Sacramento Proposal/Approval/Construction Thread - III

[Pistola916]

Bob Shallit: High-rise courthouse could fill Capitol Mall void
bshallit@sacbee.com
Published Saturday, May. 22, 2010

A different sort of high-rise could ascend from the Capitol Mall site where developer John Saca once planned 53-story condo towers.

A new state courthouse.

We hear that the vacant Third and Capitol Mall site, now owned by CalPERS, is one of two locations being considered for a 12-to-16- story, $540 million courts building.

The other finalist: a parcel between Fifth and Sixth streets, just north of H, on the edge of the downtown railyard.

Negotiations with the owners of both sites would likely begin this summer, leading to a 2012 construction start of what would be a massive project.

"This will be a tremendous benefit and boon to downtown Sacramento," creating hundreds of construction jobs and boosting court-related employment, says Assistant City Manager John Dangberg.

Dangberg says he sees "pluses and minuses" with each location. The city's main goal, regardless of site, is to encourage construction of a building that "adds to the urban landscape" instead of one dominated by "blank walls," he says.

A selection of the Capitol Mall site would replace a blighted hole at one of the city's main entry points.

A choice of one of two available railyard sites would "absolutely" jump-start development there, says Suheil Totah, VP with railyard owner/developer Thomas Enterprises.

"This would probably be the first vertical building" in the project, he says.

The court expansion, aimed at relieving crowding at the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse on Ninth Street, is one of 40 new court buildings planned statewide. Most costs are being met through court fees, making construction feasible even given the budget crunch.

[wburg]

The Railyards location would put it right next to the Matsui building, the old Hall of Justice (the law library) and the old Folsom powerhouse. Its location right next to the train station and the jail might make that spot a bit harder to sell as a residential tower, but nearly ideal for office due to proximity to transit.

I'm sure that others will chime in with a resounding "meh" to the idea of it only being 15 stories tall, and I certainly agree, although the taller the building, the more it will cost. While parking in a high-rise isn't exactly the sexiest use either, a couple extra stories of in-building parking would allow the downtown city block currently dedicated to a surface jury-duty parking lot to be built up, ideally with something mixed-use, as there is a real need for more residential in Alkali Flat, and more evening activity to make the streets safer.

[Mr. Ozo]

Wouldn't the tracks have to relocated first to build on the parcel mentioned?

[wburg]

Yes, they would--the track relocation project is supposed to start later this year.

Hm. I know that the Chinese American Museum folks have been looking for a site in the Railyards area, in close proximity to the old "China Slough," which would be right there at 6th andH--perhaps combining the courthouse with a public museum function could raise the stature and potential uses (not to mention the maximum elevation) of a building on that site.

[snfenoc]

I'm a bit confused. I thought a site was already chosen - the parking garage behind the current courthouse, and the surface parking lot was supposed to be a garage with possibly some housing wrapped around it. What's with the new sites? What changed?

I know I'm not breaking any new ground here with this "insight", but over half a billion dollars for a 12-16 story office building is ridiculous. Sure, it's a government building (which always seem to cost more), but really? For those of you wondering why our down town isn't bursting with more and taller buildings, look no further. Construction costs are simply way beyond market demand. Combine that with a city based mostly on non-productive government or government-related jobs (which are inevitably going to have to be cut), and it's clear our skyline will be stunted until serious changes occur.

[Web]

A court house in this day and age is MORE than a simple office building.
That is why the costs....Securtiy everywhere etc.....and many nooks and crannys and halls and walls as opposed to big open floor plans with cubes......

[Phillip]

For operational efficiency it seems like the courts would want the two court buildings in close physical proximity, as close as possible. There will be paper and personnel shuffling back and forth between the two court buildings all day every day.

But if Capitol Mall is okay for a court expansion could 555 Capitol Mall work? I think there's enough vacant Class A space downtown that all 555's remaining tenants could relocate to other newer buildings and leave behind 555 for the court.

[ltsmotorsport]

I'd rather see the 401 block go before 555 CM.

That being said, the railyards site should definitely be the site chosen. Close to the other municipal buildings, jump start railyards construction, and not on expensive CM.

[Mr. Ozo]

I'm a bit confused. I thought a site was already chosen - the parking garage behind the current courthouse, and the surface parking lot was supposed to be a garage with possibly some housing wrapped around it. What's with the new sites? What changed?


I believe you are referring to the new Sacramento County courthouse, this one is the new State courthouse.

[innov8]

As of December 31, 2008, the transfer of 466 county court facilities was
completed and transfered over to the State via Jones legislation (AB 1491 (http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1451-1500/ab_1491_cfa_20080306_113557_sen_comm.html)).
So other than the Fed. Courthouse on I Street, all courthouses are State run.

The costs to build a new courthouse make no since at all. Right now in
Phoenix they are building a new one at about the same size for $150 million less.
The half a billion dollar cost is a tax payer ripe off. To pay for the building,
Sacramento County will receive hundreds of millions of dollars in court
revenue bond funding from SB 1407 (Perata) in 2008, which authorized the
issuance of $5 billion in revenue bonds to fund court construction projects
in the State. Another loan the State can not afford and has to be paid back
with budet cuts to other programs the State provides.

[TWAK]

hey so i been gone for a while, is there some sort of structure going up north of downtown?

[wburg]

hey so i been gone for a while, is there some sort of structure going up north of downtown?

Any particular place north of downtown?

[innov8]

hey so i been gone for a while, is there some sort of structure going up north of downtown?

It's the New State Lottery Headquarters Building (http://livinginurbansac.blogspot.com/2008/10/new-state-lottery-headquarters-building.html)

[daverave]

Love the look of the vinyl siding on the new Sutter Medical building across from Bernardo's!!1! /snark

[jsf8278]

Love the look of the vinyl siding on the new Sutter Medical building across from Bernardo's!!1! /snark

I know, isn't that ridiculous? For a long time, I thought maybe that was either a joke, or something else was going over it. Unfortunately, I think I was wrong.

[CAGeoNerd]

What's that going up on between P and Q Streets, near 7th? I don't know exact block but I drove down P today and there's some kind of midrise going up or being remodeled.

[wburg]

What's that going up on between P and Q Streets, near 7th? I don't know exact block but I drove down P today and there's some kind of midrise going up or being remodeled.

That's the state central plant--heat and air conditioning for several nearby state building complexes are handled there.

http://www.greenprogress.com/green_building_article.php?id=1695

[innov8]

It's quite a site to see a couple of tower cranes rise in Sacramento these
days, but it's even more impressive is to see them at the east end of midtown.

