Rancho Mission Viejo Celebrates Over a Century of Community Development

Categories: Business NewsHealthcareNewsReal Estate & Properties

Rancho Mission Viejo exemplifies community and environmental stewardship.

News Summary

Rancho Mission Viejo LLC marks 143 years of commitment to family values and community development, led by President Jeremy Laster. The company emphasizes land stewardship and philanthropy, including a recent $50 million donation to enhance local healthcare facilities. As it embarks on its next development phase, Rancho Mission Viejo continues its legacy of creating sustainable, family-oriented neighborhoods.

Rancho Mission Viejo, California – Rancho Mission Viejo LLC is celebrating 143 years of legacy, firmly prioritizing family culture and community development under the leadership of President Jeremy Laster. The company, known for its emphasis on values that extend beyond mere home lot development, focuses on land stewardship and a familial workplace atmosphere where employees are considered part of the Rancho Mission Viejo family.

Founded in 1882 by Richard O’Neill Sr., who acquired a vast 200,000-acre ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo has evolved into a significant player in Southern California’s residential landscape. The land that once was a sprawling ranch has now led to the creation of vibrant communities such as Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Ladera Ranch, which together house approximately 225,000 residents across 75,000 homes.

The company has a storied history of philanthropy, significantly contributing to local healthcare initiatives. In a notable act of generosity, Rancho Mission Viejo donated land for the establishment of Providence Mission Hospital in 1969. More recently, in March, the company made headlines with a landmark $50 million donation to the hospital, marking it as the largest donation in the institution’s history. This financial support is designated for a $712 million expansion plan that is set to enhance healthcare services crucial for the residents of South Orange County.

Currently, Rancho Mission Viejo is in the process of developing its last major parcel of land—23,000 acres that will include 14,000 homes and 5.2 million square feet of commercial space over the next 15 years. This development is representative of the company’s broader commitment to responsible growth and sustainability, ensuring that community needs are met while preserving the area’s natural beauty.

On June 12, 2025, Rancho Mission Viejo received the Longevity Award at the Business Journal’s 26th annual Family-Owned Business Awards, honoring its enduring presence and commitment to family values in business operations. The company’s Chairman and CEO, Tony Moiso, a descendant of the O’Neill family, fosters a work environment that prioritizes work-life balance. Employees often stay with the company for 20-30 years or more, benefiting from a culture where attending children’s sporting events is encouraged, office lights are turned off at 5:01 p.m. to prompt employees to go home, and extended holidays such as four-day weekends for Memorial Day are offered.

Rancho Mission Viejo views itself primarily as a ranch management entity rather than just a land developer. The company has designated around 17,000 acres for conservation purposes, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship. This commitment translates into fire-resistant development practices amid ongoing projects, reflecting a responsible approach to land use and development.

Jeremy Laster, who joined Rancho Mission Viejo in 2011, perceives his work as a lifelong commitment, aiming to develop land meaningfully and responsibly. The company has a proven track record of philanthropic endeavors, ensuring that development occurs without excessive unit increases on properties and with regard to long-term community impact.

The recent donation to Providence Mission Hospital will aid in the construction of the new Rancho Mission Viejo Family Tower, which will include advanced medical facilities such as an intensive care unit, cardiology department, surgical services, and new emergency department observation rooms. This expansion aims to meet the healthcare needs of an addressable market of approximately 900,000 patients in South Orange County.

As Rancho Mission Viejo continues its journey, its commitment to creating a sustainable, family-oriented community remains a central focus, ensuring that it honors its legacy while building for the future.