CIVIC CENTERPIECE
Greenbrae's popular Bon Air Center to mark 70th year
Amid old and new, Andrea Schultz said one thing remains the same — people's strong views about Bon Air Center.
“Our community has been so wonderful supporting Bon Air,” said the thirdgeneration owner of the center, which opened in 1952. “It gives you such a sense of pride, a sense of belonging.”
She said people even tell her not to change anything, as if “it's their property.”
“You can't please everyone, but you do your best and you listen,” she said.
Serving as a civic centerpiece and gateway to the Ross Valley, the center in Greenbrae acts as something of an unofficial downtown for the unincorporated community along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Built by the Schultz family, the center is celebrating its 70th year this spring.
The center and the Kentfield-Greenbrae Historical Society are planning a party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 7. Larkspur officials will proclaim the day “Bon Air Day.”
The day's events will also include activities, food, music, the unveiling of a Canal Arts Initiative mural and a cornhole tournament held by Gott's Roadside and the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce.
Historical society copresident Marilee Rogers, who grew up in Greenbrae, said she has fond memories of riding her bicycle to the market and watching it grow into a community hub for what she calls “a unique area with a unique history.”
Schultz, president and chief executive officer of Greenbrae Management Inc., was born after her parents built the “Bon Air Super.” Her grandfather, builder Niels Schultz, purchased 700 acres now known as Greenbrae in 1946. The Schultzes were original residents — their home was the first house finished in the community on the hillside, offering views that include Larkspur, Mount Tamalpais and San Francisco Bay.
Her father and grandfather oversaw the addition of a hardware store and a beauty salon at the cen
ter, which once housed the Larkspur Library.
“As retail changed … they had to adapt to what the community is looking for,” Schultz said.
In the early 1960s, Greenbrae Pharmacy was frequented by baseball great Joe DiMaggio. Then came Petrini's, the area's first grocery store, home to Mollie Stone's since 1996.
Every year, Christmas trees were sold, as they are today, by the Pronzini family.
The center grew in the 1980s, when the eastern wing was built, now housing merchants such as Peet's Coffee and the CVS pharmacy. For years Chevy's restaurant operated, followed by Wipeout Bar and Grill in 2007. Gott's now operates a location at the center.
Over the years, the Schultz family donated land and funding for a fire station, a recreation field and a yacht basin, and to nearby Marin General Hospital, now known as MarinHealth Medical Center. Blood drives and canned food collections have been mainstays. A classic car show is held every year. When the pandemic hit, Bon Air pivoted to partner with the Lark Theater to offer drivein movie nights.
After a major refurbishment completed in 2017, the center remains a mix of old and new businesses.
Luxton Optical is one of the oldest remaining establishments.
“We're trying to walk in the the legacy of those who have been here before,” manager Nancy Leung said. “You can get your glasses online now, but the whole idea is it's a different experience.”
Victoria Bakery and Cafe is another longtime staple, opening as Victoria Pastry in 1985. It has been operated by Marla Northcutt since 2019.
“Bon Air has been supportive and encouraged us to keep open,” holding promotional events and giveaways to encourage people
to shop locally, said Northcutt, who has been baking locally since 2016.
“Being in a nice community, there's support from the grocery store, the CVS. You see a lot of the same faces, and everyone is welcoming and happy,” she said.
Elements Massage owner Monica Hahn took over the business in 2016. She operates another massage studio in Walnut Creek, and said she sees the difference being located in a tight-knit shopping center.
“The owners know it's a community hub, but they don't take it for granted,” Hahn said.
The center has not been immune to the challenges of the pandemic. Orangetheory Fitness owner Marc
Rochman said he is thankful the center helped move his operation outdoors.
“The center was very amenable to allowing us to do this,” Rochman said.
Next door, fitness-minded owners Jeff and Pam Flores said their StretchLab location also made it through with the same consideration.
“They were super generous,” Jeff Flores said. “They revised our lease to allow for outdoor tents.”
He added that community events at the center, from car shows to holiday gatherings, helped keep businesses visible.
Pam Flores said, “They involve the merchants. It's such a perfect location for us in terms of demographics. Everyone's really kind; we've got such nice neighbors.”
Greenbrae resident David Riedel said he's spent 15 years coming to the center, and brings his daughter to Peet's and the center's bocce courts.
“They've put a lot of investment into it; they've done a good job,” Riedel said.
Kentfield resident Steve Ring, who brought his dog Otis, said he comes to the center at least twice a week to shop at Woodlands Pet Food and Treats and Mollie Stone's.
“They've got one of the better meat departments,” he said of the grocery market.