Menifee celebrates arrival of  Town Center Oak Tree

The Menifee community planted roots, literally, this week when a majestic 80-year-old California Live Oak tree was lifted by crane and guided into a large hole in the middle of what will become the Menifee Town Center.

The landmark Menifee Oak Tree was delivered to its new home  on an over-sized flatbed truck. It was then hoisted by crane and planted in this huge 12 foot by 12 foot hole. The tree will eventually be the focal point of a round-about in the middle  of the road going through Menifee Town Center.

 The oak tree is a Menifee icon. It's included in the city seal, it's the basis for the city logo and now it's a landmar in the Town Center, a community meeting place under construction. Elected officials, developers and city staff attended a small Menifee Oak Tree planting ceremony to celebrate the arrival of this new landmark at the Menifee Town Center construction site located at Newport and Haun roads."The oak tree signifies strength, hardiness and endurance for our new city," Mayor Scott Mann mentioned in his remarks at the event.

Menifee Town Center is a 172 acre planned mixed-use development being built by Regent Properties. The Town Center will feature retail, dining and entertainment establishments, and possibly a movie theater, as well as housing. It also is the future home of Menifee City Hall, making this a central gathering place for the Menifee community.Work on Menifee Town Center is underway. The Santa Rosa Academy opened at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, and utilities are in place for the rest of the development. Construction is set to begin on the main road this winter and the Town Center development is expected to be completed in spring 2014.