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More than 300 business and community leaders celebrated the official groundbreaking of Tesoro Viejo, marking the start of construction of the newest master-planned community just off Highway 41 in the heart of Madera’s planned growth area in southeastern Madera County.

“We acquired this special piece of land in 2004, and have worked extremely hard with our team and leaders of Madera County – along with several government agencies –to make Tesoro Viejo a reality,” said Bob McCaffrey, Tesoro Viejo Development CEO.  “To get to this point after many years of thoughtful planning is a real milestone for our team and our region.”

Tesoro Viejo is being developed under partnership by The McCaffrey Group and Lyles Diversified, two long-standing family organizations.  The 1,600 acre-site of rolling hills and vistas is situated at the foot of Little Table Mountain and has been designed to capture the scenic surroundings and natural beauty of the land.  Recognized for its innovative design and sustainable living, the community will include about 400 acres of open spaces, parks, recreation, and more than 15 miles of trails.

Long planned by Madera County as the center of the Rio Mesa Area Plan, Tesoro Viejo embraces the planned growth vision by meeting all the needs of a complete community with a mix of residences, employment, recreation and commercial use.  Tesoro Viejo and Madera County were recognized recently by the American Planning Association with the Outstanding Planning Award in Innovation and Green Community Planning for its efforts in creating a vibrant and healthy community.

“Tesoro Viejo will have a lasting economic and social impact on not only Madera County, but on our region,” said Madera County Board of Supervisor Brett Frazier. “Tesoro Viejo is at the center of the Rio Mesa Area Plan that was approved more than 20 years ago to bring balanced and purposeful growth to Madera County.” 

Overall grading and site improvements are under way simultaneously in three major construction components to ensure residents have the amenities and services they need from day one.  Construction has begun on the Hillside Village, the first of nine residential villages; the Tesoro Viejo Town Center with 3 million square feet of office, retail, commercial, and industrial space; and the Tesoro Viejo Master Mutual Water Company, the onsite water and wastewater treatment facility.

“Good regional planning matters,” said Fresno County Board of Supervisor Sal Quintero.  “Having a strong regional vision is not bound by county lines – Tesoro Viejo will have a positive impact on our entire region.”

Hillside Village, will offer up to 800 homes that provides diverse housing options to fit a wide range of lifestyles and needs, and will feature a resort-style clubhouse, an amphitheater, neighborhood parks, Chawanakee Unified School District’s new Hillside School that will serve students from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade, and about a 3-mile trail system that will surround the Village and lead to the Town Center.

The first phase of the Town Center will feature a new Madera County fire station and sheriff substation, a Welcome Center, a large event lawn, and future shopping and dining spaces.

The Tesoro Master Mutual Water Company, the third construction component under way, will be an onsite, state-of-the-art water and waste water treatment facility to treat surface water and promote water recycling and reuse throughout the development.

“We have a unique opportunity to attract businesses that will generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue,” McCaffrey said.  “Tesoro Viejo is a meaningful investment in the future of our region that will add value and amenities, benefiting not only those who choose to live at Tesoro Viejo, but also neighboring residents.”