Has Chapman improved its relationship with the city of Orange?

Graphic by Easton Clark, Photo Editor

The bustling streets of historic Old Towne Orange are filled with students and families alike, all enjoying the many different food options, antique stores and the iconic mosaic fountain. However, Chapman University has brought equal struggles and benefits now and in the past with its close proximity.

Chapman University was founded in 1861 in Woodland, California and moved to Orange, California in 1954. Purchasing the former Orange Union High School, at first, the arrival of the renovated buildings and student housing was welcomed by the Orange community.

Chapman has continued to grow, opening the Dale E. Fowler School of Law in 1995 and the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts the following year. The business, STEM and arts aspects also continued to grow and improve, with Chapman stating on their website, “As we get bigger, we're also getting better. We're ambitious, we're confident — and we're comfortable with that.”

Although expansion has benefits for Chapman itself, the neighboring community of Old Towne also sees the benefits and detriments of the university. Chapman's enrollment has expanded steadily since its establishment, increasing housing needs. Students, however, can affect the market in other ways with the high desirability of wanting to rent in the local neighborhoods, making it competitive for families and students alike. 

In the fall of 2019, Chapman housed 50% of undergraduates in Chapman-owned residences.  The school acquired 1,800 new beds through Chapman Grand and Chapman Court in Anaheim; there was also an increased number of beds in The K Residence Hall.

Parking is also an ongoing issue at Chapman and in Orange itself. Although Chapman has three new parking officers added to Public Safety, five new shuttles added to reduce on-campus parking demand and 623 riders per day using off-campus shuttles instead of driving to campus, availability with parking can be challenging.

In fact, paid parking was approved in Old Towne Orange by Orange City Council Members. The members voted 4-2 to approve a $1.8 million three-year contract with ACE Parking III, enforcing the paid parking in the Orange Plaza. This change is scheduled for this fall, with the hourly costs ranging from $1.25 to $2.00 per hour based on location.

Students who work in Old Towne or who hold other jobs in the area may also be affected by the new change. 

Aside from the parking issues, Chapman’s evolution can impact neighborhoods and local businesses.

Groovy Ghost Vintage, owned by Gretchen Davey-Molina and Steve Molina and located in Old Towne Orange, finds Chapman students beneficial not only for their store, but also for the community. 

“We love that we are on the walking path in The Circle,” Gretchen told The Panther. “I love Chapman kids.”

When talking about the cost of rent, Gretchen explained that being in a family-owned building is a lot more affordable, unlike several of the others, like the empty one across from their store that used to be an antique mall. However, she also explained that because of the prime location, it adds up. 

“It's a very unique thing that the pricing might be because the foot traffic is built in,” said Gretchen. 

Chapman has also boosted the economy in different ways. They contributed roughly $66 million to the City of Orange through faculty and staff salaries, vendor partnerships and student/visitor spending. They’ve also had $525 million in total economic impact across Orange County, including university operations and tax and education-related contributions. They also strive to have events open to the public.

“Community Relations serves as the main point of contact for working with the City of Orange and other government officials,” said Alisa Driscoll, vice president of the Office of Community Relations.

The office has served as the primary point of contact between the school and the City of Orange for years, helping strengthen the community and trust between students and residents. 

Chapman aims to continue strengthening the relationship between the school and the city, with the community relations department and the new liaison committee at the forefront.  

The two programs aim to stay true to the mission of aiming to create a lasting connection that benefits both the city and the university, as stated on the community relations website. 

The department is also responsible for several community-building events, including the partnership between Chapman and the weekly farmers' market event held on Saturdays, as well as a recent collaboration with the city to promote the Experience Orange program. 

When it comes to neighboring students, since 2023, there has been a 48% reduction in the number of calls involving Chapman students to the Orange Police Department.

Chapman also strives to strengthen community relations within Orange by expanding K–12 and first-generation student pathways from Orange, Santa Ana and Anaheim. Chapman further included a Quality of Life section in Specific Plan Amendment 7, with its goals to enhance infrastructure, preserve Old Towne, increase on-campus housing, maximize the use of university-owned property and expand access. 

“The Experience Orange program allows students to earn cash back on the purchases they already make at local businesses,” said Driscoll. 

Driscoll discussed several upcoming events, including the Love Orange city-wide service day scheduled for Oct. 11. The Love Orange event is a day where students and residents can come together to give back to the community.

Love Orange is a volunteer organization that has been active since 2012, focusing on improving the city of Orange by hosting events, such as volunteer day, to make an impact on the city that the community wants. 

“Last year, Greek Life put together over one hundred blankets for service members at Camp Pendleton through this program, and we hope more students participate this year,” said Driscoll. 

Along with the Love Orange event, the Circle Stroll will take place on Oct. 4, during Homecoming Week. 

The Circle Stroll is a homecoming festival event where students will receive a passport that can be used to showcase their patronage of local Orange businesses. Additionally, students who visit multiple stores will be entered into a giveaway.  

While that is taking place, The Squeeze will also be selling limited-edition tote bags designed by a Chapman student. Contra Coffee & Tea has crafted a special menu that participants can enjoy as well.  

“We frequently partner with local businesses, especially in Old Towne, to help connect them with the campus,” said Driscoll. “We manage a list of local businesses that offer a Chapman discount when students show their ID.” 

“We encourage students to get involved in our immediate community. Orange is an incredible place, and the opportunities to engage are endless,” said Driscoll. “Stepping outside of the campus footprint to meaningfully connect with others is a very rewarding experience.”