Railyard proposal takes new shapes
Arena and canal are out as developer adds 1-acre parks and 2,000 housing units.
By Mary Lynne Vellinga - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Saturday, June 2, 2007
Story appeared in METRO section, Page B1
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The developer of the downtown railyard this week unveiled a new version of its plan for the 240-acre site -- one that better connects the proposed development to the city's existing streets, and replaces a planned canal with a string of 1-acre parks.
Curving boulevards and long blocks have given way to a grid that mirrors Sacramento. City officials and community activists say the shorter blocks would be more hospitable to pedestrians.
"Before, it was much more of a suburban type subdivision with wide boulevards and cul-de-sacs," said Assistant City Manager Marty Hanneman.
The canal idea was scrapped because of concern about people falling in, and also the potential difficulty of keeping the water clean, he said.
Another 2,000 housing units were added to the plan -- bringing the total to 12,000.
A new arena for the Kings has been deleted -- at least for now -- because voters last November rejected the idea of paying for one. The "sports and entertainment zone" contained in the last version of the plan has been turned into a "West End" district of stores, housing and a hotel.
One thing hasn't changed, however. A giant Bass Pro fishing emporium will be one of the first things built in the converted railyard. It's planned for the northwestern edge of the site closest to Interstate 5.
The evolving vision for the railyard now includes a major performing arts complex and conservatory -- dubbed the California Academy of the Arts. Developer Thomas Enterprises is working with major arts groups in town, along with California State University, Sacramento, and the University of California, Davis.
"We want to attract students from all over. We want to become the West Coast Juilliard (School)," said Richard Rich, development director for Thomas Enterprises, the Georgia-based developer that in December bought the property from Union Pacific.
Rich also is working with representatives of the city Asian American community to create a memorial -- they are now pushing for a museum -- that would document the history of Yee Fou (or Second City), the Chinese neighborhood that once bustled just south of the railyard. It also could recall the contributions of Chinese workers to building the transcontinental railroad.
The city of Sacramento plans to solicit public comment on the new plan -- which will guide development in the railyard over the next 20 years -- at a workshop Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Amtrak depot on I Street.
"We want as many people as possible to come and give us their feedback," Hanneman said.
The city took title to the depot at the same time that Thomas Enterprises bought the rest of the railyard, ending nearly 150 years of railroad ownership. The city plans to build a new transit center in the railyard, just south of the historic shops.
City leaders have adopted an aggressive timeline for getting the railroad development on track toward construction. The schedule calls for an environmental impact report to be issued by August, and for a final City Council vote on the project by fall.
"In the next six months, we're going to be moving at warp speed," Hanneman said.
Major financial hurdles remain before construction can begin, however.
Thomas Enterprises and the city are working on a financing plan they can use to cobble together the $530 million for streets, sewers, power lines and other infrastructure that will be needed in the railyard as it gradually builds out to become a major extension of downtown.
Another $300 million -- about a third of which already has been identified -- is needed for the city to build its planned multi-use transit center for trains, light rail and buses. Part of that plan is to move the historic depot about a block to the north and make it part of the new complex.
Finally, the developer also will be looking for funds to help restore the historic brick railroad shops into a public market, restaurants and entertainment venues.
The state, meanwhile, is working on its own plan to transform some of the buildings as an extension of the California State Railroad Museum that would showcase railroad technology.
City leaders and executives of Thomas Enterprises are busy meeting with politicians in the Capitol -- getting in line for money from state bonds approved last fall to help transit-oriented development.
"We're getting a lot of attention at the state level," said Thomas Enterprises Vice President Suheil Totah.
These days, as they begin the daunting task of pushing their vision toward reality, Totah and Rich are spending much of their time giving tours of the railyard, which was long shuttered and off-limits to the public.
Marj Dickinson, assistant vice chancellor of UC Davis, took a tour on Wednesday. She was charmed by the old shop buildings, a warren of 19th-century brick structures lined with arched windows and separated by narrow alleys.
"I kept wandering around looking at those buildings and saying, 'Who would ever build industrial buildings with all those wonderful arches now. They're beautiful. Aesthetically you can imagine all sorts of exciting space that just brings people in."
Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yard
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safelight
Re: Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yar
Does that mean no more BPS coming to Manteca?
Re: Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yar
no, they are coming to BOTH, plus I read that the BPS in Rancho Cucamongo is under constrution now.
Re: Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yar
Oh man this is not good for my wallet! 
Re: Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yar
Sweeeet !!! Anyone know when they are breaking ground ?
http://basscat.com/
http://mossdale-boats.com/
http://placervilleflyfishing.com/
http://luckydoginc.net/
http://www.eyesurrenderonline.com/
http://mossdale-boats.com/
http://placervilleflyfishing.com/
http://luckydoginc.net/
http://www.eyesurrenderonline.com/
Re: Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yar
I would not hold my breath. From what the Sac news(tv) has said nothing is set to go yet and even when and if it does, it could be 3-4 years before anything is really open for business. In the meantime support our local and sponsor dealers, shown on the top banner.. Good health and tight lines to all. Bill K 
Fun fishing the country, each and every week.
Re: Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yar
Bass Pro is having a hard time in Calif. with the strict gun laws.
Re: Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yar
Didnt seem to stop Sportsmans warehouse from opening in Rocklin. Should not be too big of a problem for Bass Pro.YZKEN250 wrote:Bass Pro is having a hard time in Calif. with the strict gun laws.
Re: Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yar
I called basspro a couple weeks ago about another order. She said they were having a hard time in cali because of cali's law on lead. Seems their brand stuff doesnt have any lead warnings on the package. Fuggin cali!
Re: Bass Pro shop still a "GO" in Sactown rail yar
they are going to have to fix the lead labeling law whether they are in a brick and mortar store or not. Many years ago we had to remove ALL the Foster's beer from our shelves because it didn't have the proper CRV info on it. Many other manufacturers had stickers we could put on the package, but something about ABC laws prevented us from selling beer with stickers on the can.
We had to dispose of it "properly", and we did, with lots of BBQ chicken and ribs from the deli!
We had to dispose of it "properly", and we did, with lots of BBQ chicken and ribs from the deli!
Southern California Store news
I get these press releases thru this "Outdoor Wire" service every weekday. This is what came today.
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New Store Manager Says They Won't Have Mickey And Goofy But Will Offer Outdoor Adventures To Last A Lifetime
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Rancho Cucamonga Opens July 19th
Rancho Cucamonga, California—Bob Derr knows the outdoors. When most young people were going on dates to the movies or out to dinner, Bob and his girlfriend, Maryann, were going fishing and camping. It just came naturally to Bob since he worked for a family-owned outdoor retailer that had 16 stores in and around the Baltimore area.
After Bob and Maryann got married they moved to Maryland's Eastern Shore where Bob continued to work in the outdoors industry. "The bass fishing was awesome in the tidal rivers and farm ponds on the Eastern Shore," he said. "Maryann and I wondered how we could be so lucky to enjoy and experience this type of lifestyle," he added.
The outdoors continued to play an important role in Bob's life. He has fished state BASS Federation tournaments, Red Man Tournaments and numerous Buddy tournaments. His partner is usually his wife and a few years back they took third in a Buddy tournament with a lunker bass.
So, when the opportunity presented itself to become a manager of the recently named #1 outdoor retailer in America by Sporting Goods Business magazine, it was only natural that Bob accepted. As the new manager of the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World opening in Rancho Cucamonga, California July 19th, Bob has a wealth of outdoors knowledge and retail experience to rely upon.
Through his retail experience as a district manager and then regional vice president for Champ's Sports as well as a district manager for Lowe's, Bob has gained valuable insight into how to meet customers' needs.
"The outdoors has been such an integral part of my whole life that I can appreciate what our customers are looking for when they come into our store and we will provide that experience day in and day out," Bob pledged. "We may not have Mickey and Goofy in our store but I know our store will become the next destination attraction in Southern California!" he laughed.
Bob believes the customers come into Bass Pro Shops for one reason—they want to be a part of the outdoors experience. "I am excited to be able to interact with the customers and hear their stories, to hear about their trips, and re-live their 'once-in-a-lifetime' adventures," he continued. "Our employees at Bass Pro Shops have the same opportunity to share their outdoor experiences with them as well….how awesome is that?" he added.
