ReinadelosReys
Starter
Finally, the decision has been made to develop the some 240+ acres of Union Pacific Railroad site next to downtown Sacramento. A site of a new Kings arena? A press conference is underway as I type.
Decision made to develop UPR site
- Thread starter ReinadelosReys
- Start date
loopymitch
All-Star
Please keep us posted Reina
Circa_1985_Fan
All-Star
Yes, please! Is this conference on the radio/TV??loopymitch said:
ReinadelosReys
Starter
On second thought....
http://news10.net/storyfull1.asp?id=11535
"Urban Village" Planned for Downtown Railyard
Two-and-a-half years after the transaction began, the developer Millennia Sacramento is a step closer to buying the Union Pacific railyard near downtown Sacramento.
Today the developer announced it has filed an application with the city for approval of its project for the 240-acre railyard. It says it hopes to finalize the purchase by the end of the year.
"We are delighted to have achieved another major milestone in this very complex transaction," said Stanley E. Thomas of Millenia's parent company, Thomas Enterprises, Inc.
Millennia plans to build what it calls an "urban village" on the site. It would include 10,000 housing units, along with offices, retail stores, and cultural attractions.
The Union Pacific chose Millennia as the favored developer for the site about two-and-a-half years ago and announced a tentative agreement last July.
Today's move comes just two weeks after developers led by David Taylor, Tony Giannoni and Angelo Tsakopoulos offered to buy the site earlier this month. They want to build a new arena for the Sacramento Kings.
Story created 6/17/2005 - 12:21 PM****** Last updated 6/17/2005 - 1:20 PM
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I know nothing about construction, or planning, but I don't think there is going to be room...unless a new arena fits under the "cultual attractions" category.
http://news10.net/storyfull1.asp?id=11535
"Urban Village" Planned for Downtown Railyard
Two-and-a-half years after the transaction began, the developer Millennia Sacramento is a step closer to buying the Union Pacific railyard near downtown Sacramento.
Today the developer announced it has filed an application with the city for approval of its project for the 240-acre railyard. It says it hopes to finalize the purchase by the end of the year.
"We are delighted to have achieved another major milestone in this very complex transaction," said Stanley E. Thomas of Millenia's parent company, Thomas Enterprises, Inc.
Millennia plans to build what it calls an "urban village" on the site. It would include 10,000 housing units, along with offices, retail stores, and cultural attractions.
The Union Pacific chose Millennia as the favored developer for the site about two-and-a-half years ago and announced a tentative agreement last July.
Today's move comes just two weeks after developers led by David Taylor, Tony Giannoni and Angelo Tsakopoulos offered to buy the site earlier this month. They want to build a new arena for the Sacramento Kings.
Story created 6/17/2005 - 12:21 PM****** Last updated 6/17/2005 - 1:20 PM
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I know nothing about construction, or planning, but I don't think there is going to be room...unless a new arena fits under the "cultual attractions" category.
Circa_1985_Fan
All-Star
So now its back to square one for an arena because they chose Millennia, who the Maloofs hate and wont do business with?? Now what??ReinadelosReys said:
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
*sigh*
Maybe not the Maloofs #1 option, but given the total lack of alternatives at this point...
Anybody have any old KC Kings jerseys they want to sell me? I figure if I corner the market now I've got a good chance to make a killing in a couple of years.
Maybe not the Maloofs #1 option, but given the total lack of alternatives at this point...
Anybody have any old KC Kings jerseys they want to sell me? I figure if I corner the market now I've got a good chance to make a killing in a couple of years.
Circa_1985_Fan
All-Star
Whoa is us...Bricklayer said:*sigh*
Maybe not the Maloofs #1 option, but given the total lack of alternatives at this point...
Anybody have any old KC Kings jerseys they want to sell me? I figure if I corner the market now I've got a good chance to make a killing in a couple of years.
I'd follow the Kings to Vegas (it's probably about time for a move anyway), but I have no intentions of moving to KC.
This is really really bad news. A downtown arena could do so much more for Sacramento than one out in Natomas, and there were developers willing to help. This really puts us behind the eight ball as far as keeping the Kings long term. KC already has a better arena than Arco built and is just waiting for someone to screw it up with there team. Certainly looks like we are doing that. Fargo and everyone on the city council needs to go, because the way this has been handled has been a huge cluster, and very near sighted.
