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County-owned 'domes' site near Auburn transit hub eyed for mixed housing; AECOM study finds scenarios feasible
Summary
An AECOM feasibility study presented two development scenarios for the county-owned transit-adjacent 'domes' site in Auburn, both roughly 30 units per acre; consultants said both could pencil out under current assumptions but feasibility depends on construction and financing costs and on whether the county releases or partners on the property.
City staff and consultant AECOM briefed the Auburn City Council Aug. 12 on early findings from an infill acceleration project for a county-owned site adjacent to the transit hub.
The parcel, about 17.5 acres in total with a key focus on a southwestern portion, offers strong transit access and walkability to downtown services, AECOM’s Matthew Gerken said. Consultants developed two feasible development scenarios — one all multifamily, one blending for-sale townhomes with multifamily rentals — both at roughly 30 units per acre. "Both scenarios could be potentially feasible today," Gerken said, but he cautioned that rising construction costs or unfavorable financing could make a project infeasible.
Why it matters: The site sits near existing amenities and transit, and could help the city meet housing goals if the county and other stakeholders choose to pursue redevelopment. The county currently owns the property and has not committed to any disposition; staff described the work as establishing a market-based concept to be ready should the county relocate or decide to pursue development.
Council members asked about mixed-use options, affordability assumptions and the county’s role; AECOM said the team considered mixed use but found limited market demand for on-site retail given surrounding commercial stock. Staff said the work was funded largely by a SACOG grant and that no city dollars were used for the study.
Next steps: Staff will continue stakeholder engagement and return with updated analyses and public outreach in several months.
Sources: AECOM presentation and city staff during the Aug. 12 informational item.
