By Sara Beth Williams–
A black and white mural on the side of the future Arcade Monsters building behind Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights has been approved by the city.
City officials say the review process was staff level only and no review by the Planning Commission was required.
The large mural appeared on the wall of the former Sunrise Rollerland-turned-future-modernized-arcade over a month ago, catching residents’ and the city’s eye. Officials said the review was triggered due to zoning code signage standards outlined in Section 106.38.070 G of the city’s zoning code.
In an email shared with The Sentinel, officials say, after review, a design permit was approved, and the mural doesn’t need to be altered, but that the “Arcade Monsters” language in the mural counts toward its signage allotment.
“A business is allowed a certain amount of space on their building for signage. The parts of the mural that have Arcade Monsters will count toward that amount. Depending on what they have in mind for signs it may or may not hurt them,” Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Czarpenter explained, adding that the property and business improvement district has more strict sign regulations than the rest of the city.
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 and old signage attached to the facade from Sunrise Rollerland still remains as of the date of this publication.
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 the new entertianment company. Arcade Monsters has not responded to our requests for comment.
