Sac City Living

Sacramento railyard project on positive new track - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com

2011-01-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

Sacramento railyard project on positive new track - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com

Historic area sees revival, in stages - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health | Sacramento Bee

2010-12-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Historic area sees revival, in stages - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health | Sacramento Bee

There is a rebirth taking place in the Alkali and Mansion Flats area of downtown Sacramento, neighborhoods nearly as old as the city itself.

Known for decades simply as a haven for drugs and the home of a notorious serial killer, the area is firmly in the grasp of urban renewal.

The most recent measure of that revival is taking place along busy 12th Street, where officials broke ground this week near the La Valentina light-rail station on a project consisting of 81 homes and ground-floor retail.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/11/3249906/historic-area-sees-revival-in.html#ixzz17oup2Rgz

Sacramento railyard's new owner wants to get project moving soon - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

2010-11-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

Sacramento railyard's new owner wants to get project moving soon - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

A week after dramatically taking ownership of Sacramento's railyard, an Illinois real estate firm has set up shop in a downtown high-rise with two immediate goals.

Representatives of Inland American Real Estate Trust Inc. say they want to calm nerves in the capital city after a summer of uncertainty over the fate of the railyard, and to take quick steps to get the redevelopment project back on track.

That includes working with the state to issue paychecks to railyard contractors who have done roadwork for several months without compensation. The state withheld grant funding as the site's future drifted in limbo.

In a brief statement issued Friday, Inland also indicated that it is willing to listen to any development suggestions – including an arena – that could make sense for the site.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/01/3148216/sacramento-railyards-new-owner.html#ixzz143CPB8DN

New eight-story midtown condo project starts selling units - Sacramento Business Journal

2010-10-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

New eight-story midtown condo project starts selling units - Sacramento Business Journal

2010 SAMMIES Block Party - R Street Corridor - Special Events - Events & Calendars - Sacramento, CA Regional Events

2010-10-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

2010 SAMMIES Block Party - R Street Corridor - Special Events - Events & Calendars - Sacramento, CA Regional Events

New Crocker Grand Opening | Crocker Art Museum | Crocker Art Museum | MUSEUMS | Sacramento365.com

2010-10-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

New Crocker Grand Opening | Crocker Art Museum | Crocker Art Museum | MUSEUMS | Sacramento365.com

Cesar Chavez Plaza concerts return in May - Sacramento Business Journal:

2010-03-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

Downtown Sacramento Partnership announced its summer events schedule for Cesar Chavez Plaza, and the partnership is adding more events. Returning is the Friday Night Concerts in the Park, starting May 7 and running 15 weeks.

New this year is a Monday lunchtime concert from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Monday concerts start May 3 and run through Aug. 9. The Friday Night Concerts typically draw crowds of 4,500 and is free for all ages, said Lisa Martinez, director of marketing for the partnership.

This year features more than 50 local bands, including Mumbo Gumbo, The Brodys, Secretions, Kate Gaffney and Rick Estrin & the Nightcats.

Cesar Chavez Plaza concerts return in May - Sacramento Business Journal:

RT to move light-rail station at 7th and K - Sacramento Business Journal:

2010-03-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Regional Transit District on Saturday will move the light-rail station at St. Rose of Lima Park in downtown Sacramento. The station, currently located on K Street at 7th Street, will move around the corner, to 7th Street between K and L.

The move makes it possible for the station to serve Gold Line trains traveling from the Sacramento Valley Station to Historic Folsom as well as Blue Line trains that run from Watt/I-80 to Meadowview. The previous location only served the Blue Line.

RT to move light-rail station at 7th and K - Sacramento Business Journal:

Sacramento arena task force picks Kamilos-Taylor plan for railyard site - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

2010-03-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

The complicated land-swap plan that would put an arena at the downtown railyard is the city's best bet for a facility to replace Arco Arena, a task force appointed by Mayor Kevin Johnson will tell the City Council today.

The citizens panel, appointed by Johnson in November, has spent two months interviewing proponents of seven arena proposals.

Its much-anticipated recommendations were finalized Wednesday and have been closely guarded. The pitch will be delivered to the City Council during a special 11:30 a.m. session at City Hall.

