JLL/IRG CHOSEN AS DEVELOPER FOR FAIRGROUNDS PROJECT
Proposal envisions bridge connecting Six Flags and Solano360, numerous businesses
Vallejo citizens itching for more entertainment in the city received good news recently when the Solano360 Implementation Committee selected JLL/ IRG as the developer for a 149acre Solano County Fairgrounds site.
The developer JLL/IRG was the top choice as the committee made that choice over the Lewis Group. The committee was comprised of two Solano County supervisors and two City of Vallejo City councilmembers, who met to hear a recommendation from county and city staff regarding developer proposals for the fairgrounds site.
JLL is a professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management, while IRG (Insterstate Realty Group) IRG, a Los Angeles-based company, owns and operates more than 150 major projects and developments in 31 states.
The Solano360 site, which has served as the county fairgrounds since 1949, is adjacent to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and at the intersection of Interstate 80 and California State Highway 37.
In 2013, the county and city jointly approved a Solano360 Specific Plan to develop a longterm framework for redevelopment, which is also governed by a Development Agreement between the City and County, officials said.
JLL/IRG is currently working on a Hall of Fame Village and Hall of Fame Resort in Akron, Ohio for the NFL Hall of Fame. Once completed, the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls will be a mixed-use entertainment mecca, featuring a world- class hotel and conference center, water park, offices, play support, restaurants and shopping.
JLL/IRG is hoping for a similar experience at the Solano County Fairgrounds.
“Our vision for this amazing property is one of place,” the JLL/IRG said in its proposal. “A destination for those from near and far alike. A place with a unique character — a place of discovery, intrigue, inclusion, togetherness; vibrant with growth and evolution. Imagine urban farms, sustainable jobs, burgeoning households, a reinvigorated ‘Fair of the Future,’ creative and innovative retail… all leveraging the excitement generated by Six Flags, with thoughtful and innovative public facilities and a state-of-the art transportation hub. The development will be an engaged place that connects personally through art, nature and human connection.
“It will be our goal to ignite a new economic community upon the 149 acres of the former fair grounds,” the developer continued on its proposal. “Solano360 will be a place of human connection. A place the residents of Vallejo and Solano County can be proud to call their own.”
The proposal by JLL/ IRG lists its vision as one anchored by a pedestrian-centric main street, with the village-like atmosphere reflecting its agriculture on the Bay heritage.
The main street is envisioned to be flanked on the west end by Six Flags and at the east end by a town square. On the developer website, the outline for the new vision also includes a town square that includes an outdoor performing arts center.
There is also visions for a transit hub and a future ‘Fair Colonnade’ lined with rides and attractions.
The envisioned tenancy at Solano360 features an outdoor active area with a climbing wall, an entertainment arcade and bowl--ing alley, a movie theater, an original pizza parlor, a mega interactive sports bar, an original barbecue and brewery, a food communal and a house cafe to name a few. Also envisioned is a hotel carrying 250 rooms, a mid field event lawn, as well as a central water feature and a bridge that connects Six Flags to Solano360.
“Imagine an avenue that extends eastward from Six Flags carrying the same aesthetic vernacular from the entry of Six Flags to the Town Square in Solano360,” a statement reads on JLL/ IRG’s proposal. “Imagine a dynamic pedestrian bridge spa nning Fa irg round s Drive, plazas on both sides dotted with kiosks, characters, and service hosts ready to assist visitors. Imagine the avenue extending toward the Town Square anchored by an iconic hotel on the east end — Discovery Way. Guests and Solano360 residents alike meander the walks between fun and active venues that work because they are proven, because they complement the activity of Six Flags.”
The site would create a lot of business and with it, many employment opportunities.
“Jobs, jobs, jobs…” as the saying goes. And we want new jobs on this site, better opportunities and better paying jobs that elevate the desire to live, work and play at Solano360,” a statement read on JLL/ IRG’s proposal. “A master-plan with thoughtful planning and innovative amenities makes Solano360 a viable corporate destination and bay area alternative.”
In its proposal, JLL/ IRG sees its role as being more integral to the Solano County Fair’s planning and development than just a contributing neighbor.
“In fact, our discussions with Fair executives have been fruitful and revealing,” JLL/IRG says in the proposal.” We believe that the history and heritage of the Fair can be a tremendous attribute to our overall plan. We desire to leverage the best components of the Fair and what it represents in our planning, design, architecture and function. We will endeavor to incorporate the heritage of the Solano County Fair within the character and DNA of our development plan.”
Although the ideas and the project may seem exciting, don’t hold your breath on the project being completed anytime soon. In the proposal, JLL/IRG foresees the project taking anywhere from 72 to 96 months (six to eight years) to complete due to contract negotiations, design and entitlements, construction and stabilization.
To see the proposal visit https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=33486.