As General Manager of the Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga Bob will head up a team of 250-300 associates who all share a passion and drive for the outdoors as well as possess a strong knowledge about the products they sell and are experts in the area they work.
"The amount of fishing, hunting and boating experience our new employees are bringing to Bass Pro Shops is amazing," he noted. "If I was to add up the combined years of outdoor experience it would be well in the hundreds."
Bob also knows also how to meet his associate's needs. "The associates at Rancho are so thrilled about the fact they are going to work for Bass Pro Shops they just cannot stop smiling!" he said. "I owe them the correct training for their positions and then to help them develop and grow in their careers."
Bob truly believes the success of the store lies in the associates hired. "It's not enough to say we care about our customers," he said. "If we are working freight or stocking shelves and we do not eagerly greet and acknowledge the customer walking by us, then we fail. It starts with me and goes to every single employee that wears the Bass Pro Shops shirt. Our passion and commitment to the customer must be 101% every single minute of every single day. We do that, and we all win…especially the customer."
Those interested in applying for positions at Bass Pro Shops can go online at www.basspro.com>www.basspro.com and click on Career Opportunities for more information.
After becoming the father to two children also bitten with the outdoors bug, Bob knows how important the outdoors is to families—something Bass Pro Shops believes in strongly.
"The look on my son's face when he caught his very first fish was priceless," Bob remembers. "It was only a bluegill but you would have thought he had caught a state record monster." Bob declares his outdoor experiences only got better with his family. "All our family vacations and memories revolve around the outdoors," he said.
As all Bass Pro Shops stores offer free, outdoor skills workshops on a variety of topics to kids, adults and families—novices and experienced alike—Bob pledges to challenge himself to take these workshops to the next level. "Bass Pro Shops does an awesome job of teaching and supporting the outdoors," he noted. "As we continue to teach the skills needed to enjoy the outdoors we are simply helping our customers enjoy their lives with their buddies and their families and to build memories that will continue to get shared by others."
The nearly 180,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is located on the east side of Victoria Gardens Regional Town Center adjacent to the I-15 Freeway. Besides being the world's leading supplier of fishing and hunting products, the store will also offer equipment for hiking, backpacking, camping, outdoor cooking and more. Shoppers will find outdoor apparel for men, women and children, along with a fine selection of outdoor, casual and athletic footwear. A gift and nature shop serves up a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture.
In addition, the 11,090-square-foot Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant will allow visitors a chance to experience a taste of the Florida Keys with menu selections showcasing bold flavors of seafood dishes, great steaks, hickory-fired rotisserie chicken and exotic appetizers.
The official store Grand Opening is scheduled for Thursday, July 19th preceded by the Evening for Conservation at 6:00 PM Wednesday, July 18th. . This event is free and open to the public.
About Bass Pro Shops:
Bass Pro Shops, also a major catalog and internet retailer, is headquartered in Springfield, MO. They currently have 42 other locations across the United States and Canada that attract some 90 million visitors a year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com>www.basspro.com. To request a free Bass Pro Shops catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.
Media Contact:
Katie Mitchell (417) 873-5618
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New Store Manager Says They Won't Have Mickey And Goofy But Will Offer Outdoor Adventures To Last A Lifetime
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Rancho Cucamonga Opens July 19th
Rancho Cucamonga, California—Bob Derr knows the outdoors. When most young people were going on dates to the movies or out to dinner, Bob and his girlfriend, Maryann, were going fishing and camping. It just came naturally to Bob since he worked for a family-owned outdoor retailer that had 16 stores in and around the Baltimore area.
After Bob and Maryann got married they moved to Maryland's Eastern Shore where Bob continued to work in the outdoors industry. "The bass fishing was awesome in the tidal rivers and farm ponds on the Eastern Shore," he said. "Maryann and I wondered how we could be so lucky to enjoy and experience this type of lifestyle," he added.
The outdoors continued to play an important role in Bob's life. He has fished state BASS Federation tournaments, Red Man Tournaments and numerous Buddy tournaments. His partner is usually his wife and a few years back they took third in a Buddy tournament with a lunker bass.
