by Timothy Rutt
John W. Reischl, director of development for The Olson Company of Seal Beach, confirmed that the property was in escrow, but couldn't say much more than that at this point.
"There's really not a lot to say," Reischl said. "We're very early on in the process."
Reischl said that they were aware of the problems the property has caused in the past, and they were spending time talking to the neighbors before beginning planning steps.
The property -- classroom-type buildings, office space, and a villa -- most recently belonged to Philip Clarke, president of the Arroyo Pacific Academy, which was trying to put a satellite campus on the site. Clarke's bid was turned down twice by the Altadena Town Council and by the county Planning Commission in the face of strong opposition by neighborhood residents. Previously, the property belonged to the Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School, which opened a campus without acquiring the proper permits in 2008. That school was shut down at the end of the school year in 2009.
The property -- an institutional complex inside a residential neighborhood -- also served as a home and school for abused and troubled children, and as a YMCA camp.
The Olson Company describes itself as "a leader in providing affordable urban housing throughout California." Many of their projects are named "Walks," which exist inside urban areas close to jobs and shopping. Locally, the company developed Heritage Walk at East Walnut Street and El Molino Avenue in Pasadena, and Village Walk in Claremont. The company also touts its LEED, green, and sustainable building designs.
