A developer wants to build 80 new townhomes east of the Santa Ana Zoo

Meritage Homes is hosting a community meeting on Wednesday, Sep. 4, from 6 to 7 p.m., to learn more about a proposed for-sale townhome residential project at 2020 East First Street (which is a few blocks east of the Santa Ana Zoo).

Meritage Homes is proposing to redevelop the 3.72-acre site with eighty (80) three-story townhome units ranging from approximately 1,200 square feet to 1,800 square feet in size and six (6) live-work units that would be 2,500 square feet in size. The units would provide two to four bedrooms and a two car garages with either side-by-side or tandem parking configuration. The project site would have 194 parking spaces including guest parking. As proposed, the project would require approval of a Tentative Tract Map.

The community meeting will be held at the First Point Apartments Community Room, located at 2112 E 1st Street, Santa Ana.

Fast Facts

• Replaces a boarded up office building
• Includes 80 new high-quality attached, for-sale, three-story townhomes and 4 new high-quality attached, for-sale, four-story duplexes
• Energy efficient and water efficient buildings and landscaping
• Traditional architectural styles
• Two, three, and four-bedroom floor plans
• Two-car garages with additional on site guest parking
• Private open space in the form of a patio or balcony
• Common amenity areas including a BBQ area with shade structure and tables, picnic tables, and open lawn areas

Frequently Asked Questions from Meritage Homes

• Q: How many homes are proposed and will they be for sale or for rent?
• A: There will be 86 homes total – 80 of these will be attached three-story townhomes and 6 will be attached four-story duplexes. All homes will be for-sale.
• Q: Will this community have a Home Owners Association (HOA)?
• A: Yes, an HOA will be fully responsible for managing and maintaining the community, including all landscaping, common amenity areas, and parking enforcement.
• Q: Where does the community take access from?
• A: The primary vehicular entry/exit of the project is from E 1st Street adjacent to Golden Circle Drive. The secondary access will be shared with the First Point Apartments along E 1st Street, to the right of the project site.
• Q: Where will the residents (and their guests) of the proposed project park?
• A: Each residence has its own attached 2-car garage. The HOA will ensure that residents are maintaining their garage for the parking of vehicles and not storage. Additional spaces will be provided on-site for guests.
• Q: Will the community be gated?
• A: No, this development will not be gated.
• Q: When is construction expected to begin?
• A: Construction is anticipated to begin the 4th quarter of 2025, with a grand opening in the 4th quarter of 2026.
• Q: Is there an interest list, and if so, how do I get on it?
• A: Yes, there is an interest list. Please contact Louisa Feletto at the phone number or email address listed below.
• Q: Will these homes be energy efficient?
• A: Yes, Meritage Homes is proud to be the leader in energy-efficient homes. All our homes are equipped with solar, high performance HVAC, high efficiency windows, and more. They also offer additional green features and are Energy Star, Air Quality Plus, and Water Sense EPA certified to provide homes that are healthy for the environment and our buyers. They encourage you to explore their website at www.meritagehomes.com.
• Q: What if I have more questions or concerns?
• A: Please feel free to contact Louisa Feletto at Louisa.Feletto@meritagehomes.com or (949) 299-3833.