10th and K Project Gaining Momentum

We have been hearing a lot about the 700 and 800 blocks of K Street for some time now, but we rarely hear about the equally important 10th and K project. That corner is really important in connecting the east side of K Street with the future west side

From the beginning this one has gone all over the place. Ideas from live tv studios and bowling alleys, a 1000 seat live theater to a "restaurant row" idea have all been tossed out.

While I still would have liked a "real" live theater at that site, the cabaret could be pretty interesting. Best of all, it would be operated by the Music Circus. My worry at first was that it would be operated by some 'national chain of cabaret' type place.

The MC should be able to do something unique to Sacramento instead of a cookie cutter version from another city. Even a few Asia SF type performances would be cool. (I know, I just contradicted myself there) I'd also love to see a Comedy Club get thrown somewhere on K Street as well.

The part that I'm not big on is another Paragary Group Restaurant. For a long time it seemed like Paragary was the only person willing to take a chance on downtown, and I am grateful for that. There comes a point though where too much is too much. I really don't want to see a Paragary on every other block. 10th and K, 13th and K, 14th and L and maybe even 15th and L is he opens the old Capitol Grill in the Marriot project as has been rumored.

I'm also glad to see some housing in the mix by the CIM group. CIM has it's own financing division so if they do decide to through with the project, financing is not a problem.

All in all, this one seems like it might have the best chance of getting built.
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Vibrant plan for K Street takes shape
Cabaret, restaurants would anchor long-dormant area
Sacramento Business Journal - May 19, 2006 by Mike McCarthy - Staff Writer

A cabaret and restaurant could anchor an entertainment and dining center at 10th and K streets, serving as a much-needed link between proposed high-rise towers and the IMAX Theater in downtown Sacramento.

The cabaret-restaurant may open in the long-vacant Woolworth building, while the popular Jack's Urban Eats could expand with another restaurant across the street.

Redevelopment of the area, called K Street Central, is a major priority for city officials who want to redevelop K Street -- a pedestrian-only corridor -- and attract more businesses. Three of the four buildings, including the former five-and-dime Woolworth store, are vacant.

The often-overlooked intersection is halfway between the IMAX Theater and developers John Saca and Joe Zeiden's 600-condo and retail project in the 700 and 800 blocks of K Street.

Planning for K Street Central has been under way for more than a year. But some plans to revive the intersection, including live theater in the building, were dropped because they were not considered feasible.

But the lead developer for the project, David Taylor, told city officials he wants to put a combination cabaret and restaurant on the ground floor of the Woolworth building, said Leslie Fritzsche, downtown development manager with the Economic Development Department.

The cabaret would be operated by the same group that runs the Music Circus. Local restaurateur Randy Paragary may operate the "California cuisine" restaurant, said Michael Ault, executive director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, a coalition of landlords. Ault said he saw the plans at the same time as Fritzsche.

The top floor of the building would become a partly covered patio for diners. The second floor would include a banquet facility. Across the street at 1001 K St., the Cordano family and builder Steve Eggert are negotiating with Jack's Urban Eats, which could open on the second floor of the mostly vacant building, Fritzsche said.

The Cordanos also control the southwest building in the intersection, at 930 K St., and are looking at several options for that vacant structure, including mixed-use development. James Cordano III would not comment.

The city would like to include the fourth corner, which now houses a delicatessen. But there are no plans for the building at this time, said John Dangberg, the deputy city manager overseeing economic development.

Another developer, CIM Group Inc., controls 1012 and 1022 K St., where it plans a 14-story building with about 130 condominiums, Fritzsche said. City staff will work with the developers to refine Taylor's concept, then take it to the city council for consideration in about six weeks. Still undecided is whether city subsidies will be needed for the project.

For earlier concepts, the group had reportedly estimated it would need $30 million in subsidies.