When the ambitious new commercial development, The Grove at Brentwood, was first publicly revealed by Matt Hagar in September 2025, the reaction online was immediate—and intense. Social media buzzed with excitement, quickly propelling the project into the spotlight.
But beyond the digital chatter, the real-world response has been just as encouraging to the proposed public market in the heart of downtown.
“The reaction has been extremely positive,” shared Hagar. “Everyone I’ve spoken to directly—constituents and other businesses alike—has been excited about the project.”
Though the public first heard about The Grove At Brentwood in 2025 (see video), its origins date back more than three years which Hagar wanted to bring a mix of retail, restaurants and shops to the development and add to the offerings in the downtown area.
“The idea kind of hit me like lightning while I was driving by the site one day,” recalled Hagar. “But it really came from a combination of my experience living in this community, my background in commercial real estate, and recognizing what was missing in the area.”
Since then, the concept has been refined through extensive research and global inspiration.
“I’ve visited projects all over the world and tried to take the best elements from each,” he said. “But it’s critical that this project fits Brentwood. It’s being designed specifically for this community.”
Hagar presenting the project back at Red Box Business Solutions Bay Area Tech Day in Brentwood
The development of The Grove at Brentwood, located at Walnut Blvd and Oak St., is designed as a vibrant, multi-use commercial hub featuring:
- 30,105 square feet of building space, expanding to 35,690 square feet with an upstairs outdoor seating area
- 128 parking spaces
- A retail and food hub on the ground floor with an estimated 24 tenants
- A second floor dedicated to restaurants and additional tenants
- Job creation projected in the hundreds, depending on tenant mix
A key differentiator of the project is its focus on boutique and independent businesses, particularly in the grocery and food space.
“People want variety, uniqueness, and a certain vibe,” said Hagar. “There’s a growing fatigue with the same national chains. We want to give entrepreneurs a platform to share their products in a way that hasn’t been possible here before.”
The concept of The Grove leans heavily into “shop local” and “farm-to-table” values, aiming to create a destination that reflects the character of the community – hoping to work with local farms and Harvest Time in Brentwood.
One of the most distinctive features of the development is its outdoor space, envisioned as a central gathering place for the community.
“This will be unlike anything Brentwood has seen before,” highlighted Hagar. “There will be plenty of seating, activities for kids, and a performing arts stage capable of hosting a wide range of events.”
The design takes full advantage of Brentwood’s favorable weather, encouraging residents to spend more time outdoors enjoying food, entertainment, and community. The stage itself is designed with flexibility in mind, capable of accommodating both large events and smaller, more intimate performances.
Rather than disrupting Brentwood’s downtown core, Hagar admits he sees the project as a natural extension of its growth.
“Downtown has evolved significantly in recent years and currently has almost no vacancy,” he noted. “There’s clear demand for more businesses and activity. This project will bring more people into the area and benefit existing businesses as well.”
Brentwood has often been characterized as cautious, even resistant, toward new development. Yet this project appears to be an exception.
“I think it really depends on the project,” Hagar explained. “Because this is a 100% commercial development with a variety of amenities and opportunities for small businesses, people have been much more supportive than they might be of other types of projects.”
That distinction—commercial, community-focused, and locally driven—has played a major role in shaping public perception.
Still, one of the lessons learned along the nearly 4-years of planning for this project Hagar has learned patience.
“Nothing in real estate development moves as fast as you’d like,” says Hagar. “You have to trust the process and stay the course.”
At the same time, the extended timeline has allowed for deeper collaboration and refinement.
“I’ve spoken with developers, restaurateurs, residents—you name it,” he said. “I’ve tried to take the best ideas from all those conversations and incorporate them into the project.”
Still, Hagar calls it a passion driven project as the most rewarding aspect has been turning an idea into something tangible.
“To take something from your head and bring it to life like this is incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “But what’s even more motivating is hearing the excitement from the community.”
That enthusiasm, Hagar added, continues to fuel the project forward—even in the face of challenges.
“I’m working hard to create something Brentwood can truly be proud of.”
The Project is located at Walnut Blvd and Oak St.
Next Steps: Planning Commission Review of The Grove
The project is currently moving through the city approval process, with a tentative Planning Commission hearing scheduled for May 5.
Community participation will be critical.
“Support around the hearing is absolutely essential,” the developer emphasized. “People can show their support by attending in person or by emailing city staff.”
The Grove: Timeline and Construction Outlook
As with many developments, the timeline remains fluid for The Grove At Brentwood
“Due to the unpredictable nature of these hearings, it’s hard to say for sure,” the developer noted. “But if everything goes well, we would aim to begin construction early next year.”
While project costs remain undisclosed for now, the scale and scope suggest a significant investment in Brentwood’s future.
Other recent projects in Brentwood
- March 2026 –Â Video: Contra Costa County Breaks Ground on East County Service Center in Brentwood
- Feb 2026 –Â Brentwood Welcomes New International Grocery Store, Namaste Plaza Opens
- Sept. 2025 –Â Video: Contra Costa County Fire Breaks Ground on Station 94 in Brentwood
- Sept. 2025 –Â CenterCal Properties Begins Sweeping Changes to The Streets of Brentwood
- July 2025 –Â Brentwood: Eight Acres Kitchen & Bar Nearing Grand Opening
