Bronze Cougar
Located outside the Burberry Store.
This is somewhat old news but Le Creuset, the French cookware store on Mt. DIablo Blvd. in Walnut Creek has closed. At one time, Walnut Creek boasted 5 kitchen stores, Kitchen Table, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Viking and Le Creuset. Now only three remain, Viking and Le Creuset having closed.
Le Creuset had one of the most unfortunate locations that they failed to understand when they leased the place. On a map it looks ideal, in the heart of downtown, near the other kitchen stores etc. But that particular location is offset about 5 feet inwards such that it was almost impossible to see their signs from the corner of Locust St. and Mt. Diablo Blvd., where most people would be crossing from. Unlike other Le Creuset outlet stores, this Le Creuset was one of the first dedicated Le Creuset stores not outlet-related, and was intended as a test to see how it would perform nationwide. I’m afraid they may have come to incorrect conclusions about how well such a store could do, as well as Walnut Creek in general based on the unfortunate store location. Or maybe it was the super-heavy cookware afterall. 😉
As seen at La Fogata restaurant at N. Main St. and Mt. Diablo Blvd. The plaque says:
Oldest Commercial Building
in Walnut Creek
Site of Lawrence G. Peel’s store 1863
Partially destroyed by fire 1879
Rebuilt by Albert Sherburne 1880
Dedicated 1988
Walnut Creek Historical Society
According to their maps page, Empire Realty still has an office at 1777 Botelho Drive where the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce is located, but the office next to the Century movie theater has closed as can be seen by the real estate lock box hanging from the door handle. I wonder what will replace it? I believe the actual office was up a flight of stairs so not sure it could be used by a retail store, but the location is great. Although I do worry about how the frozen yogurt place Coco Swirl is doing.
This house rental is located at Almond Ave at N. California St in the Almond-Shuey neighborhood of Walnut Creek.
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According to the Almond-Shuey neighborhood site, this is the oldest residential neighboorhood in downtown Walnut Creek.
The Craigslist ad says:
Available December 1st, 2011..Now Showing.
Great location off N. California in downtown Walnut Creek next to the Lesher Center and Walk to Bart, Downtown Restaurants, Nightlife, etc.
Great neighborhood with charming, craftsman homes throughout.“Bungalow” completely renovated from the 1920’s
Interior includes original hardwood floors, two sets of french doors, lots of character including a lighted archway, vintage stove, Chandelier, great light fixtures, central heat & air..current tenant selling W/D at very reasonable price of move-in ready.
2-3 bedrooms, depending on how you would like to set up.
1 Bathroom
Must see to appreciate
Home renovated to original design
Exterior/outdoors charming sunken courtyard in back surrounded by mature landscaping.. Very Private backyard.
Looking for long-term renter appreciative of location and charm of home
When renovated, home was upgraded and includes strong electrical for home office set up
Owner pays for monthly gardener and water.
The 2 bed is going for $2585. Considering the amazing location and nice looking exterior I think this might be a great choice for someone who wants to be walking distance from downtown and Bart but doesn’t want to be in a big apartment complex.
So I finally made it back to Pinky’s Pizza, the Walnut Creek institution, in the new location at 2085 N. Broadway and boy was it crowded. I wrote about it less than one week ago before it opened and when I tried to get in yesterday there was a line out the door. I guess everybody wants to try it out. The atmosphere is great in there, just like the old place. I ordered the mushroom and sausage mini pizza and liked how crispy it was. I’ll be back that’s for sure. Anyone else have an opinion on Pinky’s?
This happened yesterday, and although the bicyclist is expected to fully recover, I hope they catch the driver. According to this Contra Costa Times post:
The crime was reported about 4:15 p.m. when a light-colored SUV traveling east on Mt. Diablo Boulevard approaching Bont Lane struck a bicyclist, also going east, police said.
The Renditions Art Gallery, located at 1383 N. Broadway in Walnut Creek had its grand opening today and currently features the paintings of Kristan Le, who is also the curator/manager. They plan on offering paintings from local bay area artists and elsewhere, as well as expanding into other art forms such as sculpture in the future. Their inaugural show is called the Small Works Show, which will be on display from Dec 9, 2011 – Jan 30, 2012 with a submission deadline of Dec. 1.
What I found most interesting is that they offer evening workshops and classes, including figure drawing, still life painting, and more. This could become a great community and resource for Walnut Creek and East Bay artists. Kristan was very welcoming when I dropped in so if you’re in the area stop by and check out what they have to offer.
I was walking down Locust St. today in Walnut Creek when I noticed that The Paint Palette is closing. Meanwhile a block away Renditions Art Gallery is opening up and will be offering workshops in the evening from what I hear. More on that later.
Photo by flickr user zizzy
The Walnut Creek budget task force has recommended that the city increase the sales tax by 1/2 cent to 8.75% according to this Contra Costa Times article:
The sales tax is just one of many suggestions about how the city can improve its financial future. The 48-page report, 11 months in the making, will be presented to the City Council at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the council chamber, 1666 N. Main St. The council will take no immediate action on the task force’s recommendations, including the sales tax, which would ultimately have to be approved by voters.