Sun City Street Improvement Project

Sun City is a master-planned community for senior citizens over age 55 within the City of Menifee. The four square mile residential community has a private HOA and is closed to members-only, but the commercial center is open to the public. Originally built in 1960, the Sun City Community of Menifee was one of four “Sun Cities” originally designed by Del Webb. The Sun City “Core” is Located on the west side of Interstate 215 (I-215), near the heart of the City. The community has a recent estimated population of some 17,770 residents in approximately 8,750 households. The age restricted area of the Core creates a strong sense of community among the residents. The community is served by a shopping center that was originally partially built by Del Webb and was part of the Sun City development. The center was originally known as the Sun City Shopping Center, but changed its name to “Cherry Hills Plaza” in 2014. The Plaza is a mix of family style restaurants, grocery stores, insurance and tax service providers, banks and bargain store and has never been kept up by the plaza owner or County, prior to City incorporation in 2008. This failure of upkeep led to degradation, increased crime, burglaries in the plaza and overall failure to thrive in a center that once was a powerhouse for the senior community. Although some residents face great economic challenges from living on fixed incomes, most residents have a strong sense of community and would like to see this area revitalized to expectation of once was. The City work diligently on this project that was made up of three main street that wrapped around the Cherry Hills plaza which included all median improvements, landscaping along the plaza and across the street to the center, including a trail. More specifically, the project removed existing palms trees that were creating power line issues, palms that kept dropping on residents and vehicles, created entry point signage for identification and community pride, created a walking trail, new median landscaping with water tolerant plants, drip to drip irrigation, curb reconstruction, decomposed granite walkways, and military banners along the streetways on streetlights to proudly display locals who are veterans giving heroes a face in our community. This project was received positively and created unification between the community of Sun City and the newly incorporated City of Menifee. Community pride flourished in the community, created additional modes of transportation that were sustainable and environmental friendly, and ultimately, assisted the plaza with new tenants that have helped the plaza revitalize thus, assisting the City with revenue for additional improvements and public safety needs.