The Shops at Tralee Village
Located at the corner of Dublin Boulevard and Dougherty Road, Tralee Village is a stunning retail and residential mixed-use infill development project that marries timeless architecture with the ultimate in accessibility and convenience. The incredible demand for the first floor commercial space at The Shops at Tralee Village is due to several factors:
- There will be 233 residential units within Tralee Village at build-out.
- Location at the gateway of the Dougherty Valley with a booming population of affluent residents living near the Alamo Creek Park area and in Windemere/Gale Ranch.
- Proximity to I-580 and the east and west Dublin BART stations.
Here is a list of the shops and restaurants that have signed leases for commercial space within The Shops at Tralee:
- Cut & Beyond
- Dublin Smiles Dentistry
- Extreme Pizza
- Hacienda Cleaners
- Little Home Thai Restaurant
- Luxor Nails
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Unique Image Salon
- Yanagi Sushi & Grill
There is also one pending lease agreement with a restaurant and multiple offers for some of the remaining spaces. Please feel free to check out the links above if you would like to learn more about the shops and restaurants that will be opening at The Shops at Tralee.
The Shops at Tralee project is a fantastic addition to the Dublin community.
7:53 PM on November 19th, 2008
still no word on leases at grafton station?
7:56 PM on November 19th, 2008
Hi Anonymous – unfortunately, the broker and developer for Grafton Station seem to play their hands close to the vest. I haven’t been able to get an update from them on which restaurants and shops have signed up. I have heard that Tee It Up and Buffalo Wild Wings have signed up…but nothing has been confirmed.
8:05 PM on November 19th, 2008
Nice work, I’ve been wanting to hear some info on Tralee. Is it me or does it seem like there is no room for parking at Tralee.
8:40 PM on November 19th, 2008
Planning Commissioner Bill Schaub wants to make sure the Tralee is as successful as can be, so I am sure he asked the developer to scale back on the parking. See, they DO care. Now if only we can replicate Bill Schaub’s formula for success throughout Dublin.
8:42 PM on November 19th, 2008
I believe half the reason it took so long to build was that they have underground paking. I am sure John could confirm or deny
9:38 PM on November 19th, 2008
John,
I think it might be safe to say that Buffalo Wild Wings is confirmed, because I live across the street in the Villas and recently received a notice for “intent to sell alcohol 500 feet from my residence” through the City indicating it was Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.
Stacy
9:40 PM on November 19th, 2008
Hi Stacy – thank you very much for confirming. That is fantastic news!
12:12 AM on November 20th, 2008
There will be a yogurt place as well.
12:21 AM on November 20th, 2008
Yes there is underground parking at Tralee. Not sure if it is just for the Residents or it is for both residents and retail guests and workers.
Any word on whether the developer have requested to turn the residential portion above the shops from for sale condos to rental apartments? Is there a law or ordinance against such a bait and switch?
Although most of us are tired of more high density housing, if we have to have we’d rather it be for sale rather than for rent. Ownership brings a stronger community.
I guest not since the developer for Sorrento East is poised to do the same.
12:28 AM on November 20th, 2008
This project is proof that underground parking is feasible and not prohibitedly costly that it could derail a project. Take note for the Promenade Phase 1 if planners fear that requiring underground parking would jeapardize the project altogether.
12:30 AM on November 20th, 2008
Does anyone know if the Little Home Thai Restaurant is the same one that is currently in the TJ shopping Center in Pleasanton?
2:17 AM on November 20th, 2008
Re: “Does anyone know if the Little Home Thai Restaurant is the same one that is currently in the TJ shopping Center in Pleasanton?”
I assume it has the same ownership since the URL that John posted at the top points to the Pleasanton establishment.
Which brings up an important point — for most residents in east Dublin, the new restaurant at Tralee will still be more than twice as far away as the Pleasanton restaurant.
Heck, come to think of it, Pleasanton’s wonderful downtown is closer to most east Dubliners than Dublin’s proposed downtown district is. I suspect that it’s a strain for many people in the east to get really excited about Dublin’s future downtown because something better already exists closer to home. Which raises the question — rather than trying to redevelop an already built-up (albeit admittedly somewhat blighted) area such as the proposed downtown district, why doesn’t Dublin start with a clean slate and build a charming new downtown in a more central location such as Camp Parks.
