Consultants present draft plan for Cesar Chavez Boulevard commercial development
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Summary
Consultants from Gohman & York presented preliminary market analysis, site fit tests and visual renderings for developing state-owned parcels along Cesar Chavez Boulevard, stressing the work is draft and subject to further validation.
City economic development staff introduced consultants from Gohman & York to brief the commission on the Cesar Chavez Boulevard project. Mike Gohman, principal, said the presentation was "preliminary" and that the team will validate findings with additional market data and refined assumptions before moving beyond conceptual design.
Consultants described a market and fit analysis that tests industry-standard prototypes — home improvement, hotels, restaurants, pharmacies, and other retail formats — against available parcels between Fourth and Sixth avenues. Dusty McMahon, planner and designer, showed scaled layouts and 3-D renderings intended to help market the properties to prospective tenants, noting the designs respect existing zoning and identify where regulatory adjustments or overlay zones might be recommended.
Staff and consultants said next steps include deeper market validation, collecting additional data, refining assumptions, and packaging the city’s offerings for developers and retailers. Commissioners welcomed the visuals and asked staff to ensure consideration of childcare locations, pedestrian safety and construction schedules to minimize business disruption.