On Tuesday, the Brentwood Planning Commission unanimously approved The Grove at Brentwood with little to no changes — including hours of operation and height of the tower.
The commission, along with the public offered support for the project and expressed excitement of what it could bring to the area.
Upon build-out, The Grove at Brentwood is a 35,690 square foot, two-story multi-tenant commercial building (that could feature cafés and shops which may or may not sell craft beer/wine/spirits), 24,000 square foot outdoor seating area (with various amenities), community theater, and on-site and off-site improvements located on a 4-acre site at the southeast corner of Walnut Boulevard and Oak Street.
The applicant, Matt Hagar, of The Grove at Brentwood, LLC, requests approval of a Design Review (DR25-008) and Conditional Use Permit (CUP25-010) to construct a two-story “public market,” essentially a large shell building with multiple internal tenant suites. The approximately 18,366-square-foot first floor would feature multiple small tenant spaces focusing on artisanal and boutique products, as well as service uses such as barbers or beauty shops. All tenant spaces would be accessed through the building’s interior, and none would have direct access from the street.
The second floor would consist of a central open area with two large tenant spaces and one small tenant space, as well as a large 1,396-square-foot open-air seating area which could potentially be used for café uses or larger retail uses. The project also features a community theater and a 24,000-square-foot outdoor area.
The community theater would be intended for a variety of community-oriented entertainment (i.e., dance recitals, cultural festivals, live music recitals, etc.). The outdoor area would be intended to accommodate family-oriented recreation activities; as such the outdoor area features ample seating (benches, tables, and decorative seating), shade sails, playground, splash pad, permanent cornhole boards, propane outdoor heaters, decorative paving, and turf.
Due to the nature of the public market hosting multiple boutique/artisan tenants and cafés, it is likely that one or more of the future tenants would request to also sell or serve alcohol. Therefore, the applicant is requesting approval of a CUP for on-site alcohol sales, to be used for cafés or on-site events where patrons are served alcohol to be consumed on-site, and off-site sale of alcohol where craft beer, wine, or spirits are sold to be taken home. As of now, no tenants have been identified, but when they lease a space or host an event, they would be required to obtain the appropriate ABC license.
The proposed market would operate between the hours of 6:00 a.m. – midnight daily, which would accommodate potential café and/or other food uses. The community theater would be programmed for community and cultural events on an occasional basis, and all events would be held between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
A total of 55 public comments were submitted by the public. A total of 12 public speakers showed up to the meeting and spoke in support of the project along with several people on zoom.
Former chamber of commerce president Adam Martinez was in favor of the project.
“I wanted to show support for the project,” said Martinez. “I think it’s going to do very well here in Brentwood on an eyesore that’s been there for way too long. It will help drive people into Brentwood and hopefully spend their money in local areas because it’s still within walking distance of downtown so that actually might help the parking situation that we that we face every farmers market. I saw the uh the design and it looks amazing.”
Denise Cosgrove, 24-year resident and current president of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support.
“When I look at the Grove, I see a project that checks every one of those boxes and then some,” said Cosgrove. “Let me tell you what this project means to the business community. The Grove would bring in over 30,000 square feet of commercial space to the Walnut and Oak corridor with an estimated 24 tenants. Nearly all of them are boutique and independent businesses. Not the same national change that you chains that you can find everywhere you turn around. Local entrepreneurs, local flavors, the kind of businesses that put down roots, hire local people and give back to the community that they are a part of. The job creation alone projected in the hundreds is depending on uh tenant mix represents a meaningful investment in our workforce for the chamber supporting small business businesses isn’t just a talking point. It’s our mission and the Groves is purpose built for exactly that.”
Now, let me speak to you as a resident.
