From the top of...

The Bank of the West Tower (500 Capitol Mall)

I'm a lucky guy :-)

Today I went to the top of Sacramento's newest highrise and snapped a few shots. They just finished pumping concrete for the 27th floor and next week they'll start installing the blue glass.

^ ^^ Click on photo to make larger... super wide shot.

A few more... all night

Zeiden out of K Street proposals?

Way back in the days Joe Zeiden was going to being rehabing and developing the 700 block of K Street into a retail stretch...not anymore?

Looks like Zeiden might be out of the K Street proposals. The city in closed session tomorrow is authorizing negotiations with Zeiden to acquire what looks like the parcels he owns.

With the downturn in the economy, retail can't be doing too well. It just took too long to materialize.

I've heard quite a few rumbling recently that Mohanna has put together a proposal with credible developer who will run the project. Mohanna will step into the background and let them run with it (If true, Thank God)

I also heard he is asking for a huge subsidy, so we'll see what happens when news actually comes out. I won't believe anything until it is 100% completed, and even then I still won't.

There are quite a few items under Closed Session regarding this, but here is the one I am referring to above. The other I can't tell what they are regarding specifically other than the pending litigation.

http://sacramento.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=8&event_id=2
AGENDA
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
City Hall – 915 I Street- First Floor Council Chamber
Closed Session - City Council

i) Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8 for a matter pertaining to real property negotiations. Authorization to negotiate with Joseph Zeiden of Zeiden Properties, LLC for the acquisition of the following Assessor's Parcel Numbers: 006-0096-04, 006-0096-018 and 006-0096-019. The purpose is to confer with the City's chief negotiators, John Dangberg and Leslie Fritsche, regarding the price, terms and conditions of the acquisition.

Reminder: Fremont Park Public Meeting - This Wednesday

June 11th @ 6:00
William Land Elementary School - 12th and U Street.

2nd Saturday at 500 N Street

Just Jules and Your Average Joe did me a favor and posted about the Fremont Park Public Meeting next week to help me get the word out, so the least I can do is return the favor on an event they are doing.
_____________________________________________________________________________



_______________________________________________________________________________

2nd Saturday at 500 N Street
Featuring local artists Jay Canter and Ted Weldon

Comlimentary Wine, Beer & Hors d'oeuvres will be served.

All Night

Fremont Park Public Meeting

Well, I haven’t been writing a lot recently, but here is why...

I'd like to bring people reading this back to a post I did back in Oct 2006 Buildings in Search of a New Life and the Call to Action

Toward the end of that topic I put it out there that what I would like more people in our community giving time and effort to causes that make our city better. I also mentioned that I would personally love in my lifetime to be someone that ‘walks the walk’.

Well, I started on that recently...and while I hope to do even more later on, I thought it this would be a great place to begin.

First a little background. My wife and I along with our 20-month old son live near Fremont Park, which we consider to be our backyard. We moved to the central city knowing we would not have a backyard, nor really wanting one. Our last home in Natomas had no real useful backyard and we both hated yard work. The trade off of a backyard we never really used for what we now enjoy with food, entertainment and culture within walking distance is well worth the trade off, especially considering we have parks all around us for our child to play in.

Our “home” park is Fremont Park and while my son loves the park as is, there has always been a feeling to my wife and I that it can be so much more and something really special for all people in the neighborhood. I strongly feel Fremont Park can be the centerpiece of what is a good neighborhood with an even bigger potential for greatness.

In addition to businesses already located around the park, as we see more housing, restaurants and retail develop in the area, such as 'Hot Italian' directly across the street, there is a tremendous amount of synergy to be had with a thriving city park in the center of it all.

The thought of people grabbing a frozen yogurt from Mochii Yogurt, coffee and scone from Naked Lounge, a slice of pizza, sandwich or gelato from Uncle Vito's or Hot Italian and taking it over to park to enjoy the day and socialize excites me. We don't see nearly enough of that right now.

So what I did was decide to figure out how I could get involved to make Fremont Park into what I think it can become. A thriving neighborhood park that is enjoyed by people from the neighborhood and surrounding areas through out the day.

With all that said, I feel like it is up to us in the community to take care of our park.

Over the past couple of months I have contacted CADA, City Parks & Rec, Councilman Fongs office, and fellow neighbors to see what can be done to improve on our neighborhood asset.

My goal is to parlay liked minded citizens, developers, property owners, area business and government entities in this effort.

People doing small and large things to help their community can do wonders for community spirit and pride.

After a couple meetings with the extremely helpful folks at CADA and City Park & Rec, we have set a community meeting for June 11th @ 6:00 at William Land Elementary School on 12th and U to hear what you in the neighborhood think and would like to see our park go in the future.

In the time leading up to June 11th, please be sure to take a walk through the park so we can get the best ideas and thoughts on what you would like to see accomplished.

-Dog Park?
-Better landscaping?
-Better playground equipment?
-Interactive water fountain feature?
-Improved restrooms?
-Public art and murals?
-Programming and annual event ideas?
-2nd Saturday 'Art in the Park'?

….and just as important as physical improvements, what social and psychological barriers are there that keep people from Fremont Park?

If we look at the transformation Southside Park has made over the last few years from a rundown park to a place where many people and families gather at all times during the day....how can we do that to Fremont Park?

To make this happen, gathering other peoples input and ideas is needed. No one person has all the ideas and answers, and only together can we make this happen. What we need are people that share our same enthusiasm, are willing share ideas and to work toward this vision.

So please join me and fellow neighbors on June 11th as we all take this first step in making something special happen in our community.

If anyone out there has any questions/comments/ideas, please feel free to email me.

LJ Urban in West Sac

I am very interested to see how LJ Urban's projects in West Sacramento are going to reshape that area. They have been able to purchase quite a bit of land in the area so they are going to have a large say in how the area transforms.

With the river access, CalSTRS, Raley Field, Old Sac, and downtown/midtown so close, the location offers a lot of potential in time.

I had a chance to attend one of their event a few months ago and the impression I came away with was they "get it".

They were genuine in wanting all our advise and suggestions, and many suggestions/ideas people made were implemented. This isn't a 'come tell us what you think, but we really don't care we just have to do it' type of company. They get it.

_________________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________________

Its Time…
May 15th, 2008


I feel like we have been getting ready for this moment forever, honestly for a little while I thought it would never come. But its finally time, and its for real.

