Corp. owns Hillshire Farms, Jimmy Dean and other well-known brands.

 

Hesperia plans big projects for 2009

According to the Victorville Daily Press, December 31, 2008, in 2009, Hesperia expects to gain its first new-car auto dealership, build two more public safety stations and break ground on the long-anticipated Ranchero Road Underpass, all among a laundry list of projects slated for 2009.

“I think we’re in great financial shape,” Mayor Thurston “Smitty” Smith said. “But we still have to be very wise on our reserves to anticipate a year or two down the road. I don’t want to dip into any of the reserves while I’m mayor.”

Slowed commercial growth and bureaucratic delays stalled a slew of projects slated to break ground by December, but the city has plans for some major infrastructure improvements and public works projects in the next 12 months.” The most important project is going to be Ranchero Road, to alleviate some of the traffic on Main Street and Bear Valley (Road), and to allow people to get home in a timely manner,” said Councilwoman Rita Vogler.

The Wal-Mart Supercenter and Home Depot at Escondido Avenue and Main Street expected to break ground in late 2008 will begin construction later this year. Meanwhile, developers continue working to fill the vacancies at the High Desert Gateway center on Main Street at Interstate 15 where SuperTarget opened in September.” We expect to see more openings of smaller, regionally based retailers and smaller-footprint specialty restaurants,” Malloy said.
The Ice Castle Olympic training center will begin construction soon and Valley-Hi Toyota should break ground late this year. The San Bernardino County Government Center and sheriff’s station planned for 2008 are now in the design phase and will break ground in the city’s Civic Plaza in about six months. Construction has already begun on Fire Station No. 305, a joint project with San Bernardino County on Caliente Road, and Station No. 301 will break ground early this year, followed by the expansion of Fire Station No. 304 in the spring.

 

Fire Station construction begins in Hesperia in 2008

According to the Hesperia Star, October 15, 2008, construction on Hesperia's fifth fire station began in earnest Tuesday morning. Firefighters, dignitaries and construction workers converged on a 3.5-acre lot on Caliente Road, west of Interstate 15, the future site of San Bernardino County Fire Station 305.The new fire station will be the city's first since Station 304 at Eucalyptus Street and 11th Avenue was built in 1991, and the first built in cooperation with San Bernardino County. Lewis said building new stations in Southern California was especially important as the region is gripped by "a drought that seems to go on forever.” This is exactly what leadership is," Adams said. "It's putting aside personal interests in the pursuit of common goals.” The 18,478 square foot station has a price tag of $6.4 million and should be completed in a year. Hesperia's first fire station, Station 301, will also be remodeled this fiscal year, Leonard said.

 

 

New Super Target is now the largest retail store in Hesperia in 2008

According to the Hesperia Star, October 14, 2008, Hesperia now has its own Target, a Super Target at that. The new store offers an array of household products, a pharmacy, optical department and groceries under one roof.” The new Super Target brings a long tradition of community giving and our one-stop-shop philosophy to the Hesperia community," said David Parker of Target. The Lewis Companies project, named the High Desert Gateway shopping center, broke ground in September of 2007. Last Sunday's opening was on schedule.

When first announced, the new shopping center was expected to generate an estimated $1 million in annual sales tax. The store is now the largest retail store in Hesperia. Previously, the largest was K-Mart, which opened at Main Street and E Avenue in 1988.The Super Target center, which sits on 32.7 acres, will have a total of more than 360,000 square feet when completed. With the Hesperia's store's Oct. 12 opening, the Minneapolis-based Target now has 1,685 stores in 48 states.

 

 

New Hesperia elementary school to open in 2009

According to the Hesperia Star, September 15, 2008, the Hesperia Unified School District will get its second elementary school of choice in August 2009, when Krystal Elementary School opens its doors. Krystal Elementary School will be built on the northeast corner of Farmdale Avenue and Krystal Road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hesperia's Ranchero Underpass project is approved

According to the Hesperia Star, August 28, 2008, the city of Hesperia is going to start buying right-of-way for the long-awaited Ranchero Road underpass.

The Federal Environmental Document for the proposed crossing under the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks received final approval from the California Department of Transportation on Wednesday, clearing the way for the city to begin buying the necessary land. There are $13.9 million in federal funds earmarked for the project, which means the proposal had to follow federal procedures.” We had to have the environmental review approved before we can buy right of way," Podegracz said. "It's fully funded; it's just been the environmental review process.” Now the city will be approaching landowners near the future underpass and attempting to purchase the needed land.

