Walnut Creek West Downtown Specific Plan Committee Search

May 19, 2012 7:00 am

If you live in west downtown Walnut Creek, which includes the areas within the map boundaries above, which include the Almond-Shuey neighborhood, you may apply to be part of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) which will, according to the plan website:

focus on making it easier to walk and bike between the BART station and downtown; and plan for new homes and businesses between Mt. Diablo Blvd and the BART station, while preserving the Almond-Shuey neighborhood.

The West Downtown Specific Plan will be a community-driven plan that defines a vision for the area and develops a regulatory framework for future development and public improvements. The Specific Plan Area is generally bounded by Ygnacio Valley Road at the north, California Boulevard at the east, Mount Diablo Boulevard at the south, and I-680 at the west.

Applications are due in by 5pm on Thursday, May 24th:

The CAC is expected to meet a total of seven times through December 2013, by which time the committee will have completed its task of creating a draft Specific Plan for the further review and approval by the City Commissions and City Council. Meetings will be scheduled on the second, fourth, or fifth Tuesday of the month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The first meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, 2012.

Anyone thinking about doing this? If so, please keep us informed on the progress!

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Remodel of Downtown Safeway in the Works

May 18, 2012 11:30 am

Walnut Creek Magazine noted recently that the downtown Walnut Creek Safeway located across the street from Nordstrom is planning on tearing down the current building to be replaced with a much larger supermarket within the next 3 years. The new supermarket, (55,000 square feet) would be built over the current parking lot with cars being able to parking inside the building, below the shopping area (but not underground). The photo above shows the view from Mt. Diablo Blvd. and S. Broadway. Looks pretty sweet to me.

Please note that these are only the initial renderings, and will probably change over time. For example, the city is recommending access from Iron Horse Trail, removal of the landscape walls, and more landscaping to make it more pedestrian friendly.

This is the current Safeway supermarket:

There would be umbrella tables for eating:

Check out more photos after the jump

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Thurs. Afternoon Rental Option – Town Center Apts (Lafayette)

May 17, 2012 2:30 pm

This rental is located at Town Center Apartments in downtown Lafayette right next to the Lafayette Bart station.

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From the Craigslist ad:

We have a 2bdrm/2bath apt on notice that will be ready for move-in on June 9th. This unit is located on the 2nd floor featuring 9ft ceilings with crown molding, full-size washer & dryer included (private laundry), master walk-in closet, and balcony overlooking creek below.

Sign a 13mos lease by June 9th and the monthly rent is $2,800. **We also have shorter lease term options. Prices change daily so hurry!**
Security Deposit: $500
Pet Friendly; call for details.

Our property is the youngest in Lafayette (built 2001), located in the heart of downtown, and host to a creek-side walking trail directly to the entrance of the Lafayette BART station. Secured garage parking is available and we have elevators to all levels.

Location-wise this is great as long as the sound from Bart is not too loud. I like how there’s a W/D in the apartment as well. Does that make it worth the $2800 rental price?

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“The Old Yellow House” Getting Restored in Orinda

May 17, 2012 8:30 am

One of the oldest houses in Orinda, known as, “The Old Yellow House”, despite its faded pink color, has been bought by architect James P. Wright who plans on having it restored by his firm Net Zero Homes, which will be documented on their Facebook page.

The house, built in 1894, is located at 209 Moraga Way, and had been on the market for many years before finally selling for $335K in March. At the end of 2007 it was listed at $875K. You can find out more about the house in a October, 2007 article in the Orinda News.

In addition to restoring the house itself, this looks like it’s a great marketing opportunity for Net Zero Homes due to the historical significance, and it being on a well-trafficked road. I look forward to checking up on the progress of this restoration.

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Broadway Plaza Scuttlebutt – Empty Storefront to be Turned into Conference Space?

May 4, 2012 10:30 am

In March I noted the numerous empty storefronts at the backside of Broadway Plaza near Boudin Bakery, and although it’s filling up, there are still quite a few spaces available. I have heard that the space located in the photo above, next to Filthy Gorgeous, will be turned into conference/office space for Broadway Plaza. This is just scuttlebutt though so I have no official confirmation on this yet.

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Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – The Pines (Walnut Creek)

May 2, 2012 3:00 pm

This rental is located at The Pines Apartments in Walnut Creek, 114 Sharene Lane.

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According to the Craigslist listing they’re “pet friendly”:

Why look any more we have the Perfect home for you!!!Hurry they are going fast!! You will restore your energy so you can be doing the activities you enjoy. Make The Pines your next apartment home! Pets are also welcome!

It’s listed at $1625 for a 2br/2ba 965 sq. ft. apartment. Looking at the map, if there’s a way to cut across Iron Horse trail to get to downtown by foot this could be a nice way to go.

