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For 50 years, the College Heights Lemon Packing House north of Claremont's train tracks was the hub of a bustling citrus industry—a rectangular, two-story warehouse where workers graded, packed, stored, and shipped the fruit that dangled from local trees. Once a major source of income for Claremont, the citrus industry's landmark point of contact went vacant for more than three decades before a long-awaited, major civic initiative known as the Village Expansion shook the dust from its marketing potential.
Now a reality, the expansion, located in the area west of Indian Hill Boulevard and along Bonita Avenue, debuted in part this summer as an extension of the city's thriving downtown district. While businesses continue prepping for their public debut, many others have already opened along the corridor, a welcome surprise that included the unveiling of the city's first art-house movie theater.
"This development adds tremendous vitality to the city," said Maureen Aldridge, chief executive officer of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce. "Just the restaurants now open in the Packing House have already brought more vitality, and this will continue as new restaurants open."
The old Packing House itself, the largest historic building in downtown Claremont, has been burnished and thoroughly renovated, while preserving the vintage feel and style of the old building. It serves as an anchor for two restaurants and a jazz nightclub, 15,000 square feet of retail space, 17 high-end loft apartments, and an outdoor events plaza.
Also new to the Packing House is the Claremont Museum of Art, showcasing local artists as well as exhibits from nationally and internationally known artists. The next door over is the office of the Claremont Forum, a nonprofit community center that promotes civic engagement and enrichment. The Forum organizes the Claremont Farmers and Artisans Market on Sundays, and sponsors the Thoreau Bookstore. In addition to its eclectic selection of books, the shop is a fundraising venture and volunteer workplace for the Forum's Prison Library Project, sending reading material to prison inmates, chaplains, librarians, and study groups.
City planners expect completion of the Village Expansion by year's end, with remaining retailers filling in around the Packing House and along First Street.
"Overall, the expansion will make Claremont more of a destination for weekend trips, as people come to stay, shop, and go hiking in the mountains or perhaps go to dinner theater," Aldridge says. "It will be very vital for the whole area."
Packing House businesses include but are not limited to:
- Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue Lounge
- The Young Chef's Academy (children's cooking classes)
- Sara Rose Designs (floral studio)
- Phebie's Needle Art
- Cry Baby's (unique children's clothing sizes 0 to 6T)
- Packing House Wine Merchant
- Yi Kai/Kenneth Johnson studio and gallery
- Maui Wowi Hawaiian (coffee and smoothies)
- Edible Arrangements (fruit arrangements)
- Dale Bros brewery
Village Expansion businesses include but are not limited to:
- Laemmle's Claremont 5 (now open)
- Casa 425 (a 28-room inn)
- Chico's (women's apparel)
- 21 Choices Frozen Yogurt
- Chloe & Hunter (children's clothing, toys, and gifts)
- Eco Terra (health market)
- Cold Stone Creamery
- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- The Pita Pit (fresh sandwiches)
For More Information on:
Packing House Development businesses and events:
http://www.claremontpackinghouse.com/
Claremont Museum of Art:
www.claremontmuseum.org
Claremont Forum:
http://www.claremontforum.org/
Complete list of scheduled Village Expansion businesses:
http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/download.cfm?ID=18968
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Packing House renovations maintained most of the original floors and structure.
The Village's expansion north of First Street and West of Indian Hill is still under underway, but completion is expected by year's end.
Internationally known artist Yi Kai at work in his studio, upstairs at the Packing House. The work of Kai, who left China in 1989, typically integrates Chinese symbols with symbols of Western culture.
Now open: Laemmle's Claremont 5 is offering specials on drinks and popcorn through the end of August.
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