G Gensler
Garden Grove
Little Saigon
DESIGN GUIDELINES
CITY OF GARDEN GROVE | JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION | 08/25/26 Project Team
Gensler G
A NICE PLACE TO LIVE SANTA ANA
Integrated Design Team: GARDEN GROVE JUNE 13, 1951
• 1869
• Urban Planning & Design
• Architectural Design
• Brand Design
• Mobility Planning
• Community Engagement
CONSULTANT TRI-CITY CLIENT TEAM
• Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26
KATELLA AVE
39 Project CHAPMAN.AVE.
S LEWIS STREET
Purpose GARDEN GROVE
GARDEN GROVE-BLVD-
Project was developed as part of the Regional Investment Initiative Catalyst (RIIC) grant under California Jobs First, creating architectural WESTMINISTER AVE. MAGNOLIA-ST W 17TH-ST-
and urban design guidelines that support future public and private investment.
BOLSA AVE
Establish a shared vision for the future of
1 SANTA ANA
Little Saigon. FAIRVIEW ST
: FADDEN AVEL
-EDINGER AVE
2 Strengthen the district's cultural identity and
EDINGER AVE
physical character. 405 GNOLIA-ST
39 FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Improve the public realm and enhance the
3 visitor experience.
NEWLAND SI
W MACARTHUR BLVD
Guide future public and private investment BROOKHURST ST through cohesive design strategies.
W SUNFLOWER A
GARFIELD AVE
G Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 RON
CARPEN EROVE
The SHULARK
S SUPPLY
District
Today
13880-
• Auto-oriented retail centers
with expansive surface
parking.
• Strong cultural identity
but inconsistent physical CAC LOA
character.
• Lack of shaded public
gathering areas and limited
pedestrian amenities.
• Diverse retail center sizes
Bánh Mì &
requiring different design
strategies. Che. C
• Lacks connectivity between
destinations.
-Mươ 2 Tăngí
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 A Community Led Process
Over 100 community members and stakeholders were engaged across six unique touch points HỘI THẢO CỘNG Little Saigon
COMMUNITY
ĐỒNG VỀ THIẾT WORKSHOP PART II
Help Shape Little Saigon's Draft Design Guidelines!
KẾ CHO
Saturday, June 20, 2026
11 AM - 1PM
LITTLE SAIGON
Freedom Hall, Mile Square Park
25 Tháng Tư | 11 AM - 1 PM 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA Garden Grove Courtyard Center
FEBRUARY SPRING: DISCOVERY LATE SPRING SUMMER: REFINEMENT LATE SUMMER SEPTEMBER 2026 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY 2026
ENGAGEMENT Preliminary ENGAGEMENT Refined
Project PHASE 1 Design PHASE 2 Final Design Project
Kick-Off Guidelines Guidelines Finalization
Virtual Focus Groups + Virtual Marketing &
In-Person Workshops + Messaging + In-Person
Online Survey Workshop
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Garden Grove Community Workshop
First public engagement on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Garden Grove Courtyard Center
BUTLE SAMURS
COMMUNITY &
DESIGN WORKSHOP
A LOOK AND PERIORE THE FUTURE
LOOK AND FEEL OF THE POTRE
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 What We Heard
Preserve Heritage Celebrate Identity Activate Community Life Preserve and Build on Little Saigon's Existing Celebrate the Unique Spectrum of Vietnamese Enabling Cultural and Social Activities is Just as Nostalgic and Layered Character and Vietnamese-American Design Aesthetics Important as Physical Design Aesthetics RONG CHƠI
RONG CHO
G Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Design Values
Design for Hospitality First Honor Memory and Storytelling Look to the Future Create a welcoming, accessible, and Honor Little Saigon's history while Create places where families, youth, inclusive district for people of all ages celebrating the evolving identity of the and future generations can connect, and abilities. Vietnamese-American community. gather, and thrive.
Stay Flexible and Tactical Prioritize Coordination and Embrace Nature and Leverage the Cooperation Outdoors
Promote flexible, achievable solutions Encourage collaboration across Design vibrant public spaces that that support long-term implementation businesses, community organizations, encourage year-round outdoor activity and investment. and local creatives. through shade, greenery, and places to gather.
G Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Project Graphic Identity
Reflecting back what we heard from the community: A bright, vibrant brand identity nostalgic at heart, weaving together diverse perspectives into a unified mosaic.
Headling: Fontspring
Little Saigon
Sub-Headling: Gotham
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Primary Colors Secondary Colors
We are
OPEN
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Document Implementation
What is a Design How will this What will this
Guideline Document? Document be Used? Document Achieve? • Flexible recommendations for future • Organized into four topics: Streetscape & • Support capital improvement planning development and reinvestment. Public Realm, Site Design, Architecture, and project prioritization. and Signage & Wayfinding.
• Guidance, not requirements. • Encourage coordinated implementation • Complement existing zoning and land use • Recommendations supported by images, among cities, agencies, and property diagrams, and example applications. owners.
regulations.