(Story Continued...) Sacramento arena task force picks Kamilos-Taylor plan for railyard site - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

St. Patrick’s Day party closes L Street - Sacramento Business Journal:

2010-03-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

A St. Patrick’s Day event at de Vere’s Irish Pub in downtown Sacramento is expected to impact morning and afternoon traffic in the vicinity of L and 16th streets.

L Street will be closed between 15th and 16th streets from 4 a.m. March 17 until 2 a.m. March 18. The south sidewalk also will be closed starting at 6 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. Limited access to the sidewalk will be maintained by security personnel, according to the city of Sacramento.

(Story Continued...) St. Patrick’s Day party closes L Street - Sacramento Business Journal:

Developers compete to revamp downtown Sacramento's troubled K Street - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee#Comments_Container#Comments_Container

2010-03-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

The competition to remake the blighted K Street pedestrian mall has drawn a who's who of Sacramento real estate – including a couple of prominent developers who've endured serious setbacks.

Of the four teams submitting redevelopment proposals to city officials, all have experience building residential and commercial projects. Three have track records in the hotel business, and at least one favors opening K Street to car traffic.

(Story Continued...) Developers compete to revamp downtown Sacramento's troubled K Street - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee#Comments_Container#Comments_Container

Four projects submitted for K Street - Sacramento Business Journal:

2010-03-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

Four development teams have responded to the city of Sacramento’s request seeking qualifications to develop portions of the 700 and 800 blocks of K Street owned by the city, which sought a “concept” level idea of what could be developed on the blocks, city officials said Tuesday.

The deadline for submittals was Friday. The qualifications for each team will be evaluated by a selection committee consisting of city staff and private parties starting March 15, and more detail about each proposal will be released to the public following that initial review.

(Story Continued...) Four projects submitted for K Street - Sacramento Business Journal:

New wing of Sacramento's Crocker Art Museum gets fine tuning - Theater and Art - sacbee.com

2010-03-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

To the untrained eye, the new wing of the Crocker Art Museum appears almost finished. Dust a bit here and there, mop the floors, polish the glass, touch up the paint – and start moving in the artwork.

Not quite yet, says architect Gerry Gendreau. A glass railing and various reveals need to be aligned. Some handrails aren't properly connected. Kinks in the walls must be addressed.

(Story Continued...) New wing of Sacramento's Crocker Art Museum gets fine tuning - Theater and Art - sacbee.com

Sacramento planners recommend approval of Curtis Park railyard plan - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com

2010-02-27T08:08:00.000-08:00

A plan for a controversial 72-acre housing and commercial development on an old railyard near Sacramento City College was recommended for approval Thursday night by the Sacramento City Planning Commission after a marathon hearing.

In an 8-0 vote, the commission adopted a master plan for Curtis Park Village, which encompasses 522 homes and 259,000 square feet of commercial space, and forwarded it to the City Council for approval. The council is expected to consider the plan at an April 1 hearing.

(Story Continued...) Sacramento planners recommend approval of Curtis Park railyard plan - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com

Website: http://www.petrovichdevelopment.com/doc.aspx?21

A decade of loud and live music - Music - sacbee.com

2010-02-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like catching a good, loud band while knocking a few drinks back with other music fans. The Blue Lamp has for 10 years strived to provide just the right atmosphere in which to do this and, judging by its crowds, succeeded.

This bar, which bills itself Sacramento's premier live music venue, features local and touring acts several nights a week. The genre varies from night to night, but the majority of acts have their roots in rock 'n' roll. From local (Jackpot) to famous (Black Francis of the Pixies) to somewhere in between (the Nekromantix), this bar dishes out music in generous amounts.

(Story Continued...) A decade of loud and live music - Music - sacbee.com

This Town’s a-Hoppin': Sacramento Beer Week, Feb. 22-28 - Sacramento Magazine, Greg Sabin

2010-02-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

Starting on Feb. 22, Sacramento becomes Beer City, U.S.A. Bringing together brewers, chefs, beer geeks, hop heads, and all others who find joy in a frothy mug, Sacramento Beer Week will be something to behold. Great restaurants like Mulvaney’s, Magpie, Ten 22 and Matteo’s will be hosting beer pairing dinners, and bars all over town will be having special pint nights, happy hour deals and other splendid offers. Come out for the inaugural gala on Monday, Feb. 22 at the historic Colonial Theater. Beer and music start at 6 p.m., with a lecture about the history of brewing in Sacramento at 7 p.m. Admission is $10.