A downtown Dublin on Camp Parks property would be close to BART just like the proposed downtown district. However, it would have the considerable advantage of being surrounded by thousands of housing units within a short walk (at the transit center and on Camp Parks property), making it a truly walkable village. Add condos and apartments above the retail shops and we’d have a vibrant, thriving downtown that could rival, and perhaps someday even surpass, Pleasanton’s. Plus, as a huge bonus, its central location would make it a downtown for ALL of Dublin.
In a similar vein, Pleasanton’s outstanding Amador Valley High School is almost a mile and a half closer to east Dubliners than Dublin High School is. Unfortunately, unlike with Pleasanton’s downtown, Dublin residents don’t have the option to go to Pleasanton’s high schools. Hey, that brings up another good point — has anyone thought about building a high school in east Dublin?
Tim Hall
Future Volunteer at Camp Parks High School
Dublin, CA
tiger650@comcast.net
7:56 AM on November 20th, 2008
I am sooo excited about Nothing Bundt Cakes. We really needed a specialty store like this out here. They have one other location in the Bay Area in downtown Los Gatos, which is great. I want our town to have stores like the ones in downtown Los Gatos to attract affluent shoppers. Maybe other businesses will follow suit.
Tim, I totally agree with your comments. We should start from scratch and build a new downtown. No sense in taking a broken piece of porcelain and trying to glue it back together when we can make a new piece. Starting from scratch will give us a chance to come up with an incredible design.
12:03 PM on November 20th, 2008
I’ve worked in downtown Pleasanton for over 10 years now and while it might seem nice, it’s not what you may remember it being.. There are a few good restaurants, yes.. But other than that, what else is there? Plenty of day/med spas (we joke a lot about that)– There are a few over-priced shops that seem to have no customers.. That’s really about it (ok, one coffee shop and a ColdStone/High tech Burrito.. Is that something to strive for!? haha- I hope not–
I think we’re just all frustrated to not have Grafton Station or The Green open yet. Once those open, you’ll forget all about downtown Pleasanton–
1:10 PM on November 20th, 2008
Good point anonymous November 20, 11:03 AM.
Tim you have a good point about Camp Parks too but knowing our leaders they’ve already made up their minds, I meant the Developers already made up our leader’s minds for them.
1:16 PM on November 20th, 2008
Thanks Tim regarding Little Home, you have a good point though as the Pleasanton location is closer and more convenient when we shop at TJs for grocery.
I’ll try though to every now and then support the Dublin location when I trek to the West for Target.
11:04 AM on November 21st, 2008
Hey Tim,
When the state is done cutting $4-5M from the Dublin Schools over the next couple of years, where are you going to get the money to run “Camp Parks HS”? I know, we will take it from all the other schools in the district. We may have a new HS then, but the quality of schools feeding into it will be inferior, resulting in an inferior HS. Sounds like a great goal.
3:30 PM on November 21st, 2008
What a great way to start your term, Mr. Ledhal. For someone who has been clamoring for a respectful dialogue on the blog and on the campaign trail, you sure are quick to resort to contempt and sarcasm when it suits your purpose. Are you sure this is the public image you want to present to the world when people google your name? If you disagree with Mr. Hall, please take the time to lay out your case and back up your assertions with facts and hard numbers from reputable sources.
As you were busy attacking Mr. Hall, you failed to provide some critical information that would help sway readers to your side. For example, how do you know that the state will be cutting between $4 million to $5 million from our schools and not $6.2 million to $6.5 million “over the next couple of years?” Also, how many years exactly will the cuts last? Saying that the cuts will be for “the next couple of years” is a just a tad too qualitative. Finally, how are you doing these projections? It would help those of us who are numerically inclined to know the methodologies behind your calculations.
I do agree with you that not all comments on this blog are based on facts and some are just plain wrong and outright hateful, but if you are to throw numbers around as you have just done, you are guilty of very much the same thing that you accuse others of doing. Of course, I am not your mother, and you are free to behave as you please. I just think it’s a terrible waste of your time and position as our newly elected school board member.
Respectfully Yours,
Kate S.
4:09 PM on November 21st, 2008
I whole heartedly agree with Kate S. There may well be a shortage of school funds for the next school year and beyond–thank you for addressing it; however, please work on your communication skills as a representative on the school board. You did say at the candidates forum meeting at Fallon Middle School about the need for better communication to the public regarding decisions made on the school board. Perhaps starting now?
