Restoring Vail Ranch

Vail Ranch is the historical center of Temecula's history. It was the hub way back when Temecula was known for pig farms and cattle ranches. Vail Ranch once encompassed most of what is now Temecula. The biggest irony is that it now sits on land surrounded by a shopping center and nothing has been done to restore the site or make it accessible since the shopping center was built a few years ago. The Press Enterprise says a group is ready to do that at a cost of $7 million.

Arteco's preservation plan calls for the restored buildings to be used for commercial uses that could include restaurants, coffee shops, an ice cream parlor or retail stores. A two-story building would be constructed on the site. It would be designed to blend in with the existing historical structures, two of which would likely be adapted to meet the operational needs of the eventual commercial tenants.
The Vail Ranch preservation group plans to use part of a previously moved and restored barn for a museum and periodically hold special events at the site. Farnbach said the preservation group has already acquired two stagecoaches, a hay wagon, a vintage tractor, a Model T automobile and other historical items for use and display.
A water tower that once anchored another section of the sprawling ranch will also eventually be moved to the site, he said.
"I think the community is silently waiting," he said.