Sentinel staff report–
Despite the coronavirus and related shutdowns, development continued across Citrus Heights in 2020 and is set to continue in 2021.
Here’s six projects that have either been approved, are under construction, or could see development activity over the next twelve months:
Sunrise Mall. By far, the largest commercial area slated for redevelopment in Citrus Heights is the nearly 100-acre Sunrise Mall area. The City Council last year approved the drafting of a Specific Plan to guide redevelopment of the aging mall site, with an Environmental Impact Review being currently conducted.
The project is anticipated to see the completion of a draft EIR early this year, followed by a public review period and council approval. Plans for the mall include hundreds of residential units, a 21st century “main street,” an outdoor concert venue, restaurants, a theater, at least one hotel, and potential for office space.
To make the plan a reality will require cooperation with future private developers, as the mall is privately owned, but the city is hopeful to create a shovel-ready plan that is attractive to developers. The vision for revitalizing the mall is expected to proceed in phases over two decades. See more in prior article: Sunrise Mall redevelopment could add $1 billion value, up from current $31M
Sunrise Village Shopping Plaza. A major overhaul of the aging, 150,000-square-foot shopping plaza at Sunrise Boulevard and Madison Avenue, once home to JoAnn Fabrics and Tuesday Morning, was approved by the city last year.
Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter said last week that plans are still moving forward for the project, which is expected to begin this spring. She said related signage was recently purchased by the business district in advance of construction. For more, see article: More businesses closing amid plans for major shopping center remodel
Studio Movie Grill. On the other end of town, where Studio Movie Grill began construction in the former Kmart building on Auburn Boulevard, residents will want to keep an eye on what might happen with the since-stalled project.
The project halted early on during COVID-19 shutdowns, but never resumed. News later surfaced that the project was facing more than $4 million in mechanics’ liens, and the theater chain then announced filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October.
It is unclear what the future of the project will be, or whether a new tenant will take up the vacant former Smart & Final building in the same center. Related: Plans for Citrus Heights Studio Movie Grill in limbo amid company bankruptcy
Starbucks Retail Center. A new nearly 8,000-square-foot retail building at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Sungarden Drive is currently moving forward in its construction phase, with the project on target for completion this spring. The project’s architect told The Sentinel earlier this month that Starbucks is planning to open by the end of March. See prior article: New Citrus Heights retail plaza, drive-thru project moving forward
Green Acres. Taking up more than an acre on its own, a new Green Acres plant nursery is continuing construction at the corner of San Juan Avenue and Greenback Lane. The nursery will feature 24,000 square feet of indoor retail space, a 13,000-square-foot greenhouse, and other outdoor space. It is expected to open this spring.
Stock Ranch Plaza. Further construction of planned buildings in the undeveloped commercial area outside Walmart and Costco on Auburn Boulevard could also see some activity in 2021 — although a timeline has not been released by the developer.
Plans approved by the Planning Commission in 2017 allowed for development of the site with a total of nine new buildings and up to 15,000 square feet of fast-casual restaurants and an additional 13,000 square feet of fast food users. See prior story for more: Developer gets green light for more restaurants along Auburn Blvd
Additionally Citrus Heights residents can also expect seeing plans for a new charter school on Antelope Road come before the Planning Commission and completion of a new surgery center on Stock Ranch Road. Construction on the Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail project, formerly known as the Electric Greenway Trail, is also expected to begin in 2021.
The city also has several major residential projects that will likely see development activity in 2021, which will be covered in a follow story.
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Despite the coronavirus and related shutdowns, development continued across Citrus Heights in 2020 and is set to continue in 2021.
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