Given your position on the school board, you have every right to disagree with Tim. But justify your disagreement w/o sarcasm.
6:03 PM on November 21st, 2008
Re: “Sounds like a great goal.” – John ledahl
Re: “What a great way to start your term, Mr. Ledhal.” – Summerglen Mom
Nation, let’s use a little caution before jumping to conclusions. In defense of John Ledahl, the referenced posting does not seem like something he would write. As adamant as he’s been about the second high school issue, his postings have been well written and respectful. Remember that anyone can post on this blog using whatever names they wish. When John Ledahl has posted in the past, it has been under the user names of “John Ledahl” and “John Ledahl, Dublin School Board”. Note that the above post is attributed to “John ledahl, Dublin School Board” with the last name uncapitalized. That looks fishy to me. I assume it’s someone trying to make John Ledahl look bad. In any case, thanks for defending me, Kate S and Dave C.
Mr. Ledahl has been respectful to me in our communications. In fact, he and I are meeting at my home on November 24 to discuss the second high school issue. I think that’s quite admirable of Mr. Ledahl. It would be uncharacteristic of the real Mr. Ledahl to post such a condescending note, especially right before our meeting.
As a side note, I have to say that I’m a bit disappointed that Mr. Ledahl has not yet retracted his two postings in other topics in which it appeared he was trying to make me look bad by announcing to the world that I had not replied to his request to meet in person. It’s been several weeks since I made it clear to him that I replied twice the day after his email to me, but his school district email account is apparently blocking emails, which is why we’ve had to communicate using alternate channels.
I really wish everyone would create Google accounts and post under their Google IDs on this blog. You can still remain incognito if you really want to, but at least we’ll be able to get to know posters by their pseudonyms and not have to deal with trying to distinguish between so many posts by different anonymous users. When a posting is made under a registered ID, the poster’s name is highlighted in a green font (at least on my Mac). I think that’s the only way to be certain that two posts were made by the same contributor. Case in point, whenever you see the ID Tiger650 in green on this blog, I think you can be certain that the post was made by me. And I claim that I am the real Tim Hall.
To test my theory, I’m going to attempt to post a subsequent comment on this blog topic using a different (made-up) user name and see how it shows up.
Tim Hall
Dublin, CA
tiger650@comcast.net
6:24 PM on November 21st, 2008
This is a test of the emergency blogging system. This is not the real John Ledahl. This is just a test to demonstrate why contributors should start using Google IDs.
Not John Ledahl
6:28 PM on November 21st, 2008
I agree that does not sound like John as he is trying to promote professional, respectful communication. At least I hope it wasn’t him, otherwise I’d be quite dissappointed with what is to come the next 4 years, it will be stormy!
6:51 PM on November 21st, 2008
I love the overall architectural look and charm of the Tralee Village. It’s beautiful! The older structures right next to it, on the other hand, are very unattractive. Will they renovate or rebuild?
10:15 AM on November 22nd, 2008
I’m excited for Extreme Pizza to be coming to Dublin!! I’ve had their pizza in SF and LOVE it. Finally a pizza place with quality topping choices, not just the same old pie. Can’t wait!
Does anyone know when these shops are scheduled to open? I noticed the credit union is up already but how about the rest?
10:31 AM on November 22nd, 2008
Hi Anonymous – Extreme Pizza’s goal is to open in February 2009.
Dublin Smiles Dentistry was targeting a 2008 opening but I haven’t heard if that is still the goal.
2:11 PM on November 22nd, 2008
Whew! I am not sure I will ever enjoy blogging. Now it seems people are making statements in my name.I have spoken with John Z. and am in the process of developing a Google ID.
Thank you Tim for verifying this is not my goal. I look forward to our meeting this coming week that hopefully will start an ongoing dialog. As for not responding to the email snafu, let me be clear. I believe you sent me emails that I did not get. I’ve checked with the district technology dept. and there isn’t a noticable problem. It may well have been a temporary glitch when the server was down. I’m glad we have ignored that and set a meeting to discuss things anyway.
To others who responded, rest assured it was not me. You do make an important point however. Not just me, but all school board members reach out to the community in our own way. I see everyone on the new board a boost for the district. I fully expect lots of dialog going forward by all. I think we all seek transparency in all we do.