Also, I like the siding on the Sutter Capitol Pavilion medical offices, along with
the copper it's looks alright to me.

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/3463/suttermedicalcenter2010.jpg (http://img834.imageshack.us/i/suttermedicalcenter2010.jpg/)

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3463/suttermedicalcenter2010.jpg (http://img833.imageshack.us/i/suttermedicalcenter2010.jpg/)

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/3463/suttermedicalcenter2010.jpg (http://img832.imageshack.us/i/suttermedicalcenter2010.jpg/)

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/3463/suttermedicalcenter2010.jpg (http://img826.imageshack.us/i/suttermedicalcenter2010.jpg/)

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1153/suttermedicalcenter2010n.jpg (http://img832.imageshack.us/i/suttermedicalcenter2010n.jpg/)

[Pistola916]

Just curious, how tall is the Anderson Luchetti Women's and Children Center?

150 feet? 300?

[Majin]

Two cranes so far away from downtown look pretty cool/strange. You guys think midtown will have it's own skyline one day?

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

It's cool to see cranes in Sacramento again. I really hope this ends up being a good decade for seeing cranes go up across the city.

Two cranes so far away from downtown look pretty cool/strange. You guys think midtown will have it's own skyline one day?

Maybe. It depends on if developers are willing to tear down some of the old homes and buildings and replace them with more L Street Lofts, etc. Personally, an area I always thought would benefit to go a little taller would the area around the UC Davis Children's Hospital. When you see it from the freeway or from up in a building downtown, it already looks like its own mini skyline. Haha, heck, maybe we'll end up with three skylines: Downtown, Midtown, and the children's hospital.

[Pistola916]

Don't forget the West Sacramento skyline, Township 9 skyline.

[Majin]

Natomas skyline, Arden skyline. Kinda serious about the arden one... driving on WB CCF coming towards 160 you do have a few towers on the left and right of the freeway including the 12 story hilton hotel.

[innov8]

Just curious, how tall is the Anderson Luchetti Women's and Children Center?

150 feet? 300?

153.5 feet

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/4480/1sutteroverview2wf.gif (http://img826.imageshack.us/i/1sutteroverview2wf.gif/)

[wburg]

It seems like it would make more sense to put up taller towers on currently vacant land (Railyards, Docks, West Sac, T9 etc.) vs. more mid-rises on top of existing neighborhoods. Currently the model for infill in the central city seems to be "skinny house" projects that use Metro Square or SoCap Lofts as a prototype. Even the new plan for the vacant half-block at 25th and R is a cluster of zero net energy use houses, single-family two-story buildings with a downstairs garage. The other alternative is a renewed interest in alley development--another one of those old ideas being sold as new, the first prototype by Jeremy Drucker is almost complete in the alley behind Old Soul, and there are several others in the development pipeline.

But, of course, as long as developers can still build "landscrapers" in the burbs, don't hold your breath for too many skyscrapers downtown, one way or the other.

[Majin]

150ft is pretty respectable for midtown. Especially since it's among a cluster of midrises.

Also, wburg can it on not putting more highrises in existing neighborhoods. Midtown has plenty of parking lots that can be demolished for high rises. Wasn't the women's and childrens center a parking lot before in fact?

Of course, highrises in the railyards, township 9, etc is a must. But we can definitely use them in midtown too.

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

150ft is pretty respectable for midtown. Especially since it's among a cluster of midrises.

Also, wburg can it on not putting more highrises in existing neighborhoods. Midtown has plenty of parking lots that can be demolished for high rises. Wasn't the women's and childrens center a parking lot before in fact?

Of course, highrises in the railyards, township 9, etc is a must. But we can definitely use them in midtown too.

It was a parking lot before. I know one parking lot in Midtown that could definitely go: the lot by the Arco station at 28th and J Street. That could easily be turned into a project like the Women's and Children's Center or even that new building (the name escapes me) on Capital and 26th, or somewhere on Capital. As for the need for parking in the city, there's a grand new eight story garage right by Sutter that, after dashing around in at different times of day, is NEVER full. First two levels are full, and after that, there's only a few cars spread out through the other six levels. Surface lots in Midtown could easily be built over if RT or the guys who do the Second Saturday shuttle provide a simple route between the heart of Midtown and the Sutter garage.

[innov8]

ThatDarnSacramentan: that new eight story parking garage was built for the
estimated 350+ employees that relocate from Sutter Memorial Hospital
as well as the visitors to the expanded medical center. It will be full once
everything is up and running.

[wburg]

Big difference between "tearing down old homes and buildings" to put up condos and building them on parking lots.

The garage on 28th is mostly empty because parking in the nearby residential neighborhoods is unregulated after 6 PM, and most of the current draw is bar and restaurant crowd, who pretty much don't show up until after parking enforcement stops. Until the nearby neighborhood has far stricter parking restriction, there isn't much reason to use parking structures or parking lots--it amounts to taxpayer-subsidized competition for parking business.

[Cynikal]

ThatDarnSacramentan: that new eight story parking garage was built for the
estimated 350+ employees that relocate from Sutter Memorial Hospital
as well as the visitors to the expanded medical center. It will be full once
everything is up and running.

I think you are confusing the garage on 28th and N with the one on 28th and J. The 28th and J garage would be a great asset to open up to the public much like the East End garage was on 17th. Now if you are talking about the vacant lot where Carrows used to be, that will be developed and hopefully soon (but I doubt it.)

[Surefiresacto]

Saw this on the Sacramento Press webpage.

River District Plan Unveiled (http://sacramentopress.com/headline/34303/River_District_plan_unveiled_Wednesday_night)

The City of Sacramento page (http://www.cityofsacramento.org/dsd/projects/riverdistrict.cfm)has PDFs and other info as well.

[What is a Rivercat?]

Saw this on the Sacramento Press webpage.

River District Plan Unveiled (http://sacramentopress.com/headline/34303/River_District_plan_unveiled_Wednesday_night)

The City of Sacramento page (http://www.cityofsacramento.org/dsd/projects/riverdistrict.cfm)has PDFs and other info as well.

Commissioners were concerned with proposals to allow 250-foot hotels along the Sacramento River, demolishing the state's printing plant building without exploring its historic landmark eligibility and the need to consider whether a section of North 16th Street could be a registered historic district.

