More On Willow & Lincoln

Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio has posted pictures and an update from last week’s community meeting regarding proposals for redevelopment on the southeast corner of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street. This would be the view looking south from the bank, kitty-corner to the project:

You’ll recall that the property owner would like to level the existing buildings (WG Frozen Yogurt, Willow Street Pizza, and the old Blaine’s building) and replace them with something upscale and taller.

[EDIT]Helpful commenter Mary Ellen Petrich has straightened WGx out on the Willow Street Pizza building, which will not be removed. The restaurant will get a new patio to complement its existing dining room, no parking agreement required

Here are the original proposal concepts that meeting:

• Proposal includes a 3-story building—an addition to the existing building (the same height as the Garden Theater) and a parking garage
• Willow Street Pizza and Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt business owners are supportive of the proposal and will remain open during construction in addition to having upgrades made to their stores as part of this proposed project.
• The overall project proposes landscaping, office space, public gathering areas, a parking garage, new retail stores and restaurants with outdoor seating. Residential housing is not being proposed.

Oliverio also includes additional pictures and lists several “Community Suggestions” in the documentation on his website:

• Overall proposal would be a nice addition to Lincoln Avenue
• Pay attention to architecture; blend with Willow Glen.
• Office space will not have neon signs or banners in the windows. Space will be professional and clean.
• Separate the design out for each individual business—like Opa, Hicklebees etc.
• Will there be public restrooms? Public restrooms are not currently part of the design, but each tenant will have restrooms available to the public.
• Parking will be open to the public.
• Landscape and lighting will be privately maintained by the owner.
• The building will be built with “Green” standards
• Concerns about moving a bus stop, traffic, and speeding will be addressed as city issues and are not project specific.