DEVELOPERS MAP OUT VISIONS\3 of 4 CSUN finalists would move football stadium, build indoor\arena.

Byline: Mary Beth Alexander Daily News Staff Writer

Three of four finalists vying to develop 65 acres at Cal State Northridge would relocate the university's football stadium and build an indoor sports arena, according to plans submitted Thursday.

One of the three also is proposing a 160-room hotel and adjoining convention center, another is planning a performing arts theater, and the fourth developer wants to build a straight retail project.

The plans for the university's "North Campus" project now will be considered by campus officials and a board of directors chosen specifically for the project.

The public will get a chance to comment on the proposals during meetings scheduled for March 11 and 12.

John Rollow, the real estate development consultant for the project, said a developer could be selected before the end of the month, but the winning plan would require further refinement and study.

"These plans are still preliminary. They have to go through refined design, and the environmental impact (studies)," Rollow said. "It's going to take a while to digest them."

The finalists, selected among nine developers who submitted proposals, are Voit Cos., the builders of Warner Center; Lowe Enterprises; Hopkins and Cousins; and Northridge Arena Management Co., operated by Northridge businessman Mark Steele.

In the project area - bounded by Lassen and Devonshire streets and Lindley and Zelzah avenues - Voit and Lowe each have proposed building a retail center along the north end, a new football stadium on the southwest corner and an indoor sports arena on the southeast corner.

Voit also has proposed building a 160-room hotel, with an adjoining convention center, between the stadium and the arena. Brentwood-based Lowe's plans include a multipurpose performing arts theater.

Hopkins and Cousins submitted plans to build a retail complex along Devonshire, while Steele proposed a multimillion-dollar sports complex on the southern end of the property. The two proposals are being considered together, Rollow said.

The developers' estimates of the cost of building a new football stadium ranged from $3 million to $12 million, depending on the amenities. The university has said it wants a bigger and better stadium than the current one at Devonshire and Zelzah, especially now that its football team has moved from the America West Conference to the larger Big Sky Conference.

The finalists declined to outline how the projects would be financed.

Rollow said the university would cautiously consider the proposed indoor arenas, which could be used for university as well as semipro and pro sports. "The university obviously is interested in the sports facilities, but the economics aren't proven yet," Rollow said.

The university has been interested in developing the land, formerly the Devonshire Downs racetrack, since it acquired the property in the 1960s. An attempt in the 1980s failed when the developer went bankrupt.