This 14-acre project is located at the northeast corner of Concord Avenue and John Glen Drive, at Buchanan Airfield in the City of Concord, property ground leased by Contra Costa County. The Airport Center Shopping Center is developed with a 106,000 square foot Sam's Club, a 40,000 square foot Sportmart, and two out-pads. Developed by Reynolds & Brown (working at the direction of Mr. Jon Q. Reynolds, Chairman), Mr. Gray was responsible for leasing, Mr. Reynolds for land acquisition, governmental entitlements, design and construction. Mr. Peter Reynolds was the project manager.
PUBLIC ENTITY REFERENCE CONTACT
Mr. Scott Tandy, Assistant County Administrator
Contra Costa County (925) 698-1308
Ms. Sunne McPeak, Contra Costa County Supervisor (former)
Bay Area Council, (415) 981-6600
Mr. Phil Bachelor, County Administrator (retired)
Contra Costa County (925) 646-4086
Ms. Colleen Coll, Mayor (former)
City of Concord (925) 827-1299
DISCUSSION
The project was developed under an ENA with Contra Costa County, requiring an option, a development agreement, and finally an unsubordinated ground lease to be executed. The 14-acre property was originally proposed for development of a 10-story office complex, but because of FAA, Airport and public safety concerns (all of which became contentious in the community), a single-story retail project was agreed to be developed. After a lengthy public process, the project was completed in 1990. Sam's Club and Sportmart have been generating substantial retail sales taxes to Contra Costa County. The project continues to be owned and managed by partners of Reynolds & Brown, including Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Gray.
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS
Careful aircraft safety planning was required with the FAA, Far Part 77 and Terps regulations. The specific plan was amended, zoning changed, a full EIR prepared and amended. Multiple neighborhood association and pilots' association meetings were held by the developer and County staff. Off-site street coordination for the widening of Concord Avenue was coordinated between the public works departments of the County and Concord.