Big news broke yesterday as the “Curtis Park Village” site is now ready for construction. I’m amazed to read that over 358,000 cubic yards of toxic dirt was removed from the site to prepare for future residential and commercial building. By the way, does anyone know where the dirt went?
I’m really interested to see how the new “Village” compliments the historic Curtis Park neighborhood. Curtis Park has such amazing character, so I hope the builders will be as sensitive as possible to the quality and craftsmanship found in the neighborhood. Whatever the case, as long as the builder does a decent job, my guess is these units are going to be a very hot commodity because of the great location and close proximity to Downtown.
Some articles to read on Curtis Park Village:
– Toxic Clean-up Complete – Feb 16, 2012 SacBee
– A big day for Curtis Park developer – Feb 15, 2012 Sacramento Biz Journal
– See also Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association and Curtis Park News.
– City of Sacramento Curtis Park Village Project Information
– Petrovich Development Company Project Summary
I’d really like to hear from Sacramentans on this matter and especially Curtis Park residents. How do you feel about the development? What are the positives? What are your concerns? The SacBee article seemed to indicate that residents are “cautiously optimistic” about the project. If you are a resident, do you feel that way?
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The term “cautiously optimistic” is a great term with which I also identify. I am excited for the infill, but wonder what the traffic will be like. Or as you brought up, will it compliment the neighborhood? I’m also excited to get the exclusive listings on each home sold – that was very generous of the developer to sign that listing agreement with me 😉
Thanks, Keith. It seems like traffic and conformity are the top two concerns. It is defeinitely a plus to have toxic soil removed. I’m so glad to hear Petrovich and you are working together to sell all the listings. 🙂 That would be cool. I do hope you actually get to sell some of them.
We live in the Pocket/Greenhaven area, and our nearest Chipotle (what can I say, we have a serious burrito bowl addiction) is the one on Sutterville, just down the road from this new project. We love driving through Curtis Park and dreaming about “someday” living in one of those magnificently built (and maintained) homes.
While I share your concern about the quality of the architecture that will be built in this existing neighborhood’s proximity, I am overall excited about this project. Sacramento City College students and Curtis Park residents alike should benefit from the walkable commercial options – depending on what they will be, of course. Will traffic increase? I assume it would have to, but that’s just part of the reality of infill development in urban areas.
My biggest concerns are architecture and landscaping. One of the characteristics that makes Curtis Park so charming, besides the authentic architectural styles and materials, is the lush tree canopy. It will be hard, if not impossible, for new construction to match what nearly a century of time and sunshine have done, but I hope, at a minimum, that developers will plan streets narrow enough and tree species large enough to eventually form similar canopies. Streetscapes are as important as architecture for creating and maintaining a neighborhood’s charm.
Shannan, I hear there is help for those struggling with burrito bowl addictions. 🙂
Great points. There is no such thing as growth without growing pains, right? No matter what, there will be change at this location and hopefully the positives will far outweight any negatives. You are so right about how critical trees are for a neighborhood. Tree-lined streets tend to be worth more for sure. I don’t recall how many trees will be planted in Curtis Park Village, but it seemed like a fairly high number upon reading it.
I am really excited about the project. It will provide the best of both worlds… a charming established neighborhood but with the new housing and retail mix that the burbs provide. The housing mix of Tudors and craftsmen should be just fine if the builder does a good job.
Thanks for your input, Joe. I tend to agree with you. My sense is that improved land is way better than toxic land. As long as the design is done in taste, it should be great to see the end product. I am curious to see how the western edge of the Curtis Park neighborhood is impacted in terms of view, traffic and overall perception among buyers. I’ll be watching closely.
I do not think bikes should have to climb a bridge just to cross those dang train tracks!
I assume people have to climb the bridge too. Is that correct? Thanks for the comment.
I am excited about the project. Petrovich has bent over backwards to please the nimby’s so I have little doubt the project will turn out great. The tree canopy is 20 years out but that is in mother natures hands, you cannot rush those things.
It is easy to pick a project apart but the reality is that an ugly, useless toxic brown field is going to be replaced by an innovative infill project that has been poured over and picked apart for thousands of man hours. It has the potential to provide the best of both worlds, the advantages of new construction in the middle of the city. A house doesn’t have to be old to be charming.
Thanks, JB. Having the right infill project can be a great thing for a community. Change is never easy for a community. There are so many decisions to make and not everyone will be happy. Overall hopefully most residents will be pleased. From a real estate standpoint, it’s hard to imagine the neighborhood won’t sell out. I better there will be lots of demand.