Politics & Government

Design Review Commission Approves Plans For Broadway Plaza Renovation

The Planning Commission will take up the proposal at its meeting next week

The owners of Broadway Plaza have achieved the first of three steps they need before the end of the year to move forward with their plans to renovate the eastern portion of their downtown shopping center.

The first step was the Walnut Creek Design Review Commission, which on Wednesday night approved the project's design guidelines.

That recommendation now goes to the Planning Commission, which will hold a hearing next Thursday on the rezoning, general plan amendment and other items for the project.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the renovation on Dec. 10.

If the project is approved by mid-December, Macerich officials hope to start demolition of the current buildings by late January.

Store owners were told in early October to be prepared to relocate their businesses by Jan. 31.

The renovation affects the stores between Nordstrom and Macy's. Among the 40 businesses are Claire's, Hallmark, Boudin Bakery Cafe and Yogurt Park.

Macerich's plans call for the demolition of 200,000 square feet of retail space with as much as 500,000 square feet of new facilities replacing it.

On Wednesday evening, the Design Review Commission gave the go-ahead for Macerich's design plans.

Among the guidelines listed in a staff report are simple and functional signs, shade trees and awnings along Broadway Lane, the placement of art work and the use of solar, green roofs.


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