LJ Urban is pleased to announce the first of our homes in our LEED ND certiifed Good project is ready for you to come check it out (or at least it will be next Saturday) The project is one of the first in the country to be finished under the LEED ND certification pilot program.

We are going to be hosting a sneak peak on the 24th of May where we are inviting you to come take a look for your self and see what we have been working on for the last 3 years. I can’t even begin to tell you what a big moment this is for all of us. We have been putting our hearts and tears (trust me there have been many) into making this the best most sustainable, livable, and just all around wonderful place in Sacramento.

We are happy to welcome the The Live Lightly Tour, a veggie fueled RV that Matt and Sara are driving around the country to help educate everyone on ways to live a more sustainable life style, they will be set up outside the project giving tours of their RV. Also we are going to be enjoying Organic Carribean food served by Kimba from Roots and Kulchah. And as if that was not enough Dusty Brown a local Sacramento musician will be setting the mood with his groovy music.

Its a sneak peak because we are not quite ready to start selling the homes. When we do start June 1st we are going to be coming at it from a whole different angle that you would expect. Instead of having an agent sit there for hours and hours every day wasting energy waiting for people to show up. We are going to be hosting “eco-urban 101″ dinners. The dinners are going to happen every few weeks and are going to be open to 10 people each time. At the dinners you will be able to learn just what is so different about eco-urban housing from the team here at LJ Urban and various other people who worked on making this project a reality. Its sort of a green building class, and will be open to anyone who is interested. We are not trying to sell the houses at these dinners but instead educate people on what we did to make this a sustainable neighborhood. We set out to change the world and want this project to be a beacon of sustainable building at its best. I am very excited about being able to tell the story of Good.

The sneak peak is going to be held Saturday the 24th from 10-2 at Good. Good is at the corner of 4th and B Sts in West Sacramento. We hope to see you there!

If you have not already, don’t forget to sign up on the Good project interest list so you will be kept in the loop about the next eco-urban 101 dinner. We expect them to fill up fast and are not going to do them all the time so if you are interested please don’t wait. There will be a sign up sheet in the Model on the 24th for you to sign up. Or you can email me at Levi@LJUrban.com

City paves way for Greyhound to leave downtown

Here is the link to the staff report on the subject.

Richards Boulevard: That's the ticket
City paves way for Greyhound to leave downtown
Sacramento Business Journal - by Michael Shaw Staff writer
Friday, May 16, 2008

Greyhound is finally pulling out of downtown.

After years of failed attempts to move the terminal from 703 L St., Greyhound Lines, its landlord and the city of Sacramento have cut a deal to temporarily relocate it to Richards Boulevard and eventually into The Railyards.

City leaders say the terminal's presence in the business core has scared off redevelopment while remaining a logistical headache for the bus service, which must maneuver buses through congested downtown streets. Moving the terminal has been a top priority for city leaders for years -- at one point a total of 87 sites around town were examined, but plans seemed to invariably fall through.

The City Council will likely vote Tuesday on the deal, which would move the terminal to an interim facility to be built on city-owned land on Richards Boulevard. The city's long-term goal will be to eventually move Greyhound to the intermodal transportation facility envisioned for The Railyards, the massive redevelopment project sought by Thomas Enterprises Inc.

"This goes back more than a decade," said Sacramento assistant city manager John Dangberg, one of the officials who shaped the plan. "There have been lots of people who want to see this happen. It was a top priority when the Downtown Partnership was formed."

Mayor Heather Fargo announced the deal was all but done in January, only to have it slip when financial details needed tweaking.

"I think it's a great move for the city and a great move for Greyhound," Fargo said this week. "It's been a long time coming. It's a viable business, but it was difficult for our police force and their security."

Added Al Gianini, a past president of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership: "It's going to be an historic City Council meeting."

Under the deal, the city will buy out Greyhound's lease with landlord Danny Benvenuti for up to $1.4 million and spend an additional $1 million in infrastructure improvements for the new terminal at 420 Richards Blvd. The city acquired that property last year when it bought a nearby office building.

Benvenuti will develop the interim terminal, which could cost up to $4.5 million, and the city will retain ownership. Benvenuti's share of the improvements is $3.5 million, and the city will kick in $1 million more if needed. If approved by the Council, construction is expected to begin in September, and Greyhound will move in next year.

"We're happy that the city's happy," Benvenuti said, noting that the terminal's relocation became somewhat of a Sacramento saga over the years. "We're never excited to see a good tenant leave. Under the circumstances, it was inevitable."

The deal is set up to provide him a fixed 12 percent profit for developing the interim bus terminal. Greyhound pays Benvenuti about $39,200 a month to rent the L Street terminal.

Officials said the downtown location causes traffic congestion and the terminal's presence hampered investment in the area.

As for the L Street site, Benvenuti said he is in negotiations with a "major hotel operator" and forming a plan to demolish the terminal and build a hotel with apartments or condos on top.

He bought the property 19 years ago and has spent $200,000 over five years looking for a place to move the terminal. He found 87 locations, but each one was rejected. Residents didn't want the buses in their neighborhoods, the sites were logistically problematic, or other problems surfaced. That search even included the 420 Richards site, but former owners there wanted to build office buildings and wouldn't sell it, he said.

Dangberg said that once Greyhound leaves the interim terminal for The Railyards, the city could use the site for its own fleet of vehicles. But that building could eventually be torn down to make way for more office buildings.

The intermodal facility in The Railyards won't be built for several years because federal funding hasn't been secured, the city said. The costs involved are estimated at between $200 million and $300 million.

On Tuesday, the City Council will likely vote on authorizing $2 million in capital improvements for curbs, gutters and other improvements at Richards Boulevard and will vote on accepting the business terms with Benvenuti.

City approves $2.2M to start Township 9 streets

Sacramento Business Journal

The Sacramento City Council on Tuesday voted to approve $2.2 million in transportation improvement funding for North 7th Street.

The street will be the primary access road for Township 9, a mixed-use redevelopment project the city has designated as its top priority for state Proposition 1C infill housing funds. The first phase of Township 9 is slated for 752 residential units, 139 of which would be affordable units, and 42,000 square feet of retail.

