Sacramento Proposal/Approval/Construction Thread - III

[sugit]

Originally Posted by urban_encounter

New rising: Former midtown bakery
building to become loft housing
By Bob Shallit
Published 3:41 pm PST Tuesday
February 19, 2008

The housing downturn isn't slowing D&S Development Inc., a Folsom company that's marching ahead with new residential projects.

The latest: Loft dwellings, eateries and possibly an art gallery in what was once a Wonder Bread bakery warehouse at 14th and R streets in downtown Sacramento.

D&S is in escrow to buy the vacant, 95-year-old brick building and plans to start construction next month on what will be 12 residential units sitting above restaurants and retail shops - just down the block from Randy Paragary's R15 nightclub.

"These will be true lofts," Steve Lebastchi, a D&S partner, says of the 600- to 900-square-foot housing units. "We're keeping all the brick....the 15-foot ceilings with exposed ducts and beams." And, he notes, the lofts will be in former industrial space, "just like in New York."

The developers - who last year completed a similar-sized condo project in Old Sac - haven't decided on pricing or whether the R Street housing will be for sale or lease. But they say the units, which come with a parking space, will be built to "condo standards," with energy-saving elements that will qualify for LEED certification.

Among the potential tenants being considered for the 12,000 square feet of retail space are a Japanese restaurant, a "hof brau" and an art gallery.

David Miry, another D&S partner, says the partners "fell in love" with the building, which they're buying from Owens Financial Group, a Walnut Creek commercial lender. "It's got a lot of character. There's a lot of light. You get a really good feeling when you walk in."

Adds D&S associate Bay Miry, who is David's son: "We think this (part of town) will be the top entertainment, mixed-use stretch for midtown and downtown. It's ready to blossom."

For the rest of Shallit's column, see Wednesday's business section of The Bee.

I've been waiting for this one to kick-off again. I really like that building a lot. Plus, a hof brau? Um, hell ya! Last time I spoke to who I assume is the new owner (about a year ago) they were looking at a wine bar, but a hof brau sounds awesome.

I totally agree with Bay Miry, I've always thought that stretch would be a great entertainment stretch. Hopefully Capitol Lofts gets going this year too.

[creamcityleo79]

Here is the response I got from Heather Fargo...a full month after I sent it. BUT, it was not a canned response (note her bad grammar in the highlighted sentence...also, she called the Metropolitan the Cosmopolitan!). So, here it is!!

Dear Mr. neuhickman79:

I received your email and would like to clarify your misunderstanding. I am not opposed to the Cosmopolitan, but I do have concerns. These concerns are legitimate as I was elected to represent the citizens of Sacramento. My concerns are regarding the design and height of the building. This building will sit between two of our most treasured historic buildings (926 J Street and the Elks), and within blocks of several other historic buildings including the Cathedral and the Capital. I am also concerned about the base of the building, as it is across the street from Caesar Chavez Plaza, which is our civic “square.” Building on the city square should look civic and fit the feel of the city, as the Library and US Bank buildings do. These would be my expectations of anyone who builds in this location. In addition, buildings on the southwest corners of blocks have an important role in softening the heat of the summer, by adequate tree plantings and landscaping, which this building proposal has not yet addressed.

I appreciate your interest in the development of the built environment and the health of the Sacramento economy.

Mayor Fargo





>>>Neuhickman79 <[email protected]> 1/17/2008 8:34 PM >>>
To whom it may concern:

I would like to register my extreme disappointment with Mayor Fargo's
illogical quest to impose height limits on such structures downtown as the
Metropolitan. I'd like to see Sacramento develop into a world-class city and
the mayor seems hell bent on preventing this from occurring. I know her
arguments for the height restrictions and I find them to be without merit.
As a longtime resident of Sacramento I have seen this city take a wonderful
turn toward smart, responsible growth and up until now, I was under the
impression that Mayor Fargo and the Council were behind this all the way.
Now I hear this from the Mayor and, if this holds true, I can no longer
support her. This is exactly the definition of the word NIMBY! NOT IN MY
BACKYARD! This is shameful coming from the Mayor/Council who has led this
city well up until this point. Please reconsider your feelings on the
Metropolitan development and don¹t get caught up in the negativity and
selfishness that is displayed by the parties who are suing you like Mo
Mohanna and William Kopper. I trust that you will make the right decision
in this matter and continue to lead Sacramento into a new era of smart,
urban growth that will bring MORE developments like the Metropolitan that
will benefit generations to come.

