Exciting developments are underway in downtown Dublin as developers move forward with a formal proposal for a transformative mixed-use project. Spearheaded by Houston developer Hines and project architect Gensler, the ambitious redevelopment plans aim to rejuvenate the heart of Dublin, California, by introducing a vibrant blend of retail, dining, entertainment, office spaces, life sciences, and residential units. This eagerly anticipated project has the potential to jump-start the revitalization of downtown Dublin and fulfill the long-held aspirations of the city’s residents and leaders.
Hines recently submitted plans for the first phase of the project, which involves the construction of a 35,000-square-foot retail building at 7200 Amador Plaza Road, within Dublin’s Place Shopping Center. This strategic move will allow Hines to relocate existing retail tenants, paving the way for subsequent phases of the development. American Realty Advisors (ARA), the mall owner, enlisted Hines and Gensler to transform the expansive 26-acre site into a dynamic hub encompassing retail outlets, restaurants, event spaces, a life sciences and office campus, and new housing options. Notably, the project will feature a one-acre green space inspired by San Francisco’s iconic Patricia’s Green, providing an inviting oasis within the urban landscape. Furthermore, the development will be easily accessible, with a tree-lined pedestrian path linking it to the West Dublin BART Station.
Envisioning a “Main Street-Style Downtown”
For years, Dublin residents and city leadership have expressed their desire for a vibrant downtown area that captures the essence of a “Main Street-style downtown.” Economic Development Director Hazel Wetherford noted last fall that Dublin sought to emulate the successful downtown areas of neighboring Tri-Valley cities. In 2019, Dublin finalized its preferred vision and established parameters for development under the comprehensive Downtown Dublin Specific Plan. The collaboration between ARA, Hines, and Gensler represents a significant opportunity to catalyze the broader redevelopment of the 284-acre specific plan area, aligning with the city’s long-term goals.
While specific details regarding the second phase of the project, such as square footage and unit counts, were not available at the time of writing, it is evident that substantial efforts are underway to propel the revitalization forward. Formal submission of plans for the second phase to the city has yet to occur, according to Dublin’s website. However, the city’s Downtown Specific Plan outlines a vision for the addition of 2,500 homes and 2.2 million square feet of retail space over the coming decades, underscoring the scale and ambition of the redevelopment.
ARA purchased Dublin Center for $51 million in 2015, shortly after the city approved its downtown specific plan. Despite pandemic-related delays, Principal Planner Amy Million emphasized that developers remain fully committed to the project and are actively involved. As of December, ARA was engaged in discussions to acquire several additional properties within Dublin Center that were not already under its ownership. Notably, Burlington Coat Factory was among the existing tenants that ARA intended to include in its redevelopment plans. While it remains unclear whether the recent proposal implies that these properties are under contract, it demonstrates ARA’s dedication to creating a cohesive and unified vision for the entire Dublin Center site.
The proposed mixed-use project in downtown Dublin represents a momentous endeavor that has the potential to transform the city’s landscape and breathe new life into its urban core. Led by Hines and supported by the expertise of Gensler, this ambitious development promises a dynamic blend of retail, dining, entertainment, office spaces, life sciences, and residential options.