When the city put Township 9 forward for $30 million in Prop 1C funding, it pledged to make $2.2 million available for North 7th Street improvements.

Capitol Station 65 LLC, the developer of Township 9, plans to begin construction on the project this year to deliver the first housing units in 2010.

_________

Good news for sure. Township 9 is starting to lead the way with real construction and hopefully the Railyards will follow soon.

Target out of Downtown Plaza Renovation?

Well, take it for what it's worth, but apparently Target has pulled out of the DTP renovation.

One of the food court vendors when asked about moving to the other side of the mall in a couple years, said who knows since Target has pulled out.

If this is true, I can't imagine Westfield pouring money into DTP without a signed major tenant

I always did find it curious that they would be willing to go into DTP when they are completely redoing the one on Broadway and have one in Natomas as well.

Target is hardly a sexy name and regional draw, but at least it would have generated some foot traffic.

DRAFT: 2030 Sacramento General Plan

Today at Cesar Chavez Park the Planning Department unveiled Sacramento's DRAFT 2030 General Plan. There was a good turn out of people and lots of planning debt. staff to answer questions.

To learn more about the Draft General plan and offer input about the plan, check out this website.

DRAFT: 2030 Sacramento General Plan

Public comments on the Draft 2030 General Plan are accepted till until July 31, 2008. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=uHxKTRKURLoDgdRTnLzevg_3d_3d

From Office to Art

There are so many crappy office buildings in midtown, it would be a nice to see more of this.....turning boring dead office buildings into vibrant much needed space for local artists.

Perfectly located one block over from the 20th Street madhouse on 2nd Saturdays.
______________________________________________________________________________________

From midtown office complex to artists' showcase
By Bob Shallit - bshallit@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PDT Monday, May 5, 2008

A down-on-its-luck midtown office complex is about to become an arts incubator where local artists can work, mingle with their fans and – ideally – make lots of sales.

Downtown art gallery owner Barry Smith has leased the two-story building at 2110 K St. from property owner Thomas A. Roth – and is busily subleasing studio space to painters, photographers and sculptors.

"I thought at first I'd have to build it – and then they would come," Smith says of his Sacramento Art Complex. The remodeling work's not finished but he's already leased nearly all of his 20 or so available offices.

Among the tenants: Noted landscape and dragonfly painter Steve Memering – whose image of Sacramento's skyline will be part of the building's signage.

Memering is taking a prominent space at the building's entrance and will paint "right in the front window six mornings a week," says Smith.

Another prominent tenant is Vicki Asp, known for her lush, impressionistic California landscapes.

Smith will occupy the largest office suite, where he'll display and sell artworks by renowned landscape painter Gregory Kondos, the late cityscape artist William Tuthill and others. It's the same mix of art – along with framing services – that Smith carries at his downtown location at 1020 11th St., which will remain open.

The new gallery is set to debut Saturday during this month's Second Saturday festivities.

"People will stroll in … and immediately be in a maze of fantastic art," Smith says. "It'll blow their minds."

Redevelopment Funds for Housing

Looks like the city is looking to make available 25M for housing development in downtown from the existing pool of redevelopment funds next Tuesday.

So far of the redevelopment funds used recently, there hasn't been as much used for new housing as I would like, which should be at the top of the list. So far I can't think of anything recent outside of the Berry Hotel rehab and The Cathedral Building loan.

Funds recently have been used for projects such at the Cosmopolitan Theater, The Citizen Hotel, loans for Ella and McCormick & Schmick, The Crocker expansion, and the stalled 700/800 K Street project. I wanna see the money used for housing now.

While I hope we see some large 100+ unit projects as listed in the staff report, I also hope smaller projects such as the Maydestone rehab at 15th and J get in on the action.

Proposals that will be accepted include:
*Rental or ownership housing - mixed-use, live/work, loft and adaptive re-use.
*New Constriction (30+ units)
*Rehabilitation (30+ Units)
*Adaptive Reuse (30+ Units)

Priority Given to:
*Mix of market rate and affordable housing units
*Located in JKL
*Mixed-use
*Superior sustainable urban design
*100+ residential housing units.

Fore more details, please click on the below staff report.
Downtown Housing Investment Strategy and Notice of Funding Availability

Lit-Up Capitol Mall Tower

The final touches to David Taylor's 621 Capitol Mall tower are about done. When I saw the top of the tower lit-up this weekend, I thought it looked pretty good. As I got closer to the base of the building I was even more impressed with the art hanging in the lobby. I think the suspended art's very cool and unlike any other art I've seen in this city.

The north side of the tower is still a disappointment to me. The side facing L Street has that awful car garage and the tower it's self looks like an afterthought no one was intended to see (sarcasm). It will just have to be one of those parts of the city that when I pass by it on L Street I'll start thinking about something else.

Over all I think David Taylor made a good effort and the exterior lighting for the tower scores several points in my book.

Friday Night Concerts in the Park | May 2 - August 15, 2008

What
Friday Night Concerts in the Park | May 2 - August 15, 2008
Presented by Budweiser

When
This event occurs on Fri between 05/02/2008 and 08/15/2008.
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where
Cesar Chavez Plaza
10th & J streets

ABOUT THE CONCERTS
This free outdoor concert series, which runs May 2 - August 15, is the hottest summer spot every Friday night downtown. The shows feature local artists representing a range of genres including rock, pop, punk, blues and folk.

Music addicts and happy hour junkies fill up Cesar Chavez Plaza at 10th and J streets to enjoy live music, fresh air, good food, and the famous beer garden. Admission is FREE to this all ages show!

The Friday Night Concerts in the Park are produced by The Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

PARKING
• $5 parking after 5 pm in the City Hall Garage at 10th & J Streets
• Free bicycle parking provided by Sacramento Area Bicycle advocates

CONCERT LINE UP*
MAY 2
Bucho
Righteous Movement • Sol Peligro • Crazy Ballhead

MAY 9
Kepi The Band
Kevin Seconds & The Altruistics • Kepi & Friends • Ghetto Moments

MAY 16
Bright Light Fever
Self Against City • Middle Class Rut • Breva

MAY 23
An Angle
Knock Knock • Jay Shaner & The Cowboy Killers • The Definite Article

MAY 30
Rowdy Kate
The Golden Cadillacs • The Tip Top Trio • Hard Clumpin Litter

JUNE 6
Mick Martin & The Blues Rockers
Sal Valentino • The Bathtub Gins

JUNE 13
Secretions
Final Summation (CD Release) • The No Goodniks • Baby!

