A proposed five-story mixed-use development in Old Town Newhall is generating both support and concern among local stakeholders. 

The proposed Newhall mixed-use development project, slated for Main Street, Market Street, and Railroad Avenue intersections, includes 78 residential units, 5,300 square feet of commercial space, and 122 parking spaces, according to City documents.

The development aims to enhance the area’s economic vibrancy by providing much-needed housing and boosting local businesses, according to the City of Santa Clarita’s Community Development Department.

“The project aligns with the General Plan and zoning regulations, fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment and revitalizing Old Town Newhall,” the applicant said.

Renderings of Newhall Mixed-Use Development Project

However, not everyone is on board. 

Impacting History

This Newhall mixed-use development is expected to impact Santa Clarita’s Historic Courthouse.

Located in Old Town Newhall near Market Street and Railroad Avenue, the Santa Clarita Courthouse was constructed in 1931, alongside the Masonic Lodge.

It is believed that salvaged materials from the Mayhue Building, including the Hap-a-Land Dance Hall floor in the 1800s, were used in its construction. 

The courthouse occupied the ground floor, while the Masonic Lodge operated on the second floor. 

In 1960, the Newhall Masonic Building Company liquidated and sold the property. 

Los Angeles County moved court operations to Valencia in 1968, and the first floor was repurposed for office use. 

More recently, the building has seen further transformation with the addition of the Railroad Café, which served coffee and pastries to locals and commuters utilizing the nearby Metrolink Train Station.

The cafe closed in 2017.

The building also hosts “Rafters” Santa Clarita Valley’s Alcoholics Anonymous group. 

“Rafters” was established in 1975 for Santa Clarita residents. 

This group has remained in the historic courthouse for the last 30 years. 

The Newhall mixed-use project is now proposing to tear down the existing historic courthouse for the new development.

Aerial map view of Newhall Mixed-Use Development. KHTS butted right against the projected development.

Impacting KHTS Radio

Carl Goldman, owner of KHTS Radio, has voiced serious concerns in a letter to Patrick Leclair, Santa Clarita’s Planning Manager, about the impact of construction on his station, which is located at 24320 Main Street. Its building is butted up to the proposed project.

In a letter to city officials, Goldman warned that the noise from construction would effectively shut down KHTS’s broadcasting ability. 

“The impacts are draconian: there is no way for the radio station to broadcast during construction. Not broadcasting will cripple our business,” he wrote.

Goldman hired specialty contractors, structural engineers, and sound experts to study what, if any, impacts will occur to KHTS Radio Station.

Acoustic specialist, Brad Keeler of Progressive Design Inc. visited the radio studios on March 4, 2025.

“In his opinion, there is no additional soundproofing that can be added to prevent the noise from overwhelming KHTS broadcasts,” Goldman said in the letter. “In other words, there is no way to mitigate construction noise to allow us to broadcast while the proposed project is being constructed.”

Goldman doesn’t disagree that the Newhall mixed used development project will improve Old Town Newhall, he is just asking for the city to consider mitigation measures for his business.

Preserving History

In the planning commission agenda city officials confirm they are working to preserve historic buildings. 

In the agenda it states, “a letter from the Santa Clarita Historical Society, finding that the historical integrity of the building was severely compromised by a remodel in 1968, that no interior features remain from its use as a County Courthouse, and that it would be infeasible to relocate the building to another location.”

In preservation measures, the planning commission plans to: 

1. Recording the building in accordance with Historic Architectural Building Survey
2. Installing a commemorative plaque on the exterior of the new building
3. Placing a dedicatory art installation within the residential lobby
4. Making a monetary contribution of $750,000 to support local historic preservation efforts. 

What’s next

The public hearing for the project is scheduled for March 18, 2025, at City Hall, where residents and business owners will have the opportunity to voice their opinions. 

As Santa Clarita continues to balance growth and preservation, this project stands as a pivotal issue for the community.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.