Developer Still Bullish About Green on Park Place
Located directly across from Hacienda Crossings in Dublin, The Green on Park Place will be developer Blake Hunt Ventures’ 27-acre post-modern monument to Dublin’s progress as a thriving community with roughly 305,000 sq. ft. of retail shops, restaurants, and professional services offices. Blake Hunt’s President and Chief Operating Officer Jerry Hunt said that they are seeking to create a signature gathering place that Dublin can be proud of.
The Green on Park Place’s anchor will be a 55,000 sq. ft. Whole Foods grocery store adorned with decorative over-sized green leaves.
Blake Hunt initially planned to build and open The Green by spring 2010. However, with the challenging economic times and the related postponement of Whole Foods’ Dublin store opening, The Green’s construction was pushed out.
Fortunately, the 27-acre parcel of land hasn’t gone unused as Blake Hunt has graciously allowed local organizations to use the land at little to no cost for various events such as the circus in spring 2009. Blake Hunt’s CEO Brad Blake has also been philanthropically active in the community, winning Danville’s 2008 Citizen of the Year award.
While 2009 has been a year of tumult for the economy, retailers and development, Blake Hunt is intent on moving The Green project forward when the prospective retailers can make definitive opening commitments. Blake Hunt is hopeful that this will occur in the spring of 2010. “Until then, we are actively working the market and are confident that we have the very best property in the Tri-Valley which will be a leading indicator for development in the market,” said Hunt.
Another bullish indicator that The Green will be launching within the next year or two is that Whole Foods still lists their Dublin site as a Store in Development. Additionally, Whole Foods is on secure financial ground again with $500 million in cash and a stock price near $26/share (as of early December). Around Dublin is checking with store officials for the status of Whole Foods’ Dublin store.
6:05 AM on December 9th, 2009
Thank you for the update John, I know a lot of people were wondering what was going on with the Green. Good luck on getting some news out of Whole Foods. I think when the grand opening does happen, it will garner quite a bit of press.
12:23 PM on December 9th, 2009
Thanks a lot for the update, John. I am so looking forward to the opening of Green on Park Place.
5:28 PM on January 3rd, 2010
We just checked Whole Foods Market’s Stores in Development page. Unfortunately, many prospective sites have been dropped from this listing, including the one proposed for Dublin, CA. We are looking into this unexpected turn of events and will have more to report soon. Special thanks to Around Dublin reader Brian O. for the pointer.
7:25 AM on January 4th, 2010
I think it would be unfortunate if Whole foods pulled out. I think the area would really support it. I think it will be while before we see any movement on the Green or the shopping area at Fallon. John do you know if Club Sport at the Promenade has any intention of starting this year?
7:44 AM on January 4th, 2010
Hi Anonymous – that’s a great question. My understanding is that Charter Properties is planning to finalize plans and line up financing by the end of the year. If this happens, then Phase I could start by late 2010. This is one of the projects on our radar, so we’ll be sure to share any updates we get as soon as possible.
Cheers, John
6:56 PM on January 4th, 2010
I want the Green to succeed and be built more than anyone, but I’m kind of glad to hear Whole Foods might not sign up. WF is a 1990s trend, and we need something new and fresh for the new millennium like Draeger’s or Fresh & Easy. WF is far too expensive (the joke in retail is that they should be called “Whole Paycheck”) and everyone knows Trader Joe’s has better prices and products.
Whole Foods needs us more than we need them. It’s time for someone new to step forward and be the anchor, someone who isn’t afraid of a temporary economic slump and can see the potential of East Dublin.
7:00 AM on January 8th, 2010
John,
I saw this update on the contractors website. At least we know who will be building the promenade. Too bad it didn’t give a timeline.
http://www.whiting-turner.com/projects/promenade-at-dublin-ranch.html
9:55 AM on January 8th, 2010
Hi Anonymous – thanks for the great find on the Promenade contractor. We’ll be publishing an update on the Promenade very soon.
Cheers, John Z.