ReinadelosReys
Starter
Ok, the deal itself with the development group will not be finalized until the end of the year because of the size of it, but both groups say they are 95% there. If you have been following along with this whole arena issue, another group of developers lead by Angelo Tsakopoulos were also interested in a site of for an arena if the financing plan were ever to work, but the UPR people say they are not in discussion with them. As it stands, Millennia does not have an arena in their plans but say that they could include it if its what both the city and the Kings ownership want. However, the Maloofs have said in the past that they would never do any work with the Millennia Sacramento group.
LPKingsFan
All-Star
Why not?
CruzDude
Senior Member sharing a brew with bajaden
Every successful new NBA arena is in a downtown area. It has all the positives:
- convenient for everyone to get to using light rail, bus and train
- drawing 17,000+ people to the area 45-50 times a year
- generating huge revenue for vendors and for businesses in the immediate area
- generating huge tax revenue for the city AND the state
- providing a venue for 100-150 additional events a year drawing 5,000-15,000 folk
- making a lasting name for Sacramento which will attract new businesses and corporations
- increasing year round jobs in downtown Sacramento
North Natomas on the other hand........... why would anyone go there except to see a Kings game. its all fields, apartments and condos. No shops around the arena, no mass transit or light rail or anything. No attraction.
The UPR site to include a 18,000 seat arena benefits everyone, not only in Sacramento city but the entire area: big name entertainers will go to such a dynamic downtoen venue but would never consider the rice paddies of North Natomas. Ask some of their agents. Which draws better, a new, state of the art downtown venue or a modern arena out in the boonies?
Downtown, us out-of-towners now have a reason to train to the game, stay in a local hotel or motel and train home the next day.
Arrrggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!! Get er done!
- convenient for everyone to get to using light rail, bus and train
- drawing 17,000+ people to the area 45-50 times a year
- generating huge revenue for vendors and for businesses in the immediate area
- generating huge tax revenue for the city AND the state
- providing a venue for 100-150 additional events a year drawing 5,000-15,000 folk
- making a lasting name for Sacramento which will attract new businesses and corporations
- increasing year round jobs in downtown Sacramento
North Natomas on the other hand........... why would anyone go there except to see a Kings game. its all fields, apartments and condos. No shops around the arena, no mass transit or light rail or anything. No attraction.
The UPR site to include a 18,000 seat arena benefits everyone, not only in Sacramento city but the entire area: big name entertainers will go to such a dynamic downtoen venue but would never consider the rice paddies of North Natomas. Ask some of their agents. Which draws better, a new, state of the art downtown venue or a modern arena out in the boonies?
Downtown, us out-of-towners now have a reason to train to the game, stay in a local hotel or motel and train home the next day.
Arrrggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!! Get er done!
quick dog
Starter
I do not believe that the old Sacramento SPRR yard is the best site for a politically contested arena anyway. There are potential traffic, environmental, logistical, and political issues associated with that SPRR property. The "village plan" to develop the site has been on the drawing boards for nearly a decade. It has always been the preferred option by the developers.
Perhaps, now that the downtown site is probably off the table, the local developers and politicians can focus on a truly practical future arena site. It would fit nicely in the Northgate area near ARCO Arena. More likely, the Greek and his friends will negotiate with Sacramento County lawyers to develop some prime agricultural land near the airport. Environmental and zoning incumberances can be eliminated with the stroke of the right pen.
Perhaps, now that the downtown site is probably off the table, the local developers and politicians can focus on a truly practical future arena site. It would fit nicely in the Northgate area near ARCO Arena. More likely, the Greek and his friends will negotiate with Sacramento County lawyers to develop some prime agricultural land near the airport. Environmental and zoning incumberances can be eliminated with the stroke of the right pen.
Prophetess
Gallifrayain
CruzDude said:
have you been to there lately? I work over there. It is currently being rapidly developed.
There is a Kohls, Borders, Raleys, marshalls, linens and things, etc..that's in 1 shopping center, there is the Walmart shopping center, two more shopping centers being built across the street from Walmart to include Chilis and TGIFridays. There is even a mini shopping area right by the arena. The boonies are being decreased in size every day by commercial development. If they are going to build an arena, they should do it while there is land left to use.
ReinadelosReys
Starter
LPKingsFan said:
I assume you are talking about the Maloofs and the development group. 3 years or so back when the first idea of an arena downtown came to the light there was appearently some bad blood left in the fallout of the whole deal and supposedly, the Maloofs vowed never to work with them again.