• Used by property owners, developers, • Intended to be visually compelling and designers, business owners, and City staff. accessible for any audience to use. • Implementation icons identify
stakeholders best to carry out each
recommendation.
G Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 10 Document Organization
BÁNH Little
MI Saigon
LITTLE SAIGON
ORANGE COUNTY CHE VILLAGE
MARKET MALL
CALI
PARIS
BAGUETTE
2E SAIGON BANERY
OR SAIGON OPTICAL
* KIM HOAN
VIETNAMESE
M BOOKSTORE
Streetscape & Site Design Architecture Signage & Wayfinding Public Realm
Gi Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Streetscape &
Public Realm
Guidelines: Streetscape & Public Realm
SECTION GOALS
Strengthen District Placemaking Expand Shade Trees & Landscaping Celebrate the culture and character within public realm through culturally Create cooler and greener streets by increasing shade and landscaping. inspired streetscape elements and public art.
Introduce Outdoor Gathering Spaces Improve Walking & Connectivity Design public spaces that support gathering, community events, and Support safe and accessible streets with shared mobility and a park once celebrations. experience.
G Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Guidelines: Streetscape & Public Realm
4.1 Create Welcoming Streets that 4.2 Reinforce District Identity Through 4.3 Expand Urban Greenery in both Encourage Walking and Exploration Culturally Inspired Streetscape Elements Public and Private Spaces Frontage Pedestrian Through Zone Furnishing
Zone Zone
4.4 Support Safe and Comfortable 4.5 Design Public Spaces to Support 4.6 Celebrate Vietnamese Culture Movement Throughout the District Community Use through Public Art and Placemaking LITTLE
Subur
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 14 Gateway Sign
LOTUS
MARKET ORAGON
FRUIT
DESSERT SAIGON
MOON CAFE MEKONG
STREET EATS LOTUS
FLOWER
FLORIST
Pylon Sign
Street Lighting & Banners
Shade Canopy
200->и
Saigon St
Bike Lane
Roadway Medians
Outdoor Seating
Street Furniture
DRAGON:
LITTLE SAIGON FRUIT
DESSERT SAIGON
ORANGE COUNTY MOON CAFE MEKONG
STREET EATS LOTUS
00j00 FLOWER
FLORIST
votins al
Saigon St
We are
OPEN
Site Design
Guidelines: Site Design
SECTION GOALS
Improve Site Access & Circulation
Design retail centers with connected pedestrian routes, intuitive circulation, and efficient parking.
Strengthen Site Placemaking Create Active Community Spaces Celebrate Vietnamese culture through site elements that create a Activate retail centers with flexible public spaces for family play, dining, cohesive and recognizable district identity. and everyday activities.
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Guidelines: Site Design
5.1 Improve Access and Connectivity 5.2 Activate Site to Support Community 5.3 Strengthen District Identity Through Within Retail Centers Life and Culture Culturally Inspired Site Elements
VISITOR INFO
beach
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26
PHO MIEN TAY
TIEN THENG T RING T
TRA YẾN SAO
ĐÒ
CÔNG
Shade Trees
Temporary Activation
Pedestrian Lighting
VIỆT
COFFEE
BASTA
Wayfinding/Info Kiosk
Outdoor Seating
Decorative Paving &Story Trails Little Sarigon
Public Art
PHO MIEN TAY
TƯỚNG ỚT
TIEM ANS ỐT
YẾN SAO
ĐO
CÔNG
VIỆT HƯƠNG
COFFEE
Little Saigom
Guidelines: Architecture
SECTION GOALS
ЖЖЖЖЖАТАН Non
FEE A M
ЖЖЖЖЖЖЖЖЖЖЖ
Enhance Storefront Character
Create engaging storefronts that reflect district identity through culturally inspired architecture, materials, and transparent building frontages.
N. 8 Eldot
Improve Comfort and Visibility Design Distinct Roof Forms Elevate the pedestrian experience with shaded walkways, illuminated Incorporate expressive roof forms that strengthen architectural character. storefronts, and welcoming building entrances.
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Guidelines: Architecture
6.1 Encourage New Development that 6.2 Integrate Diverse Materials and 6.3 Design Engaging Facades Inspired Supports Walkability and District Character Details into Storefront Design by Vietnamese Culture LỄ THÁNH TÔN, P. BẾN NGHẾ, Q.1 ÂN CƯ 15A LÊ THÁNH TÔI MRSIMP ĐẶNG
CA PHE
Nón
6.4 Use Building Entryways 6.5 Integrate Facades with 6.6 Design Roof Forms that 6.7 Integrate Lighting Within and Window Design to Create Awnings, Canopies, and Enhance Building Character Storefront Facades Connections Other Shade Structures
GÁC MÁI
No 8
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 24 Storefront Architectural Elements
Signage Gridded Glazing Upper Articulation
Lighting Fixture Sloped Awning Clerestory Glazing Suspended Canopy Framed Wall Panels
Operable
Window
Recessed Bay
Entry Window Folding Doors
LEGEND
Facade System
Contemporary
Signage
Awning & Canopy Glazing
Lighting Walk-up Bulkhead
Counter
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Storefront Applied Materials
BAHN-MI
VIETNAMESE GRILL FAMILY DENTISTRY
COFFEE *ІЖЖ CONFECTIONARY
PHỞ NOODLES XXX»
BEAUTY & COSMETICS 8 8 8 8
BAHN-MI
GRILL.