"It concerns me (there could be) a Miami Beach wall of buildings right next to the water ... and a lost opportunity to connect with the river by building a wall of buildings," Commissioner Melissa Mourkas said.

http://file046b.bebo.com/1/large/2009/03/12/07/9092206a10323811342l.jpg

[Majin]

Commissioners were concerned with proposals to allow 250-foot hotels along the Sacramento River, demolishing the state's printing plant building without exploring its historic landmark eligibility and the need to consider whether a section of North 16th Street could be a registered historic district.

"It concerns me (there could be) a Miami Beach wall of buildings right next to the water ... and a lost opportunity to connect with the river by building a wall of buildings," Commissioner Melissa Mourkas said.

http://file046b.bebo.com/1/large/2009/03/12/07/9092206a10323811342l.jpg

How are these clowns even getting into these jobs?

250 foot is too short, not too tall.

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

How are these clowns even getting into these jobs?

250 foot is too short, not too tall.

For me, depends on where these buildings are. If they're pretty close to the other tall buildings in downtown, then I think they'd be good. Fill in the gaps in the skyline. However, if they're too far away, I don't think it would work because you'd have all these brand new tall buildings far away from the other tall buildings in the city. Just my two cents.

[wburg]

For me, depends on where these buildings are. If they're pretty close to the other tall buildings in downtown, then I think they'd be good. Fill in the gaps in the skyline. However, if they're too far away, I don't think it would work because you'd have all these brand new tall buildings far away from the other tall buildings in the city. Just my two cents.

The zone under discussion is right next to the river where Richards Boulevard turns south into Jibboom Street, north of Matsui Park and the old PG&E generator. There are currently hotels there. They aren't anywhere near the other tall buildings downtown--the plan being discussed is for the area north of the Railyards, south of the American River, between the Sacramento River and roughly 18th Street.

There is a height limit map in the plan, with maximum heights varying from 45 feet to 250 feet. The 250 foot sections on the southern edge, closest to the Railyards, didn't provoke any negative comment--it was just the parcels specifically next to the river, nowhere near any other tall parcels, that did.

My worry about zoning those lots for 250 feet is that they would encourage the same sort of mentality that put K Street in limbo for decades--people bought up the lots assuming that someday they could put a skyscraper on it, and let them sit slowly decaying for decades, unwilling to maintain them because they wanted the land for its land value, not to use the building. The land to be upzoned is currently occupied by low-rise motels that are currently pretty clean and well-maintained. Imagine if a "Mo" type bought those buildings, assuming that he could build a tower on it someday, and just let the motels sit, not caring if they became havens for drugs or prostitution, or vacant, burned out targets for graffiti, vandalism and squatting. Instead of continuing their use as hotels for people visiting the Powerhouse Science Center or other attractions of the River District, they would become eyesores that scared people away from the neighborhood and left a very bad impression on anyone driving by on I-5 or pulling off the highway.

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

The zone under discussion is right next to the river where Richards Boulevard turns south into Jibboom Street, north of Matsui Park and the old PG&E generator. There are currently hotels there. They aren't anywhere near the other tall buildings downtown--the plan being discussed is for the area north of the Railyards, south of the American River, between the Sacramento River and roughly 18th Street.

There is a height limit map in the plan, with maximum heights varying from 45 feet to 250 feet. The 250 foot sections on the southern edge, closest to the Railyards, didn't provoke any negative comment--it was just the parcels specifically next to the river, nowhere near any other tall parcels, that did.

My worry about zoning those lots for 250 feet is that they would encourage the same sort of mentality that put K Street in limbo for decades--people bought up the lots assuming that someday they could put a skyscraper on it, and let them sit slowly decaying for decades, unwilling to maintain them because they wanted the land for its land value, not to use the building. The land to be upzoned is currently occupied by low-rise motels that are currently pretty clean and well-maintained. Imagine if a "Mo" type bought those buildings, assuming that he could build a tower on it someday, and just let the motels sit, not caring if they became havens for drugs or prostitution, or vacant, burned out targets for graffiti, vandalism and squatting. Instead of continuing their use as hotels for people visiting the Powerhouse Science Center or other attractions of the River District, they would become eyesores that scared people away from the neighborhood and left a very bad impression on anyone driving by on I-5 or pulling off the highway.

Gotcha.

I completely agree with you. I mean, I admit I know far less about development and urban planning, but isn't it possible for the developers to buy the land when they're ready to tear those motels instead of some clown buying them now and letting them deteriorate?

[Mr. Ozo]

Still not too excited that they torn down the Tri-Valley Cannery. I've got a bad feeling we're are going to a vacant lot there for a long time.

[wburg]

Gotcha.

I completely agree with you. I mean, I admit I know far less about development and urban planning, but isn't it possible for the developers to buy the land when they're ready to tear those motels instead of some clown buying them now and letting them deteriorate?

You know plenty about development and urban planning, and have been one of the most dedicated folks sharing information about both on your blog. But in your experience writing about development issues (and documenting with photographs) in Sacramento, what do you think the chances are that this best-case scenario will happen?

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

You know plenty about development and urban planning, and have been one of the most dedicated folks sharing information about both on your blog. But in your experience writing about development issues (and documenting with photographs) in Sacramento, what do you think the chances are that this best-case scenario will happen?

Haha, to be honest, I have no clue what you're talking about. I don't have a blog, and I'm really out of touch with the development situation. I am a dedicated photographer, I'll give you that.

What do I think the chances are? I bet zero. I just don't see a bunch of new, tall buildings all being built along Richards Blvd when there isn't rally anything there to begin with and hardly anything to connect that area with sights downtown.

[KingsFan#1]

The river district won't get built, too many environmentalists will complain, besides, there's like 100 acres of unused land by raley field, why not just develop there?

Changing the subject:
Is Raleys landing cancelled, or is there still a posibility of it getting done?

[wburg]

The 100 acres near Raley Field is not in the city or county of Sacramento, and the city of West Sacramento has their own plans for it--the "Triangle District" plan, involving developer Mark Friedman. Sacramento is in the process of making long-term plans to make use of the Richards Boulevard area by creating a general plan for the neighborhood.

There are some projects currently underway in that neighborhood, including the construction of a new CHP headquarters building and the "Green Line" light rail extension, the first leg of a new light rail line to the airport. Others are getting ready to start, like Township 9 on top of the old Bercut-Richards cannery site and the relocated Greyhound depot. Still others are in the planning process, like the Powerhouse Science Center. I imagine there are others in the pipeline. The general plan will set the pattern for the area by laying out streets, infrastructure, and guidelines to give developers a pattern to follow.