Brentwood has grown enormously over the past two decades. Our population has grown. Our families have grown, but our downtown commercial offerings haven’t always kept pace with what who we’ve become. We have wonderful momentum. new restaurants, the farmers market, a
thriving downtown, and the Grove would extend that momentum rather than disrupt it. The developer himself has noted that downtown Brentwood community currently has almost no vacancy. That tells us the that the demand is there. The Grove answers that demand. What excites what excites me the most is the vision for a true gathering place. Outdoor seating, green space, a performing arts stage, activities for kids, and a design that takes full advantage of our beautiful Brentwood weather. This is not just a development. It’s a destination. A place where families can spend a Saturday afternoon where visitors can experience the best of what Brewood has to offer and where local farmers and producers, including those from our own Harvest Town agricultural community, can find a platform that they haven’t had before. This project has been nearly four years in the making. It’s been refined through conversations with residents, restaurant tours, developers, and community members. That kind of patience and collaboration deserves our support. Commissioners, the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce enthusiastically endorses the Grove at Brentwood and as a proud resident of this city, I urge you to approve the project. It is thoughtful, it is local, and it is exactly the kind of investment that will make Brentwood a place we are even more proud to call home. Thank you for your consideration and your service.”
Erin Summit also supported the project noting she appreciated the modern design, including the rooftop which she currently goes to other areas for that experience.
Sergio Ortiz called this a project that would have a positive impact in Brentwood. He said what he appreciated about Hagar is that he is trying to investing back into the heart of downtown.
“There’s a difference between someone who simply sees a piece of land as an investment opportunity and someone who truly cares about the community they are building in. From my experience, Matt has always approached relationships and business with heart, integrity, and a long-term mindset,” said Ortiz.
Elisa Garin called it a worthwhile project and admitted while change is coming to Brentwood, the best they can do is encourage high quality change and high quality development.
“I really feel proud that this project is going to go on our property and I know my grandparents would be happy to see this property being used for something that I wrote as an architecturally interesting small shop feeling commercial building with landscape that will include shade, seating, playgrounds, and game venues that will also be the perfect location for art events, small concerts, dances, festivals, and other performances. I really see this as being an asset to the community and I support it wholeheartedly and so do my family,” said Garin.
Sarah Christine, director with the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, expressed her strong support for The Grove and believes it would have a positive impact by helping both the downtown and overall local community.
“The downtown community made it clear that this is something people truly want and not only coming from the community members, but also the business owners. This made a huge impact to us,” said Christine. “The Grove will not only create jobs, as we’ve heard many times here, it will increase foot traffic, and who can’t complain with that? It’ll bring new energy into our downtown and local businesses. And it will represent the important step forward into strengthening our downtown and making it more of a destination location.”
Lisa Gois, Amy Tilly, Tom Gregory, Peter Jacoway, Jarad Castro, Greg Robinson, Rupee Dhaliwal, Brian Tardell, Dan Barnes. Several others also spoke on Zoom in support for the project.
Commission Discussion.
Commissioner Anita Roberts questioned if they would include solar in the project in which it was confirmed solar would be included—it would also be hidden from view, along with natural light.
“I appreciate the time you’ve spent on this, shopping the project around for the residents and business owners and getting the feedback and recommendations. That’s gone a long way and it’s seen here in this packet,” said Roberts. “In addition to the revenue, I just want to make it real clear that I appreciate the incubator and entrepreneurial feel that you’re bringing into the city of Brentwood. Revenue is important, but the quality that comes with that is more important for me. And it seems like we’re going to get there together.
Commissioner Gerald Johnson expressed concerns about the amphitheater and the sound that would hit the community. It was relayed, not shown in the design were several rows of trees that would break down the sound. It was also shared this was a small community-based theater.
“I just want to say that you know the building is beautiful. It’s a gorgeous building. It looks like it’s going to do very well in the city of Brentwood,” said Johson. “It looks very nice.”
Commissioner Jeremy Jones shared the project site used to be the location of the original railroad depot in the late 1800 and key part of agricultural area shipping out crops.
It was relayed that the project will give a nod to the train station and historical significance to the city of Brentwood.
“The site itself is beautiful. The location I think, is in desperate need of something like this. It’s a genuinely exciting thing. I am excited to see where this goes,” said Jones. “I’m certainly in support of the project.”
Vice Chair Rod Flohr said he had nothing but nice things to say about the project.
