Have you noticed the amount of construction downtown has drastically increased? Maybe you’ve walked through the downtown promenade and seen the gaping hole in the center of it. Well, that’s because there is roughly $200 million flowing into Redding to improve our downtown area.

A variety of businesses and industries have shown interest in our downtown area and we’ll be seeing the fruit of their labor soon. Here is a list of some cool things that are coming to our city:

K2 Properties | Modern Affordable Apartments and Restaurants

The Market Street Promenade area has long been somewhat of a confusing element of downtown Redding. Long ago, Market Street ran all the way through the promenade. Unfortunately foot-traffic never picked up and businesses suffered from it. In an effort to revitalize the heart of our downtown area, K2 Properties has begun developing a 4-story mixed-use complex. In city meetings, it’s been mentioned that the complex would be affordable for someone who works full-time at Starbucks. Good news to our coffeeshop brethren!

From the City of Redding ‘Downtown Redding, Specific Plan Update”:

The City of Redding was awarded a $20 million grant to redevelop the Dicker’s building, which closed in 1992 and is located on the Market Street Promenade. The Dicker’s building will dedicate its entire frontage on three sides back to City as part of grant project. Partial re-opening of Market Street, Butte Street, and Yuba Street through the Market Street Promenade will also be funded by this grant.

Images provided by The City of Redding Facebook Page

California Street Labs | Pop-Ups, Beer, Connecting Entrepreneurs

Located a couple of blocks north of the California St Parking Garage is the new California Street Labs. It’s described as ‘a place for community members to come together to test ideas and actions that build a vibrant downtown and a great city.’ A few of us have made it down there and found it to be a smaller, but inviting scene. We’re unsure if there are plans to further develop the space. The project was financed and led by The McConnell Foundation, Redding’s well known philanthropical arm. Formerly known as The Green Door Project, its goal is to:

“…Work with the community to activate the warehouse with pop-up retail, bike rentals, creative play, art installations and nightlife. Imagine all of the above occurring on a temporary rotation bringing a variety of new activities to experience downtown. The Green Door Project [California Street Labs] will give people an opportunity to experience a sampling of what is possible in a vibrant downtown.” - The McConnell Foundation