Environmentalists generally want to see growth closer to central cities, especially in aging industrial areas like Richards Boulevard--instead of out in untouched country or agricultural areas. The Richards area is not untouched wilderness, it is a century-old industrial neighborhood and reclaimed floodplain that still has a lot of industrial and warehouse uses, residential areas (private homes along Basler and Meister, the Dos Rios projects, and technically the shelters along Bannon Street and North B Street) and government uses (the city's planning department, police department and county archives are all in this neighborhood, along with the offices of the California Lottery.)

[KingsFan#1]

The 100 acres near Raley Field is not in the city or county of Sacramento, and the city of West Sacramento has their own plans for it--the "Triangle District" plan, involving developer Mark Friedman. Sacramento is in the process of making long-term plans to make use of the Richards Boulevard area by creating a general plan for the neighborhood.

There are some projects currently underway in that neighborhood, including the construction of a new CHP headquarters building and the "Green Line" light rail extension, the first leg of a new light rail line to the airport. Others are getting ready to start, like Township 9 on top of the old Bercut-Richards cannery site and the relocated Greyhound depot. Still others are in the planning process, like the Powerhouse Science Center. I imagine there are others in the pipeline. The general plan will set the pattern for the area by laying out streets, infrastructure, and guidelines to give developers a pattern to follow.

Environmentalists generally want to see growth closer to central cities, especially in aging industrial areas like Richards Boulevard--instead of out in untouched country or agricultural areas. The Richards area is not untouched wilderness, it is a century-old industrial neighborhood and reclaimed floodplain that still has a lot of industrial and warehouse uses, residential areas (private homes along Basler and Meister, the Dos Rios projects, and technically the shelters along Bannon Street and North B Street) and government uses (the city's planning department, police department and county archives are all in this neighborhood, along with the offices of the California Lottery.)

Oh.........................I see

For some reason I thought township 9 was going to be put in the river district:koko: are they putting anything tall there?

[wburg]

Oh.........................I see

For some reason I thought township 9 was going to be put in the river district:koko: are they putting anything tall there?

Except for the first sentence, I was talking about the "River District," which is the Richards Blvd. area to about 18th Street. T9 itself will be at most mid-rise, I think 90-120 feet maximum.

[KingsFan#1]

got any pics of what CHP or Lotto will look like?

I've only seen the construction pics for the looto HQ, never seen the finished product for either

[downtownserg89]

The big empty lots on 12th and D and E streets have been fenced up, all the bushes have been removed, and I see construction equipment....

Does this mean the construction of the midrise affordable lofts with the rooftop swimming pool is about to begin??

[Majin]

The big empty lots on 12th and D and E streets have been fenced up, all the bushes have been removed, and I see construction equipment....

Does this mean the construction of the midrise affordable lofts with the rooftop swimming pool is about to begin??

Never heard about that, link?

[KingsFan#1]

I think he means township 9, I got on the website, and it looked like one of the towers would be 15 floors, and have a sick view of the river

[wburg]

No...Township 9 is on Richards Boulevard in the River District. Serg is talking about the La Valentina project by Domus Development, a 4-story apartment building with ground-floor retail, primarily low/mod income, right next to the Alkali Flat/La Valentina light rail station on 12th Street.

[CAGeoNerd]

Does this mean the construction of the midrise affordable lofts with the rooftop swimming pool is about to begin??

Midrise lofts, yes... Affordable? ..... most likely not.

[wburg]

Midrise lofts, yes... Affordable? ..... most likely not.

Yes, affordable.
http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2009/03/09/story6.html
Now, "affordable" in this context means a mixture including "mid-income", people who make average to slightly above average income, like 50-60K a year, "low-income," people who make about $40K a year, and "very low income," people who make about $25-30K a year. So generally the target market for this kind of unit are low/mid-level office workers, people in the service sector, etcetera.

Here's a link to innov8's blog post about it--looks like solar panels and a green roof, not sure if that blue thing is a swimming pool or not.

http://livinginurbansac.blogspot.com/2010/02/funds-for-la-valentina-project.html

[downtownserg89]

I clearly remember reading about a rooftop swimming pool somewhere on this site a couple of years ago. That's why I'm really excited about this project. Also hoping that it'll run all the scary crackheads out of the area, because I use that lightrail station to get to sac city at 7am, and I sometimes fear for my life.. dont know if I'm waiting for a lightrail or to get robbed. :(

[COASTIE]

got any pics of what CHP or Lotto will look like?

I've only seen the construction pics for the looto HQ, never seen the finished product for either

LivingInUrbanSac.blogspot

2 Oct, 2008 Blog entry

California Lottery Headquarters:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iflb32pX7Dw/SOWjdpiZGQI/AAAAAAAABWE/cemuP4-qgy0/s1600-h/2+State+Lottery.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iflb32pX7Dw/SOWjdnNrNgI/AAAAAAAABV8/JdpnPkcRK6o/s1600-h/1+State+Lottery.jpg

[KingsFan#1]

Cool, thanks for the pix

That will look sick once it's done, a few more floors would be nice though

[innov8]

I don't remember reading this here, but it's a good reminder as to all the
potential lots just waiting for the economy to improve.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Downtown
Lots of potential
Sacramento officials and developers have some grand plans for downtown’s empty spaces, but most are on hold

Sacramento Business Journal - by Michael Shaw Staff
http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2010/08/02/focus4.html?b=1280721600%5E3726761

Downtown Sacramento is the busiest place in the region, but there are still blocks within the core where nothing is happening — literally. Empty lots are scattered throughout the downtown area, representing challenges and opportunities for Sacramento as it seeks to enliven the central city and make it more than just the business and government center of the region.

From the infamous lots where grandiose projects died untimely deaths to the neglected backwaters of downtown, reminders of what could have been litter the landscape.

Others are placeholders for what’s to come.

There are plans for several of the lots, but the economic downturn has ensured many will remain barren for several more years.

Here are some of the more prominent empty lots in the downtown core:

301 Capitol Mall: This full city block, formerly home to the Sacramento Union, has been the site of multiple high-rise plans for offices, hotels or condos in the years since the newspaper closed and its building was razed. Sitting at the entrance to Sacramento over Tower Bridge, the vacant parcel is one of the city’s most prominent empty lots. It has been a victim of two recessions, the first in the early 1990s when developer Danny Benvenuti Jr. had proposed twin office towers of 30 stories. Benvenuti returned to the plan a decade later, as did other potential developers, but Benvenuti eventually sold the property. The site is now best known for an ambitious plan by developer John Saca to build the twin 52-story condo Towers on Capitol Mall. Saca, known for building retail, almost sold enough condos to move forward, but as the economy collapsed, he and capital partner California Public Employees’ Retirement System squabbled. CalPERS eventually took over ownership and asked CIM Group of Los Angeles to supply ideas. None have surfaced so far.

