West Sacramento Hoping For Big Revitalization Of Bridge District
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — For years, it was known as the industrial area of our region, but a major revitalization is getting going in West Sacramento as the city works to transform the Bridge District.
The city has spent years getting rid of infrastructure left over from old industrial buildings, and now there's a lot of space ready for new projects. The city wants to turn it into an urban area that will attract people from all over the region.
It's a 188-acre district, but besides the riverwalk, there's not a whole lot to do or see now in the district, but Mayor Christopher Cabaldon says that's about to change.
"This is going to be something spectacular," he said.
He says the new Park Moderns is the first residential property, but more housing is coming, including a space next door that will be a mix of residential and retail space. There aren't any other businesses until the Barn Project opens in September, bringing food, concerts and visitors to the area.
"Folks have always looked at this area and thought, God it's right next to downtown, it's along the waterfront, it's got easy access to so many things. That should really pop.' And people have been saying that for 50 years. It's finally happening," he said.
Cabaldon says business owners are now filing permits to try to build in the area, taking a gamble that the now-desolate area will become the hot spot city leaders imagine.
Brian Asch took a chance when he opened his bike shop and cafe nearby three months ago, and he's glad he did.
"There's a lot, a lot of change for the good that's happening in this area," he said. "I think this area is definitely up and coming and will look a lot different in a year or two."
Construction of a new downtown arena for the Sacramento Kings is fueling the city's hope. When it's done in the fall of 2016, the hope is to have something to make fans want to walk over to the Bridge District to hang out.