For all the other details on deals, events, and once-in-a-lifetime drinking opportunities, visit www.sacramentobeerweek.com.

(Story Continued)

Bob Shallit: Sterling Hotel face-lift taking shape - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

2010-02-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

Big changes are under way at downtown's venerable Sterling Hotel, where property owner D&S Development last month took over day-to-day operations following the departure of a financially strapped management group.

The 17-room boutique hotel at 13th and H streets remains open, as does its ballroom with Sacramento's Hannibal's Catering providing food service for weddings, banquets and other events.

D&S and Hannibal's are honoring existing contracts for several weddings, even though the previous managers already had collected substantial down payments for the events, says D&S exec Bay Miry.

"We didn't want to crush anybody's dreams," he says.

The hotel lobby and ballroom have been repainted and are getting new carpeting. Bigger changes are under way in the hotel's former Chanterelle restaurant.

(Story Continued...) Bob Shallit: Sterling Hotel face-lift taking shape - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

State of Downtown speaker pushes for strong mayor - Sacramento Business Journal:

2010-01-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

John Hickenlooper, who went from a small brew pub owner to mayor of Denver and is now running for Colorado governor, on Tuesday urged the passage of a strong-mayor system for Sacramento.

“You can’t get the collaboration you need with the city manager form of government,” said Hickenlooper, whose city of Denver provides the mayor even more power than most strong-mayor cities. Hickenlooper's remarks came at the Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s “State of Downtown” breakfast.

Mayor Kevin Johnson’s strong-mayor effort to increase mayoral powers is on hold, as a judge recently ruled the initiative should be removed from the June ballot.

Hickenlooper also urged officials and downtown business owners to collaborate to spur redevelopment downtown. Denver has been largely lauded for its rebuilt and reinvigorated downtown, aided immensely by the presence of three sports and entertainment venues. Hickenlooper didn’t pass judgement on whether Sacramento should follow the same course with its bid for a new sports and entertainment complex.

But he noted that Denver’s revitalization was accomplished largely through collaboration. When he opened his brew pub, he ignored advice to the contrary and advertised competing restaurants within his establishment to help build the reputation of the area.

Johnson, who also spoke at the event, emphasized that no decision has been made about where to put a new arena. He continued to push for Sacramento to become a “world-class city.” (Story Continued...)

State of Downtown speaker pushes for strong mayor - Sacramento Business Journal:

Bob Shallit: Tourists may go underground in Old Sacramento - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

2010-01-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

Look out below!

Sacramento is likely to become the third West Coast city to start offering tourist-pleasing excursions through its "underground."

Assuming City Council members today approve a $185,000 loan request, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation in May will begin guided tours of the storefronts and sidewalks that constituted this city's original downtown before streets were raised 10 feet or more in the 1860s and '70s to cope with flooding.

The idea: highlight Sacramento's "unique identity" as the only California city (and one of three on the West Coast) to raise its streets, says HOSF Executive Director Marcia Eymann, who's been working with a committee for a year to iron out tour details. (Story Continued...)

Bob Shallit: Tourists may go underground in Old Sacramento - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

NBA, Kings back major land swap - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

2010-01-15T11:01:00.000-08:00

The National Basketball Association announced Thursday it is backing a dramatic land-swap proposal that would move the State Fair to the Arco Arena site in Natomas and build a new arena and entertainment complex next to the downtown train depot. The intricate proposal – involving three prime pieces of Sacramento real estate – was unveiled Thursday night by a team of local developers, with international financiers and NBA executives at their side.

The concept, offered by Gerry Kamilos, a suburban Sacramento land developer, is the most spectacular of seven arena concepts submitted in response to a request from Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. Saying 22-year-old Arco Arena is outdated and warning that the Kings may jump town, Johnson issued a call in November for developer proposals for a new sports and entertainment facility.

