The Fontana Civic Center, located in downtown Fontana was aging, underutilized, and lacked identity. A master plan was prepared for the civic center, providing for a new event space, improved entry, heritage gardens and a greenway that provides improved trail connectivity to the civic center and to adjacent communities.
Fontana’s rich history of agriculture and industry, beginning with founder A.B. Miller, provided inspiration for civic center improvements. Miller’s contributions included development of advanced irrigation technologies to capture and direct Santa Ana River flows through a network of underground tunnels, resulting in a thriving citrus economy that put Fontana on the map.
The 3-mile greenway is comprised of citrus orchard trees located within bands of crusher fines and a series of large, rising landforms. The rise and fall of these crisp crescent shapes in juxtaposition with the orthogonal arrangement of the citrus trees creates a striking and memorable landscape, particularly at night, as each tree is carefully lighted to comply with dark sky requirements. Adjacent to the greenway is a small heritage garden, comprised of the historic train depot, vineyards and a memorial rose garden.
Two large fountains create a gateway and welcome visitors to the civic center. A second fountain, constructed of black granite, is emblematic of the complex underground water delivery system Miller developed that successfully brought water to the orchards. The top of the feature is sloped, creating a rise and fall effect for visitors as they circumvent the roundabout.
A large central green, flanked with bollards and sandstone pavers, creates an enriched event space for weekend fairs and festivals, which are plentiful in Fontana. At night, the square becomes a lantern, softly illuminating the interior of the civic center, creating a safe and welcoming environment from surrounding streets.
Office: RNL
Client: City of Fontana
Contributions: Master planning, lead designer, construction documents, construction administration
Awards
2005 California Downtown Association Crystal Eagle Achievement Award
Murals by others
