Construction Delayed on Milagro Center in Carmichael

Construction has been delayed on the in Carmichael as project officials said Tuesday that things are moving along behind the scenes.

"I wanted to make sure this was a win-win for everybody," Kenton Russell, Milagro's architect and project manager told members during a luncheon at the .

Investors Allan and Nancy Davis started a company called Milagro Investments and purchased the mostly vacant Hillside Shopping Center on Fair Oaks Boulevard, southwest of the intersection with Marconi Avenue.

The four-acre complex rents about 42,400 square feet and was built in the 1970's, the Davises say. - , and catering.

The new owners have said they intend to redevelop it into a tree-lined gathering place with local and national dining and retail options. Renderings include the Waffle Barn and The Palace and Reid's owners say they wish to stay as well.

Developers will submit construction documents to Sacramento County with six weeks, Russell said.

Plans include a remodeling of the Waffle Barn and adding a small cafe adjacent to that to bring in pedestrians and motorists from Fair Oaks Boulevard into the project, he said. A could also move into the center of the plaza.

There are three phases, the first being the main building in the back center, Russell said. Then either of two corner projects would follow, although the Waffle Barn work is preferred. It all depends on tenant interest, he said.

County officials have been lenient with parking because they prefer projects similar to Milagro that have less parking, Russell said. That encourages visitors to use public transportation and bicycles.

Allan Davis said he hopes to attract a small grocer/retailer similar to a Fresh & Easy, Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. Plans for restaurants in the center, as many as 6, are "a work in progress," Russell said.

There are spaces for public art and a meeting hall could become a gallery. Some at Tuesday's chamber lunch suggested an office for the chamber, which is currently further up Fair Oaks Boulevard.

Local contractors are preferred, Russell said.

"There is a lack of large meeting rooms in Carmichael so this project can address that," said Cathryn Snow of the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael. "I think the whole project is wonderful."

---

What do you think of the Davis' planned retail and dining center? What kinds of businesses would you like to see there? Tell us in a comment below.

|  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | | | Advertise:  mj.khan@patch.com