"We would hope to have it done in six to nine months, but again, that depends on how well we're working with the property owners," Podegracz said. They're starting from scratch at this point: "We're prohibited to speak with any of the property owners during the environmental process." Barring any major surprises, the city could begin construction about this time next year. “Once they start construction, it'll be anywhere from 18 to 24 months, depending on weather," Podegracz said.

 

 

 

Hesperia is growing despite the economic downturn in 2008

According to the Hesperia Star, July 21, 2008, despite the economic downturn, the city of Hesperia is thriving, according to the 2008 State of the City presentation, made Monday. Mayor Mike Leonard introduced the city’s annual presentation at the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce, held in Hesperia Senior Campus’ Terrace Room.

“Driving through our city, you see activity at every turn, whether it is development of new businesses and facilities, such as the Super Target or Civic Plaza Park, or construction on a wide variety of street and drainage improvement projects,” Leonard said. “Celebrating the city’s 20th anniversary, it is obvious we’ve come a long way from a stop along the Mormon Trail to an active city of almost 90,000 residents. “City officials pointed to the $220 million balanced budget for Fiscal 2009, despite the downturn in the economy. The long-awaited Ranchero Road Underpass under the BNSF Railroad tracks that divide the city into east and west halves will be completed in 2010, according to the presentation. By 2011, city officials plan to have Ranchero Road widened to five lanes between the new underpass and I-15, which will also have an interchange for getting on and off the freeway.

A 39,000 square foot police station will be built at the corner of 9th Avenue and Smoke Tree Street. Construction will begin in 2009 and take approximately 18 months. Two new ambulances and two new fire engines have been added to the city’s San Bernardino County Fire Department presence, and a new $11 million joint city and county fire station on Caliente Road should be ready for service in October 2009.

In the interim, the High Desert Gateway Center, featuring a Super Target, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Golden Corral and other restaurants and businesses will open near the intersection of Main Street and Interstate 15 in October 2008. “The city of Hesperia is growing up, both literally and figuratively,” Leonard said in closing. “Thank you for helping us become a city that we can all be proud of.”

 

 

Hesperia gets millions from the Feds for major railroad expansion

According to the Hesperia Star, January 7, 2008, Hesperia received a big boost to its rail industry when the city received a $2 million check from the Federal Government. The Feds will pay for the G Avenue Industrial Rail Lead Track Project. About one mile of railroad lead track with a parallel runaround track will be built in the city’s I Avenue Industrial Area. According to Lisa LaMere, Economic Development analyst for Hesperia, the project will go out to bid in six to 10 months with construction beginning within 24 months. The project is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs — some of the higher skilled positions should provide higher than average incomes — increase the city’s tax base, bring stability and promote economic growth and diversity. The rail project, which is expected to be completed by 2012, will give a huge boost to the city’s industrial park area, added Steve Lantsberger, the city’s Director of Economic Development.

The project will provide the infrastructure to develop rail spurs. By improving its rail accessibility, city officials believe businesses will increasingly look to Hesperia as a prime place to relocate or expand. That likelihood is increased by the city’s proximity to the I-15 Freeway, which along with the area’s rail system, leads to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which are major hubs for international cargo trade.

 

A Wal-Mart Supercenter and a Home Depot are coming to Hesperia on a 48-acre site

According to the Victorville Daily Press, January 4, 2006, Wal-Mart officials announced plans to build a Supercenter on the 48-acre site at Escondido and Main streets, which is also expected to include a Home Depot and small retail stores or restaurants. Private Developer, Elliot Megdal & Associates, will oversee construction of the shopping center. Building applications are expected to be filed within the next several weeks, according to city officials.

 

Wal-Mart spokesman Kevin McCall said the Supercenter is expected to contribute more than $500,000 in annual revenue for the city and hire more than 500 employees. Combined with the Target store, Mayor Pro Tem Ed Pack estimated the Home Depot and Wal-Mart Supercenter could generate more than $1 million in sales tax revenues for the city.

 

 

270,000 square foot retail center coming to Hesperia at I-15 and Main Street in 2006

According to the Victorville Daily Press, March 10, 2006, Malcolm Riley & Associates announced plans to build a 270,000 square foot shopping center on 28-acres near the intersection of Main Street and I-15. Construction on the Hesperia Plaza is scheduled for October 2006, with completion planned for April 2008.

