3 4
3 9
DISCUSSION
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: July 15, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Eric Levitt, City Manager
Department: Economic Development
Subject: Arden Guthrie – Presentations and Developer
Selection (Ward 2)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, receive a report, consider presentations from the development teams on their concept for the future development of the Arden Guthrie property, and provide staff direction regarding the development of the Arden Guthrie Property.
City Manager's Comments
Staff has reviewed the two presentations of the developers who responded to the RFP. We are bringing forward both Panorama Properties and Schneider Commercial Real Estate to present to City Council. The objective of this agenda item is determine whether the City Council provides direction to move forward with one of the developers in working on an ENA. Both come from a slightly different approach. The Panorama brought forward a more detailed site design. My recommendation is if Council provides direction to move forward in negotiating an ENA with either that we develop a more comprehensive plan through the ENA process.
Executive Summary
This item requests direction from the Mayor and City Council regarding the selection of a preferred development partner for the future redevelopment of the Arden Guthrie property. The proposed projects present a significant opportunity to transform a long- vacant, City-owned site into a catalyst for economic development, private investment, job creation, and increased tax revenue. Bringing the finalist proposals forward for Council consideration promotes transparency in the selection process and provides an opportunity for the Mayor, City Council, and community to engage directly with the development teams and their respective visions for the site.
Background
3 4
3 9
Commonly known as the Arden Guthrie property, this City-owned site consists of approximately 17 acres of vacant commercial land located adjacent to the I-210 Freeway. The property is bounded by Highland Avenue, 20th Street, Arden Avenue, and Guthrie Street, providing a highly visible location with regional freeway access.
The former Redevelopment Agency (RDA) acquired the property in late 2006 utilizing a Section 108 Loan through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Between 2006 and 2009, the RDA completed the relocation of existing residents and cleared the site to prepare it for future development opportunities. In 2010, the RDA entered into its first development agreement for the property.
Between 2010 and 2021, the City and the selected developer ultimately terminated their development efforts. Following the dissolution of the project, the property was declared surplus, allowing the City to initiate a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to identify a new development partner.
Between 2022 and 2024, the City released and awarded an RFP for the redevelopment of the Arden Guthrie property and entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the selected developer. In late 2024, the developer elected to withdraw from the project, making the site available for renewed marketing and future redevelopment opportunities.
Following the developer's withdrawal, the Economic Development Department began actively remarketing the Arden Guthrie property and preparing a refreshed RFP to attract qualified development partners.
On September 4, 2025, the Department released a new RFP soliciting redevelopment proposals from regional and national developers. The competitive solicitation process provided staff with the opportunity to evaluate prospective development teams based on their qualifications, proposed site and project designs, development experience, and financial capacity to successfully implement a transformative project on the site.
The RFP deadline was originally set for October 9, 2025, but was extended to allow greater opportunity for developers to apply. The RFP was then closed on December 4, 2026. Two developers submitted proposals as part of the RFP process. Those developers included:
1. Panorama Properties, Inc.
2. Schneider Commercial Real Estate
On March 2 and 19 of 2026, initial interviews were conducted with the developers.
Discussion
Following the completion of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, staff evaluated submitted proposals two finalist development teams have been selected for consideration by the Mayor and City Council. The selection of a development partner for the Arden Guthrie site represents a significant milestone in the City's ongoing efforts 3 4
3 9
to transform a long-vacant property into a productive economic asset that contributes to the community's long-term growth and vitality.
The Arden Guthrie site occupies a highly visible location adjacent to the I-210 Freeway and presents a unique opportunity to attract quality development that can generate new investment, create employment opportunities, expand commercial amenities, and increase future property, sales, and other local tax revenues. Redevelopment of the site has the potential to serve as a catalyst for additional private investment in the surrounding area while enhancing the City's image and strengthening the local economy.
As part of the evaluation process, the finalist development teams have prepared conceptual site plans and development proposals for Council's consideration. It is important to note that the site plans presented at this stage are preliminary concepts intended to demonstrate each developer's vision, development approach, and overall project feasibility. The plans are not final development designs and will continue to evolve through future negotiations, due diligence, environmental review, engineering, and entitlement processes. Should a development team be selected, staff anticipates working collaboratively with the developer to further refine the project design to ensure alignment with City goals, community needs, and applicable development standards.
The Mayor and City Council's selection of a preferred development partner will authorize staff to enter into negotiations for the preparation of an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA), providing the framework for further evaluation and refinement of the proposed project prior to the consideration of any final development agreement Strategic Targets and Goals
The selection of a developer for the Arden Guthrie property aligns with Key Target No. 4: Economic Growth & Development. Specifically, the Mayor and City Council is empowered to evaluate alternatives for the sale and development of real property such as Arden Guthrie.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact related to the Mayor and City Council considering the selection of a developer for the Arden Guthrie property.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, receive a report, consider presentations from the development teams on their concept for the future development of the Arden Guthrie property, and provide staff direction regarding the development of the Arden Guthrie Property.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Arden Guthrie RFP F-25-1038
Attachment 2 RFP Proposal – Panorama Properties Inc.
Attachment 3 RFP Proposal – Schneider Commercial Real Estate 3 4
3 9
Attachment 4 Panorama Properties Inc. Presentation Attachment 5 Schneider Commercial Real Estate Presentation Ward:
Second Ward
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
June 16, 2021 The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-150, declaring Arden Guthrie surplus land and approving the release of the Notice of Availability.
CC