The Urban Land Institute (ULI) San Francisco Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) recently collaborated with the City of Vacaville to provide actionable insights and recommendations for revitalizing Downtown Vacaville. Held in August 2024, the panel brought together experts in real estate, urban planning, and economic development to address the challenges and opportunities facing this historic downtown area.
A Historic Core with Modern Potential
Downtown Vacaville is celebrated for its walkable streets, historic charm, and lively community events. However, challenges such as aging infrastructure, unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings, and limited housing diversity have hindered its full potential. The TAP focused on strategies to preserve the area’s unique character while fostering economic growth and vibrancy.
Key Recommendations
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Historic Preservation and Safety
- Implement cost-sharing initiatives for URM building retrofits to enhance safety and maintain historic character.
- Leverage incentives like the Mills Act and federal tax credits to ease the financial burden on property owners.
- Establish a “historic preservation ambassador” to guide stakeholders through regulatory processes.
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Placemaking and Streetscape Enhancements
- Concentrate investments in the historic core along Main Street and Merchant Street.
- Improve pedestrian experiences with tree planting, enhanced lighting, and public art installations.
- Transform the Town Square and Merchant Street into vibrant community hubs with pop-up events and permanent infrastructure.
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Housing Solutions
- Promote housing projects like 700 PARC to demonstrate the feasibility of downtown investments.
- Encourage townhome developments on larger parcels outside the historic core while maintaining the district’s character.
- Align downtown housing strategies with citywide goals to ensure balanced growth.
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Marketing and Vibrancy
- Boost funding for the Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District to expand programming and promotion.
- Develop a cohesive branding and wayfinding system to enhance the visitor experience.
- Launch a “Shop Local” campaign and host community-focused events to increase foot traffic.
Spotlight on Panel Expertise
One of the key contributors to the panel, Don Capobres of Harmonie Park Development, brought decades of real estate development expertise to the discussion. With extensive experience in transformative urban placemaking, Don’s insights were instrumental in crafting strategies to balance historic preservation with economic growth. His unique understanding of public-private partnerships and real estate investment fundamentals enriched the panel’s recommendations, ensuring they addressed both community needs and market realities.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Revitalizing Downtown Vacaville will require coordinated efforts among property owners, city officials, and community stakeholders. By prioritizing safety, enhancing public spaces, and fostering economic vitality, the city can transform its downtown into a thriving, sustainable destination.
For more insights and details, read the full TAP report at City of Vacaville Downtown Specific Plan.