Pacific Commons
"Pacific Commons" Published in Real Estate & Construction Review - Northern California Edition
Pacific Commons is a retail power center that was built to provide an active retail environment that would encourage repeat visits from existing area shoppers while also attracting a large number of new shoppers. "We were focused on creating a place where people could take advantage of the convenience and efficiency of high-volume 'big-box' retailers and also shop or dine at smaller establishments, all while enjoying amenities such as plazas and public art," said Cory Chung, project manager for ProLogis, and William Kennedy, first vice president for Catellus, a ProLogis Company.
Catellus owned the land and decided it would be ideally suited as a retail destination for several reasons. The site is centrally located, has direct freeway frontage to I-880 and is easily accessible from numerous area bridges, providing vital links that would draw shoppers from all directions.
The 79-acre regional shopping center is organized into four distinctive districts and is anchored by COSTCO, Lowe's and Kohl's. Special attention was given to create a unique pedestrian experience throughout the development. To that end, linkages were fashioned among buildings and districts that feature lushly landscaped seating areas, enhanced pavement materials and site amenities that include extraordinary metal sculptures.
According to Michael Collier, AIA, principal for SGPA Architecture and Planning, the project's architect, the center has a fresh, upscale design concept that uses sophisticated color schemes and upgraded materials for the building facades to provide a visual permanency and quality. These materials include natural stone accents, brick, precast wainscots and more. "Individual building designs feature tower elements with deep overhangs and bracketry, articulated wall surfaces, generous glazing areas, green screens, and richly detailed hardscape areas," he added.
Due to the center's location only seven miles from the Hayward Fault, the structural design of the buildings had to account for the near field effects of the seismic zone. Shear walls were placed throughout certain buildings, mitigating the potential damage that could result from forces of a major earthquake. In addition, lateral resistance in the structures was increased by 40 to 50 percent by using tilt-up panels.
Pacific Commons is located on land that previously included a drag strip and glider port. As a part of the development, 391 acres adjacent to the project was restored as a natural habitat for four endangered species, as well as other wildlife. The drag strip and glider port were removed, and a team of biologists developed an ecosystem that would protect and promote native species and wildlife. This land and an additional 53 acres were recently donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"As with most retail projects, the greatest challenge was meeting the tight schedules that were driven by the specific needs of our tenants," said Chung and Kennedy. This was further complicated by the second wettest March on record, which occurred during the construction of Phase II. "We worked closely with our contractors and other pertinent third parties to ensure important milestones were met on time."
Pacific Commons is an aesthetically pleasing new retail center that combines large and small retail establishments and restaurants with a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Since its opening, the center has been well received, as evidenced by its 98 percent lease rate, steady stream of foot traffic and the approximately $15 million in tax revenue it generates annually for the city of Fremont.
-Stacey Nathanson