Thank you,

Neuhickman79

My only question is...WHAT THE HELL IS THIS WOMAN DOING AS MAYOR OF SACRAMENTO!!??!?!!

[What is a Rivercat?]

Originally Posted by neuhickman79

Here is the response I got from Heather Fargo...a full month after I sent it. BUT, it was not a canned response (note her bad grammar in the highlighted sentence...also, she called the Metropolitan the Cosmopolitan!). So, here it is!!

**Ahem**

[creamcityleo79]

Originally Posted by What is a Rivercat?

**Ahem**

I stand corrected!...and if you posted that before, I'm sorry!

[innov8]

I got the same letter... Cosmopolitan

[ozone]

Well when it was first proposed I remember that a lot of you guys were saying that the design sucked. It's true that the site is visable -being in the "Civic Center" and all---but then again this council doesn't have a steller record in preventing bad design. I wonder if Saca is asking for city money? Maybe too many just do not want to waste time with Saca anymore? (Maybe thinking here we go again with this guy who can't deliever on his promises.)

Whatever is the case I think the council is made up of mostly small town people who have hung around long enough to end up councilmembers of a moderately large city. They are in over their collective heads.

[Majin]

Cosmopolitan

Just wow, this can't be serious. Is Fargo really our Mayor or is this some kind of sick joke????

Please KJ is you are reading this, you need to run for Mayor

[urban_encounter]

Originally Posted by ozone

Well when it was first proposed I remember that a lot of you guys were saying that the design sucked. It's true that the site is visable -being in the "Civic Center" and all---but then again this council doesn't have a steller record in preventing bad design. I wonder if Saca is asking for city money? Maybe too many just do not want to waste time with Saca anymore? (Maybe thinking here we go again with this guy who can't deliever on his promises.)

Saca is asking for part city property.


There's no denying that the Metropolitan could use some design tweaking. But good gravy, these are the same people who gave us the garage at 621CM (and the office tower at 621 for that matter), the Sheraton, 800J (which while i don't think is offensive, is no better than the Metropolitan)...

The council members are more concerned with their own personal view of the Capitol dome (which I'm sure more than a couple apsire to work in), than they are about the overall economic outlook of the CBD.

Tweak the design if they want to (i have no problem with that).. But they're intent on cropping the Metropolitan's height and in the process throwing out the current Capitol view protection corrdior. Basically they now want to reinvent the wheel at a time when Sacramento needs to see one of these projects get off the ground.....

Originally Posted by ozone

Whatever is the case I think the council is made up of mostly small town people who have hung around long enough to end up councilmembers of a moderately large city. They are in over their collective heads.

I agree 100% and unfortunately instead of leaders we end up with recycled neighborhood association members such as Fargo, Cohn, and Fong (to name a few) who continue to push their parochial neighborhood political views, instead of looking out for the greater good of the city.

[ltsmotorsport]

Originally Posted by ozone

They (the city council) are in over their collective heads.

So true. And the longer people like this stay in office, the worse it will get for the citizens of Sacramento.

[econgrad]

Originally Posted by Majin

Old news but it's still painful to even read that.

Sorry man, it hit my email so I thought it was new. The article bummed me out too...

[ozone]

Well urban encounter maybe Saca should then donate the penthouse to the city as the offical mayor's residence.

[urban_encounter]

Originally Posted by ozone

Well urban encounter maybe Saca should then donate the penthouse to the city as the offical mayor's residence.

I think she has a fear of heights.

[brandon12]

when driving on I-5, you can really see that work at the Crocker expansion looks to be going full steam ahead.

[Yogi916]

12 mid size mid priced residential Lofts, approx 600-1000 sq ft, approx $235k-$375k, above 3-5 Restaurant/Bar/Retail Concepts.