Which leads to the substance of the issue. We have had nearly
$2 million in cuts this past year, with restoring some due to prudent money management. We are marshalling our budget team to start looking at mid-year cuts in the January time frame. As the state has not concluded a final budget it is unclear how much will have to be cut in the Dublin district, but it will be significant. When you look at the national and state economic uncertainty of the next 3-5 years the only thing certain is more cuts will occur. Its a matter of how much. Thank god and voters for the success of Measure L. At least we will have $1 million a year in locally controlled funding.
Please check the distict website (www.dublin.k12.ca.us) for ongoing information about this. Trustee contact information is found there too.
John B. Ledahl (I will start to use this signature)
8:26 PM on November 23rd, 2008
Hi Everyone,
The Around Dublin Team has uploaded nine pictures from the Tralee project on the FaceBook page. Please check them out when you get the chance. Thank you.
http://www.facebook.com/arounddublin
12:20 PM on November 25th, 2008
thanks for the photos!!
1:02 PM on November 25th, 2008
My sincere apologies to the REAL John Ledhal. I take back everything I said about you. Thank you Mr. Hall for pointing out the now obvious tell-tale signs.
Kate S.
12:19 PM on November 27th, 2008
Now lets get back to the positive, Tralee looks wonderful. A bit of good news for a change amidst all the negative and divisive tone brought on by the quest for a 2nd High School and the dislike for the proliferation of High Density Housing.
2:31 PM on December 29th, 2008
It is definitely a great neighborhood center for that area. The residential portion was originally planned for sale. Since the market deterioate, the developer changed that to rental property. That’s why the architectual quality is different from typical apartment complex, like waterford. Pinn brother has really done a great job.
However, I am kind of concerned about the avaliable parking. It does not seem like there are enough parking. I understand that this center may be designed to mostly serve the neigbhourhood within walking distance. Would that be enough residents to make this a viable community? Maty be We should provide more office spaces by rezoning and revitalize the area, for example the old Toyota dealership. Along with the new bart station, this should be a very good selling point for those companies who looks for cutting cost and willing to move to this new transit oriented hub.
3:22 PM on December 29th, 2008
Hi BBKWong – I agree, surface level parking for Tralee retail/restaurant customers does seem to be at a premium. Without looking at the traffic engineer’s study, I think that the assumption is that many of the customers will be from the residential portion of Tralee.
Thx, John Z.
4:10 PM on December 29th, 2008
John Z. I think Tralee has underground parking. I was at the council approval meeting on this and it included underground parking. I liked what they did at Tralee. It added some great first impression for the city as this is what you see as you enter from 580/Hopyard exit. The design and elevations are awesome. Developers, city staff and council did a great job at this project. If I am starting a businessd I would definitely consider Tralee. Location is right smack at a busy intersection. Tralee developers are the first in total green measures. They recycled a lot of the previous structure including the foundation. I may be wrong by I recall that this have underground parking. I appreciate not seeing large parking structure as what Bart did at East Dublin. I just wish we can do something to hide that eye sore.
4:34 PM on December 29th, 2008
Tralee DOES have underground parking. My wife and I have driven through there to see, and it’s there but not open yet. I do not know if the underground parking is for residents only, but it definitely exists.
8:09 PM on December 29th, 2008
Hello Friends – please feel free to check out the pictures of The Shops at Tralee Village that the Around Dublin team posted on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30353239148#/photo_search.php?page=1&oid=30353239148&aid=-1&auser=&view=all
Thx, John Z.
10:58 AM on December 30th, 2008
Anyone knows of any updates on the remaining spaces? Who may be joining the others already signed on? A Daphne’s would be nice. A So. CAL Greek Bistro that just made a recent foray into NO. CAL (Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Los Gatos).
12:06 PM on January 4th, 2009
Ditto on Daphne’s Greek Cafe. I ate at Daphne’s in Santa Rosa several times about three years ago and really liked it, particularly the gyros. Personally, I’d prefer to see Daphne’s go into Waterford, Grafton Station, or The Promenade so it would be closer to home. Tralee is a bit further than I like to go for a quick meal. Which is why we need another Chipotle and Panera in Dublin that aren’t 5 miles away. I guess I’m just feeling selfish right now.
Tim Hall
Dublin, CA
tiger650@comcast.net
5:03 PM on January 4th, 2009
Yeah, the spot right next to Madfish would be nice for a Daphne’s. Grafton Station sounds good too. I agree on the need for another Chipotle and Panera Bread.
