By Sara Beth Williams–
A new black and white, comic book style mural on the side of the future Arcade Monsters building behind Sunrise Mall sporting SACRAMENTO in large letters has drawn attention from both residents and city officials.
The large mural appeared on the wall of the former Sunrise Rollerland-turned-future-modernized-arcade over a month ago, catching residents’ eye— but the mural is now under review by the City of Citrus Heights, with city officials saying that signage standards in the zoning code have triggered a review.
“Staff was made aware of the mural installation after the mural had been initiated by the owner. Staff informed the property owner that a staff level design review permit is required to ensure consistency with Zoning Code signage standards,” city officials said, citing Zoning Code section 106.38.070.G.
Section 106.38.070 G of the city’s zoning code specifically addresses murals, and states:
“A mural placed on the wall of a structure may be allowed in any commercial or industrial zoning district subject to Design Review, and as follows.
- A mural without text visible from a public right-of-way may be approved in addition to (not counted as part of) the sign area allowed by Section 106.38.060 (Zoning District Sign Standards:)
- A mural with text shall comply with the sign area limitations applicable to the site.
- Murals that illustrate the local setting and history as sources of inspiration are encouraged.
- The approval of a mural shall require that the review authority first find that the size, colors, and placement of the mural are visually compatible with the structure architecture, and that the mural will serve to
enhance the aesthetics of the City. - The mural shall be provided a graffiti-resistant coating at the time of installation.”
City staff did not give any further explanation. According to the city, the design review is staff level, and a hearing date is not required. The mural was listed as under review as of Aug. 20 and is still under review as of publication of this article.
Arcade Monsters took over the former long-standing roller rink officially in June, after the rink held its final roller skating session in the spring. Rollerland, one of the longest-standing businesses in Citrus Heights, closed due to the retirement of the family who owned the rink for over 50 years.
In June, the new arcade family entertainment company closed escrow on the site for $3.5 million.
Senior Vice President of eXp Commercial Tony Wood said in June that the purchase marked the “beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of the area’s most recognizable entertainment destinations.”
Since June, the interior has been gutted and is still undergoing remodel. The Sentinel was not able to enter the inside and view whether the rink was still intact.
Except for the mural on one side wall, the exterior remains largely unchanged.
The commercial real estate transaction included both the operating business and 26,736-square-foot entertainment facility situated on almost three acres directly behind Sunrise Mall, a May 29 media release said.
The incoming entertainment company will maintain the skating rink according to Wood, and add hundreds of arcade games inside.
Wood also said the company plans to update the interior with more equipment, and make everything more modern and “hip.”
Over a year ago, the Neutz family that owned Sunrise Rollerland since it opened in the early 1970s announced their retirement and listed the property and business for sale as one entity. The roller rink’s last skating session was held on March 15 and drew hundreds of people from the last four decades to the rink for one last roll.
Arcade Monsters is known for its “immersive arcade, gaming, and family entertainment concepts,” the media release said.
Multiple attempts were made to reach Arcade Monsters regarding an opening date and the mural under review, both last week and this week. Arcade Monsters has not responded to our requests for comment.
