The firm is in a two-year exclusive negotiating agreement with the county to plan 50 acres at the center under development outside Auburn, looking at both housing and commercial draws.

“We see an opportunity for housing, and an opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind destination,” said Korin Crawford, an executive vice president with Griffin Swinerton’s local office. “There’s a lot of potential.”

Approved by county supervisors on Aug. 10, the exclusive negotiating agreement will mean regular company updates on projects envisioned for the land, northwest of Auburn city limits.

Crawford and Placer County Capital Improvements Manager Paul Breckenridge said the two sides have already agreed on some general concepts to include, such as farm-to-fork, health and wellness and recreation/open space. Crawford said that could take the form of wineries, bakeries or breweries, or public gathering areas.