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Tues. Afternoon Rental Option – Cypress Creek Apartments in Walnut Creek

April 17, 2012 3:30 pm

A 2 br rental is available at the Cypress Creek Apartments near downtown Walnut Creek for $1613/month.

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From the Craigslist ad:

Cypress Creek Apartments comprehensive amenities cater to almost every need like our heated sparking pool and a cardio fitness room– all surrounded by beautiful courtyards with winding sidewalks and lush landscaping. We are conveniently located on Ygnacio Valley Road.

This is the kitchen:

All floorplans are listed here. It looks like you get more bang for your buck but you’ll need a car or bus to get to downtown or Bart as it’s a bit too far to walk judging from the map.

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Thurs. Afternoon Rental of the Day – 15Fifty5 Apartments in Walnut Creek

April 12, 2012 3:00 pm

A 1br 650 sf rental is available for $1745/month at the 15Fifty5 Apartments in Walnut Creek at 1555 Riviera Avenue, within walking distance to the Walnut Creek Bart station.

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The Craigslist ad says:

Awaken your style with modernized living at Legacy at Walnut Creek boutique apartments, a newly renovated community in downtown Walnut Creek. Lace up your kicks and head for Iron Horse Trail or melt away in the spa. Rub elbows with the downtown village dinner crowd or explore the Broadway Plaza shops. Pick up some organic veggies at Civic Parks weekly farmers market or catch the train into the city on the BART. For people who want a cool hybrid of an urban neighborhood mixed with the peaceful suburbs, this Walnut Creek apartment community is a double down.

Floor plans are available here. Does this seem like a good deal at $1745? It looks pretty new, although it’s a bit far walking wise to downtown. Might be good for Bart commuters.

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Tues. Afternoon Rental Option – Shuey – Downtown Walnut Creek

March 27, 2012 4:30 pm

A 2br 1.5 ba is available beginning April 1st, with a year’s lease in the Almond-Shuey part of Walnut Creek which is located within walking distance to downtown Walnut Creek for $2375/month.

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From the Craiglist ad:

This house is in the well known Shuey Avenue residential neighborhood in downtown Walnut Creek. Walk to BART and all that downtown Walnut Creek offers.

The house is a Hollywood-style bungalow with a Spanish feel, and it has a front porch. Gorgeous oak floors throughout. Dramatic living room has a high ceiling, fireplace with buck stove, and a beautiful round-top window that extends nearly to the ceiling. There is a full size dining room with casement windows. Kitchen has a dishwasher, gas stove, microwave and refrigerator. There is a breakfast room off the kitchen that also makes a perfect home office. Laundry room with washer and dryer. Both bedrooms have wood sliding doors going out to a huge “Trex” deck for great outdoor living and entertaining, with wide steps down into a large garden, fenced and gated. Front lawn gardener provided.

Shuey Avenue is just steps from shopping and restaurants. Enjoy all that pedestrian-friendly Walnut Creek has to offer: Walk to BART, downtown, Regional Center for the Arts, library, Broadway Plaza, movie theaters, library, restaurants, and nightlife. No need for a car, but you can’t beat the easy on, easy off convenience of this neighborhood, just a couple of blocks from Hwy 24 and 680. This is a neighborhood and a house to love.

This is a nice looking house. I was walking around the Almond-Shuey area and it’s really pleasant over there, plus having downtown and Bart so close by is great. I guess one would need to see the inside to determine whether $2375 is a fair price.

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Broadway Plaza Demolition Possibilities

March 22, 2012 12:00 pm

Broadway Plaza (after demolision)

Broadway Plaza (current)

The Walnut Creek City Council is considering selling the street that runs between Nordstrom and the fountain to Broadway Plaza. However, reading through the Draft Environmental Impact Report, what struck me was the other planned changes involved with turning the street into a pedestrian plaza.

It would involve the demolition of many parts of Broadway Plaza to, “encourage diverse housing options, including mixed-use, higher-density development”, presumably meaning apartments built over the retail stores.

The next photo shows what will happen to Stanford’s Restaurant, across the street from the soon to be opened Corners Tavern and Boulange Bakery, replaced by multi-level buildings, again presumably for apartments on the top floors.

Stanford’s Restaurant (after demolition)

Stanford’s Restaurant (current)

Note that the photos above only show height elements, not the actual design and other elements. To see a possible view including shrubbery, take a look at the following drawing which can be viewed in the Walnut Creek City Council agenda report:

So considering the possibility of large swaths of Broadway Plaza being demolished to make room for mixed-use, higher density development, along with the conversion of the street to a pedestrian usage, do you think this will be good for Walnut Creek?

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