A former juvenile correctional facility in Paso Robles could become a sprawling commercial and industrial development under a nearly $1 billion redevelopment proposal.
The Paso Robles Planning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 27 to recommend approval of The Landing, a 140-acre development proposed for the former Paso Robles Boys School property near Airport and Dry Creek roads.
The project, brought forth by Majestic Realty Co., would transform the long-vacant state facility into a commercial hub intended to attract businesses, tourists, and thousands of jobs to the city’s growing airport corridor.
“This is a significant development for the city of Paso Robles and provides really a transformational opportunity for economic development and job creation around the airport area,” Community Development Director Warren Frace told commissioners.
The development would be constructed in phases over several years, beginning with a warehouse, a hotel, conference center, and retail.
Later phases would introduce additional industrial warehouses, offices, restaurants, a market hall, and winery-related businesses.
Majestic Realty representative Philip Brown told commissioners that the company has spent six years refining the project.
“We’ve changed a lot of what we had originally envisioned for this site,” Brown explained.
Brown said the company is exploring opportunities to attract businesses associated with the city’s proposed spaceport, as well as industries beyond the region’s wine and tourism sectors.
According to an economic impact analysis presented by the developer, the completed project could generate approximately 2,679 permanent jobs, nearly 4,500 construction jobs, and $11.8 million annually for the city’s general fund.
Brown estimated that the project’s construction costs, previously projected at $800 million, could now approach $1 billion.
The potential employment opportunities drew support from local labor representatives, including Mark Simon of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who brought several local apprentices to the meeting.
“I did two of my years of my apprenticeship at the boys school,” Simon said. “Once the boys school closed, there was … no more jobs.”
The development would require removing 30 oak trees, although the developer proposes planting 202 replacement oaks.
Transportation improvements represent another major hurdle, particularly along Airport Road and Highway 46 East.
“Traffic obviously seems to remain a largest portion of everyone’s concern,” Commissioner Ty Christensen said. “The road improvements need to be in place.”
The developer is working with Caltrans to obtain approval for a temporary traffic signal at Airport Road and Highway 46 East while longer-term improvements are considered.
Under a proposed development agreement, Majestic Realty would contribute an additional $3 million toward Airport Road improvements, beyond required traffic impact fees.
The agreement also includes $250,000 for affordable housing projects, $500,000 for the library foundation, and funding for parks and recreation.
The Paso Robles City Council will consider the project on Nov. 17.
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 5, 2026.
