It was a dark and Stormy night…..”
I first visited Del Paso Boulevard in 1991 after a King’s game at the ARCO Arena. I was new to Sacramento, I was navigationally challenged and suffered from impaired night vision. I don’t remember who we played that night, but I do remember stumbling upon Del Paso Boulevard.
After the game, I was elected designated driver. That would have been fine with a little navigational support, but I had none. So when it came time to exit the parking lot, one of my passengers said, “Just follow the signs..turn right..no turn left.” So I guessed, wrong.
We powered through the storm for about 20 minutes. Nothing looked familiar. Finally we landed at Lil Joe’s, on Del Paso Boulevard. We had gone 20 minutes in the wrong direction to the “other side.” If you have read Bonfire of the Vanities, you know how that book starts – not well. Luckily, we managed to get directions to the freeway and made it home.
What a difference 30 years makes.
If you haven’t checked out Del Paso Boulevard lately you should! While the progress has been slow, it has come a long way. Del Paso has nightlife, restaurants, recording studios, galleries, great coffee spots. It is home to Sacramento News & Review and SETA (Sacramento Employment and Training Agency.) King Cong Brewing is thriving, drawing beer lovers from all over the region.
The Boulevard is due for a significant boost. While virtually every Sacramento sub-market has seen significant rental growth and value appreciation, Del Paso Boulevard has yet to see the same progress. But it is just a matter of time. Del Paso Boulevard will rise with the tide, and here is why:
· Location. The Boulevard is located less than 10 minutes from Downtown, Midtown, East Sacramento and Arden Faire Mall.
· Access and Transportation. Light Rail runs down the Boulevard with multiple stops. The freeway is easily accessible to the east and to the west.
· Opportunity Zone (OZ). OZ’s are spurring development and investment throughout the Sacramento region. Del Paso Boulevard is no exception and new developments are soon to surface in the news. All of Del Paso Boulevard is an Opportunity Zone.
· Escalating Rents and Parking Challenges in Midtown and Downtown. It’s not getting any cheaper and for the companies that don’t have to be in Midtown, they are seeking alternatives. For most retailers Midtown is a great market. Unfortunately for some the rents have just gotten too steep. For retailers that offer a unique service or product, Del Paso Boulevard will start to pop up on their radar.
Investment Opportunity -1616 Del Paso Boulevard.
Yesterday I was at Shift Coffee at 1616 Del Paso Boulevard, located adjacent to The Greens, a boutique hotel that has seen a steady increase in occupancy. Shift was busy at 2:00 in the afternoon, and I decided to have “The Squealer,” one of their great Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. I figured that since I am marketing the building for sale, I might as well try a few things on the menu.
The other tenants in the building include – SouthPaw Sushi (same owner as Lou’s Sushi in Midtown), Gallery 1616 and Big Idea Theater. If you want to take a closer look, check out the property information here: 1616 Del Paso Boulevard .
If you are looking for more information about the Boulevard or Sacramento Commercial Real Estate in general, please contact Tom Bacon, CCIM at [email protected] (916)761-1202. Or check out the website: www.sacramentobacon.com