Good Planning Results in Life Unprecedented at Tesoro Viejo
Nestled at the foot of Little Table Mountain, the Tesoro Viejo community in southeastern Madera County just off State Route 41 and Road 204 is emerging. The award-winning master-planned community is at the heart of Madera County’s Rio Mesa planned growth area that was approved more than two decades ago.
“Good planning matters and to get to this point after many years of thoughtful planning is a real milestone for our region,” said Robert McCaffrey, Tesoro Viejo Development CEO.
Tesoro Viejo is being developed under partnership by The McCaffrey Group and Lyles Diversified, two long-standing family organizations. The 1,600 acre-site of rolling hills and vistas has been designed to capture the scenic surroundings and natural beauty of the land.
Recognized for its innovative design and sustainable living, the community will include about 400 acres of permanently preserved natural open space, parks, recreational areas and miles of trails. The community was designed to “lie lightly on the land,” incorporating the natural landscape and maximizing opportunities for residents and visitors to interact with the natural beauty.
“We take our role as good stewards of the land seriously,” said Brent McCaffrey, Tesoro Viejo Development President. “That’s why we have committed significant resources to preserving land and protecting natural habitats.”
Tesoro Viejo is making a difference in local land conservation by protecting 415 acres of historic California rangeland and protecting water wildlife resources in addition to preserving nearly 600 acres of off-site land.
Approved for up to 5,190 homes in nine distinct, walkable villages; the community will be a vibrant hub with housing and business opportunities, a walkable town center with open-air plaza, thriving industry, and neighborhood parks and schools. The community features three million square feet of non-residential space for commercial, retail, professional office, and light industrial opportunities.
“There is a feeling that is being captured here – and that feeling is one that you get from visiting Main Street of a small town,” Robert McCaffrey said at the recent Town Center groundbreaking. “The Town Center will be the place where everything you need and desire is here – a place to gather with neighbors, family and friends.”
“The Hub” – Tesoro Viejo’s innovative Welcome Center with approximately 7,800 square feet – will feature a neighborhood coffee bar and eatery plus multi-use offices. In addition, the event lawn will deliver an exceptional outdoor atmosphere for community entertainment and activities.
Located in the Town Center, the Madera County fire station and Madera County sheriff substation will serve residents in Tesoro Viejo, as well as residents in southeastern Madera County.
In addition to the Town Center, the first school, Hillside School at Tesoro Viejo, will serve students in transitional kindergarten through 8th grade and is anticipated to open this August. The first residential village, Hillside Village, is under way with the grand opening of the model homes planned for fall 2018. Construction on the resort-style community clubhouse and recreation center will commence this summer.
Construction is also under way on the on-site, state-of-the-art water and waste water treatment facility at the southern portion of the site near SR 41. Tesoro Viejo was designed with water conservation at the forefront, and the on-site water treatment facility will treat surface water and promote water recycling and reuse. In addition, the community uses best practices to reduce water use and conservation, including drought-tolerant landscape, water-saving fixtures, and smart irrigation controls.
“Tesoro Viejo is a testament to good planning,” Brent McCaffrey said. “We planned the construction of the school, town center, and the water treatment facility well ahead of homes, so that these essential services and amenities are ready for our very first residents.”