August 1, 2025 - Structure of Old Town Village The Old Town Village district consists of 84.29 acres with the following boundaries: - North : D Street. - South: Forrest Avenue. - East: Eleventh Street. West: First Street. The existing entry points into the village are: - D Street (links I-15 to the Village and Route 66 west of I-15). - 7th Street (Route 66 running north to south through the district) - Hesperia Road (at the eastern end of the district). Properties that may be leveraged to attract Route 66 visitors are: 1. Route 66 - This is Seventh Street running north to south through the district. An entry arch is located at the junction of D and Seventh Street. 2. Route 66 Museum - The former Red Rooster Cafe with exhibits of Route 66 and the history of Victorville. Manned by volunteers with free admission. 3. Lane's Crossing Park - A new addition (2024). This is a fenced open air park with audio visual facilities, fire pit and a caboose. 4. The High Desert Performing Center - The former USO center, offering live theater performances, musical events, art exhibitions and are classes. 5. Fire Museum - Opened limited hours, this is an old fire station with historical fire fighting equipment. 6. Greenspot Motel - Built in 1932 as a motor court motel, this facility offers themed lodging in the district. 7. Veteran Memorial - Dedicated in 1996, this is an open air courtyard with seating and a memorial to veterans from Victorville. Acts as the central point in the Veteran Day Celebration. Historical properties in the district that may be viewed on a walking tour include: 1. The Turner House - a residence built in the late 1880s. 2. The Old School - Built in the 1920's. 4. St Joan of Arc Catholic Church - An older church that is central to Old Town. Restaurant/Bars found in the district are: 1. Guadalajara Meat Market - Mexican cuisine with indoor dining. 2. Valparaiso Mexican Restaurant - A walk-up fast food restaurant. 3. AJ's Bar. Specialty Retail include: 1. Wild Goose Vintage & Thrift - Offers vintage clothing and antiques. 2.Santa Fe Trading Company - Specialty home goods. Additionally there are periodic live music and art exhibitions. 3. Sweet Treasures - A specialty skin care store. 4. Barrel House - A historic building adjacent to the Route 66 Museum that is currently a liquor store and market. Currently the following events draw visitor and residents: 1. Christmas Parade along Seventh Street. 2. HD Market Night - Located in a vacant lot on Seventh Street. 3. Veteran Day Celebration - Centered at Veteran Memorial. Currently, the district has limited tourists outlets and will need significant improvement. The city does recognize that the Route 66 Centennial is a significant event that may result in placing the city as a tourist destination for Route 66 domestic and international visitors and is actively attempting to attract new businesses to the district. City Infrastructure and Improvement projects are: 1. Sidewalk repair and improving pedestrian/biking improvements. 2. A program offering up to $50,000 financial assistance to help buildings meet code standards, ADA compliance and facade improvement (to enhance a Route 66 theme). 3. Waiving of development impact fees for new businesses in the district. Future proposed projects include: 1. Narrowing of Seventh Street to 2 lanes with on street parking. 2 A roundabout at Seventh Street and Forrest Avenue (by the Veteran Memorial). 3. Improving and enhancing the City parking lot at 7th and B Street along with the parking lot at 8th and C Street. Funding sources for these projects include: 1. Community Revitalization Investment Agency (CRIA) - increment in value from property tax within the district. 2. Community Development Block Grants. 3. General Fund. A potential future funding source would come from the formation of Business Improvement District (BID). In summary, this district has relatively limited tourist appeal with a significant percentage of vacant land and vacant commercial buildings in need of repair and updating. The city is facing a short time frame (to capitalize on the Route 66 centennial) but is actively attempting to draw retail centers that are needed to draw and keep visitors. ? In the next post I will review land uses by category and percentages that currently exist in the district.