AUBURN, Calif. — The future vision for Placer County’s government center campus in North Auburn includes a reimagined destination center anchored by achievable housing and an indoor/outdoor marketplace that celebrates Placer County’s home-grown goods and services.
The Placer County Facilities Management team presented an updated vision that further refines potential private development opportunities under the Placer County Government Center Master plan, including artists’ renderings showcasing the potential for approximately 50 acres of future development.
Key elements of the updated vision include a pedestrian promenade with shops, restaurants, production-to-consumption facilities (such as wineries, bakeries, and breweries), parks, and flexible commercial space along with mixed-income housing and other amenities.
Each of the key elements in the master plan is envisioned to highlight Placer County’s agrarian heritage. Commercial-industrial spaces would be warehouses resembling vintage sheds and housing is designed with an “agri-hood” concept where gardens and local products are incorporated.
“The idea is to create a marketplace, or farmer’s market type destination that is eclectic and charming – and where local artisans and businesses can produce and sell products that celebrates Placer County’s heritage,” Deputy Director of Facilities Paul Breckenridge said.
Additional details of conceptual designs and site maps can be viewed by clicking here.
Among the influences for the vision for the government center development is Tin City in Paso Robles and the Public Market in San Luis Obispo, both of which provide an outlet for local farmers, restaurateurs, wine makers and merchants.
“I have been to Tin City and it is a remarkable spot, and I know for a lot of the farmers and wine makers and various food and agricultural businesses that are located outside of town, having a public market near a highway that provides a showcase for them … it could be a great draw,” District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson said.
The Placer County Government Center Master Plan was updated in 2019 and envisioned redevelopment of the campus, originally the site of the former World War II-era DeWitt Army Hospital. The update to the master plan was used most recently for public development of the new Health and Human Services Center and private development of the Mercy North Auburn at Rock Creek housing facility.
Renderings of the Placer County Government Center Master Plan vision can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.