I see a project that is not just trying to comply to the letter of the downtown specific plan, but to the very idea, the spirit of it, what the downtown specific plan is actually about. I see a place where people can congregate. They can they can walk around. It’s walkable experience. It’s a real benefit to the city and I can see the real affection for the city that was put into the design of this project and I just wanted to get that out there,” said Flohr.
Chairperson Kristopher Brand called it an amazing project and that he at last count received around 65 emails.
“When I when the staff report came through and I saw a lot of these pictures, I was kind of struck back thinking like, wait, this is for Brentwood? Like, wow. Like, wow,” explained Brand noting it received many comparisons to the Nashville Oxbow Market, San Pedro Square Market, the Veranda, SF Fairy Building, the Main Street America. “I see a lot of that in in this in this project. I mean, personally, I don’t really have I don’t really care much if they want to keep the tall towers. I’m so excited to talk about some of this.”
He continued.
“I think thoughtfulness is the thing that comes to mind most clearly when I look at this project,” said Brand while adding they added more parking than required—noting the parking garage is 290. Or the addition of a water feature.
“I look at this project and I think most cities, not just in East County, but cities in all of Contra Costa in the area would be, you know, drooling for a project like this,” shared Brand. ”It just ticks so many of the right boxes. To Mr.Hagar, like the I this is probably the most impressive project I’ve seen to date. It’s quite something.”
The commission then debated the time it would close, whether it be 10:00 pm or later.
Roberts shared she knew the CUP was there for a reason, but they are now living in a different time—part of the attraction is not cutting off vendors at the knees by shutting down early. She was in favor of allowing the operation to stay open later on the weekends.
She offered Monday-Wednesday stay open until 10:00 pm and Thursday through Sunday later.
Johnson wanted to give the hours as stated as this will give people something to do along with activities.
“If we like this setup and we think it’s going to be effective and it’s something that we need to have in in Brentwood, then we have to give the business owner every opportunity to succeed at doing so. If we cut them off at the knees and say, “Oh, we want you to close it down at 10:00.” We limit the type of businesses that are going to go in there because some businesses might
say, “It’s not worth for me to go in there if I’m going to have to close at 10:00 or not serve alcohol at 10:00.” So, I say we give it to them as stated. The community is going to decide whether that’s working or not. They will decide. They will not frequent it. Today I wanted to go to lunch uh with a friend of mine um in the streets and a favorite restaurant of mine which always dumpling hours was closed. Why was it closed? because they didn’t have the traffic to do it. I don’t I want to make sure this has every opportunity to succeed. It’s a beautiful building. It’s a beautiful project. Let’s give him every opportunity to succeed,” said Johnson.
Jones said he agreed with commissioners Johnson and Roberts on the hours and let the market decide.
Flohr also agreed and noted the commission was inclined to leave the hours alone.
The commission adopted the resolution for design review in a 5-0 vote and adopt resolution for a Conditional Use Permit in a 5-0 vote.
Other Project Tidbits
Parking
Parking is not required for non-residential projects within the Downtown Specific Plan. Although parking is not required, the applicant is proposing 144 parking spaces, which amounts to approximately 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet of building area.
Outdoor Area
The project proposes a +/- 24,000 square foot outdoor area. This outdoor area would be improved with seating, a splash pad, a tot-lot (playground), gas operated fire pits, televisions, cabana-style shade structures, turf, shade sails, and restrooms. The intent of this area is to provide a “family-friendly” atmosphere with various amenities to attract all demographics of the community
Community Theater
The project proposes a 33-foot-wide stage to be used for private civic and cultural uses with a community theater for performing arts, such as: music/theater performances, lectures, ceremonies, cultural festivals, educational workshops, etc. Such events would be scheduled in advance and are not intended to be ad hoc or daily. The overall intent of the stage is to offer the community a flexible outdoor venue to support both private civic and cultural performances. Performances are anticipated to take place primarily during daytime and early evening hours. Typical performance hours are generally expected to fall from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. All Private Civic and Cultural uses will operate in compliance with applicable City noise standards and permitting requirements.
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