Brian McDonald, a broker with CB Richard Ellis who represented the buyers in the land purchase, said the venture will feature a 270,000-square-foot shopping plaza that will be home to retail stores selling an array of products, including electronics, office supplies, home/domestic goods, clothing and pet supplies.

Malcolm Riley, president of Malcolm Riley & Associates, said he chose Hesperia for his next project because of the fast-growing community and the many new homes being built in the area. "The I-15 intersection in Hesperia is becoming a major commercial area," he said. "We are developing in a manner that is complementary to the other projects." Lisa LaMere, economic development analyst for the city of Hesperia, said there are nearly 4,900 homes either approved or under construction within two miles of the intersection. Riley said in addition to the 28-acre site, his company has also proposed a 36-acre expansion of the Hesperia Center immediately to the north. The expanded area could include a hotel, movie theatre, office space and a restaurant.

 

 

Hesperia is a Pro-Business Community

Hesperia is a pro-business city with an aggressive economic development program. They offer a one -stop permitting center for development review. Fast track permit processing means administrative planning approvals can come in 21 to 42 days for projects requiring public hearings. Hesperia is a low cost city for development fees. The Kosmont Cost of Doing Business Survey recognized Hesperia for its high level of economic activity. Kosmont rated the City as a very low cost community in terms of business development and operational costs. In addition, Hesperia offers an Economic Development Agency that administers two redevelopment project areas encompassing 24,878 acres, of which 1,032 acres are zoned commercial and industrial. The City offers attractive inducements to developers who develop in these projects areas.

 

This pro business posture has brought some impressive developments to Hesperia. Under construction is a 113-unit senior development center that will encompass over 700,000 square feet. In addition, Walgreen’s Drugs has reported a 15,000 square foot store at the corner of Bear Valley Road and Hesperia Road. Sav-On Drugs has nearly competed its new store of over 15,000 square feet. This will be a drive through pharmacy. Rite-Aid plans to build its own drive through pharmacy and a regular drug store on two 16000 square foot buildings. Other companies with a presence in Hesperia include Dial Precision, a global manufacturer of precision parts for turbochargers. They are doubling their size with the addition of two 10,000 square foot buildings. Double Eagle Transportation has plans for an 8000 square foot truck terminal and maintenance, repair and washing facility. C&M Wood, a global distributor of wood components for venetian blinds plans to expand its facility to 120,000 square feet.

 

Hotel construction is on the rise in Hesperia

Holiday Inn Express has completed a new 100-room hotel off Main Street, just west of I-15. The Holiday Inn Express in Hesperia boasts the High Desert's first indoor pool and suites with spas designed for the relaxation of business travelers. The same development company is preparing to build a new Best Western across Interstate 15, said John Patel, a partner in PCM, LLC an Arizona-based development firm. The 100-room Holiday Inn Express is one of six new hotels that have recently opened in the High Desert, bringing almost 500 new rooms to the area. The new hotels will bring the total number of rooms in the High Desert to 3,640 and 63 hotels or motels for travelers to choose from.

 

Hesperia announces its second new Business Hotel

The Hesperia City Council approved its second business hotel: a 53-room, 24,000-square-foot La Quinta Inn and Suites that shall be built on Mariposa Road. The City will invest $120,000 in the $2.3 million project, Hesperia spokeswoman Kim Summers said. Hesperia expects to gain $48,000 the first year and $62,000 by the fifth year in occupancy taxes. The Hotel will be three stories and will feature business conference rooms and an enclosed pool. "This Hotel will give credence and credibility to the Hesperia business community."

Hampton Inn to open in winter 06 as Hesperia's tallest building

According to the Hesperia Star, April 25, 2006, the Hampton Inn will open this winter at the northeast corner of Bear Valley Road and Mariposa Road. The intersection, adjacent to the Bear Valley Road interchange and Interstate 15, is one of the busiest in the High Desert. Shiva Management was required by the city of Hesperia to add an acceleration lane on Bear Valley Road, running 734 feet from Mariposa Road. The Hotel is currently under construction, and when finished will have 68 rooms. The new Hotel will employ 25 to 30 new employees.

 

 

* Some images on this page were provided by the City of Hesperia.