Updated August 3, 9:17 a.m.–
Wondering what’s coming to those long-vacant lots in front of the Auburn Boulevard Costco and Walmart?
After many years of vacancy, development is finally underway on the 10-pad, 12-acre zone along Auburn Boulevard, with Citrus Heights Planning Commission documents showing plans for two new restaurants and a number of smaller retail stores to complete the area known as the “Auburn Commerce District.”
New construction in the commercial-zoned district is governed by the Stock Ranch Guide for Development, passed by the city council in 2001 and most recently updated in 2015. Development of the area began with Costco in 2003 and Walmart in 2005, followed by city council approval in 2008 for a 14,000 square feet Fresh & Easy store — but those plans fell through when Fresh & Easy’s parent company “announced withdrawal of its development plans in the United States,” according to the City.
Further development in the Auburn Commerce District remained dormant until April 2015, when Applebee’s received approval to construct a new restaurant. The company expects the new location to open by November.
[Related: New Applebee’s bar & grill to open in Citrus Heights]
Although official announcements have not been made regarding which retail and restaurant establishments will take up the remaining pads available, Citrus Heights City Manager Henry Tingle said at least three businesses were in “negotiation” for spots at the beginning of this year. An April staff report to the city council also indicates a bank has expressed interest in opening a branch at the location, and recent amendments to the Stock Ranch Guide stated an intent to attract a drive-thru restaurant.
*Update, August 3, 2015: Since publishing this story, The Sentinel was informed by Citrus Heights Senior Planner Casey Kampenaar that Applebee’s is still the only business confirmed to be taking up one of the new pads alongside Auburn Boulevard.
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