Details of the seven submissions were offered at a City Hall forum Thursday night. But the real action happened later a few blocks away at the Citizen Hotel, where Kamilos and NBA officials unveiled details of an ambitious land-swap concept involving Cal Expo, Arco Arena and an eight-acre piece of city-owned land at the downtown railyard. NBA officials said they and the Maloof family, owners of the Kings, support the concept because it has what other proposals don't – private investors willing to put up money.(Story Continued...)

NBA, Kings back major land swap - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Mix Downtown is upscale fun - Sacramento Entertainment - Sacramento Movie Theaters, Music | Sacramento Bee

2010-01-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

To describe Mix Downtown as upscale does not do it justice. This bar-nightclub is a slice of class in the middle of Sacramento.

The club, owned by brothers Mason, Curtis and Alan Wong of Mason's, Ma Jong's and The Park, is upstairs in the old Firestone building. Walk through the entrance, a small doorway between two other businesses, and ascend a flight of concrete stairs flanked on either side by mirrors, or take the sleek, modern stainless-steel elevator to find yourself in a dim, spacious bar furnished with dozens of couches, comfortable wing-back chairs and wooden tables large and small.

There are several private seating areas around the perimeter available by reservation, ideal for small gatherings. Here you can order a bottle service, which ranges from $80 to $550, depending on your desired beverage and budget, and have an intimate conversation as candlelight flickers off the mirrored walls. (Story Continued...)

Mix Downtown is upscale fun - Sacramento Entertainment - Sacramento Movie Theaters, Music | Sacramento Bee

Open house set for airport light-rail line - Sacramento Business Journal:

2010-01-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

Sacramento Regional Transit District is holding two open house events to provide information about a future light-rail line to the airport.

The public events are planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 29 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 30 at the North Natomas Library, 4600 Via Ingoglia Road, Sacramento.

Referred to as the Downtown-Natomas-Airport light-rail extension, or Green Line, the project would extend light rail 13 miles north from downtown Sacramento to the River District, through Natomas and on to Sacramento International Airport.

Phase 1, to the River District at Seventh Street and Richards Boulevard, is under construction and set to open in January 2011. (Story Continued...)

Open house set for airport light-rail line - Sacramento Business Journal:

Sacramento's Sterling Hotel to stay open, but Chanterelle closes - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

2010-01-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

With rumors swirling and stunned employees at its restaurant scrambling to find work, the stately Sterling Hotel will remain open during a change in management.

But Chanterelle, the adjoining upscale restaurant at 15th and H streets in Sacramento, has closed as the owners put that part of the building through a major renovation and look for a new concept.

Amid competition from scores of new and stylish downtown eateries, Chanterelle was decidedly old-fashioned – quiet and cozy with a touch of elegance, housed in a 115-year-old Victorian.

Bay Miry of D&S Development, which owns the property, said the 17-room boutique hotel will stay open during the transition. The company is in talks with local catering companies to handle upcoming weddings and other events, he added.

The restaurant, which recently received a three-star review (out of four stars) in The Bee, will be reimagined and expanded, Miry said.

Sacramento's Sterling Hotel to stay open, but Chanterelle closes - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

A memory of grandness - Sacramento Living | Sacramento Bee

2010-01-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

Alkali Flat is Sacramento's oldest residential neighborhood, but it's not the easiest place for an outsider to love. It is at once eclectic and a bit timeworn.

However, two men who set out to tell its story eventually did fall in love with "the Alkali," as residents call it.

Alkali Flat was born in 1852 as the exclusive enclave of Sacramento's earliest movers and shakers. There, just north of downtown, they built grand mansions and surrounded them with exquisite gardens. Many homes have survived and have been beautifully restored, a testament to the fortitude of a neighborhood that has changed – yet in many ways has stayed the same – over 158 years. (Story Continued...)

A memory of grandness - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health | Sacramento Bee

Dine Downtown event scheduled for January - Dining - sacbee.com

2010-01-03T16:57:00.000-08:00

Dine Downtown event scheduled for January - Dining - sacbee.com

The fifth annual Dine Downtown Restaurant Week will run from Jan. 8-17.

