Discussions move forward between Garden Grove Agency for Community Development staff and Chad McWhinney of McWhinney Enterprises regarding continued refinement of the International WEST Central Hub site plan and the economics of the Central Hub master plan.

International WEST is Garden Grove’s developing vision of a new, 520-acre resort and entertainment destination located along Harbor Boulevard, just two miles south from the world-famous Disney Resort area.  The Master Plan includes a dynamic mix of upscale dining, shopping, hotel, and entertainment venues.

In October 2007, the Agency entered into a Negotiation Agreement with McWhinney Enterprises to explore the development of the 35-acre Central Hub within International WEST. 

Since 1991, McWhinney has planned and developed more than 5,000 acres in several master-planned communities and over 3.3 million square feet of vertical commercial and mixed-use properties throughout the Rocky Mountain region and on the West Coast.

Recently, City of Garden Grove officials and staff met with Tim Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of Village Road Show, and discussed the potential of an International WEST theme park.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, including operations across multiple countries, Village Road Show is a leading international entertainment and media company with its core businesses in theme parks, movie production, film distribution, cinema, and radio.  Independently, these businesses are strong well-recognized retail brands; together they create a strong portfolio of media and entertainment resources.

Village Road Show’s assets include: 100 percent of Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, Australian Outback Spectacular, Australia’s most popular theme parks, a major movie production business based in Los Angeles, a film distribution business with operations in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Greece, and an international cinema circuit of approximately 670 screens in 68 separate sites.

“Garden Grove would be thrilled to have a Village Road establishment,” commented Garden Grove City Manager, Matt Fertal, adding, “however, everything is at the beginning stages and nothing is set in stone. ”  For continuing updates, visit: www.internationalwest.com.

Participation in the International Council of Shopping Centers RECon (ICSC RECon) Convention last month was considered a success for International WEST and the City of Garden Grove.

Approximately 1,200 people from 51 countries were among the record 50,000-plus delegates in Las Vegas for the ICSC convention.  The international contingent, this year, was over 40 percent larger than last year and included development in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.  To highlight the growing industry’s emphasis on global development, this year's convention featured 13 sessions focused on specific world regions.

Agency staff met and presented to a wide range of companies which included the following:

Starwood – City officials met with Starwood Hotels and discussed potential locations for a new Starwood hotel within International WEST. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM and Element SM.

Great Wolf Water Park - Staff met with the CEO of Great Wolf Water Park and discussed the potential of locating a Great Wolf Water Park and hotel in International WEST at the McWhinney Central Hub site.

Each year, this high-profile convention provides an excellent opportunity for the City to present a visual display with informative literature about the International WEST concept to potential developers and partners.

ICSC RECon’s "2008 Hot Retailer Award” went to the following companies and brands:

Apricot Lane (http://www.apricotlaneusa.com)
Apricot Lane is featured as the ONLY specialty retail franchise that combines opportunities from the fashion and gift industries to offer branded fashion apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts in the styles and trends customers are looking for.

Billabong (http://www.billabong.com)
Australian Gordon Merchant founded Billabong in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast in 1973. Combining his passion for surfing with hard work, he developed his own stitching technique, which made the garments more durable, cost-effective and less labor intensive.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries (http://www.fiveguys.com)
Five Guys Burgers and Fries is a restaurant chain that originated in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in 1986.  The chain sells award winning hamburgers and fresh cut fries, as well as 100% kosher hot dogs--everything is cooked to order. 

Fresh & Easy (http://www.freshandeasy.com)
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market is a local, neighborhood store providing fresh, wholesome food at affordable prices to everyone.  Fresh & Easy is a company of Tesco, the UK's largest retailer and one of the world's leading international retailers.

L.L. Bean (http://www.llbean.com)
L.L.Bean, Inc. has been a trusted source for quality apparel, reliable outdoor equipment and expert advice for more than 95 years.  Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company has grown from a one-man operation to a global organization with annual sales of $1.6 billion.

Pinkberry (http://www.pinkberry.com)
Pinkberry is frozen yogurt-reinvented. Inspired by European gelato and frozen yogurt history, America's ice cream pastime, and pop culture from around the world, Pinkberry creates a communal experience that indulges the senses.

Pollo Campero (http://www.campero.com)
Pollo Campero, the world's largest Latin chicken restaurant chain, is expanding aggressively in the U.S., including the recent opening of its first restaurant inside a Wal-Mart Supercenter.  The company's mission is to conquer the heart and palate of its guests with flavorful food, an exceptional experience and uncompromising quality.

RIDEMAKERZ (http://www.ridemakerz.com)
Tapping into America's love of cars and the massive car-customizing craze, RIDEMAKERZ(R) offers "kidz" from 6 to 106 the opportunity to build and customize their very own radio-controlled cars. RIDEMAKERZ is led by "ZEO" Larry Andreini, noted entrepreneur.  In addition, legendary car-customizer Chip Foose, host of TLC's "Overhaulin'", serves as an advisor for the experiential retailer.

Stir Crazy (http://www.stircrazy.com)
Stir Crazy is a full-service Asian restaurant that offers a diverse menu of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese food, in a fun, vibrant atmosphere with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients and bold flavors to deliver a truly unique casual dining experience for its guests.

© 2008 International WEST. All rights reserved.