Eligible homebuyers in the Inland Empire can apply for up to $40,000 in down-payment assistance, thanks to a partnership between the Inland Empire Community Foundation and Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services.
The organizations are using a $1 million gift from U.S. Bank to fund the initiative, which is open to homebuyer who earn 80% or below the area median income. In San Bernardino and Riverside County, the AMI is roughly $97,500. For a family of four, the eligible annual income would be $82,000 or below.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with U.S. Bank and NPHS to launch this transformative program,” said Michelle Decker, CEO of IECF. “By addressing the financial hurdles to homeownership, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of families and the economic health of our communities here.”
The program, which is accepting applications now, includes pre-purchase counseling, down payment and closing cost assistance.
The down payment assistance comes with a deferred, zero-percent loan for 30 years, with no payments required during this period. The loan would have to be repaid if the homeowner decides to sell or refinance, according to Greg O’Donnell, chief impact officer at NPHS. Otherwise, the loan will be due in full at the 30-year term, he said.
To apply, go to nphsinc.org/iedpa.
Burlington opens Feb. 21 in Redlands
A relocated Burlington Stores is opening Feb. 21 at Citrus Plaza in Redlands.
The store at 27450 W. Lugonia Ave. replaces an older location at 1520 Industrial Park Ave., also in Redlands.
Burlington features a wide array of household items, apparel, footwear and accessories, plus items for family pets at bargain prices.
The new store brings the state total store count to 113, the companys said.
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Daycare provider expanding in Inland Empire
The Learning Experience is opening five daycare schools in the Inland Empire between this spring and early 2027.
Locations include Murrieta (27620 Clinton Keith Road) opening by spring; Chino (12479 Central Ave.) by summer; Winchester (Washington Street) in late 2026; Murrieta (Winchester Road) by early 2027; Menifee (early 2027).
Each school typically spans 10,000 square feet, offering full-time jobs to employees five days a week.
For children, the daycare offers indoor space and a play space. Each center can accommodate up to 180 children between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 years.
The Learning Experience has 17 centers in California. For more information, go to thelearningexperience.com
Chipotle-Starbucks property sells for $6.2M
Two buildings occupied by Chipotle Mexican Grill and Starbucks across the street from Terra Vista Town Center in Rancho Cucamonga recently traded hands for $6.22 million.
Hanley Investment Group represented the seller, Chase Partners Ltd. in Glendale. The buyer was only identified as based in Los Angeles.
Chase Partners, according to Hanley reps, completely rebuilt the structures, including the expansion for Starbucks. Chase — a developer of Starbucks and Chipotle sites — has a dozen projects underway.
The property drew multiple qualified offers, said Bill Asher, an executive vice president at Hanley.
The 22-year-old buildings sit on 1.31 acres at at 10811-10831 Foothill Blvd. and include the 2,508-square-foot Chipotle and a 4,000-square-foot Starbucks drive-through with store.
News you might have missed
Surfwear stores closing: Beach reporter Laylan Connelly had the latest on Liberated Brand, the retail operator behind surfwear heavyweights Quiksilver, Billabong on Volcom. Liberated filed for bankruptcy last week and is now getting ready to close 100 retail stores nationwide. The actual brands will live on as Authentic looks to new operators to resume sales through other retailers and e-commerce sites.
In-N-Out is coming to Monrovia, according to food reporter Fielding Buck. The restaurant is under construction in the Huntington Oaks Center. Expect that to open in just under a year.
Chanel recently opened a fragrance and beauty boutique at Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga. Address: 12453 South Mainstreet, Suite 1260.
ZM Trucks, a subsidiary of ZO Trucks based in Tokyo, is building its U.S. headquarters in Fontana, leasing a 210,000 square foot facility at 10271 Almond Ave. The company said it will use that facility to manufacture a range of zero-emission products including electric commercial trucks, tractors, and airport ground service equipment.
Costco strike averted: The Teamsters union and the warehouse retailer reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, avoiding a strike last week. Details of the agreement, which must be approved by members, weren’t immediately available.
The business briefs are compiled and edited by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items to sgowen@scng.com. High-resolution images can also be submitted. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.
