By Mike Hazlip–
The City of Citrus Heights this month began seeking qualified developers to submit offers for purchasing and developing the 11.3-acre former Sylvan Middle School property at Sylvan Corners. Offers will be received for 120 days, through Oct. 5.
An offering memorandum issued July 8 outlines three potential concepts for developing the site, one focused on mixed-use residential and office, and others with multi-family residential or single-family homes. Other build options submitted by developers will also be considered.
The memorandum outlines a number of planning goals established by the city in the areas of design, land use, and long-term financial stability. Developers do not have to meet all the goals, according to the document.
The offering states the city has already taken steps to make the site more attractive to developers by undergrounding utilities and upgrading the roadway, as part of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets project.
It is unusual for a city to take such an active role in the development of what is known as “infill” sites, according to a statement by Meghan Huber, the city’s economic development and communications manager. The city has also taken an active role in plans to redevelop Sunrise Mall.
Concept designs for Sylvan Corners show room for housing, restaurant plaza
The city has long-seen the vacant site at Sylvan Corners as a high-profile, central location for development, with the City Council opting to purchase the site last year in order to have more say in its future.
Land use goals established by the council prohibit auto-intensive developments such as gas stations or drive-thru establishments at the site. Other undesirable uses are excessive retail space and walls blocking the site off from Auburn Boulevard.
A document released by the city last month highlights additional planning goals for the site, including enhancement of the location as the geographical center of the city, ‘fronting’ all buildings outward to enhance curb appeal, and increasing pedestrian access. All of the conceptual ideas include a “Sylvan Plaza” concept closest to Sylvan Corners, featuring outdoor dining.
A purchase price for the property is not listed, but the city bought the lot for $3.43 million.
Developers must submit a letter of interest that includes a purchase price, proof of financing, description of the concept, and references, among other qualifications. Submissions are due by 5 p.m., Oct. 30, 2020.
A project timeline presented by the city shows the purchase of the site was completed in September, 2019. The 120-day listing period began with the Offering Memorandum release on July 8. The review process for developer offerings is slated to begin later this year.
More information about the site is available at citrusheights.net/1025/New-Sylvan-Project.