Lot X: This city-owned property on Capitol Mall, formerly the venue for a Tower Bridge offramp, was considered prime property during the real estate boom, with the city hoping to sell it for upwards of $20 million. The offramp was removed and it went up for sale in 2006. But with the real estate market already starting a long downturn, offers never met expectations and it was pulled off the market a year later. The problem was that proceeds from the sale were pledged to help the expansion of the Crocker Art Museum, so funding that liability put further financial stress on Sacramento’s budget. A city official said there are no development plans for now.

601 Capitol Mall: This site, owned by developer David Taylor and currently a parking lot, bears mention if only for the spectacular failure of the high-rise project proposed there, the Aura condos. Houston developer Craig Nassi came to town with a captivating design by architect Daniel Libeskind. Despite Nassi’s bluster, he was never able to pull it off as the economy started faltering while he was trying to pre-sell units. The site shares the block with the new office tower built by Taylor at 621 Capitol Mall, which has met with success despite a tough leasing market. Like Saca’s Towers on Capitol Mall project, Nassi wasn’t ultimately able to sell enough units for a lender to release construction loans.

800 block of K Street: After a contentious selection process this summer, a development proposal is in the works for perhaps the most notorious empty lot in town that’s part of the city’s top priority for redevelopment. A portion of the 800 block is empty after vagrants gained access to closed businesses and started a fire that damaged them to the point they had to be demolished. Taylor and a team of partners won the right to negotiate with the city to build there. He has proposed 66 units of housing, a rehab of the Bel-Vue low-income housing building and retail shops. The city has said it would like additional housing and parking as well.

F and 8th: The northwest corner of this intersection, located near Sacramento County Courthouse and other county buildings, was the site for a proposed condo by one of several infill developers looking to cash in the trend toward urban living that preceded the recession. Developer Shepard Johnson put up one project within a few blocks of this lot, but his plans for the lot, alongside many infill developments, fizzled. A sign touting the project, tagged by graffiti, still stands amidst the trees. The land is owned by 8th & F Streets Land Development LLC.

Old Crystal Cream site: This mostly vacant city block, bounded by D and E streets and 10th and 11th streets in the Alkali Flats neighborhood, is the site of a proposed development that has been on hold for at least two years. Just to the north is the former location of the Crystal Cream & Butter Co. Developer MetroNova Development LLC of San Diego has proposed a mixed-use development of 217 homes and 90,000 square feet of office — under the project name The Creamery — for both parcels. The old dairy facility has been demolished. While the proposed development is on hold, neighbors have seen construction equipment there as rocks and old building materials from the site have been sold and used in other projects.

12th and E: Empty portions of two blocks on the east side of 12th Street have been owned by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency for many years, but it doesn’t appear that they will be empty for much longer. They are now the site for La Valentina, a $27 million, 81-unit affordable apartment project. Domus Development of San Francisco is the developer. Affordable housing has been hamstrung for several years due to a lack of financing options, but the project was recently awarded tax credits, meaning it likely has secured enough funding for construction to begin this year. The project is near the Globe Mills project, which converted an abandoned grain silo and buildings into a mixed-income and senior housing development.

CADA lots on 16th Street: The one-way street is one of Sacramento’s busiest, yet it’s also home to many of downtown’s vacant lots. The Capitol Area Development Authority has been seeking development projects for years for several lots clustered at N and O streets.

The farthest along is “The Warren,” a proposal of 117 market-rate apartments at 16th and N. EM Johnson Interest Inc. and Nehemiah Community Reinvestment Fund Holdings Inc. have negotiated a disposition and development agreement for the site. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2011.

Developers Ravel Rasmussen Properties and Separovich/Domich Real Estate also have an agreement for two other parcels on the west side of the 16th-and-O intersection where they plan to build 84 units in a mixed-use project. The developers have until May of next year to close on the site and start construction.

Bridge Housing of San Francisco is negotiating with CADA to build affordable housing on another site. No projects have been identified for a fifth CADA-owned location at 16th and O streets.

California Unity Center: This site at the northeast corner of 16th and N streets is dedicated for the California Unity Center, a $30 million project designed to honor California’s diversity following a series of hate crimes that occurred in the region during the 1990s. A nonprofit, Capital Unity Council was created and nearly $11 million has been raised, but the recession has hurt donations.

16th and R: A vacant lot owned by JB Development LP, a firm of longtime Sacramento developer Joe Benvenuti, sits north of the Crystal Ice project proposed by developer Mark Friedman. Friedman has put the Crystal Ice project on hold and there don’t appear to be plans for this prime location. There is a mural of the Sacramento Kings (Benvenuti is a minority owner) on the fence facing the street.

17th and S: The site claims several proposals for mixed-use and infill development, but after some preliminary meetings with community members, signage for the most recent proposal has been taken down. The property is owned by CMH S Street Midrise Development LLC.

The Docks: The city put out the call for ambitious projects for the Sacramento riverfront. But this project -- bounded by the Sacramento River to the west, Highway 50 to the south, Front Street to the east and Capitol Mall to the north -- which is hampered by the presence of a water treatment plant, also appears to be the victim of the recession. The exclusive right to negotiate between the partnership of San Francisco development firms and the city has expired. The city will go out for a request for proposals for a new team next year, officials said.

[Pistola916]

The idea of an elevated station(s) seems kinda cool.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sacramento light-rail route to airport faces obstacles
tbizjak@sacbee.com
Published Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010

For decades, Sacramento Regional Transit has built light-rail lines through all manner of urban terrain, but its planned line through Natomas to Sacramento International Airport may represent the agency's toughest task yet.

Not least among the challenges, transit officials must find a way to squeeze their tracks and trains onto heavily traveled Truxel Road, amid residences and huge retail centers.

This month, RT officials will unveil a proposed solution to one vexing problem. They are drawing up plans for an elevated train station and tracks over the notoriously congested entrance to Natomas Marketplace.

It would be the first elevated station in the RT system.

The line would become elevated as it heads north from the Interstate 80 overpass near the Truxel and Gateway Park Boulevard intersection, one of the widest crossroads in the city.

Officials say running the line overhead would save drivers from a four-minute delay, notably on Saturday afternoons during peak shopping and movie-going hours when the intersection is most crowded.

