Downtown

When Scott’s Seafood abruptly closed last summer, it sent shockwaves through the community. Now that redevelopment of the property is underway, the owner was forced to remove the 350-year old Heritage Oak Tree that was the restaurant’s centerpiece. It’s a big deal for the space, which for over 40 years served as a social and business hub. In response to comments on Facebook, Mayor Kevin Wilk explained why the ancient oak was cut down.

“An arborist report was submitted to the city which concluded massive amounts of internal decay and the threat of falling branches. The recommendation was to remove it as a safety concern. The report was corroborated by the City’s consulting arborist, who also recommended it be taken down. It’s awful to lose trees like this.” So what’s in store for the iconic brick building on California Blvd.? Wilk says it’s being subdivided and will house several new tenants including a restaurant and Sereno real estate. 

Construction continues across the street at 1380 N. California Boulevard, a new 6-story mixed use building consisting of 70 apartment units and 20 hotel rooms above ground level retail. Stay tuned for an update on tenants.

Milk & Lily Portrait Co. opened a “mommy & mini” clothing boutique inside Gather WC, the new downtown event space on Locust Street. Rumor has it recently-closed Maximilian Furs is already leased to salad sensation sweetgreen next to Veggie Grill  But if greens aren’t your thing, it looks like Shake Shack got the nod to open a burger joint on the corner of Mt. Diablo and Locust Street.

San Francisco-based Yoga Flow SF is opening soon at Main Street Plaza, and construction has resumed on Lifetime Fitness at Broadway Plaza at the former Macy’s men’s store site. Known for witty t’s and sweatshirts, apparel company Lulusimonstudio is coming to Main Street. And a new place to shop for fun accessories, Wardrobe Boutique, took over the former CY Louie space at Duncan Arcade.

Shadelands Business Park

From a massive indoor sports complex to a mix of new restaurants, exciting things are happening at Shadelands Business Park. While medical groups, outpatient surgery centers, dentists, and rehab facilities dominate the tenant list at the 248-acre business park, an emerging trend is senior housing. One of Shadelands’ largest property owners, Hall Equities Group, recently presented plans to the Design Review Commission for construction of a 9.5-acre Oakmont Senior Housing/RCF complex at 2800 Mitchell Drive and 1925 Oak Grove with approximately 368-units. Hall recently completed construction on Trellis in Shadelands, a 59-bed skilled nursing facility adjacent to the Ultimate Fieldhouse.