The popular Downtown Sacramento Partnership event was extended for a second weekend to give diners more chances to visit the 36 participating restaurants.

The restaurants will offer three-course, prix-fixe dinners at $30 per person.

Restaurants include venerable spots such as the Broiler, contemporary favorites such as Esquire Grill and hotel locations such as Morgan's at the Sheraton.

For more information, go to www.downtownsac.org/dinedowntown.

Dining Review: Ten 22 - Sacramento Magazine - January 2010 - Sacramento, California

2009-12-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

I’ll admit it: I rarely consider Old Sacramento when making dining plans. The neighborhood’s association with tourists, pricey parking and knickknacky stores is enough to relegate it to “for visiting family members only” status.

However, there are a few dining gems in Old Sac, (Story Continued...)

Dining Review: Ten 22 - Sacramento Magazine - January 2010 - Sacramento, California

R Street bridge for bikes, pedestrians opens - Sacramento Business Journal:

2009-12-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

A new bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists at R Street over Interstate 5 has been completed, opening up easier access to river trails, Sacramento’s transportation department has announced.

An official grand opening is planned for early March, when a 20-foot wide bike path between O and R streets and Pioneer Landing Park along Front Street are finished. It’s part of the first phase of the Docks Promenade Project. (Story Continued...)

R Street bridge for bikes, pedestrians opens - Sacramento Business Journal:

Bob Shallit: Atop Sacramento, lounge may look back at a lively era - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

2009-12-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

Sacramento's legendary Top of the Town lounge could be returning to the penthouse of the downtown Elks Building after an absence of more than 40 years.

The J Street building's 13th and 14th floors become available this month with the move of tenant Sactown magazine to larger digs nearby.

Building co-owner Steve Ayers reports he's already heard from prospective tenants interested in opening a bar there again. (Story Continued...)

Bob Shallit: Atop Sacramento, lounge may look back at a lively era - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento riverfront project faces key council vote today - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

2009-12-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

Sacramento's vision for a riverfront development of 1,000 residences, offices and stores just south of Old Sacramento goes to the City Council tonight for approval.

Even if the council votes to move forward, construction on the 29-acre Docks project may still be years off, given the complicated, difficult nature of such urban developments and the dismal real estate economy. But city officials say tonight's vote is part of a strategy to have a next generation of downtown projects ready when the capital's real estate market turns positive.

Already, a $4.5-million riverfront promenade extension from O Street to the development site's northern R Street boundary is under construction and scheduled to be completed in February. The city owns most of the land, although the state and PG&E also own parts. (Story Continued...)

Sacramento riverfront project faces key council vote today - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

Public Gives Input on Sacramento Arena Ideas | News10.net | Sacramento, California | Local News

2009-12-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

Public Gives Input on Sacramento Arena Ideas | News10.net | Sacramento, California | Local News

Mayor says Westfield could sell Downtown Plaza - Sacramento Business Journal:

2009-12-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson says shopping center giant Westfield Corp. has agreed to sell Downtown Plaza if it's in the best interest of the city. The move could pave the way for a high-priced and much-needed renovation to K Street.

“Simply, I asked Westfield to step aside from the Downtown Plaza if the company wasn’t in position to invest at a significant level. Obviously, I don’t want our city held hostage. To its credit, Westfield agreed,” Johnson wrote in a blog early Tuesday morning at kevinjohnsonformayor.com. He later confirmed the agreement during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

The city, headed by Johnson, has announced an aggressive effort to direct development on K Street, and the 1 million-square-foot shopping center is a critical component in the renaissance of the street — and downtown. (Story Continued...)

