Project Profile
As identified by the City in 2004, Petalumans currently drive to other cities like Novato and Rohnert Park to shop for general merchandise (Target), electronics, building supplies, sporting goods and other soft goods. In an effort to provide these shopping necessities and keep tax dollars in Petaluma, Regency began the East Washington Place project in May of 2004 at the behest of City Officials. Consistent with local and regional infill planning efforts, the “green” East Washington Place project will incorporate solar power with state-of-the-art energy efficiency and water conservation measures while emphasizing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. The project features a Target store to increase local shopping opportunities at an accessible location.
Project Details
- 377,951 square feet of mixed use building area within a 33-acre site
- 138,851 square-foot Target store, built in the northeast corner of the site near the southbound 101 ramp
- Other retailers ranging from 10,000 square feet to 42,000 square feet
- Community plaza extending from the existing pedestrian overcrossing through the project site
- Four smaller buildings, grouped together, line the project’s western edge with office space above the two closest to East Washington Street
- More than 800 new trees throughout the project
- 1.65 miles of new bike lanes and 0.84 miles of new pedestrian sidewalks on East Washington Street, Kenilworth Drive and Johnson Drive
Project Benefits
- Provide the funds to complete the goal of the City and school district to relocate and replace the outdated Kenilworth Junior High School by Fall 2005. (DONE)
- Creates 600 retail jobs and 388 construction jobs for the local community.
- Help the City in its goal to stop retail leakage from the community as identified in the City’s retail leakage study. In 2006, Petaluma residents made more than 175,000 non-cash purchases at the three closest Target® stores in Rohnert Park, Novato and Santa Rosa.
- Meet the City goal of putting the community-serving retail at this optimal location as identified in the City’s own analysis.
- Reduce excess traffic on Highway 101 from Petaluma residents traveling to other communities such as Novato, Rohnert Park, and Santa Rosa to shop for basic goods.
- Provide economically feasible, integrated redevelopment with community benefits.
- Incorporate “green” building techniques to develop a sustainable and environmentally conscious mixed-use commercial project.
“Green” Components
- Energy-efficient buildings reduce expenses and greenhouse gas emissions
- Sustainable building materials use high recycled content, low toxicity and local/regional materials where possible
- Construction materials will be recycled
- Purchased wetland mitigation banks
- Solar power will be used within the project
- WeatherTRAK, a business based in Petaluma, will install an irrigation system that conserves water by drawing reclaimed water and uses high-efficiency plumbing fixtures
- Water will be used wisely and efficiently in part by incorporating plants native to Sonoma County in the landscaping
- High-efficiency outdoor lighting reduces energy use, on-going maintenance and utility costs
- Innovative storm water management minimizes run-off and improves water quality
- Waste management and recycling reduce waste sent to landfills
- Art elements will be made using recycled materials
- Students will repurpose the Kenilworth Jr. High School gym floor in the creation of benches
- Over 800 trees will be planted on and off site