Lofts will each have own covered private parking with additional parking spaces also available. LEED Certification (hopefully Silver or Gold level, Recycling of Existing Materials, Parking with Equipment for an Electric Car, Solar Panels on top of each car port, upstairs private deck area, private entry lobby, outdoor patio dining areas, 15-25 ft ceilings, etc are all planned for the project.

Thoughts? What is the potential and future of the R St Corridor?

I know there is a lot of talk about the frustration with the Mayor and City Council and what not. And raising concern and voicing opinions/letters is definitely active and progressive. Equally if not more important is the continuing development of unique and exciting projects across Midtown and Downtown (regardless of size) that challenge the developers themselves to improve upon previous projects. Projects that benefit the surrounding community, add something to the Central City, and possess a certain "hip factor".

[Majin]

Originally Posted by Yogi916

Thoughts? What is the potential and future of the R St Corridor?

Density is too low and it includes parking.

[creamcityleo79]

Originally Posted by Majin

Density is too low and it includes parking.

What is there now? NOTHING! In this market, be glad we still have proposals!

[sugit]

Originally Posted by Yogi916

12 mid size mid priced residential Lofts, approx 600-1000 sq ft, approx $235k-$375k, above 3-5 Restaurant/Bar/Retail Concepts.

Lofts will each have own covered private parking with additional parking spaces also available. LEED Certification (hopefully Silver or Gold level, Recycling of Existing Materials, Parking with Equipment for an Electric Car, Solar Panels on top of each car port, upstairs private deck area, private entry lobby, outdoor patio dining areas, 15-25 ft ceilings, etc are all planned for the project.

Thoughts? What is the potential and future of the R St Corridor?

I know there is a lot of talk about the frustration with the Mayor and City Council and what not. And raising concern and voicing opinions/letters is definitely active and progressive. Equally if not more important is the continuing development of unique and exciting projects across Midtown and Downtown (regardless of size) that challenge the developers themselves to improve upon previous projects. Projects that benefit the surrounding community, add something to the Central City, and possess a certain "hip factor".

I really like this renovation and I think R Street has crazy potential to be a major nightlife and entertainment district.

I pick up this info on my blog from someone who I think is with the project on the retail spaces. I mentioned how I hope it's not another "rock and roll" sushi place and they replied with this.

"No worries, not another sushi bar with mayo and what not spread all over...think a "sake lounge" with unique but authentic Japanese food, something creative and not typical at all, same with the hof bra, a "hip and modern" take from a group with 20-30 years experience in the traditional hof brau business in the Bay Area, and a bistro/restaurant concept that we are very excited about as well for another one of the spaces"

[TowerDistrict]

That's gonna be awesome.

Such a great bulding and location. The streetscape improvements are
imminent, the plaza east is under design, Capital Lofts are gearing up
to finally begin construction, 16th Street Light Rail station improvements
are on the way.

Things are falling in to place. It's taken forever - but this project right here
may turn out to be like the East End Lofts - maybe better? Honestly, I can't
think of much better news I've heard in the past year.

[urban_encounter]

Originally Posted by sugit

I really like this renovation and I think R Street has crazy potential to be a major nightlife and entertainment district.

I pick up this info on my blog from someone who I think is with the project on the retail spaces. I mentioned how I hope it's not another "rock and roll" sushi place and they replied with this.

"No worries, not another sushi bar with mayo and what not spread all over...think a "sake lounge" with unique but authentic Japanese food, something creative and not typical at all, same with the hof bra, a "hip and modern" take from a group with 20-30 years experience in the traditional hof brau business in the Bay Area, and a bistro/restaurant concept that we are very excited about as well for another one of the spaces"

Sounds like another wonderful project...


btw Kru is still my favorite Sushi/Japanese restaurant.. (at least for the time being)..

[Majin]

Originally Posted by urban_encounter

Sounds like another wonderful project...


btw Kru is still my favorite Sushi/Japanese restaurant.. (at least for the time being)..

Are you serious? I'm not too found of that place.

I think Zen Sushi is much better.