LPKingsFan
All-Star
Prophetess said:
I'm sorry, but chain stores and restaurants don't excite me as much as a vibrant, unique downtown. That's the city image Sacramento should be looking for, not another small town generic suburbia.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/13086006p-13931021c.html
Railyard suitor weaves vision of 'urban village'
A developer's proposal foresees a mixed-use cityscape that would transform downtown.
By Terri Hardy - Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Saturday, June 18, 2005
As it pursues its purchase of the 240-acre Union Pacific railyard, Millennia Sacramento came out Friday with a revised plan to show its commitment to the deal, a plan that calls for 10,000 units of housing - more than twice the amount initially envisioned.
The developer unveiled its new plan to the city proposing a mixed-use "urban village" jampacked with enough housing for 20,000 people, as well as office, hotel and retail space. It also calls for a Railroad Technology Museum and a chic public market space similar to San Francisco's popular Ferry Building, and it reserves space for a downtown arena.
Developer Millennia Sacramento has been in purchase talks for the past 2 1/2 years with UP. Although talks continue, filing the development application signaled a "major breakthrough," said Suheil Totah, vice president of Thomas Enterprises, Millennia's controlling entity.
"This has been a very long journey to this point," Totah said at a hastily called news conference. "We are, and remain, committed to this project."
Totah said Millennia would begin working with the city on the application next week. The purchase deal with UP should close by year-end and, barring further hitches, construction could begin within 18 months.
Millennia's plan would be one of the nation's largest infill projects, with 37.6 acres designated for residential use, 39.2 acres for general mixed use and 25.5 acres for commercial and office space.
And instead of the 4,500 lofts, apartments and condominiums once proposed, the application calls for a whopping 10,000.
Sacramento's red-hot housing market caused the developer to more than double the number of units, Totah said. They will be both rental and for-sale, priced at market rate and for low-income residents.
Michael Ault, executive director of the Sacramento Downtown Partnership, said the plan clearly answers calls for more housing in the city's central core.
"The housing will activate downtown," Ault said, adding it also would help lure new retailers.
Kay Knepprath, a community activist who has pushed to save the railyard's historic depot, agreed Millennia's application signaled a major milestone.
She said progress on the planned intermodal, a major transportation hub that will include the depot, was stalled until Millennia's application was filed.
Now, an environmental study can begin.
"A big bottleneck has been opened," Knepprath said.
Millennia's announcement comes on the heels of reports that a trio of prominent local developers had submitted a competing offer for the railyard. The team of David Taylor, Tony Giannoni and Angelo Tsakopoulos said they joined the fray as they watched talks with Millennia make little progress.
Earlier this month, Carol Shearly, the city's new growth manager, told The Bee that repeated postponements of the railyard deal had "become a joke."
On Friday, however, Shearly voiced the city's strong support for the project and lauded the plan as a way to contribute to downtown's renaissance.
"We continue to have a strong partnership with Millennia," Shearly said.
Totah downplayed the competing offer, saying rumors were untrue that negotiations that began in 2002 had only recently restarted between Millennia and Union Pacific.
Mike Casey, UP's local project manager, said the railyard's position was unchanged and it isn't considering other offers.
"The door on that has been closed," Casey said.
Taylor, Giannoni and Tsakopoulos could not be reached for comment Friday.
In July 2004, Millennia announced it had reached an agreement with Union Pacific to buy the railyard and predicted the two parties would close the deal by the end of the year.
But the issues turned out to be more complex than either side imagined, Totah and Casey said.
During a title search, they learned that because a bank of the American River had been on a portion of the railyard, arcane case law placed nearly 30 acres of the property under the control of the California State Lands Commission.
"That caught us all off-guard," Totah said.
Said Casey, "We couldn't continue to negotiate with the concern that we couldn't close the transaction."
The issue was settled to the satisfaction of UP and Millennia on Thursday, allowing Millennia to go forward with the development application, Casey said.
The issue still needs to be settled with the state, Totah said.
The other major hurdle centers on the environmental cleanup of the Superfund site. As it continues its cleanup of the site, UP has discovered higher levels of toxic materials than anticipated, Casey said. That in turn changes the scope of work agreed upon by UP and Millennia, he said.
