The work, starting this month, is the first step in amulti-phase revitalization effort of Guasti Village. The HistoricGuasti District will ultimately include 400,000 square feet ofretail and restaurants, 600,000 square feet of office, residentialunits and two hotels.

Guasti’s owner, Oliver McMillan, and the city agreedon a first phase scope of work that incorporates protectivemeasures for structures and artifacts that include the GuastiVilla, a firehouse, five worker cottages and two residences. Theowner participation agreement is the first of several aimed atpromoting strategic development throughout the city, according to astatement from Mayor Paul S. Leon.

Founded in 1904, Guasti Village was once a self-sufficientcommunity that included the world's largest contiguous vineyard,encompassing over 5,000 acres. Oliver McMillan is responsible forcovering and providing weather protection for the Guastibuildings’ roofs and repairing any leaks, makingstructural assessments and immediate repairs, and providing overallsite protection and barricades.