JUNE 20
The Helper Monkeys
Hot Pistol • Prieta • Aroarah

JUNE 27
Mumbo Gumbo
Ricky Berger

JULY 4
NO CONCERT DUE TO HOLIDAY

JULY 11
Richard March
Kate Gaffney • Agent Ribbons • The Juggs

JULY 18
Izabella
2ME • Fair Trade

JULY 25
Red Host
Them Hills • Lonely Kings • Lite Brite

AUG 1
Diciembre Gris
Pets • We Prick You • The Generals

AUG 8
Seventy
Shannon Curtis • The Bobby Zoppi Band • Brandon Tyler

AUG 15
The Brodys
The Snobs • Gillmor

Mix of Retail Tenants - MARRS

I think the MAARS project on 20th between J and K should be a prototype for every retail and retail portion of mixed use projects in Sacramento.

A coffee shop, news stand, art gallery, clothing boutique, a couple sit down restaurants/lounges and a quick bite place.

Great mix of tenants that keeps activity going on all day and night.

Though they are different projects in different areas, developments like The Firestone Building at 16th and L, that offer only sit down restaurants, while great for evening traffic and nightlife, really seem to create dead spots during the day.

My hope is the much anticipated (at least by me) DeVere’s Irish Pub can help with foot traffic during the day.

Including even one tenant that attracts day time traffic really helps a project area.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/dining/

Thirty Champagnes by the glass? What is Ali Mackani thinking? Big, again. Mackani, who in the fall of 2005 opened the electric Restaurant 55 Degrees along Capitol Mall, is close to launching his next ambitious project, Lounge on 20, where the beverage menu is to include 30 Champagnes by the glass.

Lounge on 20, which Mackani hopes to open in early June, and possibly as soon as late May, will occupy the southeast portion of the MARRS building at 20th and K in midtown Sacramento. MARRS - Midtown Art Retail Restaurant Scene - already is home to the Solomon Dubnick Gallery, restaurants Luigi's Slice and Azul, and shops DV8 and Newsbeat.

Lounge on 20 is to be a hybrid restaurant and wine bar where the focus will be on socialization. "If you know the Redroom Room of the Clift Hotel in San Francisco, that's the kind of interaction we want," says Mackani. The conviviality will be fueled by the Champagnes, an equally extensive list of wines by the glass, creative cocktails, community tables, and a New American menu whereby dishes can be ordered in three sizes - "a taste, a small plate or a shared tray for three or four people," says Mackani. "We want to promote socializing over food and drink."

The place will be big, seating up to 170 inside, another 80 on the deck. Mackani is being assisted in putting together Lounge on 20 by two key principals of Restaurant 55 Degrees, executive chef Luc Dendievel and manager Kassidy Harris. Mackani hopes to finalize the hiring of a chef de cuisine for the new place this week. The opening of Lounge on 20 will mean no change for Restaurant 55 Degrees, he adds.

Skyline Club

The Cosmopolitan @10th and K

I got this email from the California Musical Theater today on The Cosmopolitan at 10th and K.

I've long hoped K Street between 13th and 10th could be lined with theater space of all genres and sizes. This is just another step toward a true theater district. There are a few already with The Crest, IMax, Community Center and now Cosmopolitan Cabaret, but there is room for more.

There are a couple other smaller buildings in the area that I think would make for a great transformation from office space to theater space similar to what happen here. (one of these days I'm going to remember to bring a camera when I am out)

One thing I am interested to find out is how long "Forever Plaid” will be able to run? They have set it up as opened ended which means there is no close date set. While they are selling tickets for the first 4 months of the show, they will continue to run the show as long as attendance is good.

I don't know if anyone else that has done this is Sacramento before. Maybe one of the smaller theaters?









______________________________________________________________________________________

The Cosmopolitan Cabaret theatre will open in the building that once housed the historic Woolworth department store on the southeast corner of 10th and K streets (map), now being renovated by David S. Taylor Interests. The building, called The Cosmopolitan, (www.SacCosmo.com) will also include Cosmo Restaurant and Bar, a New York-style theatre district dining experience from the Paragary Restaurant Group, and Social, a plush, modern nightclub and lounge featuring a rooftop patio by Randy Paragary and Bob Simpson.

The Cabaret will fill a niche in the region’s theatre scene by providing an upscale yet casual venue that will recall the golden age of metropolitan nightlife – perfect for musicals with two to six cast members. The theatre will have 23 tables of four and 115 seats arranged in a traditional-theatre configuration (seating chart) Pre-performance cocktail service in the theatre will be provided by Cosmo Restaurant and Bar.

The Cosmopolitan Cabaret’s production of “Forever Plaid” will be directed and choreographed by Guy Stroman, an original member of the New York cast, who has previously directed several long-running productions of the musical around the country. “Forever Plaid” is the deliciously goofy and charming story of The Plaids, a classic 1950s all-male singing group who were killed in a car crash on the way to their first big gig! Audiences will be rolling in the aisles and tapping their toes as The Plaids are miraculously revived to perform the concert-that-never-was in the hilariously nostalgic musical. They perform precision harmonies, squabble boyishly and execute their delightfully outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision. The Plaids perform some of the greatest hits of the 1950s: “Catch a Falling Star,” “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing” and “Magic Moments.”

“Forever Plaid” will open The Cosmopolitan Cabaret on September 28, 2008, for an open-ended run. Tickets for the first four months of performances will be available exclusively to Music Circus and Broadway Sacramento subscribers beginning Monday, April 21, at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office or by phone at (916) 557-1999. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning Monday, July 14. For discounts on groups of 12 or more, please call (916) 557-1198. Tickets are $32 for Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursday evenings ($52 for front row table seating) and $37 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees ($57 for front row table seating).

For more information, please visit Cosmopolitan Cabaret


1000 K Street
COMING SEPTEMBER 2008
Downtown's most sophisticated dining, entertainment and social hub
- under one roof.

Located in the boldly renovated 1956 Woolworth Building, The Cosmopolitan's modern take on retro takes center stage on K Street. Live Musical Theater, Theater District Dining. Rooftop Nightclub and Lounge.