From previous postings though in regards to the extreme higher cost that goes with opening a restaurant in East Dublin, it will be a challenge to get many to open in locations that weren’t already restaurant use before. Like Madfish replacing Pick’up Stix.
12:10 PM on January 14th, 2009
Nothing Bundt Cakes just opened last weekend. We stopped by and purchased a couple of the mini bundt Cakes, wow they are wonderful as it just melts in your mouth. We tried the Chocolate Marble and Carrot Cake and both were very good, can’t wait to try the rest.
John Z., I told Rick the Owner/Proprietor to check out this blog site as it provides a great deal of valuable information for Dubliners. I had a long conversation with him, great guy!! He just needs to get the word out as there aren’t any foot traffic there yet due the uncompleted Condos above and many of the other businesses not opened yet. Maybe you can do a highlight of this new business in Dublin to help them drum up some attention. We need to support these unique businesses and keep them thriving in Dublin.
12:21 PM on January 14th, 2009
Looks like Little Home Thai Restaurant just started construction along with Yanagi Sushi and Grill. Can’t wait!!
In regards to the residential units above. Word has it that the Builder had difficulty with obtaining financing to finish out the interior space. At one time they tried to convert it to rental apartments instead, fortunately their lender/investor insist it remain for sale condos. Not sure though of the current financial status and an ETA for completion and going to market with the condos.
Tralee looks wonderful, kudos to the Planning Department on this project. If we are going to do a High Density Residential Development, this is the way to do it. It looks great from Dublin Blvd. and even better up close.
Hopefully we’ll have a good mix of businesses there to make it successful for years to come.
Does anyone know or heard word of any addition businesses coming or in negotiation other than the ones already listed on the Colliers Parrish website?
1:00 PM on January 14th, 2009
Hi Scott – thank you for the tip on Nothing Bundt Cakes. We’ll stop by on Friday night to check it out and pick up a few delicacies.
Thx, John Z.
1:06 PM on January 14th, 2009
Hi Anonymous January 14, 2009 11:21 AM – Tralee is a beautiful looking development. The architecture, landscaping, and hardscaping are timeless. It’s unfortunate that the project has been caught in the crosshairs of a challenging economy. However, the businesses and residents that are moving (or have moved) to Tralee made the right decision based on the beauty and location of the project.
Thx, John Z.
1:14 PM on January 14th, 2009
We wouldn’t have this problem if George Zika was able to convince the Council to save the parcel for Costco. The sales tax generated from these shops can never match that from Costco. Costco also would have been able to buy up the nearby parcels, if it needed the space. The only way to update that entire area is to get someone with deep pockets like Costco to come in. I agree the project looks beautiful, but what’s next door is still ugly. It is just the right project in the wrong location.
1:35 PM on January 14th, 2009
Realistically did Costco ever had any intention or desire for a third Tri-Valley location? Otherwise the parcel at a highly visible intersection, possibly the busiest in Dublin will still be an empty piece of dirt or an empty asphalt parking lot with the dilapidated retail building behind it today and beyond.
I agree on the ugly light industrial buildings and many small strip malls that lines particularly the north side of Dublin Blvd. from Tralee all the way to Village Parkway. Hopefully with a successful Tralee, other landowners nearby will take note and look into redeveloping their parcels to complement Tralee.
If there was a place for a Costco in Dublin it may be the AMB site in downtown. Although that would destroy any hope of developing the future St. Patrick’s way into a small scale main street with offices above retail. With that said I agree and would love to have a Costco within our borders as our family spends a lot of money there, unfortunately my sales tax dollars benefit another town instead of Dublin.
1:42 PM on January 14th, 2009
One more thing, if that parcel was still available in 2007, I would have no doubt that 99 Ranch Market would have purchased the old Pak’N Save building instead of the Ralph’s building downtown. The visibility at Doughterty/Dublin Blvd. would have greater benefits to them compared to being tucked into the interior of Downtown. They would have done nothing to the exterior as with the Ralph’s building, thus the parcel would retain the same dated look for decades to come for as long as 99 Ranch owns the building. Also as a grocery store, not much for the City as far as tax revenues.
Now Tralee looks even better. We need to look at what is realistic and reality.