"That way, we solve a real traffic problem," RT General Manager Mike Wiley said. "We'd have elevators to get people down to sidewalks."

The tracks would drop to street level again farther north, on the west side of the canal.

RT officials have scheduled open houses Aug. 25 through Aug. 28 in North Natomas to show their latest designs, and to solicit community input.

Those ideas include adding traffic circles at some Truxel intersections, moving some station locations and providing more parking for riders.

"It is very much a work in progress," Wiley said. "We want feedback."

The project remains controversial, however, especially in South Natomas, where vocal residents near Truxel Road argue light rail has no place on their busy street.

Their fears include crime associated with light rail, potential loss of property values, and congestion.

"I think it is going to divide and destroy South Natomas," said Molly Fling, a nearby resident. "I have always said I will move first, and I may."

RT officials will hold a public meeting tonight, 6 to 9 p.m., at the South Natomas Community Center to address crime and property value concerns. They say residents can hear from police and RT security officials, a real estate broker, an architect involved in station design, and a developer with experience around light-rail stations.

RT officials also will make available a summary from a study the agency commissioned in 2005 that reviewed 1,300 property sales near light rail in Sacramento and determined that station proximity did not affect sale prices, up or down.

Light-rail trains and stations do have crime, officials acknowledge. In the past year, RT data show nearly 600 reported crimes on the transit system, most involving light rail, although agency officials say that represents a low crime rate per passenger. Public drunkenness was the leading reported crime, 89 instances, followed by 88 robberies. Thefts of iPhones are typical, officials said.

Community leaders surveyed by The Bee this week in Land Park, Woodlake, east Sacramento and Rosemont said light-rail-related crime was not a significant issue in their neighborhoods.

"We haven't in Woodlake found people coming in on light rail to (target) houses or cars," said Rob Kerth, president of the North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and former RT board member. But "the sound of the train bell drives (residents near stations) nuts. That is the single biggest negative."

The area's incoming Sacramento City Council representative, Angelique Ashby, said she is skeptical about whether Truxel is the best alignment for light rail and wonders whether there is appetite at RT for a reassessment.

At the very least, Ashby said she wants the project designed to cause the least amount of turmoil for residents, and wants RT to include residents squarely in the decision-making process.

"We need public transportation in the city, but I want to make sure it doesn't come in to the detriment of one particular community," she said.

At the same time, she acknowledged many people have moved into North Natomas in expecting and wanting light rail in their community.

Resident Scott Dosick is among them. He said people want the option of leaving their cars home, and taking light rail to jobs downtown or the airport, avoiding Interstate 5 traffic and parking costs.

RT chief Wiley said he would like to have the line built in Natomas and possibly to the airport by 2017.

But that timetable is uncertain. RT doesn't have the nearly $800 million it could cost to build the line. RT officials say their planning lays the groundwork to apply for a federal transit grant for half the project costs.

But to do that, Wiley said, RT will likely have to ask county voters in 2012 to agree to an increased sales tax for this and other transit projects.

A no vote could stall light-rail expansion for the foreseeable future.

[CAGeoNerd]

Looks like they're finally putting up more of those three-story townhouse units over at 21st and T. That place has been an eyesore of the housing collapse for a while, nice to see they're going to put more of those units up and it won't be sitting as a half-built, half-empty lot block for hopefully too much longer.

[Majin]

Looks like they're finally putting up more of those three-story townhouse units over at 21st and T. That place has been an eyesore of the housing collapse for a while, nice to see they're going to put more of those units up and it won't be sitting as a half-built, half-empty lot block for hopefully too much longer.

Are these units still for sale? Any idea what they smallest one runs for these days? It would be cool to pick one of these up for under 300k.

[TWAK]

I looked em up online, the 2 br 2 bath one is over 300k. No wonder people move to natomas!

[Majin]

I looked em up online, the 2 br 2 bath one is over 300k. No wonder people move to natomas!

Where did you see the price? I was trying to look for current prices online but couldnt find them. All I found was very old prices from 2005 where units were selling for 800k+.

[TWAK]

http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/directory/view/entry/20654

370K for the small one. I'm looking to buy soon and I'd love one of those but yeah, 3 brd for 150k in Natomas or a 2 br in downtown for 375K?

[Ghost of Econgrad]

http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/directory/view/entry/20654

370K for the small one. I'm looking to buy soon and I'd love one of those but yeah, 3 brd for 150k in Natomas or a 2 br in downtown for 375K?

Oh Twak, I think you committed blasphemy on here! :haha:

[wburg]

Are those prices current? They may not have updated that page, and if they are building new units it is probably because they bumped the prices down. Remember, the original prices (the ones listed on the website) were posted when that $150K house in Natomas was going for $450K.

[Majin]

http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/directory/view/entry/20654

370K for the small one. I'm looking to buy soon and I'd love one of those but yeah, 3 brd for 150k in Natomas or a 2 br in downtown for 375K?

I'm sure those prices aren't current. I think the small ones probably go for 275k now or something along those lines. 370k is ridiculous.

[TWAK]

yes it's most up to date, they are also listed on realtor.com
every other property in downtown is the same deal, hella expensive for things with just 2 or 1 room.
looks like when I get a house next year......Natomas.

[TWAK]

Oh Twak, I think you committed blasphemy on here! :haha:
I have put up prices for houses before showing that the suburbs are alot cheaper. People were angry to hear that urbanism is too expensive for normal people

[wburg]

Have you checked metrolist? Lots of central city properties for less than that. Rermember, the three rules of real estate are 'location, location, location,' not 'square footage, square footage, square footage.'

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

On my way into Second Saturday tonight, I saw a shiny new rendering on the corner of 16th and N. It appears to be at least a five story building (didn't really notice whether it's commercial or residential), and it's glass. If anyone's in that area or has any information, it'd be cool to post it here. I've gone by that empty lot right off Capitol most of my life, and I think it's about time they start filling in the empty lots on 16th. If I had my camera, I would've grabbed a shot of the poster that's up on the corner.

[KingsFan#1]

Probably "The Warren"

http://www.thewarrensacramento.com/index.html

:previous: link to site

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

Probably "The Warren"

http://www.thewarrensacramento.com/index.html

:previous: link to site

Yep, that's it. This is the kind of project that could kick-start all the other empty lots on 16th.

[Bob Lablaw]

Probably "The Warren"

http://www.thewarrensacramento.com/index.html

:previous: link to site

I took a look at that website. Question: How seriously should a customer take a developer who cannot even get his development's street address correct on his own website? 1625 N Street?!? Really? :shrug:

[wburg]

It's a CADA project--I think 8-9 stories, with ground floor retail and an elevated courtyard area in the back facing Capitol Park.