The Night is Young.

CALIFORNIA MUSICAL THEATRE
California Music Theatre launches its first completely new professional theatre experience in 20 years. Matching the re-emerging vitality of Downtown Sacramento, the producer of Music Circus and Broadway Sacramento is creating the Cosmopolitan Cabaret, a 200-seat, upscale yet casual space and a perfect environment for intimate musical theatre. The Cabaret will allow audience members the comfort of either table seating or bar-style seating to enjoy cocktails and refreshments during the performance in a modern metropolitan surrounding.
www.cosmopolitancabaret.com


The Cosmo Restaurant
PARAGARY RESTAURANT GROUP
Cosmo Restaurant and Bar brings a New York-style theater district dining experience to downtown Sacramento. The diverse menu will feature steaks, chops, seafood, chicken, pasta and deli-style sandwiches. Full take-out services will be available to surrounding businesses, including delivery and catering. Select menu items will be served in the adjacent Cosmopolitan Cabaret.

Social Nightclub
A RANDY PARAGARY AND BOB SIMPSON PRODUCTION
Plush, modern nightclub and lounge featuring a rooftop outdoor patio. Nightly DJs and dancing.

The Sheraton Sale and K Street Mall

Well a few interesting tidbits from the city council meeting today.

First of all, the city agreed to sell The Sheraton and adjacent parking garage to David Taylor and CIM Group for 130M dollar. Of that money, the city is expecting a profit of about 45M. Not too shabby.

50% of that money will go to a fund for subsidies for Taylor and CIM projects. I still don't know how I feel about this. I'm all for a portion of the money staying downtown, but I don't like it pigeon-holed for Taylor and CIM.

I really do like Taylor and what he has done, but I not sure I feel it is right to earmark it just for him and CIM. Then again, he is one of the only people to really take risks and finish major projects in downtown recently.

There is a time line mentioned when projects need to come forward, so we'll see how that plays out. The first proposal is due within 150 days. My guess is it will be the 10th and K housing project that has been in the works for a while now.

What I did like was some actual real questions be asked about this and some healthy debate. There were several council members very uneasy about this and asked many very good questions. I don't view council votes 9-0 or 8-1 all the time a good thing as Fargo as does. A little dissent and arguing isn't a bad thing.

Of the remaining amount, 25% would go to the 'City Economic Uncertainty Reserve Fund' (or something like that) that would be used when budget problems occur, such as..um, right now!! Kinda like a rainy day fund as someone said. The other 25% to the city Parking Garage Fund

With that 50% that is marked for subsides, these projects were outlined as possibilities. Interesting to see 601 Capitol Mall on there (aka Aura).

I have some ideas of something I would like to see happen on K Street, of which I am going to try and get out this week to get some photos I need.

1. Property Location: 1012-1022 K Street
Project during the planning process will consist of rehabilitation of existing or construction of new buildings to provide space for Active Retail, with potentially office or residential uses on top floors. Ground floor tenants must be approved by the Agency and are expected to include restaurant, retail, and/or entertainment venues. It is too early in the process to fully define the Project; the actual uses will be determined during the planning process, and the following objectives will be considered.

• Retail tenants which are expected to bring activity to this block on evenings and weekends.
• Ground floor uses that are destination oriented, activate K Street, and further the goal of creating an entertainment district on this portion of the K Street Mall.
• Uses in these buildings that create foot traffic and a vibrancy that supports the current neighboring entertainment uses such as the Crest Theater, Pyramid Brewery, the IMAX Theater, and the Cosmopolitan Cabaret.

2. Property Location: 920-930 K Street
Located on the southwest corner of 10th and K Streets, the site may be redeveloped to include transient and/or residential occupancy over some combination of ground floor restaurant, entertainment, and retail uses. Actual components will be determined by the Developer and the Agency during the planning process, and the following objectives will be considered:

• Restaurant, retail, and entertainment uses which are expected to be active and provide energy to the corner of 10th and K Streets.
• Any hotel component would be of a quality and type that is affordable to and appeals to a younger business person.
• Potential for penthouse residences or condos, if feasible and market demand exists.
• Buildings of high quality architecture and urban design.

3. Property Location: 601 Capitol Mall
Potential Scope of Redevelopment: Principal improvements would include approximately 410,000 gross sq.ft. of residential and retail space (not including 110,000 gross sq.ft. of parking); 175-270 for-sale residential units; approximately 260 parking stalls; and not less than 5,000 sq.ft. and up to approximately 11,700 sq.ft. of retail space on the ground level.

4. Property Location: 830 K Street
Potential Scope of Redevelopment: Principal improvements would include approximately 22,800 net sq.ft. of either residential or office space (2nd and 3rd levels), and 10,195 net sq.ft. of retail space (ground level).

An interest note also came out in the form of Tony Giannoni whle speaking in favor of selling the Sheraton, also said he would be coming to the city with a proposal on K Street in the next month or two.

Not sure where Giannoni owns property other than 15th and K. Maybe he and Taylor are going to partner on something in which they can tap the 50% set aside for Taylor projects?

Either way I'm sure was all for what ever brings more reinvestment money in downtown since I'm sure his property in the area would increase as more investments are made.

I emailed Bob Shalitt at the Bee to sick him on this, so we'll see what he finds out.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Also on the agenda was the approval of the final design for the K Street Streetscape Improvements. Construction is expected to begin toward the end of summer, with the St Rose of Lima Park upgrade (which I really like)to begin after the Holiday Ice Rink season is over.

If you have not seen them yet, click on the staff report to view renderings. Here a couple I picked out though.

I do think until the 700 and 800 block is settled, this is 'lipstick pig on a pig', but I guess you have to start somewhere.

St. Patrick's Day Parade - March 17th @ 6:00 PM

____________________________________________________________________________________

The 12th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place March 17 at 6 pm in Old Sacramento. The parade includes traditional entries such as Irish dancers and costumed marchers, school bands, floats, military regiments, police and fire representatives and other cultural organizations. Tartan clad Highlanders will march to the sound of bagpipes, while Irish dancers in elaborate Celtic costumes will perform, along with historic re-enactors from the Gold Rush and the Ophir Prison Marching Band.