Totah also said Friday he has resigned from the Morrison and Foerster law firm to head a new Sacramento office of Thomas Enterprises and lead the railyard development effort.
About the writer: The Bee's Terri Hardy can be reached at (916) 321-1073 or thardy@sacbee.com.
Railyard suitor weaves vision of 'urban village'
A developer's proposal foresees a mixed-use cityscape that would transform downtown.
By Terri Hardy - Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Saturday, June 18, 2005
As it pursues its purchase of the 240-acre Union Pacific railyard, Millennia Sacramento came out Friday with a revised plan to show its commitment to the deal, a plan that calls for 10,000 units of housing - more than twice the amount initially envisioned.
The developer unveiled its new plan to the city proposing a mixed-use "urban village" jampacked with enough housing for 20,000 people, as well as office, hotel and retail space. It also calls for a Railroad Technology Museum and a chic public market space similar to San Francisco's popular Ferry Building, and it reserves space for a downtown arena.
Developer Millennia Sacramento has been in purchase talks for the past 2 1/2 years with UP. Although talks continue, filing the development application signaled a "major breakthrough," said Suheil Totah, vice president of Thomas Enterprises, Millennia's controlling entity.
"This has been a very long journey to this point," Totah said at a hastily called news conference. "We are, and remain, committed to this project."
Totah said Millennia would begin working with the city on the application next week. The purchase deal with UP should close by year-end and, barring further hitches, construction could begin within 18 months.
Millennia's plan would be one of the nation's largest infill projects, with 37.6 acres designated for residential use, 39.2 acres for general mixed use and 25.5 acres for commercial and office space.
And instead of the 4,500 lofts, apartments and condominiums once proposed, the application calls for a whopping 10,000.
Sacramento's red-hot housing market caused the developer to more than double the number of units, Totah said. They will be both rental and for-sale, priced at market rate and for low-income residents.
Michael Ault, executive director of the Sacramento Downtown Partnership, said the plan clearly answers calls for more housing in the city's central core.
"The housing will activate downtown," Ault said, adding it also would help lure new retailers.
Kay Knepprath, a community activist who has pushed to save the railyard's historic depot, agreed Millennia's application signaled a major milestone.
She said progress on the planned intermodal, a major transportation hub that will include the depot, was stalled until Millennia's application was filed.
Now, an environmental study can begin.
"A big bottleneck has been opened," Knepprath said.
Millennia's announcement comes on the heels of reports that a trio of prominent local developers had submitted a competing offer for the railyard. The team of David Taylor, Tony Giannoni and Angelo Tsakopoulos said they joined the fray as they watched talks with Millennia make little progress.
Earlier this month, Carol Shearly, the city's new growth manager, told The Bee that repeated postponements of the railyard deal had "become a joke."
On Friday, however, Shearly voiced the city's strong support for the project and lauded the plan as a way to contribute to downtown's renaissance.
"We continue to have a strong partnership with Millennia," Shearly said.
Totah downplayed the competing offer, saying rumors were untrue that negotiations that began in 2002 had only recently restarted between Millennia and Union Pacific.
Mike Casey, UP's local project manager, said the railyard's position was unchanged and it isn't considering other offers.
"The door on that has been closed," Casey said.
Taylor, Giannoni and Tsakopoulos could not be reached for comment Friday.
In July 2004, Millennia announced it had reached an agreement with Union Pacific to buy the railyard and predicted the two parties would close the deal by the end of the year.
But the issues turned out to be more complex than either side imagined, Totah and Casey said.
During a title search, they learned that because a bank of the American River had been on a portion of the railyard, arcane case law placed nearly 30 acres of the property under the control of the California State Lands Commission.
"That caught us all off-guard," Totah said.
Said Casey, "We couldn't continue to negotiate with the concern that we couldn't close the transaction."
The issue was settled to the satisfaction of UP and Millennia on Thursday, allowing Millennia to go forward with the development application, Casey said.
The issue still needs to be settled with the state, Totah said.
The other major hurdle centers on the environmental cleanup of the Superfund site. As it continues its cleanup of the site, UP has discovered higher levels of toxic materials than anticipated, Casey said. That in turn changes the scope of work agreed upon by UP and Millennia, he said.
Totah also said Friday he has resigned from the Morrison and Foerster law firm to head a new Sacramento office of Thomas Enterprises and lead the railyard development effort.
