Leading up to the Sacramento Kings‘ second season at the venue, development surrounding the Golden 1 Center continues to take shape.
The Kings made their move into the Golden 1 Center last fall. As the Kings prepared to move into the arena, it was expected that the venue would not only stand out in several areas–particularly sustainability and technology–but also serve as a key piece in bringing development to the Downtown Commons section of Sacramento.
Some key plans when it comes to development are beginning to fall into place. A 250-room Kimpton hotel is on track to open next month, with some other amenities–including dining options and a Punch Bowl Social–also scheduled to open in the near future. Those offerings, combined with efforts to bring other options to the area, are making Sacramento officials hopeful that the Golden 1 Center and the Kings can help to provide activity to a section of downtown that has long been targeted for development. More from The Sacramento Bee:
Forty-five condominium units, perched in a distinctive glass box atop the hotel tower, will be ready for move-in by year’s end, including one with the astronomical asking price of $4 million. Kings officials have declined to say how many have sold since the units were put on the market this spring, but have indicated they are pleased with sales so far.
Retail stores will still play a significant role. Urban Outfitters recently announced it is moving its Arden Fair Mall store to DoCo. Macy’s opened a new entrance facing the arena. And the Kings are trying to lure more retailers, particularly clothing stores.
City officials, who had hoped the Kings partnership would build more than just an arena, say they are pleased with the team’s effort.
“It’s exciting to see the energy,” said Desmond Parrington, the city of Sacramento’s arena project manager, who was on site Friday looking it over. “It really is more than basketball. Each new piece increases the level of interest and activity.”
Aside from hosting the Kings, the Golden 1 Center has been used for numerous concerts and other events since its opening. The team’s first regular season game for its sophomore year at the arena is scheduled for October 18.
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