CECE
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 PHỞ 40
Vietnamese Noodle House BÁNH
MI 1 - Storefront Facade Materials
CHE
CALI
Wood Slats Iron Concrete/Clay Ceramic Smooth Natural
Metalwork Screen Block Patterned Tile Stucco Stone
2 3 2 - Cultural Ornamentation
5.5 55
155
Nature/Botanical Lantern Bamboo/Rattan Traditional
45 Craftsmanship
Weaving
3 - Storefront Fenestration
Nón
Foldable Doors Indoor-Outdoor Pavilion Traditional
(Serving Windows) (Fixed Glazing & Display
Window)
22 225
4 PHỞ 40
Vietnamese Noodle House BÁNH
5 4 - Shading Element
CHE
CALI
Continuous Building Сапору Awning
Overhang
5 - Signage
Ftalyan
55 CĂ SANDWICH
PHE • SHOP
VIETNAM
15-5
4.5 Flat Wall Sign Blade Sign Neon Sign Window Sign
4.5 6 - Landscaping & Ornamentation
Entry Planters Planting Strips Seasonal Display
PHỞ 40
Vietnamese Noodle House BÁNH
MI
CHE
CALI
PARIS Litle Saigon
BAGUETTE
NƯỚC MIA
5.5 5.5
LILO
15.5 45
4.5 We are
OPEN
AIA
Signage &
Wayfinding
Guidelines: Signage & Wayfinding
SECTION GOALS
Create Welcoming Moments and Landmarks
Establish recognizable gateways and monument signs that create a welcoming sense of arrival into the district.
DARiS
Art Studios Dini
3 min Artist Mural Silo Public Par
f Art Studie
Jan Wobb Park
5 min
& River Arts Place
Enhance Navigation and District Legibility Celebrate Culture through Graphics and Art Create coordinated pylon signage that helps visitors identify retail centers Integrate pedestrian-scale branding and storytelling to enrich the visitor and individual businesses. experience.
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 31 Guidelines: Signage & Wayfinding
7.1 Gateways 7.2 Monuments 7.3 Pylons
KOREATOWN EVA PA ANAHEIM CONYENTION CENTER
Парк».
7.4 Tenant Signage & Branding 7.5 Branded Pedestrian Spaces 7.6 Street Banners
CHO, EN
M TRAU ĐUA
Lakeshore hea rueune
Downtown
PLAZA
Mount
LESS Prospect
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 32 Tenant Signage Options
Projecting Projecting Projecting
Sign Sign Sign
Window Wall Wall Window Channel Awning
Sign Sign Sign Sign Letter Sign Sign
VIETNAMESE BAHN-MI
COFFEE • • • GRILL • •|| •
BEAUTY & COSMETICS PHO NOODLES FAMILY DENTISTRY bI
CONSI ONARY
VERANESE O COFFEE
BAHN-MI
GRILL
COSMETICS COSMETICS
LEGEND
Wall Sign
Window Sign
Projecting Sign
Channel Letter Sign
Awning Sign
Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 Public Realm Signage Options
17'-O"
16'-0"
15'-0"
14'-0"
13'-0"
12'-O"
11'-0"
10'-0"
9'-0"
Little Saigon
8'-0"
7'-0"
6'-0"
5'-O"
4'-0"
3'-0"
Little Saigon
7'0"
WELCOME 1'-0"
Monument Street Banner Pylon
G Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 34 Little
Saigon
Little Saigon
VILLAGE
MARKET MALL
PHỞ 23 VILLAGE
PHỎ 23
NAMESE KITCHEN TRA VIET MARKET MALL VIETNAMES
SAVION KIN HOAND
COFFEE & TEA SAIGON BAKERY BOOKSTORI
6 CAJE OPTICAL JEWELRY
TRÀ VIỆT
OFFEE & TEA
SAIGON BAKERY
& CAFE
SAIGON OPTICAL
KIM HOÀN
JEVIELRY
VIETNAMESE
BOOKSTORE PHO 23
SAIGON BAKERY T
SAIGON OPTICAL →
KIM HOAN
VIETNAMESE
BOOKSTORE
AShared Vision
Provide lasting framework for preserving cultural identity while shaping its future for generations to come.
Create places where people feel welcomed to walk,
2 gather, and experience the heart of Little Saigon.
Empower property owners, businesses, and cities to
3 shape a more vibrant and cohesive district.
G Gensler LITTLE SAIGON DESIGN GUIDELINES | City of Garden Grove | City Council Planning Commission Study Session | 08.25.26 36 Gensler
Thank You