Mayor says Westfield could sell Downtown Plaza - Sacramento Business Journal:

Railyards to generate $200M in work in 2010 - Sacramento Business Journal:

2009-12-15T16:11:00.000-08:00

Railyards to generate $200M in work in 2010 - Sacramento Business Journal:

A Controversial Yet Creative Infill Plan: Stitch Sacramento

2008-12-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

Homeowners, how would you react if an investor approached you with an opportunity to earn a healthy profit in exchange for the right to develop an unused portion of your land? I'm sure emotions would range anywhere from skepticism to excitement...and everyting in between. The reality is this is a decision many central city homeowners will be faced with as the Stitch Group moves forward with their plan to develop alley front residences on oversized and underdeveloped lots within Sacrmento's city core. The general concept is to develop affordabe, high density housing at the rear portion of privately owned parcels while making Sacramento more environmentally sustainable and lively. Plans for a new model home site are already underway, and soon the public and the targeted homeowners will be able to visit and decide if the concept is a good fit for them. Look for development to come this spring 2009!

Lively look, right up the alley
By Mary Lynne Vellinga
mlvellinga@sacbee.com
Published: Monday, Dec. 01, 2008

Undaunted by possible "Not in My Backyard" objections, a new development group proposes to build condominiums behind hundreds of homes in Sacramento's central city.

"Yes, in My Backyard," declares the Web site for their project, called Stitch.

They say their new plan will make Sacramento's core more environmentally sustainable, affordable and lively – while at the same time helping existing homeowners earn some extra cash.

In the neighborhoods adjacent to downtown, nearly 2,400 houses sit on lots 40 feet wide by 160 feet deep. The Stitch group proposes to buy up the back portions of such lots and build three new condominiums on each one. The new housing units would front on Sacramento's mostly deserted alleys. (Story Continued)

Project Stitch: "Yes In My Backyard"

Sacramento's Newest Citizen: The Citizen Hotel

2008-12-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

The doors have finally opened at Downtown Sacramento's most anticipated hotel project--The Citizen Hotel. This latest venture from the Joie de Vivre hospitality group has been touted as our city's first "luxury boutique hotel." Opening night was November 30th, so the reviews are just starting to roll in. Now the big question is, will the reviews live up to the media hype? I'm optimistic they will! Here's an overview of what guests can expect at the new Citizen Hotel:

Welcome to The Citizen, the only downtown boutique Sacramento hotel offering 20th century grace redefined by 21st century urban luxury. Just moments from California’s State Capitol, The Citizen is where the elite come to meet.

Embedded in the urban fabric of downtown Sacramento, the Citizen Hotel is a luxury, boutique hotel in the heart of the city, at the center of the action. The Citizen blends the best of two eras, combining the formality and magnificence of Sacramento's history with today's modern expectations.

The Citizen is a full-service hotel with 198 boutique-style guestrooms and suites, and is within walking distance to the California State Capitol, the Sacramento Convention Center, historic Old Sacramento and a wide range of museums, shops, restaurants, and nightlife (Continue).

SacBee Article and Slide Show: Dowdy Office Building Becomes Haute Citizen Hotel

Sacramento Makes Kiplinger's Top 10 List for 2008!

2008-07-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Sacramento has been named the 8th Best City to Live, Work and Play by Kiplinger.com. The top 10 cities selected were chosen based on economic strength, job opportunity, cost of living and local and regional amenities. The potential for future success was also a key element in determining the winners, with a major focus being the percentage of residents within the "creative class." Studies have shown cities with a high percentage of scientists, artists, engineers, educators, writers and entertainers tend to have a higher level of vitality and quality of life. Way to go Sactown!

2008 BEST CITIES - No. 8: Sacramento, Calif.
GROWING APPEAL
Population: 2,067,117
Population Growth Since 2000: 13%
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 34%
Cost-of-Living Index: 121.7 (100 being national average)
Median Household Income: $56,953
Income Growth Since 2000: 19%

Once, Sacramento's cultural appeal could be described in two words: drive time. A 90-minute trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley in one direction and Lake Tahoe in the other, Sacramento offers easy access to some of the nation's finest recreational amenities, from skiing in the Sierras to wine-sipping in grape country to the myriad restaurants and galleries of San Francisco. But lately, Sacramento has become a place to savor on its own. "More and more we're finding all we enjoy right here -- great outdoor recreation, a lively arts scene, fine dining -- right here," says longtime resident Emmy Mignano. (Story Continued)

Sactown An Idyllic Travel Destination? You Bet!

