Colliers - Park Place II (Sacramento CA)

This retail development is fairly average. However, there are some decent facades (see the slab-stone facing on the Borders bookstore). Also, there is an attempt at interesting landscaping with the trellises laid out around the parking lot and repeated in a fashion projecting from certain storefronts (if they grow something like wisteria on them, that could be very attractive). There is one out-door cafe style corner in the complex (see photo). However, nothing that seriously encourages the shopper to wander around the entire complex (as opposed to a Del Monte style shopping center in Monterey). Average household income in a 3 mile radius is 63k. In a 5 mile radius is 52k. There are a lot of open fields near this development, as it seems to be on the north edge of Sacramento. I was at the site at around 10 in the morning and the parking lot was empty. Perhaps this is a speculative site in terms of a future hope of more housing coming to the area? This site is much better than the Gilroy site and, in some ways, better than Slatten Crossing, though not as nice as Dublin.

Colliers - Slatten Ranch (Antioch CA)

This is a solidly average retail development. Well-laid out in terms of stores vs parking vs access. Decent landscaping. Nice mix of shops. Average household income in the area is about 100k. This one is nothing to get excited about, but is a bit better than the Westridge development on 101 in Salinas. Definitely not as good as the Dublin development.

Colliers - Hacienda Crossing (Dublin CA)

This is the most interesting Colliers retail development I've seen so far. It actually has some character to it due to 4 issues: a portion of it is laid out with shops standing on either side of a walking promenade (complete with fountain); higher quality landscaping, more creative facades than average pigmented concrete, more interesting mix of shops. Additionally, there are quite a few areas that are set-up to encourage shoppers to sit down and rest their feet, a la outdoor cafe scenarios. It's obvious that a retail development can be done with creativity. However, the vast majority of them are boringly templated. Perhaps this reflects a market study that shows shoppers want no surprises? Or it might reflect a lack of vision on the part of developers.

At any rate, Dublin is a fairly wealthy area. Average household income is 124k.

Colliers - Gilroy Crossing (Gilroy CA)

Collier's Gilroy Crossing is a very average retail development. I would argue that it is sub-average due to the odd placement of the stores. Some of them are stuck in the middle of the parking lot with their backs to other stores. Unattractive and poorly laid-out in terms of overall aesthetic appeal. Minimal landscaping. Typical pigmented concrete facades. Very disappointing complex. Average household income in the area is about 90k.