So, when the opportunity presented itself to become a manager of the recently named #1 outdoor retailer in America by Sporting Goods Business magazine, it was only natural that Bob accepted. As the new manager of the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World opening in Rancho Cucamonga, California July 19th, Bob has a wealth of outdoors knowledge and retail experience to rely upon.
Through his retail experience as a district manager and then regional vice president for Champ's Sports as well as a district manager for Lowe's, Bob has gained valuable insight into how to meet customers' needs.
"The outdoors has been such an integral part of my whole life that I can appreciate what our customers are looking for when they come into our store and we will provide that experience day in and day out," Bob pledged. "We may not have Mickey and Goofy in our store but I know our store will become the next destination attraction in Southern California!" he laughed.
Bob believes the customers come into Bass Pro Shops for one reason—they want to be a part of the outdoors experience. "I am excited to be able to interact with the customers and hear their stories, to hear about their trips, and re-live their 'once-in-a-lifetime' adventures," he continued. "Our employees at Bass Pro Shops have the same opportunity to share their outdoor experiences with them as well….how awesome is that?" he added.
As General Manager of the Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga Bob will head up a team of 250-300 associates who all share a passion and drive for the outdoors as well as possess a strong knowledge about the products they sell and are experts in the area they work.
"The amount of fishing, hunting and boating experience our new employees are bringing to Bass Pro Shops is amazing," he noted. "If I was to add up the combined years of outdoor experience it would be well in the hundreds."
Bob also knows also how to meet his associate's needs. "The associates at Rancho are so thrilled about the fact they are going to work for Bass Pro Shops they just cannot stop smiling!" he said. "I owe them the correct training for their positions and then to help them develop and grow in their careers."
Bob truly believes the success of the store lies in the associates hired. "It's not enough to say we care about our customers," he said. "If we are working freight or stocking shelves and we do not eagerly greet and acknowledge the customer walking by us, then we fail. It starts with me and goes to every single employee that wears the Bass Pro Shops shirt. Our passion and commitment to the customer must be 101% every single minute of every single day. We do that, and we all win…especially the customer."
Those interested in applying for positions at Bass Pro Shops can go online at www.basspro.com>www.basspro.com and click on Career Opportunities for more information.
After becoming the father to two children also bitten with the outdoors bug, Bob knows how important the outdoors is to families—something Bass Pro Shops believes in strongly.
"The look on my son's face when he caught his very first fish was priceless," Bob remembers. "It was only a bluegill but you would have thought he had caught a state record monster." Bob declares his outdoor experiences only got better with his family. "All our family vacations and memories revolve around the outdoors," he said.
As all Bass Pro Shops stores offer free, outdoor skills workshops on a variety of topics to kids, adults and families—novices and experienced alike—Bob pledges to challenge himself to take these workshops to the next level. "Bass Pro Shops does an awesome job of teaching and supporting the outdoors," he noted. "As we continue to teach the skills needed to enjoy the outdoors we are simply helping our customers enjoy their lives with their buddies and their families and to build memories that will continue to get shared by others."
The nearly 180,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is located on the east side of Victoria Gardens Regional Town Center adjacent to the I-15 Freeway. Besides being the world's leading supplier of fishing and hunting products, the store will also offer equipment for hiking, backpacking, camping, outdoor cooking and more. Shoppers will find outdoor apparel for men, women and children, along with a fine selection of outdoor, casual and athletic footwear. A gift and nature shop serves up a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture.
In addition, the 11,090-square-foot Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant will allow visitors a chance to experience a taste of the Florida Keys with menu selections showcasing bold flavors of seafood dishes, great steaks, hickory-fired rotisserie chicken and exotic appetizers.
The official store Grand Opening is scheduled for Thursday, July 19th preceded by the Evening for Conservation at 6:00 PM Wednesday, July 18th. . This event is free and open to the public.
About Bass Pro Shops:
Bass Pro Shops, also a major catalog and internet retailer, is headquartered in Springfield, MO. They currently have 42 other locations across the United States and Canada that attract some 90 million visitors a year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com>www.basspro.com. To request a free Bass Pro Shops catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.
Media Contact:
Katie Mitchell (417) 873-5618
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