Buffalo Ranch, 2418 MacArthur Boulevard, Irvine, Orange County, CA

Significance: The prime period of significance of Buffalo Ranch (Urbanus Square) is 1962-1975, the period of its association with William Pereira. The prior use of the site was as part of the Buffalo Ranch theme attraction. As part of the Section 106 process, the site has been determined eligible to the National Register of Historic Places by the State Office of Historic Preservation. Though it is less than fifty years old, there is a sufficient body of knowledge to establish that it is of exceptional importance due to its association with architect and planner William Pereira and his planning efforts in Orange County. Pereira used this site to execute one of his most notable achievements, the planning of Irvine. While he worked at other sites in Southern California, Urbanus Square is the one most closely associated with Pereira's master planning work in Orange County. Pereira may become recognized as one of the most prolific architects and planners in the last fifty years. His body of work includes major institutions throughout the nation and planning studies which changed the urban form of Southern California.
Survey number: HABS CA-2395
Building/structure dates: 1954 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1962 Subsequent Work