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

:previous: Sounds good to me. Looks like just the project to add some density to that area.

[TWAK]

I live right across the street from it. they had a team out here for a couple days constructing the sign

[downtownserg89]

the little corner store across the street from my apt just caught fire on 10th and E. it's a shame, I thought it would get remodeled and polished up. maybe something new and cool will get built there now?

[wburg]

Just caught fire againj, or the fire that happened a while back?

[KingsFan#1]

I took a look at that website. Question: How seriously should a customer take a developer who cannot even get his development's street address correct on his own website? 1625 N Street?!? Really? :shrug:

That is the right adress, The mapquest thing is just screwed up, that's all

Construction should start in 2011, hopefully the developer doesn't go bankrupt after two support poles, like the railyards did:whip:

anyone know the hiegt of it?

looks about 8 floors, maybee 80-100 feet

PS I saw the appartment fire on kcra3............

[Web]

what 2 support poles???

the bridges are being built with public money......

Thomas is not building them

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

:previous:

Just looking at the renderings they have there, I'd ballpark the height somewhere between 70-100 feet. Definitely doesn't look to be over 100.

After looking closer, I count seven floors, assuming the penthouses on the top have higher ceilings than other floors.

[wburg]

Well dammit. Another one of those August "fires set by a random homeless person."

Buildings burning down doesn't automatically mean that something else is going to spring up in its place. Most likely it will sit as a vacant lot for quite a few years.

The building was damaged from an earlier fire, the owner was a slumlord who probably had no clue about what to do with the building...so you get a "fire set by a homeless person" like the one on 8th and K. Yeah, right.

Web: Thomas Enterprises is building the bridges...with public money. Most of the Railyards project in its current state depends on public money, paid to Thomas and from there to subcontractors (in theory, anyhow.)

The plans I saw of the building above were, I'm pretty sure, 8 stories.

[KingsFan#1]

Thomas Enterprises filed for bankruptcy after they completed two bridge support poles, so the public better stop paying them, cause the towers already proved that nothing but government buildings will be built until after the recession, with the exception of previously fully funded progects like 500 capitol mall, the railyards aren't fully funded, they're out of money.

Whenever the railyards do get built, I'll be excited to see the new arena and the hotels west of I5, but other than that, people are just despirate to fill the space. Hopefully there are some quallity hi-rises, not just acres and acres of 2 floor shops

[Bob Lablaw]

That is the right adress, The mapquest thing is just screwed up, that's all

Begging your pardon, but if the development is at the northwest corner of 16th at N Streets, then it would almost certainly be 1525 N Street. 1625 N Street (as it is listed on the website) would place the development at the corner of 17th and N Streets.

Which brings me back to my point. If the developer's own website gets the most elemental information about its project (where it is located) wrong, what else might it get wrong? I realize that I sound like an anal-retentive git, but c'mon, it's the address, for cripes sake!

[Ghost of Econgrad]

Begging your pardon, but if the development is at the northwest corner of 16th at N Streets, then it would almost certainly be 1525 N Street. 1625 N Street (as it is listed on the website) would place the development at the corner of 17th and N Streets.

Which brings me back to my point. If the developer's own website gets the most elemental information about its project (where it is located) wrong, what else might it get wrong? I realize that I sound like an anal-retentive git, but c'mon, it's the address, for cripes sake!

Use the ZOOM option and zoom in as far as you can on the map. This might answer your question. I think...

[downtownserg89]

Hello, I have a few questions that perhaps some of you have answers to.

I read that article innov8 posted about the empty lots, but I am still curious about some that were not mentioned:

1. - are plans for 10th and J's the Metropolitan 100% dead? same question goes for a block down on 11th and J, the nifty cathedral lofts midrise (or was it a short highrise?)

2. - meridian 3, was it? on 15th & K. any word on that?

3. - 19th and broadway lofts, a thing of the past now or what?

4. - what is the status of that snazzy proposal for the corner of 7th and H?

5. - when is the dive bar/pizzeria/other business on K st mall next to Social nightclub scheduled to open? I really want to try their pizza, they make it sound very tasty.

and 6. - is the marshall on 7th & L still getting a highrise loft facelift?


I enjoy watching Sac grow, and I know you guys usually know what's up with the statuses and delays. If answes to my questions can be provided, that would be very much appreciated. Thanks :)

[wburg]

Hello, I have a few questions that perhaps some of you have answers to.

I read that article innov8 posted about the empty lots, but I am still curious about some that were not mentioned:

1. - are plans for 10th and J's the Metropolitan 100% dead? same question goes for a block down on 11th and J, the nifty cathedral lofts midrise (or was it a short highrise?)

They are fully entitled, there just isn't money right now--I asked a city staffer about that a few weeks ago, technically all the city permission is long since taken care of, it's the housing market that isn't there. What happens depends on how long the owners are willing to sit and wait, and how long the city is willing to extend the permits.


2. - meridian 3, was it? on 15th & K. any word on that?

The same. Banks aren't lending much money for construction.

3. - 19th and broadway lofts, a thing of the past now or what?

Again, it's the market, they're on hold. The church that moved out a couple years ago moved back into that building.

4. - what is the status of that snazzy proposal for the corner of 7th and H?

There is money for that--city funds for an SRO replacement building. I'll believe it when I see it, but it is proceeding and should start construction in the not-so-distant future.

5. - when is the dive bar/pizzeria/other business on K st mall next to Social nightclub scheduled to open? I really want to try their pizza, they make it sound very tasty.

Should be open by the end of the year.

and 6. - is the marshall on 7th & L still getting a highrise loft facelift?

I think it was supposed to be a boutique hotel rather than residential lofts, about 12 stories tall so more of a mid-rise. The 7th and H units are supposedly replacement housing for the Marshall (and several other closed SROs, apparently, how that works I don't know) --there still needs to be money for that project, but I'd expect it to happen after 7th and H is completed and the people who live there have somewhere to go. I like that the owners have been very proactive about keeping the ground floor painted and bringing in new businesses (the new Pakistani place on L Street is particularly good), but I hope they do some repair to the facades--part of the L Street cornice looks about ready to give way, and even if they do succeed in the project they want to build, the facade should be important to them.

New buildings don't sit in the ground under old buildings waiting to spring forth. They have to be paid for, typically with loans. We just left a period when money was cheap and available, and now it is not so available. Lately the "invisible hand" has been giving a lot of people the finger.

