City negotiates pedestrian-friendly designs for Walnut Creek developments

The Westminster Planning Commission convened on July 8, 2025, to discuss significant developments in the city, focusing on enhancing pedestrian connectivity and preserving historical structures. The meeting highlighted two key projects: the Shops at Walnut Creek and a multifamily senior affordable housing development.

The first project discussed was the Shops at Walnut Creek, specifically the integration of a new building housing a Panera Bread in the Target parking lot. The presentation included a comparison of images from 2016 and 2025, illustrating the transformation of the area. The city emphasized the importance of creating a walkable and bikeable environment, encouraging the applicant to reposition the building to improve pedestrian access. The final design successfully enhanced the pedestrian network, allowing direct access to the Big Dry Creek Trail, thereby promoting a more connected shopping experience.

The second project involved a multifamily senior affordable housing development located at the southeast corner of Church Ranch Boulevard and Wadsworth Boulevard. This site previously housed a historic peg barn and silos, which the city aimed to preserve. The original proposal included large four-story buildings that threatened to overshadow these historical structures. Through negotiations, the city worked with the developer to reposition the buildings, ensuring they complemented the barn and silo while enhancing the pedestrian corridor along the busy street. The revised design included wider sidewalks and improved landscaping, creating a more inviting atmosphere for pedestrians.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to balancing development with community needs, historical preservation, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The commission's proactive approach in guiding developers towards more thoughtful designs reflects Westminster's ongoing efforts to create a vibrant and accessible urban environment.