City Manager Scott Mitnick emphasized during the Nov. 17 City Council meeting that the founding fathers of T.O. wanted a central gathering place. The revitalization of Thousand Oaks Boulevard has been a clear goal of the City Council, he said.

The city needs a viable, self-sustaining pedestrian-friendly area to bring the founders’ dream of a central gathering area into reality, Mitnick said. The Civic Arts Plaza was built, then The Lakes. Maestro, a successful, upscale restaurant across the street, next appeared. Gardens of the World is also nearby.

The Discovery Center, a children’s science adventure facility, was put on hold after a feasibility study in 2008 showed it was too expensive, he said.

But city leaders have wanted a central gathering place since 1964, Mitnick said.

—Nancy Needham