Elk Grove Old Town : Special Planning Area

Old Town SPA Update Scheduled for City Council Hearing on 6/22/05

At its meeting on May 19, 2005, the Planning Commission recommended approval to the City Council of the staff recommendation for the “Elk Grove Old Town Special Planning Area – Design Standards and Guidelines” dated May 2005, subject to the changes approved by the Planning Commission. Click here for the May 2005 draft of the SPA. Click here for Planning Commission's list of approved changes to the May 2005 draft of the SPA. The public hearing with the City Council has been scheduled for June 22, 2005, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The Council will consider the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve the May 2005 draft of the SPA, subject to the revisions noted by the above link. If you have any questions regarding the SPA, please call or email Bill Pable of the Elk Grove Planning Department staff at (916) 478-2257 or billpable@elkgrovecity.org.

Old Town's businesses are open during construction

Take a video tour of shops in Old Town Elk Grove (video)

The Vision for Revitalization

Old Town Elk Grove is the heart of our community, a unique treasure with many buildings dating back to the 1800s. Early next year, the City will begin construction, devoting 4.3 million dollars in improvements to beautify and upgrade the area. This project is just the first step in the revitalization of Old Town. A Special Planning Area (SPA) was created many years ago in an effort to protect these buildings and their historic integrity.
The SPA defines the types of land uses that can come to Old Town, and it establishes architectural design guidelines. Now, the SPA needs to be updated to better preserve Old Town and to reflect its changing needs. You can be a part of that process and learn more about the construction project by participating in these upcoming workshops and meetings.

Take a walk through then and now.

Take a video tour of shops in Old Town Elk Grove (video)

More Improvements Coming To Old Town Elk Grove!

Starting in early 2005, the City will begin work in Old Town Elk Grove on a number of streetscape improvements and beautification measures designed to attract pedestrians and shoppers and enhance pedestrian safety and traffic circulation. The improvements will also boost the economic vitality and attractiveness of Old Town Elk Grove while preserving the area’s unique character and history.

These improvements have evolved out of a thorough community-based planning process led by local elected officials, the Old Town Merchants Association and other community organizations. Numerous workshops have been held to identify and prioritize specific improvements that meet the goals and needs of Old Town Elk Grove merchants, customers and the surrounding community.

		Weekly Schedule Update
		Updated Project Timeline
		Public Meeting Presentation
		Look at what's happening in Old Town (video)

Get information, photos, documents and presentation materials used at the meetings

Improvement Project Fact Sheet

Start time for all meetings is 6:30 PM.
For more information on the Elk Grove Old Town Revitalization, please contact Kendall Flint at 916-361-8384.

Construction Details

View Update

Improvements to Old Town Elk Grove began with upgrades to the Union Pacific railroad crossing at Elk Grove Boulevard, which included new railroad signal arms and warning devices. Additional improvements will include:

Decorative street lighting and signage
Trees and landscaping along sidewalk areas
Off-street public parking to compensate for the loss of on-street parking
Decorative pavement to replace existing sidewalks, curbs and gutters
New water mains and fire hydrants (funded by the Elk Grove Water Service)
A new traffic signal at School Street
Traffic-calming and safety measures, including “bulb-out” pedestrian crossings
New or upgraded handicap ramps
New storm drainage system
Roadway improvements, including new roadway section, resurfacing and restriping to accommodate a center two-way turn lane, where possible.

Why is the Old Town Elk Grove Improvement Project being built?

The Old Town Elk Grove Improvement Project is the first step toward an overall revitalization effort to enhance and preserve one of the oldest western settlements in the greater Sacramento region. The City of Elk Grove, in conjunction with Old Town merchants and residents, is committed to protecting Old Town’s heritage and revitalizing the area to make it a more appealing destination for shoppers, diners and tourists.

How did the project come to be?

The project’s specific improvements have evolved from the broader Elk Grove Boulevard Conceptual Master Plan, which was finalized in 1999 following extensive public participation and input gathered through interactive workshops and outreach efforts led by public officials, the Old Town Merchants Association and other community leaders.

Who can I contact for more information?
Bert Brown (916) 478-2221
Kendall Flint (916) 284-7376