About the writer: The Bee's Terri Hardy can be reached at (916) 321-1073 or thardy@sacbee.com.
T
thesanityannex
Guest
Prophetess said:
Can you imagine the blimp flyover pictures right before the game? I can hear Al Michaels making some lame comment about how great the walmart center looks from the sky, and ooh, check out those nice condos. If they build there, this team will have fulfilled Phil Jackson's comments. Rednecks.
T
thesanityannex
Guest
vf, is this urban village the boondock place i am referring too? if so, that sounds much better with all of the "stuff" they are building. wouldn't be so redneckish.
loopymitch
All-Star
I have a suggestion as far as building a new arena goes. I don't know what you guys think but I'll put it out there anyway. The main concern about building it is money. What if the fans or whoever wanted to invest in it? Not like stocks but say each fan that wanted to could "invest" maybe $10 and that money goes toward to building of the arena. Those who donated would get their names on the back of a seat or on a brick or something like that. I think it would be worth it to keep them in Sac plus you have something to show for it. They did something similar in Atlanta (not the arena) and it was very successful.
There's probably flaws with my suggestion and I don't know how much money that would raise but it would help a lot. There's a lot of us fans out there and some people would probably want to donate just to see their name somewhere. I'd love to do something like that especially if it means they won't move.
There's probably flaws with my suggestion and I don't know how much money that would raise but it would help a lot. There's a lot of us fans out there and some people would probably want to donate just to see their name somewhere. I'd love to do something like that especially if it means they won't move.
T
thesanityannex
Guest
its a good idea, and ive seen it done, i just don't think it would have a huge impact financially.
thesanityannex said:
No, the "urban village" is what's planned for the old Union Pacific railyards. The same railyards on the "super fund" list of most toxic places in the universe. But, of course, there will be no danger of toxicity remaining. Those 10,000 residences and numerous shops, etc. will be perfectly fine right where they are...
And in case of power outages, the glowing residents will illuminate the night sky.
foretaz
Bench
VF21 said:No, the "urban village" is what's planned for the old Union Pacific railyards. The same railyards on the "super fund" list of most toxic places in the universe. But, of course, there will be no danger of toxicity remaining. Those 10,000 residences and numerous shops, etc. will be perfectly fine right where they are...
And in case of power outages, the glowing residents will illuminate the night sky.
well if thats the case, maybe they should entertain the thought of making these 'residences' vacation homes for laker fans...
Oh, I like that, Pacer fan.
Okay, so because they found HIGHER LEVELS of toxic materials, they're going to INCREASE the number of residences?
Sorry, as much as I want a new arena, I'm not too keen on glowing in the dark. There is something "rotten in Denmark" about this whole thing and I'm hoping the Maloofs steer well clear.
Oh wait! I just thought of something.
We could always make our new alternate uniforms "radioactive warning" yellow with black lettering!
...
Okay, so because they found HIGHER LEVELS of toxic materials, they're going to INCREASE the number of residences?
Sorry, as much as I want a new arena, I'm not too keen on glowing in the dark. There is something "rotten in Denmark" about this whole thing and I'm hoping the Maloofs steer well clear.
Oh wait! I just thought of something.
We could always make our new alternate uniforms "radioactive warning" yellow with black lettering!
...
Packt
Starter
Prophetess said:
I think most people envision hip eateries, bars, chic clothing boutiques, clubs and other smaller musical venues, not more strip malls. I've been to the area, and I agree with you that the area is being developed rapidly. It's just not a place you stroll through and hang out at after or before a game.
Whether the downtown plans will include an Arena or not, it still sounds kind of cool- Except for the high levels of toxin part. Not a place I'd want to live at.
As of now, I'm not concerned where an Arena is built. I just want something done. If it's in Natomas, so be it.
loopymitch
All-Star
thesanityannex said:
No it wouldn't raise $400 million but it's a start and that's a step in the right direction plus it would show the Maloofs how much we want the team to stay put. You have to crawl before you can walk.
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
loopymitch said:
Conisder this -- if 100,000 people donated $10 a piece, that's still only $1million -- drop in the bucket. You would need a lot of people with wealth showing seriosu dedication to have much impact -- "I'll give you $20,000 if ou name that pillar after me" stuff.
Might work/help with the public perception thing though. Of course unless after giving his $10 for a seatback, that person now feels he's given at the office and shouldn't have to pay any taxes etc. to fund the rest of it.