2008-05-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

You know times are changing when our big sister city to the west touts Sacramento as a happening weekend getaway spot. A recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle entitled "Hip, Artsy Heart Beats in Sacramento" spotlights all that is new and cool about our fair river city. While the story opens with a slightly pretentious tone, the end result is a (mostly) accurate and favorable portrayal of Sacramento's new midtown scene. Enjoy!

Hip, artsy heart beats in Sacramento's midtown
'Grid' turning into the place to hang out
Spud Hilton, Chronicle Staff Writer - Sunday, May 18, 2008
It used to be the most you could say about Sacramento's midtown was that it has pleasant, tree-canopied streets and row after row of Victorian-era homes, most remarkably well-preserved. Yawn.
What used to be a cultural dead zone and excitement black hole between downtown and the burbs, however, quite suddenly has a hot, hip, walkable neighborhood at its heart, with dozens of stylish white-linen restaurants, of-the-moment boutique shops
and galleries, and a sophisticated bohemian vibe not typically associated with, well, Sacramento.
It still has the trees and Victorians, but hardly anyone notices those anymore. The midtown - officially called "the Grid" by locals and some savvy marketing firm - is still a work in progress, but it easily offers enough new diversions for a Sacramento weekend that have nothing to do with Gold Rush history or gargantuan shopping malls. The whole of the Grid is about 2 square miles, but at its center are about 24 square blocks (from 16th to 24th and from J Street to Capitol Avenue) that offer an accessible concentration of hip bistros and shops, including one intersection from which a well-thrown baseball could hit two funky coffeehouses, a wine-tasting shop and adjacent bar, three eclectic boutiques and four restaurants that would rate well by San Francisco standards. (Story Continued)

Sacramento's Vision: To be the Most Livable City in America

2008-05-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

With the mayoral race in full throttle, there seems to be much buzz again surrounding Sacramento's quest to be the "Most Livable City in America." What exactly does this mean, you ask? And, how have we progressed with this grand vision to date? A few recent articles define our city's lofty goal, and detail specifically how city leaders plan to accomplish it over the next several years. Visit the Sacramento Business Journal or SFGate for source articles or continue reading this article published by SmartGrowth.org:

Sacramento Favors Smart Growth in Quest to Be ''Most Livable City in America''; Options Aired for Development at Executive Airport - Published by SmartGrowth.org

Expecting another 200,000 residents and 140,000 jobs by 2030, Sacramento planners increasingly favor mixed uses, higher densities and walkability not only for the few tracts the city could still develop, but also for those it may annex, its Development Services Department long-range planning manager Steve Peterson envisioning Sacramento as ''the most livable city in America,'' and emphasizing, ''we want to do smart growth.''
One such smart-growth target, under the comprehensive plan updates currently in the works, reports Sacramento Business Journal writer Mike McCarthy, may be the 540-acre Executive Airport, some three miles south of downtown and near a lightrail station, on an annually renewable $1 lease to Sacramento County since 1967. (Story Continued.)

Midtown Mania: The Central City is Hot, Hot, Hot!

2008-02-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

Those of us who live and work in the central city realize the rapid growth and popularity the area has experienced over the past several months; but, for those of you who've been out of the loop lately, here are a couple of recent articles that shed some light on what's happening in and around the Midtown marketplace:

Friday, December 14, 2007
The East Sacramento anomaly: Homes in established neighborhoods fly off market
Sacramento Business Journal - by Michael Shaw Staff Writer

Last month, Dann Ingrim, co-manager of Lyon Real Estate's downtown Sacramento office, went to market confidently with a 985-square-foot, three-bedroom house priced in the low $400,000s. It sold in three days at full price.
Sacramento is bearing the brunt of what some are calling the worst housing slump since the Great Depression, and houses three times that size have been sitting on the market for half a year. But this home is located in East Sacramento, one of the city's venerable neighborhoods along with others such as midtown, Land Park and Curtis Park that have in many ways resisted the ravages of the housing downturn. (Story Continued)

February 2008
Midtown Rising
By Jan Ferris Heenan From Sacramento Magazine

While downtown Sac was getting all the press, midtown was quietly doing its thing development-wise. Now, it’s ground zero for all that’s hip. Lofts. Restaurants. Boutiques. Wine bars. Midtown’s got it all. How’d this little urban neighborhood suddenly become so hot?