Leading up to the parade, Old Sacramento will launch a “Go Green” campaign to encourage the public to not only wear green at the March 17 parade, but to also support a phone book recycling program. People are encouraged to bring their old phone books to the Old Sacramento Visitor Center, located at 1002 Second Street, starting March 1.

The parade is sponsored by Old Sacramento Business Association, Old Sacramento Management, The Shamrock Club, Mix 96, and AT&T Real Yellow Pages.

PARKING

Old Sacramento streets will be closed as follows for the parade:

* 5:00 pm – No street parking - enforcement begins at 5:00pm
* 5:30 pm – ALL Old Sacramento streets closed
* 6:00-7:00 pm – Parade!
* 7:00 pm (approx) – Second Street and L Street re-open to vehicles
* 7:00-7:45 pm – The intersection of Front and K will remain closed while guests enjoy the post-parade music of the Ophir Prison Band
* 7:45 pm (approx) – All streets re-open to vehicles

Parade-goers are encouraged to park in the nearest City parking garage. The two closest to Old Sacramento are:

* The Old Sacramento Garage at 2nd and I streets
* The Tower Bridge Garage at Front Street and Capitol Mall

Chat with 'Movies on a Big Screen'

For those who do not know, Movies on a Big Screen (MOBS) is a local group that hosts independent film screenings and documentaries in Sacramento.

They have recently started up again in an old building in West Sacramento after having to leave their location in Midtown in the old Fool's Foundation site.

Films in the past that have peeked my personal interest included 'Chain' and 'Radiant City' which looked at topics related to this blog.

Future screenings include:
03/14/2008 - Abel Raises Cain
03/20/2008 - Zeitgeist: The Movie
03/21/2008 - American Carny: True Tales from the Circus Sideshow
03/28/2008 - Six String Samurai

Without the work of MOBS, there is a good chance these films would not be shown in Sacramento, even at The Crest or Tower. I encourage everyone to take a look at their website and find a film that has an interest to you, or just pop in one evening and seeing a different type of film.

I had a chance recently to ask a few questions to "Movies on a Big Screen" owners Robert and DeeAnn about how the they got started, where they are going, and the bumps in the road along the way.


"Movies on a Big Screen"
600 4th St - West Sacramento
(916) 484-0747

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Respondent: Robert McKeown, Movies on a Big Screen

How did "Movies on a Big Screen" get started?

It really got started because my wife, and co-founder of MOBS, DeeAnn and I would talk about a lot of independent films and documentaries passing by Sacramento. We also wanted to attempt to bring more general, truly independent films to the attention of people. There were a few reasons for this, and not just from getting tired of people complaining about what they see at the megaplex, then returning the next weekend to see the same type of movie that they'll then complain about. We wanted people to see the variety that exists, both currently and in the past, within the world of independent film, so they might consider them more when looking at what they will buy when purchasing DVDs.

We also think that it is extremely healthy for a city to have this type of entertainment available. Keep in mind, we don't tend to show deep, artsy films (at least all that often). In one way or another, anything we show should make you think to a certain extent, but we try to feature titles that are for the most part, accessible for anyone - and frankly, some are, indeed, fairly escapist in nature.

We also always had the idea of trying to work with local groups, particularly with issue-based documentaries, and bring representatives out to speak from those groups when appropriate in order to involve the community at a different and deeper level. It was never the intention to do this (ie, speakers) on a weekly, or even monthly, basis, but where it fit to do so, then we really wanted to. We also try to work with schools, again, where appropriate and as time allows.

Anyway, so we talked to a few places about partnering up with them, but for one reason or another, they didn't pan out. We sort of were looking for a place for a number of months in 2006, but honestly, it was a pretty half-assed "search," as we had other things going on as well. I ultimately got in contact with Liz who ran Fools Foundation, as many people we knew also knew her, and after just a couple of discussions, it quickly became very clear that we shared very similar intents in this project. So Movies on a Big Screen began in conjunction with Fools Foundation in Sept 2006. Of course, after just shy of a year, Fools Foundation was shut down by the city.


- What is your main goal with this venture (other than to make a living)?

Making a living off of it would be great!! But I don't think that's to be, at least anytime soon. Really, our main goal is to keep showing the movies we show and keep trying to get as many people as we possibly can to go and experience what we screen in a communal setting. And to also provide some exposure to the films which we show.

- So why did you get shut down in the old Fool's Foundation location?

Hmm - well, we weren't the proprietors of Fools, so I don't feel particularly comfortable with expanding on why Fools was shut down by the city in too much detail, but it had nothing to do with safety of the place or anything like that. It had to do with bureaucracy in action more than anything.

- How is the new space in West Sacramento treating you?

It treats us OK! We actually love the neighborhood (and it's nothing like it used to be) as well as the neighbors there, most of whom we've met and talked with. The building itself is very old, and has its problems, but we try to ensure that it is kept clean and problem-free for folks coming to movies or the occasional other event that might happen there. It's truly a great space.

- Any plans on making back into the Grid? Have you been able to talk to any developers, building owners or the city about a much-needed small multi-purpose venue for smaller theater and art orgs?

Um - no comment? OK - here's a lengthy comment:

We would definitely have interest in showing movies back on "the Grid." We have spoken with all you mentioned, with a focus on those who publicly make statements about supporting the arts and a vibrant city. We are currently located at 600 4th St, West Sacramento.

Back to "the Grid" - plans? As I said, we'd definitely be interested in this - the problem that exists is somewhat referenced in your follow-up question, and particularly in the case of trying to do movies. Natural lighting is our enemy, and this can be problematic with a number of places that prefer natural lighting on a regular basis. That being said, we'd definitely have interest in returning there, although a fair amount of our audience did come from "off the grid" when we were at Fools Foundation.

In regards to your second question regarding the multi-purpose space - you've hit on something vitally important here, in my opinion. I firmly believe and agree with you that this is much-needed.

Have we spoken with anyone? Yes. I need to couch my words a bit here, but we've been left with a bit of an opinion that there is a whole helluva lot of talk from many sectors you're referring to within Sacramento regarding a strong desire to support the arts in all forms, but when it really comes down to it, at least some of those who have the ability to do so in a substantive way from the perspective of resources, won't act beyond the talk - except for maybe a certain few, select and prominent instances and support of places of the same stature. In my opinion, this ultimately does little for Sacramento, and certainly does little for the entities that need it most.

