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.
Last month I noted the demolition possibilities that may play out if Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek turns the street running between into a pedestrian plaza. Last night the Walnut Creek city council took up the Broadway Plaza master plan again and various concerns were raised. From what I can tell the following are the pros and cons of the proposed development:
PROS
more pedestrian space
more parking
more shopping and/or apartments (mixed use development)
CONS
not in harmony with the rest of downtown
walled off feel from the rest of downtown
temporary hardship for current residents during construction
excessively tall buildings
Considering both the pros and cons, do you think the Broadway Plaza master plan should be approved? If no, are there any changes that could be made to support it? If there are any missing pros/cons please let me know and I’ll add them in. One thing I’d like to know is what will happen to the small stores behind Broadway Plaza, between Macy’s and Nordstrom. If those will not be available that would be unfortunate as it offered shoppers a smaller, more intimate shopping experience that would work well with bigger stores in front. However, based on the number of store closings in that area, maybe not.
Yes, it’s fast food, but I believe Boudin Bakery & Cafe in downtown Walnut Creek at Broadway Plaza offers a great deal in terms of quality and price. My favorite dish is the Fra-Mani rosemary ham and brie sandwich. You can see the rest of their menu here. (after selecting Walnut Creek for pick-up location). They also offer a frequent buyer card in which you can take home a free loaf of bread monthly the first year in addition to $5 off every $50 spent.
I was passing by Macy’s in downtown Walnut Creek when I noticed a Benefit Brow Bar right inside Macy’s on the first floor. They offer a free brow arch on your birthday which sounds like a great deal.
Nearby eyebrow salons include 2 i Bar stores within walking distance in Broadway Plaza, and as well as Lashfully, which recently opened in the older part of downtown Walnut Creek.
Grand Couture, the women’s fashion store located at the back side of Broadway Plaza, has closed judging by the empty storefront. This section of Broadway Plaza is turning into the kiss of death for small retailers as two other retailers right next to this have closed as well, U-Threads, and Super Silver Jewelry. The other side isn’t doing so well either, with Down Family Lane and PureBeauty also closing within the past few months.
The Broadway Plaza Concierge in downtown Walnut Creek is located right next to Macy’s. According to the sign they offer gift cards, restrooms, wifi, a lounge area, and a nursing lounge. It’s also the place to go to rent children’s shopping cars. When I’ve been it’s always very clean and comfortable. Much more spacious than the old concierge from a few years ago. Many times they play children’s movies on the big screen tv to entertain the little ones. Anyone else enjoy this place?
Broadway Plaza is a great place to shop, with plenty of artwork and places to sit while sipping on a drink from one of the several cafes nearby. So when a reader recently pointed out that the circular bench that used to be next to Nordstrom was missing, I couldn’t believe it. Why would they do such a thing? If anyone from Broadway Plaza or elsewhere knows what happened please let us know. We miss it.
Thanks to a reader for writing in about a flash mob by a group of 5th graders at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek yesterday.
Yesterday the shopping at Broadway Plaza was disrupted by some 5th grade girls performing a flash mob!!! They organized themselves, had a couple of practices and executed at 1pm yesterday to the delight and amazement of holiday shoppers. Traffic on the street was stalled as those driving slowed/stopped to watch. The music was from a car on the street in front of the tree.