The City was recently notified that Brentwood is no longer interested in pursuing a proposed mixed-use project on the former Big Gun site due to uncertainties caused by Covid-19. An exciting component of that project was a proposed indoor public market to include a variety of restaurants (including alcohol sales), food vendors, and specialty retailers. The City continues to evaluate its options related to future development of that property. As an alternative to the indoor market, a outdoor public market could be located on the .79 acre overflow parking lot bounded by Pacific Street to the west, Adventure Way (entrance to Quarry Park Adventures) to the east, and the City’s parking lot to the south. The market could include sale of food, alcohol, and retail specialty items, with food trucks sited on the property, or modified cargo containers, a covered seating area(s), and portable bathrooms. The market could also include a stage for musical performances and sound amplification.
Modified Cargo Container Concept
Proposed Public Market Location
There are other similar projects occurring throughout the nation, including California, that vary from truly temporary pop up installations, to farmers markets (i.e., the Eddy in Reno, the Beer 40 Beer Garden in Vacaville, or the Rossi’s Marketplace in North Versailles, Pennsylvania among others).
Image from the Reddy in Reno, Nevada
Image of Beer 40 Beer Garden in Vacaville, California
The outdoor market would be a City project however, it is anticipated that limited to no public funds would be expended on this effort. The City would solicit proposals from entities interested in leasing the property and operating the public market. The successful entity would be required to cover all project costs including operations and extension of utilities (electric, water, sewer, gas are within close proximity), and all permitting costs and impact fees. A short-term lease agreement (3-5) years is anticipated, to allow and control use of the property along with a temporary license or operating agreement, as appropriate. The lease and/or operating agreement would establish mileposts and project parameters, similar to other agreements the City has entered into in recent years, including time lines for project development and construction. After entering into a lease agreement with the City, the successful entity would then proceed to obtain Planning Commission approval for Conditional Use Permit and Design Review entitlements consistent with the zoning of the site. As the site is located within the Quarry Architectural District, the Architectural Review Committee would have to make a recommendation on the project design prior to action by the Planning Commission.
If the City Council provides direction to proceed with the outdoor market project, a Request for Proposals (RFP) would issue in the near future requiring proposals to include: information on the entity, related experience, proposed 5 year pro forma, proposed capital investment, anticipated job creation, proposed lease payment, preliminary drawings, and commitment to change out the existing Quarry Park sign along with a proposed design. The successful entity will also be required to submit a letter indicating its commitment to obtain all required permits, pay required fees, pay property tax (if necessary), pay sales tax, and submit a financing commitment prior to commencing the project.
The outdoor market project appears well tailored to the current Covid-19 environment and would compliment Quarry Park Adventures and the Quarry Park Amphitheater Concert Series. Because the City currently utilizes the overflow lot for concert events, staff anticipates continued utilization of the Big Gun site for overflow parking purposes.