I do need to clarify one thing here. Of all of the folks who we talked to during our downtime following the Fools closure, who quietly stepped up to actually help in the end? LJ Urban. They knew the situation we were in (no venue) and actually delivered simply because they did not want to see Movies on a Big Screen gone from Sacramento.

Why was that? Because they truly felt it was important for the city. Did they even ask for any kind of recognition for the aid and contribution? No. We took it upon ourselves to make sure folks knew they came to our assistance. We personally think others in this town really could learn an awful lot from them - you can't just talk about support; you have to deliver it.

I really could go on - but will restrain myself.

- Where do you see this in 5 years? Any 5-year plan for the business?

Five years? Heh. Yeah, we might be able to get to some kind of planning along those lines with a stable venue. We would like to still be showing movies 5 years from now, though. And hopefully having people come out to them.

Capitol Mall & CalSTRS Construction

621 Capitol Mall US Bank Tower



They have started to partially light up the tower.


500 Capitol Mall

Cal STRS Tower in West Sacramento

Emerging new Sacramento Skyline

14th and R Ready to Go

I love old brick buildings like this, so I am very happy to see it getting renovated.

With R15, Cafe Bernardo, Space 007 and Empire anchoring one end, with Fox & Goose and The Art Foundry the other end between 10th and 15th, this will help connect the street between those two. Hopefully Capitol Lofts (another cool brick building) does get off the ground this year as planned to put another piece in place. I really think this part of R Street can become a really fun and interesting section of town. Food, Art, Music, Drink and Theatre...

I had a quick conversation with who I think was the owner about a year ago as I was walking by, they originally were looking at a wine bar, but it didn't work out. Now though..

Art Gallery? Yay!

Hof Brau? Double Yay!!

More Sushi? Not so yay. If they stay away from "Rock and Roll Sushi" it could be a Yay with me though. If you are reading, please go more traditional. Ease up on the mayo covered stuff.

R Street can be a special different place in Sacramento. There is a lot of work to do, and a lot of roadblocks (Buzz Boxes, Infrastructure, ect), but here hoping this is another step in the right direction.

Now if someone would take that corner spot in the brick building at R and 11th....

14th and R Street





______________________________________________________________________________________

New rising: Former midtown bakery building to become loft housing
By Bob Shallit - bshallit@sacbee.com
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.

Click for the rest of the article

Taylor, CIM hope to buy Sheraton Grand

When I first saw this article in the Sac Bee, I was in shock. I didn't understand how this was a good deal for the city.

There were so many missing details as to what was part of the deal you couldn't make much out of it. It said the city would net 45-47M, but it wasn't really clear if the city would still have the debt from the 91M, or Taylor/CIM would be paying those off. Net usually mean profit, but they should have been more clear.

It made no sense that the city would spend 91M to build the hotel, then turn around and sell it for 45M a few years later. So there had to be more details out there.

The Business Journal then came out with its article with many more details than the Sac Bee article (are any of you really surprised??)

So the deal looks like it would be a 45-47M profit for the city, yearly taxes from the hotel would go up a bit, and the deal would have the buyer pay off the bonds issues.

Now I think how the bonds have been paid to date is from the profits of the hotel (someone correct me if I am wrong), so if that is the case the city makes out pretty good. Plus, they have been able to draw from $$ into the local economy from bigger conventions.

I have no problem with taking the profit and using it in the downtown area, but I'm not sold on 50% of the money going back to Taylor/CIM for projects within downtown. If I have to guess, I would bet the money will go toward projects around 10th and K.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Taylor, CIM hope to buy Sheraton Grand
Sacramento Business Journal - by Mark Anderson Staff writer

Sacramento developer David Taylor and the CIM Group Inc. have jointly proposed to buy the 503-room Sheraton Grand Hotel in a deal that would provide money to the city for downtown redevelopment.

The city and Taylor built the hotel by selling $91 million in 30-year revenue bonds in 1999. The city also contributed a 700-space parking garage and $8 million in cash. Taylor and his partners contributed the historic Sacramento Public Market building at 13th and J streets. That structure, designed by architect Julia Morgan, houses the public spaces and meeting rooms of the hotel.

A sale would have to be approved by the Sacramento Hotel Corp., which owns the hotel and administers the bonds, and also the Sacramento City Council. The council will consider the proposal in a closed hearing Tuesday, said Mayor Heather Fargo. She said she is urging the sale.

If the hotel is sold, it would provide the city with net proceeds of $47 million.

The hotel now every year spins off $3.4 million in taxes to the city. With a sale, the taxes will rise and the city would collect $4 million annually.

"It shows what a great investment we made with the Sheraton," Fargo said. "The Sheraton has been a real success story,"

Half of the $47 million profit would be used to go back to David Taylor and Los Angeles-based CIM group in developing priority projects on J, K or L streets downtown.

If approved, the CIM Group would make a cash payment for the hotel, retiring all the bonds. The first opportunity for early payment of the bonds is July 2009, and the money would be held in an account until that time.

Click for rest of article

Scaled Down Plans

It looks like the city council is putting their foot down on the proposed Metropolitan residential tower at 10th and J Street. They have asked the developer to go back to the drawing board because it’s too big at 400 feet tall and too sleek according to the Mayor. The biggest reason it’s going back to be redesigned is because it will block the council member’s views of the Capitol and the Cathedral from their chambers of City Hall. The Mayor is now requesting that the Metropolitan also be designed to look like the Citizen or Elks Lodge buildings that are near by.

It seems crazy to me that at this final approval stage the city council has brought up all these objections and ask for a complete redesign. It almost appears like their tiring to kill the proposal. For the last year this proposal gained approval from needed committees and gaining all the needed entitlements to build, but then the city council at this late stage has now asked the developer to go back to square one and start over. If I were a developer and thinking about building something, I would have second thoughts after seeing how the city council waited till this final stage of approval to bring up their objections.

I wonder if John Saca will just withdraw his proposal altogether? Saca will have to pay all his people who worked on the original proposal again in order to redesign the tower and then shuffle it back through the committees.

http://cbs13.com/local/high.rise.too.2.657366.html

Old Sacramento hotels rise again (as offices)

Scurfield to pull permits in a month or two on re-creation of former Ebner and Empire hotels

Friday, February 15, 2008
Sacramento Business Journal - by Mark Anderson

The Scurfield Co. and Carson Development are putting plans through the city for their new building, a re-creation of the historic Ebner and Empire hotels.