1:51 PM on January 14th, 2009
I have known George Zika for years, and I can tell the readers here that he’s not someone who’d exaggerate or misrepresent facts, especially when he’s being considered for Council appointment. What would be his motivation? If George says that Costco wanted that parcel, then Costco wanted that parcel. I agree with some of the earlier folks — right project wrong place.
4:33 PM on January 14th, 2009
I don’t think anyone is questioning George’s words or integrity in that Costco was or was not actually looking at that parcel.
It just seems so unlikely they would locate a 3rd store in the Tri-Valley. The population base just does not support a third store. Unless though they were looking to shut down one of the other two, likely the Danville one as it is quite a trek from the closest freeway entrance and there isn’t enough space to expand or add a gas station there.
I am for one don’t believe in quick fix to get something done now vs waiting long term for something better. Example is Wallis Ranch, Sorrento East and Fallon Village. The City is so concerned about obtaining revenues now for mediocre projects vs holding out for something better, even when it meant potential lost revenue in the near term.
With Tralee though I really don’t see any better alternative even if we waited a decade for a possible Costco to come along as it really seems unlikely. If they were really interested in a Dublin location they’d still be looking today, or at least still looking before the economy tanked. The IKEA parcel would have been prime for them with freeway frontage, AMB in downtown, Grafton Station or even the DiManto property on Tassajara which was originally eyed by Whole Foods, the Kaiser parcel before Kaiser bought it, the proposed Target project at Fallon/580. The fact that they didn’t or haven’t lift a finger on any other superior parcels in Dublin (from West to East) confirms my view.
4:37 PM on January 14th, 2009
I just want to reiterate that Tralee is just a perfect development for that area. I appreciate the front and side elevations of the infrastructure. Costco would have been a good decision too. I do favor the developer’s decision to hold the internals of the housing part of it. Putting these units to compete with Elan and existing resale homes would be disastrous for our home prices. Less inventory better pricing. I hope they do hold the completion of the residential portion when they see the market get some relief. As Dublin residents, let us support the businesses that would open up at Tralee. Without the residential part of it, it must be a tough decision to open up. Support our local businesses. They need our help….
4:54 PM on January 14th, 2009
In my opinion I agree Tralee is a great looking project. That corner of town just improved 200% visually. Our Planning Department did a great job with Tralee. On the other hand though we screwed up with the Honda site as that building looks dated already, like an old warehouse converted to an auto dealership. Although it is an improvement compared to the Miracle Paint building but could have been much much better since we had a blank canvas to work on there. A shoe box basically with straight line walls and roof line, no architectural features whatsoever. A building with no character at a busy intersection/gateway to Dublin.
5:01 PM on January 14th, 2009
It is what it is, Tralee is here and businesses there will need the support and patronage of Dubliners to survive and thrive. Lets reward these proprietors for their courage and decision to invest in Dublin during this tough economic times.
10:31 AM on January 17th, 2009
Thanks for the tip on Nothing Bundt Cake, it was awesome!! Although I am on a diet I don’t mind one of their cakes now and then as it is worth the calories.
1:12 PM on January 20th, 2009
John, were you and Jimmy able to stop by and visit Rick at Nothing Bundt Cake?
2:02 PM on January 20th, 2009
Hi Scott,
Thank you for following up. John and I were thoroughly impressed with Nothing Bundt Cakes when we visited them last Friday evening. We both gave this world-class bakery high marks on Yelp, and we told Rick the owner that we would love to publish anything he would like to submit about his new business and upcoming store promotions. Nothing Bundt Cakes is truly a great addition to Dublin, and we can’t wait to go back. Thank you for letting us know about them.
4:21 PM on January 20th, 2009
Jimmy,
Glad that you and John had a chance to visit them. Yes I agree on the Can’t Wait to go Back part.
Scott
2:46 PM on March 30th, 2009
does anyone have any info on the tralee condos? will they go on the market anytime soon? or are they planning to finish the development?
3:45 PM on May 15th, 2009
I can assure that Costco did not want that site for the simple reason it was not large enough. Costco did consider relocating from its Danville location about 8 years ago and it looked in Dublin, however no site which fit their criteria was large enough. Costco needs at least 14 acres, preferably more. Additionally Costco would be unwilling to pay what Safeway (the previous owner) required.
