Sacramento Chooses Practical Over Transformative in Downtown Revitalization

Spurning an elaborate but costly proposal to transform two blighted blocks of Sacramento's ailing downtown K Street mall the city council chose a less costly, mixed-use plan restore the blocks sooner with four story buildings and 256 housing units.

1 minute read

July 16, 2010, 5:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


"Today may be the most significant moment for K Street since the day 41 years ago when automobiles were taken off the mall. Tonight (July 13), the City Council decides which development proposal it prefers out of four submitted for the rundown 700 and 800 blocks of K Street."

The article continues, "Council appears poised to embrace a big, bold plan despite a significant financing gap – rather than a more modest proposal from downtown's most dependable developer."

However, by a 5-4 vote (with Mayor Kevin Johnson in the minority), council did the opposite, choosing the less elaborate, less costly project that may not have the 'transformative' effect on the blighted street the Mayor had hoped for.

Nonetheless, what one councilman called the more 'practical' plan will result in "more than 200 housing units, shops and restaurants" built with less city debt, and sooner (by 2012) according to developers D&S Development and David Tayor.

Did the city council miss a 'golden opportunity'? The Sacramento Bee believes so.

"(W)hat developers may take away is that the council does not share a vision for downtown, and is unwilling to think big. That is an unfortunate message."

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 in The Sacramento Bee - Sacramento City News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today