What happened at 51 Moraga Way?

51 Moraga Way, one of Orinda’s most attractive commercial buildings, sits in a prime location next to Peet’s Coffee and front and center in the always-busy Crossroads/Theater district. For years the ground floor space was occupied by real estate offices, most recently Better Homes and Garden Real Estate.  Better Homes left in 2013, and their ground floor space sat empty for 1-1/2 years before another real estate firm relocated from Theater Square. 

Most visitors to Orinda’s Downtown probably noticed this in an off-handed way and moved on. We did. But What’s Up Downtown recently learned that this particular space is what the city code refers to as Type 1 space: "a retail floor of a building that faces or abuts a street" (17.8.5).  Retail and restaurants are allowed in Type 1 space, real estate offices are not allowed.  Further review of Orinda’s Municipal Code (Section 17.19) clearly states that a real estate office in a Type 1 space is "non-conforming", and if abandoned may not be reestablished. (17.19.5). 

So, what happened? This prime retail space sits vacant for over a year and in comes another non-conforming business. How did this happen without a formal approval process? We checked with the City of Orinda and their documentation on this seems flimsy at best, and still they Ok’d it. Essentially this issue hinges on what constitutes abandonment. 

We see this as a huge missed opportunity for Orinda. What if that charming storefront housed toys, clothes, housewares, or something for foodies like a bakery or a salad and sandwich shop? There are other non-conforming businesses in Orinda, what happens when they move out? Has a precedent been set?

If the City is not going to enforce its own codes, no wonder residents are frustrated with a lack of attention to the Downtown. Please call on City Council members and the Planning Department to ask why this was not enforced and how they plan to do better in the future. Please also share this story with your friends and neighbors, and if you haven't already, stay informed on What’s Up Downtown by signing up for more from us. 

25A Orinda Way: banal or progressive? You decide.

Close your eyes and imagine this: a new building in downtown Orinda across from the library and community center that is home to several retail and restaurant offerings. A place with adequate (and out of sight) rooftop parking. The businesses are immediately adjacent to the sidewalk, and store fronts boast giant bi-fold doors which open fully to allow for an active and engaging experience. Dining al fresco in downtown Orinda? Maybe in the near future. 

Renderings for a new development at 25 Orinda Way

This is the experience that developers Dana and Paul Ugenti of Tandem Real Estate Company hope to bring to Orinda. It's no wonder that both the planning commission and community members expressed their pleasure following Mr. Ugenti's presentation at the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 8th.

The commission praised that the building incorporated rooftop parking and maximized use of a narrow lot. The five community members who opted to speak were in favor for the plan, with a caveat, or two. 

This was a study session, the purpose of which was to hear initial concepts and provide feedback, and as such, both the planning commission and the community had the opportunity to voice concerns and strong objections to the design of the building presented by the architect, Dave Johnson of Johnson Lyman Architects. Commissioner Katherine Hearey Faix went as far as to say that the structure looked like the type of "banal" buildings one might see in Walnut Creek. Ouch.

Both the commission and the commenters encouraged the developer to revise the design of the building to capture more of the "charm" and "village" feel that Orinda strives for. This, of course, means different things to different people. Some want the project to tie into the Vintage House aesthetic, while others wanted it to mirror the theater and library's art deco style. Spanish anyone, to work back to the Community Center, Orinda Motors, Orinda Country Club and many other nostalgic buildings in Orinda? Others still suggested that it could marry several of the the styles of architecture seen in Orinda Village in a way that suggests that the building grew organically over time. Just don't suggest Traditional style as Mr. Johnson did, only to be told that Traditional isn't a style, it's actually an adjective used to describe several styles of architecture. 

View of the proposed development from the Orinda Library

All-in-all, everyone who voiced an opinion at last night's session seemed enthusiastic about many aspects of this proposal. The developer reiterated that project he presented was an initial concept and his group is very open to input and design changes.  

Next steps for the project, TBD.  Let's hope we see some revised plans in the new year.  As vice chair Michael Hoeffel pointed out, if this project moves forward, this would be the first new commercial development on the Village side of Orinda since the town was incorporated in 1985. 

No pressure. 

(Project renderings can be reviewed here and feedback/comments can be sent to dfarmer@cityoforinda.org to the attention of the Planning Commissioners.)

This is happening

Thanks so much for visiting WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN. We know from our conversations with friends and neighbors and the outpouring of support for the recent petition regarding downtown renewal that it is a topic you care about, deeply.

You want a more beautiful downtown. So do we. You want new retail options, a great gourmet market and new restaurants. So do we. You want a place to meet friends for a drink (gasp!). So do we. Let's work together to make this happen.

Good news! A groundswell of interest in downtown renewal is happening at a time when conditions are ripe for revitalization:

• The city council is ready to turn its attention to this topic and is in the final stages of hiring a new city planner
• Recent articles in the Contra Costa Times, Lamorinda Weekly and The Orinda News highlighted the support this issue is receiving from the community and the city council
• Many properties downtown that have been vacant or undeveloped have recently changed hands
• Long term commercial leases are coming up
• Plans to refresh the Brookwood Mini Park are currently being reviewed by city council members
• The city is about to embark on a parking study of downtown Orinda and adjacent residential neighborhoods
• Nearly 700 Orinda residents have signed the Downtown Petition initiated by Monica Fitzsimmons
• Local action groups have requested that the city continue forward momentum in this process

Our group’s goal is to keep our community informed and engaged in this process so that we see downtown Orinda reach its greatest potential.  

STAY INFORMED: We are leading busy lives in busy times and we understand that it can be challenging to stay in the loop.  Can't attend city council meetings in the evening?  We'll go for you and send you the scoop.  Don't have the time to follow the play by play of commercial real estate transactions, development plans and leasing turnovers downtown?  We'll do our best to find out and let you know what's going on. What are other local groups and community members saying and doing about downtown renewal?  We'll share that, too. 

BE ENGAGED: At key junctures, we'll seek your support and involvement via petitions, letter writing campaigns, meetings or email campaigns. Care to contribute a column to our WHAT'S UP NOW page or send us a news idea? Fantastic.  Just want to hear the latest? That's fine, too. Sign up to STAY INFORMED and we will send you updates.  

For you social types, we’re on Facebook and Instagram (@whatsupdowntownorinda).

We hope you’ll join us in making downtown Orinda a place to be proud of!