In response to new growth along the Richards Boulevard corridor, the City of Sacramento established the Richards Boulevard Redevelopment Area in 1990, and developed the Railyards Specific Plan and Richards Boulevard Area Plan, adopted in 1994. These plans created a blueprint for the ultimate development of 15 million square feet of office use, 6,500 housing units, and 500,000 square feet of retail, as well as the preservation of key historic buildings, and development of new parks and open space.

Located at the northern edge of the Downtown area, the River District is transitioning from an industrial district to a diverse, urban mixed-use district. The area has established a strong State of California office presence with over 3,000 state employees now working in the area. A hotel/restaurant district has emerged at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, and the district continues to attract service and distribution businesses that desire a downtown location at affordable rents.

The Economic Development Department is currently focusing its redevelopment efforts in this project area on improving infrastructure and connections to the Downtown and the redevelopment of the Township 9 and Continental Plaza sites, the Historic Jibboom Street Power Station, and the Railyards site.

Specific City Council approved policy objectives include:

• Complete linkages of the circulation system to the Central City
• Establish a mixed-use district (both Railyards and Richards Boulevard planning areas)
• Enhance the American and Sacramento River Corridors
• Preserve opportunities for industrial, service, and retail commercial businesses
• Create opportunities for new market rate housing

Links:

The River District website - contact Patty Kleinknecht

City of Sacramento - contact Rachel Hazlewood

The River District Aerial map(PDF) 3.44 MB