Sacramento - Rails and Rivers

plinko · #1 Posted **Jul 18, 2021, 9:12 AM**

Downtown Sacramento is a bit of an enigma. 20 years ago, it felt similar in scale and liveliness to Austin. While the state government has driven large parts of the growth of downtown since, overall the growth and development seems to have lagged the pace of other mid-sized cities such as Salt Lake City, Nashville, and particularly Austin. The metro area itself generally grows faster than the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and yet downtown has still been a bit sleepy.

One area where Sacramento seems to be doing quite well in terms of construction is infrastructure. New lite rail lines radiating from downtown, an entirely new street grid through formerly industrial railyards, and creating mass opportunities for a general reimagination of the riverfront and a whole section of the downtown area.

I’ve been coming here all my life to visit family. I lived in downtown in 2002-2003. I’ve been coming back regularly ever since. There were good bones to work with here. Now they are finally seeming to be activated.

I was last there in April and I did manage to find a couple of hours to roam…

The new street grid feels a bit empty as of now. But things are in the works: www.railyards.com. I personally think the plan is much too divided in terms of uses, but it’s nice to see something going on instead of the abandoned yards that sat there for decades.

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0001 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0002 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0003 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

One thing I always have noticed about Sacramento is that even in most of the burbs, there are trees everywhere. I’m hoping the Railyards will someday look like this.

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0004 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

A new 20+ story Sacramento County Courthouse is under construction and will site directly in front of the Federal Courthouse from this view.

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0005 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0006 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0007 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

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The distant State Government Richards Boulevard Office Complex under construction. I think the tallest building will be about 12 floors.

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0023 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0024 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

West Sacramento has come a long way. When I lived downtown I used to think of West Sac as a long lost junkie uncle who suddenly moved to town, got clean, got a job, and for all intents seems to be doing well. Nearly 20 years later, West Sac is finally getting there. Developments all over (mostly of the 4-5 story variety), a fledgling riverfront district which could be quite amazing, and a place that I probably would look at for investment if I lived up there.

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0025 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0026 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0027 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

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210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0029 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

This interesting little structure is called The Barn. I've not been here when it's open, but it's quite the instagram spot in town from what I understand. Unique piece of architecture.

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0030 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0031 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0032 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

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210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0036 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0037 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0038 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0039 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0040 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

In 2002, the City polled residents on what color to paint the Tower Bridge. I voted for white, hoping that the bridge could be lit up different colors for events. Gold won out, and in the right light, really sparkles.

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0041 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0042 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

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Creepy, if I had to walk past this everyday…yikes!

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0055 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

The new Department of Natural Resources Building is quite nice, with some interesting façade articulations. It may not look it, but it’s actually taller than its bulk would suggest. I believe it’s the 10th tallest building in the city.

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0056 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

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210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0072 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

These days when we are up there, we stay way out in the burbs. You can get a fairly nice distant view of the city from the foothills.

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0073 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr

210403-0411 SACRAMENTO_0074 by Michael Stroh, on Flickr