5:28 PM on June 12th, 2009
Bad information. Both Costco and Fry's wanted the site and offered the option holder a small profit on his option. But the majority of the Council wanted a nicer entrance to the city. (The City still has three gas stations at this entrance.) Thus the city lost a potential $500,000 in annual sales tax revenue.
George Z
9:02 AM on June 13th, 2009
For those who would like to know what George Z. is talking about, please check out this video for more detail. Thank you.
George Zika on the Tralee
3:47 PM on July 3rd, 2009
Did anyone know any updates on Tralee Village townhomes? Last time we went visit it was like more than 6 months ago, but it doesnt look like the developer made any progress at all, quite few of them has "SOLD" sign on the window but yet its been 6 months and noone seemed to be living in there yet. Are they planning on continue on developing the remaining phase?
6:06 PM on July 3rd, 2009
The sales office hasn't been open for months, and you can't tour the models (despite signage saying otherwise). A few weeks ago, a new sign popped up saying the apartments at the front of the property are for rent, but the URL provides (traleeapts.com) does not work. It's all very strange. I feel badly for the businesses in Tralee, especially Everything Bundt Cakes, which have NO walk-thru traffic. Will they survive?
9:48 AM on July 22nd, 2009
Same here – we went to check out prices at the Tralee Sales Office on a Saturday afternoon and it was closed. The paper on the door directs you to inquire with the Sales Office at Silvera Ranch, which is where I live. As of yesterday, there are packets of papers taped to EVERY unsold residence in the Villas – including the models. I walked up and read one and it says Notice of Trustee Sale. I am not sure what the heck it means, but my assumption is not good things. As far as I know the models were not yet up for sale, so I am really curious as to what might be happening with both the neighborhood and Pinn Brothers.
10:44 AM on July 22nd, 2009
Hi Starluck,
A Trustee’s Sale is simply s public auction that is open to all bidders and the property is usually awarded to the highest bidder who meets all the criteria set by the Trustee. Thank you.
10:59 AM on September 11th, 2009
Mr. Zika is entitled to his opinion, but he is misrepresenting the facts. First, Costco and Fry’s were not interested in the property. We spoke to both parties as well as Home Depot and Lowe’s and they all indicated they did not like the location (they called it a “tweener” site) and it was to small. Costco considered a new concept, Costco Home Furnishings for the site, but obviously that concept went nowhere. If this project wasn’t redeveloped it would look like Mervyn’s, Home Expo, Good Guys, and Circuit City does today, but worse, due to the fact that it was an ugly complex to start. At the time of approval by the City Council, it was estimated Tralee Village would generate $400K of tax revenue. Compare that to the $0 it was generating back in 2001 and it would probably be empty and the same amount today ($0)
Second, the traffic study showed that the Dublin Blvd/Dougherty Intersection could not handle the traffic of a big box user. If Mr. Zika and his buddy, the former City Manager, would have supported the project instead of trying to fight it the entire process, the project would have been finished several years earlier and the builder would not have missed the market.
It is a beautiful development caught in these tough economic times. The builder has reopened the townhouse sales office and is anxious to finish the condos above the retail. They are working with the banks and the City to do so. The retail is slowly but surely filling up. What is built has a great feel, great tenants, and I hope the community comes to support them. When the project is finally completed, it will be the jewel of Dublin (actually, it already is). We should be thankful for City Council members like Sbranti, McCormick, Oravetz and Mayor Lockhart to have the vision of approving projects like this. Let’s build some more!!
12:12 PM on September 11th, 2009
Hi Mike B.,
Thank you for your comment, and we commend you for stepping forward with all these details; however, your assertions would be so much more compelling, if you can back up your forceful claims against former Councilmember George Zika and former City Manager Richard Ambrose with some official documents on the once-controversial Tralee project. As it stands now, your statement is no more or less believable than the series of misinformation-laden anonymous comments we have received in the past few days. Given Mr. Zika’s professional background in the Government Accountability Office and his reputation as a detail-oriented councilmember, we feel his concerns are legitimate and persuasive. We do not know if former City Manager Ambrose was publicly opposed to the Tralee project, but he is widely credited for the budget cushion he has created for the City of Dublin since our incorporation.
The Around Dublin Team has nothing against the Tralee project. We love Extreme PIzza and Dublin Smiles, and we want all the shops there to succeed beyond expectation. Again, thank you for stepping forward, and we hope you will be able to provide some links to official Staff Reports and Council Meeting Minutes to back up your serious allegations.