Retiree Ray Cruit knows a little something about midtown Sacramento. His mom grew up at 20th and O, and as a young boy he spent a lot of time in the neighborhood in the ’50s and ’60s. The produce deliveryman’s Model T was a fixture on his grandparents’ street, and walking to Mario’s Italian Cellar on L Street for dinner was a big night out for Cruit and his family.As a teenager, he joined his buddies at Memorial Auditorium time and again to see the likes of The Beach Boys and the Rolling Stones at $4 to $5 a seat. Once the curtain came down, most concertgoers went home. “There was a hofbrau nearby, but that was about it,” Cruit reminisced recently.

These days, the retired hospital worker lives in Tahoe Park. Still, he frequents midtown several times a week, hunkering down at Old Soul Co. off 17th Street with a cup of fresh roast and a word puzzle or dining out in the evening with his wife, Rachel. “Now we just walk down the street and pick a place. There is so much variety,” Cruit says. “It’s really coming back.”And with a vengeance. The massive swath of midtown (a mile from 16th Street to Alhambra Boulevard and nearly twice that from B Street south to V) is in full bloom, with restaurant, retail and residential construction at its most robust in the area since Sacramento’s early days. (Story Continued)

One Last Penthouse Remains at the iLofts in Old Sacramento

2007-12-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

According to a recent search on Metrolist® the Penthouse Loft at the Old Sac iLofts is still "active and available." Snatch it while you can! The fully furnished unit, priced at $539K, offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Sacramento's historic district, in addition to a variety of ultra high-end features and modern amenities.

The iLofts, a small but mighty project at the Mechanics Exchange Building, has been a bonafide success story amid so much market turmoil. In fact, a recent report in the Sacramento Bee states the developers have sold eight of the nine units, and also have two tenants in place for the ground floor retail units--Jet Modern, a home furnishings store, and Vanity Modern Salon.

Like other major metropolitan areas across the US, Sacramento is seeing a strong movement towards urban living. This project's quick sell out is proof that people are starting to crave character and convenience over the traditional suburban lifestyle model. Experts predict that urban infill projects like the iLofts will remain popular, even through the housing downturn, as our values towards quality of life change. Only time will tell...but let's hope they're right, and that the downtown market continues to thrive!

Fore more information about this project contact me, or view the developer's website at: http://www.oldsacilofts.com/

Sacramento's Been Making Headlines...

2007-12-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Even with all the doom and gloom being published about Sacramento's current foreclosure crisis, there's a glimmer of hope in the recent national headlines, proving that Sactown offers more than just a piling list of mortgage defaults.

Forbes has named Sacramento America's 9th Fastest Growing City, and Business Week has named us California's Most Affordable City.

Le Rivage Hotel Brings World Class Accommodation to the Sacramento River

2007-12-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

Our fair river city is poised for a whole new level of sophistication thanks to the long awaited Le Rivage Hotel set to open this January at the Captains Table Marina in South Land Park. A member of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts group, it will be the first luxury, riverfront resort in Sacramento offering an unmatched level of services and amenities. Guests can enjoy waterfront access, including a 1,000 foot boat dock with 25 berths for yatch parking. Ooh, la, la!

The riverfront hotel, inspired by the grand seaside hotels of the French and Italian Riviera, features a 200-seat ballroom, "Spa LaLe" fitness center and day spa, and an 8,000 square foot Scott's Seafood Restaurant.

For more details about this project view the recent write up in the Sacramento Business Journal:

Friday, December 7, 2007
A dream complete, After 14-year struggle, developer is putting finishing touches on his riverfront hotel
Sacramento Business Journal - by Mark Anderson Staff writer
"The thing about 400-thread count is that they come out of the washer wrinkled," he said.
The hotel also has a spa, exercise room and pool.
Outside, the property stretches down to the waterfront and a 1,000-foot boat dock. Between the hotel and the river is an outdoor festival area, a natural amphitheater and volleyball and bocce courts. Full Article

Coming Soon! All Things Cool About Sactown Living...

2007-12-07T12:40:00.000-08:00