Fairview Developmental Center
| Fairview Developmental Center | |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1959 |
| Closed | 2020 |
| Current Status | Closed |
| Building Style | Cottage Plan |
| Location | Costa Mesa, CA |
| Peak Patient Population | 2,659 in 1967 |
| Alternate Names |
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History
Fairview Developmental Center is the newest of the state's five developmental centers officially opening on January 5, 1959. It is located in Costa Mesa, California, a city that is the cultural and commercial center of Orange County. Originally occupying 752 acres, Fairview had an initial bed capacity of 2,622 and was intended to house some 4,125 residents. The actual population peaked in August 1967, at 2.659 and much of the original land was transferred in 1979 to the city of Costa Mesa. As of July 8, 2019, the population was 42. Currently, it encompasses approximately 121 acres and is in various stages of being closed, except for the group homes.
The State intends to sell the land to a master developer. The State Legislature approved the FDC closure plan in 2016. The closure plan provides data and information concerning the FDC’s residents, the employees, the families, the buildings, and leases. Senate Bill 188, approved by the Governor in 2022, outlines the partnership between the State Department of Developmental Services, State Department of General Services, and the City of Costa Mesa regarding the future disposition of the site.
In September of 2023, the City of Costa Mesa initiated the preparation of a Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report to coordinate and facilitate transition of the Fairview Developmental Center (FDC) to a mixed use, mixed income housing community. The Plan is expected to be completed in late 2026.