I enjoy watching Sac grow, and I know you guys usually know what's up with the statuses and delays. If answes to my questions can be provided, that would be very much appreciated. Thanks :)

[Mr. Ozo]

Total bummer about the fire, for those who appreciate historic buildings. Alkali Flat is going a little nuts demolishing the little history it has left.

[KingsFan#1]

I think the fire wasn't all that bad, considering it was already a burnt building, to me, empty lots are better than roasted buildings, and who knows, maybe they'll build something there

[wburg]

It wasn't "burnt," it had been damaged by the previous fire but not badly so. It was in need of repair but was far from being a lost cause.

[Surefiresacto]

Saw this in the Business Journal today. Does anyone have any pics?

Sacramento Business Journal
Michael Shaw, Wed, Aug 18

The city of Sacramento is breaking ground Wednesday on a new $7.6 million project that will include a three-acre, 10,000-square-foot Greyhound bus terminal on city-owned property at 420 Richards Blvd.

The new terminal is expected to open in early 2012 and will be Greyhound’s home until an intermodal station in the Railyards is constructed.

The construction also includes street improvements to accommodate and improve traffic access and circulation.

[Surefiresacto]

I have no clue what I did to that quote... sorry you have to scroll.

[ltsmotorsport]

Would be nice if we could see this soon after. But I won't hold my breath.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b147/urban_encounter/701-1.jpg

[kamehameha]

richards blvd. greyhound terminal rendering.

http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/28428/Greyhound_terminal_moves_forward

[KingsFan#1]

Would be nice if we could see this soon after. But I won't hold my breath.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b147/urban_encounter/701-1.jpg

at least something is being built.....
the only construction I have seen in the area recently other than poorly made 1 story homes is that building in roseville, I thought it turned out pretty nice, I just don't see anyone renting space in that building for a long time,:slob:

by the way, does anyone have any idea what's going on with 701L, It's been proposed for like 6 years now and nothing has happened, hopefully we get a repeat of what happened with 621 Capitol mall

[Pistola916]

That 701L tower looks sweet. But it's wishful thinking to imagine something like it get built here anytime soon.

[CAGeoNerd]

Thank goodness the filthy, old Greyhound station and all of the "interesting characters" that linger around that location are going to move out of there.

[wburg]

..and what happens if they don't?

[rampant_jwalker]

Thank goodness the filthy, old Greyhound station and all of the "interesting characters" that linger around that location are going to move out of there.

A while back i took light rail to Downtown Plaza in the morning after breakfast to buy a video game. When I got there the stores were still closed so I started to walk away from the mall and a beat-up looking guy, in his 30's maybe, asked me if I knew where a store is. He was looking for a place to buy some beer. I started to give him directions but he was getting confused. I didn't know if he was drunk or lost or what. I said "I'll show you where it is, I'm walking that way too." Then I asked as we walked "Are you new here?" Yes, he had just been released from prison that morning and they had sent him on the first bus to Downtown Sacramento with $40 and some second-hand clothes. He didn't know where anything was. His family lives in Chicago and he told me the only family he has in CA is his wife who left him a couple years after he was sent to prison.
Unfortunately in California there are many prisons and very few half-way houses to help people get back on their feet after incarceration. After being locked up for a decade, this guy had no friends nearby to take him in. Thousands of people like him are dropped off in downtowns every year with nothing but a few dollars and no chance of finding a job.
You're naive to think this will change any time soon.

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

That is a very sad story. When I was coming out of Lot A the other night, there was a guy sitting on the benches there, just talking to himself. He was there when I went in an hour earlier, and was still there when I left. Surely there's gotta be another place for these people. Of course, you're right: the prison system is royally messed up, and the bureaucracy isn't much help to the situation. I can only hope that Sacramento changes for the better by the time I'm the one going to and from work (assuming I stay here or come back here).

Also, any details on 701 L? I looked up the spot on Google Maps. It looks like a really good project, especially for a new tallest. Unfortunately, just like every other project I've seen the last decade, I've developed high hopes for it.

[Surefiresacto]

The big empty lots on 12th and D and E streets have been fenced up, all the bushes have been removed, and I see construction equipment....

Does this mean the construction of the midrise affordable lofts with the rooftop swimming pool is about to begin??

By Bob Shallit
The Sacramento Bee
Thursday, Sep. 9, 2010

Construction is likely to start later this year on a long-planned housing and commercial complex near the Alkali Flat/La Valentina light-rail station in downtown Sacramento.

Domus Development of San Francisco has lined up the financing required for the $25 million project and should break ground as early as November, says Meea Kang, the development company's president.

Planned are 63 "affordable" apartments on 12th Street between D and E streets, 18 town homes on an adjacent parcel to the north, along with commercial and retail space.

"It's going to be phenomenal," Kang says of the four-story, transit-oriented complex that will "clean up an area that's been vacant for 20 years."

The land has been owned by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency since 1986 and the subject of several unsuccessful project attempts, says Christine Weichert, SHRA's assistant director of housing and community development.

The breakthrough this time, she says, was Domus' success in obtaining $11.8 million in tax credits through a state-managed program.

Domus attempted to secure tax credits last year but lost out "because they're so competitive," Kang says.

"We sharpened our pencils, applied again (this year) and were successful," she says.

Fences recently went up around the project site and a $600,000 soil remediation effort is about to be started by SHRA, which is kicking in $7 million in low-interest loans for the project.

The soil removal work will be completed by early November, at about the same time Domus is expected to obtain its permits for the project and begin work.

Kang says the apartments will start at about $400 per month and the town houses at around $1,100 when they're completed in the summer of 2012.

As a result of a SMUD grant, the town houses will be equipped with solar panels designed to meet all of their energy needs, she says.

[CAGeoNerd]

So now that the recession is "over", and has been since last summer ( :koko: :rolleyes: ) will things start to pick back up? Any new project will finally get off the ground? Seems like the only thing I know of is the 15+ story Mariott that will go up next to the Ziggaraut building in West Sac... The cranes have been sitting next to business 80 for a while as they build the medical center there, but not much of a "high rise"... Anything else going on?

[wburg]

Maydestone repair/rehab is underway, the Green Line is under construction and demo/clearance continues at T9, that office building next to it off Richards, Zeta Homes is moving forward at 25th and R, La Valentina and a small infill project at 24th and T are underway...it's an end to the recession, but that doesn't mean it's another boom. Lots of small stuff and filling in gaps.