Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Update on the Little Saigon Archway Design Concepts.
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From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Adolfo Ozaeta, Assistant City Manager; Shaunna Hunter, Senior Management Analyst
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Receive and file the update; and
B. Provide direction to staff regarding the archway design concepts.
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BACKGROUND
The Little Saigon Archway Project was initiated to create a landmark entry feature identifying Westminster's Little Saigon district along the Bolsa Avenue corridor between Magnolia Street and Brookhurst Street.
Following a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process conducted in July 2025, a City Council Ad Hoc Committee consisting of Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen and District 2 Council Member Carlos Manzo reviewed consultant proposals; interviewed finalists on September 16, 2025; and recommended Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. (MIG) for the project. The City Council approved the consultant selection on October 15, 2025.
Community Engagement Efforts
To ensure the archway reflects the vision and identity of the Little Saigon community, the City conducted an extensive bilingual (English and Vietnamese) public outreach effort. Residents, business owners, property owners, and visitors were invited to provide input through community meetings, workshops, special events, and surveys over the past six months. The table below summarizes the outreach events.
Archway Design Concepts
Feedback received throughout the engagement process guided the development of the proposed Little Saigon Archway concepts. Based on community input, MIG developed three archway concepts for City Council review and consideration (Attachment 1).
• Concept 1 - Temple Archway Design
• Concept 2 - Lotus Archway Design
• Concept 3 - Lantern Archway Design
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact in the review of the proposed design concept.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The Little Saigon Archway Project represents a significant opportunity to create a recognizable landmark that celebrates the cultural identity and heritage of Westminster's Little Saigon community. Through a comprehensive community engagement process, residents, business owners, and stakeholders have helped shape the archway concepts presented for City Council consideration. Design selection will move the City closer to realizing a signature gateway feature that enhances the Bolsa Avenue corridor and serves as a lasting symbol of Little Saigon's cultural significance.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Gateway Into Little Saigon Design Concepts prepared by Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc.
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager