In case you missed the article in the Contra Costa Times about the ever-changing retail & dining scene in the downtown area, here is a synopsis;
Recently opened restaurants, stores and shops
Bartlett Baron men's fashion 1501 N. Broadway
Betsey Johnson store Broadway Plaza
Cole Haan store Broadway Plaza
Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar 1685 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
LaCoste store Broadway Plaza
Le Cheval restaurant 1375 N. Broadway
Maria, Maria La Cantina restaurant 1470 N. Broadway
Saxby's coffee shop 1630 N. Main St.
WineStyles store 1532 Locust St.
Yosh for Hair salon 1255 S. Main St.
Restaurants, stores and shops in the works
1515 restaurant 1515 N. Main St.
Balsam Hill Christmas Tree Co. Broadway Plaza
Bare Escentuals Broadway Plaza
Counter Burger The Mercer, 1655 N. California Blvd.
Eleve Vietnamese restaurant 1677 N. Main St.
Lululemon Athletica store 1530 Olympic Blvd.
Starbuck's coffee The Mercer, 1655 N. California Blvd.
Terra Mar restaurant 1610-1620 N. Main St.
Urban Outfitters store 1530 Olympic Blvd.
Tumi store Broadway Plaza
Stores closing/closed or vacant space
Andcronico's Plaza Escuela, 1181 Locust St.
Bombay Co. Olympia Place, 1601 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Dress Barn 1403 N. Main St.
Good Guys 2044 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Halloween store 1556 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Small shops 1517-1529 Olympic Blvd.
Thomasville Furniture 1450 N. California Blvd.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Almond Lofts - Design Review Commission Info
The City of Walnut Creek has posted the agenda for their upcoming meeting on Wednesday, December 5. The fourth item under the 'Public Hearing' section is the proposed Almond Loft Project.
An 18-page detailed summary of the project can be reviewed by clicking here.
You can also review the arborist report and detailed drawings, including floorplans, by clicking here.
An 18-page detailed summary of the project can be reviewed by clicking here.
You can also review the arborist report and detailed drawings, including floorplans, by clicking here.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Almond Lofts - Neighborhood Development
Per city requirements, public notices have been posted in the area immediately surrounding the 1/2 acre lot on the corner of Almond Avenue and Oakland Boulevard. The project before the design review commission, next Wednesday, December 5, is called 'Almond Lofts', a 12-unit (3 building) attached unit loft-style project that would front Oakland Boulevard.
The owner/developer is Galen Grant, a local architect from Danville. He held a neighborhood meeting last year in which several of us attended and voiced opinions (both pro and con) on the project. I understand that our feedback has resulted in some design change. However, the city has not yet posted the agenda nor the plan details on their website. Once these are posted, I will make sure to include a link to this blog.
Here is the rub... the 1/2 acre parcel actually consists of two lots; 1 'sliver-size' lot on Oakland Blvd and a much larger piece that fronts Oakland, but also borders Almond.
The zoning on on the larger lot is M-1, meaning 'Multi-Family' 1 unit per 1,000 square feet of lot area. This typically allows larger, denser, higher development - similar to other Oakland Avenue buildings. The larger lot is zoned D-3 (same as Almond-Shuey neighborhood), meaning 'Duplex-Residential' with specific area lot requirements for number of units, area, width, setbacks, etc.
For this project to fly, the developer would need the city to allow him to sort of 'blend' the zoning of these to lots and allow him to build a denser project on the larger (Oakland-Almond) lot. There are legitimate arguments on both sides of this.
Stay tuned!
The owner/developer is Galen Grant, a local architect from Danville. He held a neighborhood meeting last year in which several of us attended and voiced opinions (both pro and con) on the project. I understand that our feedback has resulted in some design change. However, the city has not yet posted the agenda nor the plan details on their website. Once these are posted, I will make sure to include a link to this blog.
Here is the rub... the 1/2 acre parcel actually consists of two lots; 1 'sliver-size' lot on Oakland Blvd and a much larger piece that fronts Oakland, but also borders Almond.
The zoning on on the larger lot is M-1, meaning 'Multi-Family' 1 unit per 1,000 square feet of lot area. This typically allows larger, denser, higher development - similar to other Oakland Avenue buildings. The larger lot is zoned D-3 (same as Almond-Shuey neighborhood), meaning 'Duplex-Residential' with specific area lot requirements for number of units, area, width, setbacks, etc.
For this project to fly, the developer would need the city to allow him to sort of 'blend' the zoning of these to lots and allow him to build a denser project on the larger (Oakland-Almond) lot. There are legitimate arguments on both sides of this.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Christmas for Everyone
Once again, the holidays are upon us. It's that time of year when we unpack our boxes of decorations, dust off the holiday CDs, decorate the house with lights and dread venturing downtown to brave the crowds.
This is also the time when we are inundated with requests for donations to charities. I wanted to bring to your attention a very worthwhile organization that I have been a part of for the past 6 years.
For 23 years, Christmas for Everyone has provided Christmas Day services (Food, Clothing, Gifts & Household items) to the working poor, homeless and lonely seniors in Contra Costa County. Last year, we provided services to over 2,700 people!
Personally, this will be Wendy's and my 6th year involved with this worthwhile charity. Wendy is responsible for leading the volunteer recruitment effort and I am responsible for the kitchen output (did I mention 2,700 people?!?) on Christmas Day.
I was personally introduced to this organization through a colleague and after serving my first Christmas and seeing the need, along with the heartfelt warmth and appreciation of the less-fortunate in our own backyard, can tell you that this is where I will be on Christmas for as long as they continue to operate.
The services are provided at The Full Gospel Church 2120 Olivera Road (off Hwy 242) in Concord. Each year, we begin to set up the church in the 1st week of December (Dec 6 this year). We receive donations of gently used clothing, gifts, money & other household items. Volunteers who come and go according to their schedule help us sort and display the items that will be given away on Christmas morning.
If anyone in our neighborhood is interested in participating in this event, please send Wendy an email and we will schedule you. If you are interested in donating either money or items of gently used clothing, toys or household items, please visit the CFE website for dropoff hours and information.
Have a warm and safe Thanksgiving!
This is also the time when we are inundated with requests for donations to charities. I wanted to bring to your attention a very worthwhile organization that I have been a part of for the past 6 years.
For 23 years, Christmas for Everyone has provided Christmas Day services (Food, Clothing, Gifts & Household items) to the working poor, homeless and lonely seniors in Contra Costa County. Last year, we provided services to over 2,700 people!
Personally, this will be Wendy's and my 6th year involved with this worthwhile charity. Wendy is responsible for leading the volunteer recruitment effort and I am responsible for the kitchen output (did I mention 2,700 people?!?) on Christmas Day.
I was personally introduced to this organization through a colleague and after serving my first Christmas and seeing the need, along with the heartfelt warmth and appreciation of the less-fortunate in our own backyard, can tell you that this is where I will be on Christmas for as long as they continue to operate.
The services are provided at The Full Gospel Church 2120 Olivera Road (off Hwy 242) in Concord. Each year, we begin to set up the church in the 1st week of December (Dec 6 this year). We receive donations of gently used clothing, gifts, money & other household items. Volunteers who come and go according to their schedule help us sort and display the items that will be given away on Christmas morning.
If anyone in our neighborhood is interested in participating in this event, please send Wendy an email and we will schedule you. If you are interested in donating either money or items of gently used clothing, toys or household items, please visit the CFE website for dropoff hours and information.
Have a warm and safe Thanksgiving!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Some Shuey History
This past week, I joined 30,000 real estate professionals who attended the National Association of Realtors® conference in Las Vegas. As the largest trade organization in the United States gathered to celebrate its 100th anniversary, I thought it would be fitting to reflect on some of our own history right here in Almond-Shuey.
Homer Stow Shuey appeared in Walnut Creek at the right moment with the right idea. Born in Quincy, Illinois, on August 7, 1840, Shuey was one of eight children of John Shuey. Shuey came to Walnut Creek in the mid-1860's and opened a general Merchandise store with his brother Malcolm. In 1868, her married Genevra Doughherty of Lafayette.
One year after his marriage Homer bought fifty-seven acres from Hiram Penniman of what was to become the downtown business district of Walnut Creek. Shuey filed a subdivision map in 1876 and began selling off his lots. He followed a year later with a larger subdivision, establishing the street pattern of the present day Walnut Creek.
When Shuey filed these subdivision maps, street names were different than they are now. Cypress was called "China" and Locust was named "School". Main street was desginated "Pacheco" and California appeared as "Granger". Well in to the 1930's, Mt. Diablo Boulevard was called Lafayette Road.
On Shuey's maps, his lots are fifty feet wide and 140 feet deep. One of the early buyers, Ah Lo, the village laundryman, bought a 25-foot piece fronting on Main Street and he paid thirty-five dollars.
(Information and photos courtesy of the Walnut Creek Historical Society)
Homer Stow Shuey appeared in Walnut Creek at the right moment with the right idea. Born in Quincy, Illinois, on August 7, 1840, Shuey was one of eight children of John Shuey. Shuey came to Walnut Creek in the mid-1860's and opened a general Merchandise store with his brother Malcolm. In 1868, her married Genevra Doughherty of Lafayette.
One year after his marriage Homer bought fifty-seven acres from Hiram Penniman of what was to become the downtown business district of Walnut Creek. Shuey filed a subdivision map in 1876 and began selling off his lots. He followed a year later with a larger subdivision, establishing the street pattern of the present day Walnut Creek.
When Shuey filed these subdivision maps, street names were different than they are now. Cypress was called "China" and Locust was named "School". Main street was desginated "Pacheco" and California appeared as "Granger". Well in to the 1930's, Mt. Diablo Boulevard was called Lafayette Road.
On Shuey's maps, his lots are fifty feet wide and 140 feet deep. One of the early buyers, Ah Lo, the village laundryman, bought a 25-foot piece fronting on Main Street and he paid thirty-five dollars.
(Information and photos courtesy of the Walnut Creek Historical Society)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Stop Signs needed at Almond Ave and Oakland Blvd (Submitted By Tom O'Brien)
My friend Tom O'Brien (Shuey Avenue resident and fellow neighborhood watchdog) posted the following entry on his website and asked if I would make it available to this blog;
In August of 2008, I sent these photos in an email to Jim Haggerty, Traffic Technician with the Public Services Department for the City of Walnut Creek. I asked the City to consider installing stop signs on Oakland Blvd at the intersection with Almond Avenue. I noted that during the week, the parked cars of BART commuters line Oakland Blvd, blocking sight lines in both directions. Fast moving through traffic and the extremely limited visibility makes it really dangerous for residents of the Almond/Shuey neighborhood to pull out onto Oakland Blvd - especially when attempting to make a left turn.
In response, Mr. Haggerty did agree to paint the southeast curb red - so now no one can park where the black truck appears in the left-hand photo. However, the City's basic attitude is that until accidents happen, they don't feel obligated to do any more. So we get to go on playing Russian Roulette as we try to pull out onto Oakland Blvd. Perhaps other residents would care to tell the City what they think. In the meantime, make sure that your auto insurance is paid up.
From: "Jim Haggerty" <Haggerty@walnut-creek.org>
Subject: All-way stops
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2007 12:22:05 -0700
Mr. O'Brien, after a careful review of the intersection of Oakland Boulevard and Almond Avenue, I wont be able to recommend the installation of all-way stops at this location. Intersections must meet state warrants or criteria, primarily volume and collisions, before all-way stops can be installed. Oakland Boulevard and Almond Avenue would not meet those criteria. However, I am writing a Traffic Order to have the curb on the southeast corner painted red to prevent vehicles parking there. This will improve sight distance. Thank you for taking the time to bring this to my attention. I can be reached at (925) 256-3529 X249.
Jim Haggerty
Traffic Technician
City of Walnut Creek
Monday, November 12, 2007
Property Value and Information
Information is power. Have you ever wondered how your home and neighborhood stack up? What is your home's current estimated value? What is the Median Value of homes in our area? Population density per square mile? Median Household Income? Unemployment Rate? Projected Job Growth? How about building permits issued? Quality of Life issues like Air & Water Quality? Average Commute Times?
You can find all this information and more (maps, photos & satellite images) on CyberHomes. This free service allows you to access information on over 100,000,000 properties across the US. Click on the CyberHomes link and enter your address. You will be amazed at the amount of information that is made available.
One caveat about these sites, particularly when they claim to give you an estimate of property value is that the information is solely derived from county records. The algorithm used to determine value only consider recent sales with no consideration of the details of your particular property (improvements, location, etc). There is no substitute for a value opinion from a real estate professional. It's still fun and interesting to look at.... Enjoy!
You can find all this information and more (maps, photos & satellite images) on CyberHomes. This free service allows you to access information on over 100,000,000 properties across the US. Click on the CyberHomes link and enter your address. You will be amazed at the amount of information that is made available.
One caveat about these sites, particularly when they claim to give you an estimate of property value is that the information is solely derived from county records. The algorithm used to determine value only consider recent sales with no consideration of the details of your particular property (improvements, location, etc). There is no substitute for a value opinion from a real estate professional. It's still fun and interesting to look at.... Enjoy!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Starbucks in the neighborhood?!
Just when you thought that Walnut Creek was maxed out with coffee shops (and Italian restaurants!)...
I attended the Walnut Creek Design Review Commission meeting on Wednesday. Second on the agenda was a request for design approval "to construct a new 1,964 square foot freestanding building and a 1,148 square foot addition and facade renovation to an existing retail building at 2044 Mt Diablo Boulevard". This is the site formerly occupied by The Good Guys (now a Halloween Superstore).
Although a specific tenant has not yet been confirmed, the space has been design for food & beverage sales, such as Starbucks. In fact, Starbucks was clearly identified on the proposed drawings. In addition, there would be space for 3 retail tenants. Click here for a link to the actual plans and proposal.
In my opinion, the design was tasteful and would certainly be an improvement to what is currently occupying the area. The Design Review Commission evidently agreed, as they approved the design allowing the developer to proceed.
So get ready, dear neighbors. The rush to develop and improve upper Mt Diablo Boulevard is officially underway!
I attended the Walnut Creek Design Review Commission meeting on Wednesday. Second on the agenda was a request for design approval "to construct a new 1,964 square foot freestanding building and a 1,148 square foot addition and facade renovation to an existing retail building at 2044 Mt Diablo Boulevard". This is the site formerly occupied by The Good Guys (now a Halloween Superstore).
Although a specific tenant has not yet been confirmed, the space has been design for food & beverage sales, such as Starbucks. In fact, Starbucks was clearly identified on the proposed drawings. In addition, there would be space for 3 retail tenants. Click here for a link to the actual plans and proposal.
In my opinion, the design was tasteful and would certainly be an improvement to what is currently occupying the area. The Design Review Commission evidently agreed, as they approved the design allowing the developer to proceed.
So get ready, dear neighbors. The rush to develop and improve upper Mt Diablo Boulevard is officially underway!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Ice Rinks and New Eats
Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice is scheduled to open to the public beginning tomorrow (Thursday, 11/8) through January 21st; one week longer than last year. Organizers say that the popularity of the rink continues to grow with 30,000 skaters in its 1st year and over 41,000 last year.
The rink is located in Downtown Walnut Creek's Civic Park and is sponsored by the Downtown Business Association and the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce.
FREE SKATING!: The Grand Opening Celebration will take place on Thursday at 4:30pm, followed by 2 hours of FREE SKATING from 5-7pm. Regular pricing ranges from $11 (off peak) to $15 (peak) per hour.
For more information, go to the Ice Skate Walnut Creek website or call 925-935-7669 (SNOW).
Two new restaurants have opened in downtown Walnut Creek over the past couple of weeks.
Le Cheval (French-Vietnamese) has been an Oakland favorite for over 20 years. They recently opened their Walnut Creek location at 1375 North Broadway (next to Smith & Hawken). Their reputation has preceded them... our walk-in visit last Friday required a 30 minute wait for a table - and was well worth the wait. Check out the Le Cheval Bird's Nest, Cube (sirloin) Beef with Green Beans and of course their famous Red Rice! Call for reservations (925) 938-2288.
The Dudums are at it again! They have recently added a third restaurant to their two highly-successful downtown eateries (McCovey's and Bing Crosby's). Maria Maria La Cantina is located in the former location of The Cantina at 1470 North Broadway. This is the 1st of three Maria Maria restaurants (Mill Valley and Santa Rosa to follow) in which the Dudums (Dudum Sports & Entertainment Corp) have partnered with renowned singer Carlos Santana to deliver a 'genuine yet modern, flavorful Mexican cuisine'. Call for reservations (925) 946-1010. Check it out and post your review back to this blog.
The rink is located in Downtown Walnut Creek's Civic Park and is sponsored by the Downtown Business Association and the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce.
FREE SKATING!: The Grand Opening Celebration will take place on Thursday at 4:30pm, followed by 2 hours of FREE SKATING from 5-7pm. Regular pricing ranges from $11 (off peak) to $15 (peak) per hour.
For more information, go to the Ice Skate Walnut Creek website or call 925-935-7669 (SNOW).
Two new restaurants have opened in downtown Walnut Creek over the past couple of weeks.
Le Cheval (French-Vietnamese) has been an Oakland favorite for over 20 years. They recently opened their Walnut Creek location at 1375 North Broadway (next to Smith & Hawken). Their reputation has preceded them... our walk-in visit last Friday required a 30 minute wait for a table - and was well worth the wait. Check out the Le Cheval Bird's Nest, Cube (sirloin) Beef with Green Beans and of course their famous Red Rice! Call for reservations (925) 938-2288.
The Dudums are at it again! They have recently added a third restaurant to their two highly-successful downtown eateries (McCovey's and Bing Crosby's). Maria Maria La Cantina is located in the former location of The Cantina at 1470 North Broadway. This is the 1st of three Maria Maria restaurants (Mill Valley and Santa Rosa to follow) in which the Dudums (Dudum Sports & Entertainment Corp) have partnered with renowned singer Carlos Santana to deliver a 'genuine yet modern, flavorful Mexican cuisine'. Call for reservations (925) 946-1010. Check it out and post your review back to this blog.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Sewer Line Replacement
A big THANK YOU to Dora neighbor Mary Hardy for taking the lead on our upcoming sewer line replacement. As the sewer lines in our area are approaching the 60+ years mark, Mary realized the opportunity for an economy of scale.
Next summer, the Contra Costa Sanitary District will be replacing the main sewer lines in our neighborhood. After this installation, it will be much more difficult to repair or replace our own sewer lines (homeowners are responsible for their own sewer lines from the main to their home).
If we act together as a neighborhood and several people are interested in replacement, we may be able to realize siginificant discounts. Mary is in the process of researching bids.
Here is a copy of Mary's recent communication to the neighborhood;
Recently I spoke with Chris Carpenter, Community Affairs Representative for the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, and he confinned new main sewer lines will be installed in our neighborhood (Almond, Shuey, Brooks, Dora, Sharp, and part of Oakland Blvd.) sometime between July and September of 2008.
The necessary fieldwork began in July 2007 and is ongoing. In hopes of replacing my 60 year old sewer line at 1917 Dora Avenue prior to the main line installation, I have received three estimates from plumbing companies that specialize in trenchless sewer lines. Each company has offered a discount if any other neighbors have their sewer line replaced at the same time. Camera inspections of your current sewer lines and estimates are free.
My understanding is the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District will place a moratorium on patchwork of the newly paved streets once the new main line is completed. If you are interested in replacing your sewer line at this time, please contact me and we can talk "Y" connections, cleanouts, and asphalt/concrete patching.
Mary Hardy
925-788-7397
Next summer, the Contra Costa Sanitary District will be replacing the main sewer lines in our neighborhood. After this installation, it will be much more difficult to repair or replace our own sewer lines (homeowners are responsible for their own sewer lines from the main to their home).
If we act together as a neighborhood and several people are interested in replacement, we may be able to realize siginificant discounts. Mary is in the process of researching bids.
Here is a copy of Mary's recent communication to the neighborhood;
Recently I spoke with Chris Carpenter, Community Affairs Representative for the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, and he confinned new main sewer lines will be installed in our neighborhood (Almond, Shuey, Brooks, Dora, Sharp, and part of Oakland Blvd.) sometime between July and September of 2008.
The necessary fieldwork began in July 2007 and is ongoing. In hopes of replacing my 60 year old sewer line at 1917 Dora Avenue prior to the main line installation, I have received three estimates from plumbing companies that specialize in trenchless sewer lines. Each company has offered a discount if any other neighbors have their sewer line replaced at the same time. Camera inspections of your current sewer lines and estimates are free.
My understanding is the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District will place a moratorium on patchwork of the newly paved streets once the new main line is completed. If you are interested in replacing your sewer line at this time, please contact me and we can talk "Y" connections, cleanouts, and asphalt/concrete patching.
Mary Hardy
925-788-7397
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Welcome to the Almond Shuey Blog!
Welcome to the first post of the Almond Shuey Neighborhood Blog. The purpose of this blog is to keep our neighborhood informed of what's new in our neighborhood and around downtown Walnut Creek.
I will be the host of this blog. My name is Steve Reiser and I live at 1860 Shuey Ave. I am a REALTOR® and owner of Oakhurst Properties, located right at the edge of our neighborhood on Bonanza and Shuey. I am also the incoming President-Elect of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®.
Since moving in to this incredible neighborhood 5 years ago, I have had the pleasure of meeting or interacting with several of my neighbors. Staying active in local government relations, planning and real estate, I consider myself a neighborhood advocate; hosting the annual 'Swinging Shuey Day' summer barbecue, leading the charge with the City of Walnut Creek's General Plan 2025 and keeping an eye on the City's proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Please take advantage of this convenient means of communication - post announcements, concerns, tips & other goodies. Hopefully, this blog will take on a life of it's own. Post away - and enjoy!
If there is a topic you would like to see addressed in this blog, please send me an email.
- Steve
I will be the host of this blog. My name is Steve Reiser and I live at 1860 Shuey Ave. I am a REALTOR® and owner of Oakhurst Properties, located right at the edge of our neighborhood on Bonanza and Shuey. I am also the incoming President-Elect of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®.
Since moving in to this incredible neighborhood 5 years ago, I have had the pleasure of meeting or interacting with several of my neighbors. Staying active in local government relations, planning and real estate, I consider myself a neighborhood advocate; hosting the annual 'Swinging Shuey Day' summer barbecue, leading the charge with the City of Walnut Creek's General Plan 2025 and keeping an eye on the City's proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Please take advantage of this convenient means of communication - post announcements, concerns, tips & other goodies. Hopefully, this blog will take on a life of it's own. Post away - and enjoy!
If there is a topic you would like to see addressed in this blog, please send me an email.
- Steve
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