Old Sacramento's newest hotel could begin construction in a matter of months.

The $6 million project could begin construction in the spring. The building, along with the ongoing construction of the Orleans Hotel site on 2nd Street, will fill two of the four large vacant lots in Old Sacramento, the historic district that is the region's top tourism draw.

Fifty-three of the buildings in Old Sacramento are on the National Register of Historic Places. Any new building has to blend in with the neighborhood, which dates back to the 1850s. The

Ebner/Empire building will be a single structure made to look like the two neighboring historic hotels. Both buildings have been gone for years. The Empire Hotel collapsed many decades ago. The city tried to save the Ebner, but with its crumbling walls and unsafe foundation, the city eventually had to tear down its hulking shell five years ago to keep it from collapsing onto neighboring buildings.

The new building will be at 116 and 118 K St. in the center of the historic district.

New building, same look
The Ebner/Empire will have street-level retail and professional offices on its two upper floors, said Dave Scurfield, owner of the Scurfield Co., a property management company.

The new building will look like the originals, with balconies over K Street, and all the flourishes of the old structures. The 24,000-square-foot building will likely be home to a large restaurant and another smaller retail space, Scurfield said. The two upper floors will be Class A office space.

Read more here… Sacramento Business Journal

________
Old Sacramento has really started to see some progress as of late; so far $20 million is being spent in an effort to re-create the past. I don't go into old Sac very often but I think I'll have to take a stroll to see what's going on.

I sure wish the city had not rushed to put in parking meters in old Sac a few years ago... the new meter technology that’s going in downtown have them placed every 10 to 15 spaces and are much better visually to see than the clutter they decided to put in which cause such a controversy.

New Restaurant for the Elks Building?

I haven't been posting very much recently (for those who didn't know, there are actually two people who post on this site. Me and Zwahlen Images)

Life has been really busy...but in a really good way.

Anyways..Here are some renderings from the K Street Walk thingamabob of a planned restaurant at the Elks Building on the 11st Street side. The plan is to have it on three levels and go down to where the pool once was. The proposed décor will have the old charm the 20's and 30's.

No word on if it's a chain (hopefully not, even though I think M&S did a great job)

High-rise proves to be a tall order

By Lisa Heyamoto of the Sacramento Bee
Saturday, February 9, 2008

Developer John Saca is nothing if not a paragon for the "if at first you don't succeed" mantra.When his ambitious Towers project fell spectacularly concave, he vowed to push ahead with a scaled-back, 39-story project called the Metropolitan, a 320-unit piece of high-rise heaven on 10th and J.

But if he wants to get that bad boy past the City Council, he'd better start seeing things from their point of view.

For real

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/699588.html

_______

Basically, the story is that two city councilmember’s and the mayor want the proposed Metropolitan project to be scaled back because it will block their view of the Capitol Dome from their City Hall offices. For the last year this project has gained all the cities needed entitlements to build and doe's not sit on any blocks that are within the Capitol View Corridor, but now a few councilmember’s (Hammond, Cohn) and the Mayor are causing a stink at this last approval stage because it will block "their view" of the Capitol from their office.

It's hard to believe that our City Council wants housing downtown when at the same time they are changing the rules for developers after a project has gathered needed entitlements to build



The Metropolitan is planned for where the red box sits on the corner or J Street and 10th across from Caesar Chavez Park. It's clearly planned where no height restriction are in place for a building.

C.C. Myers wins contract to rebuild I-5 downtown

Sacramento Business Journal
Friday, February 8, 2008

Builder C.C. Myers Inc. has been awarded a $27 million contract by the state Department of Transportation to repair a worn-out section of Interstate 5 that passes through downtown Sacramento.

C.C. Myers, of Rancho Cordova, was the low bidder among six contractors vying for the project. Its bid came in well below a Caltrans engineering estimate of $44.3 million.

The company, which has made a name in the industry for fast turnarounds on high-profile road projects, said in its bid that it could fix the freeway in 114 days. Caltrans officials had estimated it would take 305 days. C.C. Myers hit or beat tight deadlines in the past such as the Labor Day 2007 replacement of a deck on the Bay Bridge and reconstruction of a collapsed freeway connector in Oakland, but is perhaps best known for replacing a fallen portion of the Santa Monica Freeway in 66 days after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, two months ahead of schedule.

The contract has not been signed. That could occur before the end of the month, said Mark Dinger, chief of Caltrans District 3 public information office. Construction could begin as early as mid-April, he said.

The around-the-clock construction activity to rehabilitate the section of I-5 between L and S streets is also expected to affect traffic flow on Highway 50, Interstate 80, Highway 99 and the Capital City Freeway.

I-5 is an important north-south economic link between the Canadian and Mexican borders. The section of road in need of repair serves more than 190,000 daily commuters, according to Caltrans.

It's known as the "boat section" because it was constructed below the groundwater level and would become buoyant without the anchorage system that's underneath the road.

The drainage system that historically has kept water from seeping up to the pavement has become clogged, causing water to rise and crack the surface. At times, especially during the rainy season as water leaks through the cracks, Caltrans is forced to temporarily shut down lanes that become flooded.

The contractor would pull off the old pavement and lay down new drainage channels and a new layer of concrete.

The work zone spans three to five lanes in each direction, between Richards Boulevard on the north to Sutterville Road on the south. Caltrans would close one or two lanes in each direction, leaving three lanes open in each direction during construction.

__________

This will be a huge project. C.C. Myers has a great record of getting projects done ahead of schedule, so getting this stretch of levee/freeway repaired in three months or less will be impressive.

You're Invited! 9onF and 2nd Saturday Show - Feb. 9 from 2-9pm

Sacramento’s 1st Green-certified Townhomes will be on display along with Short Center & Tangent Gallery Artists this Saturday between 2pm and 9pm.

With the green movement in full force, this could be a great way to get educated on green living... if you’re interested.

LEED-certified homes will attain “Silver” and “Gold” level

Solar Power and Geothermal for Energy Savings up to 75%

Non-Toxic Finishes throughout for a Healthy Home

“The best-designed, and most ‘green’ units in downtown Sacramento

For more information: http://www.9onf.com/