Viejas Springs Village

The Viejas Springs Village site occupies 35 acres near the city of Alpine. This major 180,000 square foot retail center sits adjacent to the Viejas Casino and Turf Club. A concerted attempt to blend the development into the surrounding chaparral landscape characterizes the first views as drivers approach from the freeway.

IVY served as the Landscape Architect in charge of Site Design, Site Furnishings, Water Features and preliminary Lighting and Grading Design.

The major program elements include outdoor plazas and courtyards evoking spiritual identities such as Water, Fire, Earth and Air. A show Court with computer-controlled water effects is located near the center of the project. There, Native American interpretive dances are presented to the public. Other landscape features are specifically designed to dialogue with the natural settings and include natural rock outcroppings; the informal use of native plants; simulated flagstone paving and waterfalls, brooks and creeks.

The basic concept that applies to the entire site, from large-scale grading and planting to detailed water-feature design and site furnishings, seeks to communicate the Native American symbolism inherent to the Viejas Tribe. The juxtaposition of this symbolism with the site’s organic layout results in a harmonious setting for recreational activity.