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Thursday, May 17, 2012
Regional Focus: June 2006
Open for Business
Roseville’s retail sector is sizzling — and it’s about to get hotter
Story by Steve DeRosa
We’re No. 9!” isn’t the kind of boast to get the blood pumping, but for a California city ranked a modest 61st in population but a whopping ninth in retail sales, that claim can mean only one thing: Business is good. In fact, the sizzling retail scene in Roseville promises even more growth and construction as businesses continue to flock to this fast-growing city.
Take, for instance, the corner of Eureka Road and Sierra College Boulevard, where this summer the Panattoni Development Co. will start work on Granite Bay Pavilions, a 117,000-square-foot retail and office complex that will host restaurants, shops and business services.
Gary Muljat, Panattoni’s director of Northern California retail services, says work will begin in mid- to late summer and should be completed by the second or third quarter of 2007. He points out that the local homeowner association is extremely supportive of the mixed-use project, which will feature unique architecture and landscaping. “We’re trying to build something special out there,” Muljat says.
Along Eureka Road between North Sunrise Avenue and Rocky Ridge Road is Stone Point, a mixed-use, 130-acre development (including corporate offices, specialty stores and residences) that will feature ventures such as Blue Nami Sushi & Sake House, Utopia Grill, Quizno’s, a Ruby Tuesday restaurant, a nail salon and a day spa.
Another project to keep an eye on is The Fountains, a 350,000-square-foot “lifestyle center” planned for the corner of Harding Boulevard and Roseville Parkway that will feature about 50 retailers as well as other businesses and mixed-use tenants.
Gloria Wright, shopping center manager for Inter-Cal Real Estate, says construction for The Fountains will begin right away. The open-air complex will feature a boutique hotel as well as Whole Foods Market, Euro Walk Shoes, Chico’s, White House/Black Market, Lucy, Ecco Shoes and Soma.
Just across Roseville Parkway will be more construction: The Westfield Galleria is planning a 400,000-square-foot expansion that will include additional space for Macy’s, JCPenney and other clients, and will include a much-needed parking structure.
Stephanie Ringey, director of marketing for the Westfield Galleria, says additional lanes will be added to the ring-shaped road surrounding the mall to accommodate increased traffic, and that family amenities such as new restaurants, an interior play park and a second exterior play park featuring a pop-jet fountain will be added as well. Also, Banana Republic, PacSun and Journeys Superstore are expected to be remodeled. “The whole goal is to meet the needs of the consumers,” Ringey notes.
Speaking of consuming, expect a pair of signature restaurants to add to the dining choices available in Roseville: Cena di Mare and Crush 29.
Cena di Mare, featuring Hawaiian seafood and steaks, will sit across from California Backyard on Eureka Road. Mark Platt, vice president of concept development for Kobra Culinary Concepts, says the upscale restaurant will feature a piano bar and indoor and outdoor water features. Its kitchen will be headed by Brian Hawkins, former executive chef of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and should be open for business in early 2007.
Crush 29, slated for the corner of Eureka Road and Rocky Ridge Drive, will be a Napa Valley-style grill headed by Executive Chef Irie Gengler and will include wine caves, fireplaces, a round bar, murals, skylights and private dining rooms.
Each month a different winery chef will prepare dinner for 50 people in a wine cave, and two of the chef’s signature dishes will be featured that month on the restaurant’s menu. In addition, wine from the visiting chef’s winery will be available for sampling and for sale.
What is the message here? William Boyer, Roseville’s public information officer, says the explosive growth in retail business just goes to prove one thing: “Roseville’s hot. It’s the amazing place to do business.”
