• Wildomar Square Grand Opening

Though most of Wildomar Square opened back in October of 2017, the center itself waited until Spring of 2018 to hold its grand opening. The day was a bit chillier than we are accustomed to in SoCal, but it was a beautiful day just the same. 

The LED message board was switched on after weeks of it being in the 'off' position, in preparation for the big grand opening. 

The LED sign announcing the grand opening.

As seen from the northeast corner of Clinton Keith and Hidden Springs Road. The red arrow indicates the LED portion of the sign, and the blue arrow indicates the giant Robecks cup that was on display.

Wildomar Square's new LED sign as seen from Del Taco on the north side of Clinton Keith.

In addition to the businesses giving out free samples, there was a ceremony hosted by site developer David Horenstein of DH Holdings. The entire city council was in attendance as were many city staffers, including the city manager (Gary Nordquist) and the assistant city manager (Dan York).

David Horenstein spoke for about 20 minutes, mixing self deprecating humor with enthusiasm for the city of Wildomar, and the prospects of that Wildomar Square brings to the area. His quotes are in the red boxes below.

• Good afternoon everyone that has joined us for the celebration. Today actually signifies a pivotal milestone in the landscape of Wildomar; the grand opening of Wildomar Square.

• Let me give you a brief history [of businesses in Wildomar] for the last twenty years and how we arrived here today. I said "twenty years", well, we started the journey in 1999. That's when we only had a USA gas station on the other side of the freeway, and a couple of older [shopping] centers on Palomar if you remember.  

He then went through the various developments that have come to Wildomar over the years. 

He talked about the Rancon project that brought us the Albertson's center (1999). The Stater Bros center was followed by the one at Clinton Keith and Palomar where Rite Aid is. The Shops at Clinton Keith where 7-11 is came in just before cityhood in 2006-07.

DH Holdings bought the property where Wildomar Square is in July of 2007, and then he kiddingly said, "It was a perfect time to lease and start a project in '08... no?" Alluding to the major economic downturn/housing bubble that really socked it to our region.

• We went into a depression and so we had to continue to look for people who were willing to move forward with the project. So the signs kept changing "coming soon (2008)" to "coming soon (2010)" to "coming soon" until we got the feeling that no one was lending in America. —You guys remember this time (said wryly, to which the crowd chuckled).

• We're grateful, we're humble we're joyous about being here to unveil Wildomar's hottest new —100% Amazon proof, and 100% leased— shopping center known as Wildomar Square. 

• Wildomar Square can be that open door that changes the shape and future of retail, and commercial property and civic center community in Wildomar we want to be more than just a shopping experience, we want to be a square to be truly a place where positive memories are made and everyone in the community, beyond Wildomar boundaries, can come and enjoy.

One bit of fun was when David Horenstein mentioned how Wildomar came about. The crowd enjoyed the comment, but weren't sure if it was well played humor, or just a slight mix up. ☺
• It was a small town and not many people know William, Donavon and Margaret in the late '80s came up with this town... late 1800s.

He then went through and highlighted all 24 tenants of the square. 

He started with Taco Bell, then went clockwise until he finished up with Country Kitchen. The other busineses were Jersey Mike's, Super Cuts, Robeks Juices, Sleep Squad, Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, Pad Thai, Pacific Marine Credit Union, Vie Nails, Petrichor Float, Califorever Salon, Mountain View Tires, Bear Creak Eye Care, Just Yoga, Massage Poise, Sandi Beach Tanning, Transamerica, The Habit, Town Center Cleaners, Sushi Ka, Healthy But Good, Angelo's Brick Oven Pizzaria.

I was excited to hear about the coming Thai Restaurant (which will be next to DD/BR). Can't wait to give them a taste. No word on how soon they'll be up and running. 

Wildomar is now solidly represented when it comes to places where you can get new tires and basic services for your automobiles.

The other new establishments I hadn't heard about before include Pacific Marine Credit Union, Sandi Beach Tanning, and Sleep Squad.

Mayor Ben Benoit remarked how much he liked Pacific Marine's new vault... which can be seen just beyond their E-Z Up with the bright yellow locking mechanism.

Next up was Mayor Ben Benoit:

"First off, I'm probably going to do this three or four times during this speech, but Thank - You - David!

David, you believed in this center, you believed in this city over and over again you believed in all of us and we've always believed in you, and we're so happy to be here today because of all the hard work you've put into it. I know it's your team [that made it happen], but thank you David, thank you very much."

Mayor Ben Benoit, fresh from the Eggstravaganza event a couple of hours earlier in the day at Marna O'Brien Park, says a few words about Wildomar Square to the crowd.

David Horenstein looks on as City Manager Gary Nordquist says a few words.

Ribbon cutting with the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce.

The equine squad was on hand.

Though their building isn't ready for business yet, Just Yoga was on hand to greet the community.

Purple was the color at Sushi Ka, as they gave out free tastes of their food.

No, there wasn't a time machine back to the Roaring '20s, the Wildomar Queens, along with city councilmember Bridgette Moore had been at the Operation Prom Girl over at the Elks Lodge before heading over to Wildomar Square. From left to right is Taylor, Daisy, Bridgette Moore and DD/BR owner Mike Stout.

•                •                •

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
– Dale Carneghie

Wildomar Rap is fairly certain that the long history of The Making of Wildomar Square is an example of Mr. Carneghie's point.

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email. Link to proper format.