As the Newhall mixed use project continues to move forward, Santa Clarita City Council members gathered at the construction site Thursday to break ground on the retail area.

City officials acquired the full city block of property in Old Town Newhall in November 2008, with the vision of constructing a theater, combined with retail space, residential units and a public parking structure.

The Newhall mixed use project, developed by Serrano Development Group, will include 372 parking stalls and an event area on the rooftop deck adjacent to a new Laemmle Theater and Newhall Crossings.

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“The rooftop deck is designed for public use for events. So if you want a view of the valley, go to the rooftop deck, you can see everything,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste.

The project on Main Street, Lyons Avenue, Railroad Avenue and 9th Street will include 20,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, as well as 37 residential units, according to the developer’s website.

The new Laemmle theater would show independent movies on seven different screens.

As part of the city’s master plan, city officials are committed to increasing artistic and cultural opportunities for Santa Clarita Valley residents, according to Weste.

The goal of the project is to enhance economic vitality and bring Newhall back to life.

“With your partnership, you are not only improving the life of our residents and re-establishing the quality of life in this district,” said Weste, “you’re bringing back to life the very historic core of the Santa Clarita Valley.”

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