Travel down West Grand Avenue. In the last few years, what’s changed? Hmmm…

Those who have lived here a long time will remember the trash-strewn area down by the railroad tracks on the south side of Grand Avenue. Today, it’s the City’s signature Train Station that transports 26,000 visitors and residents each year along the Central Coast. It’s hard to picture that old, overgrown vacant lot, isn’t it?

With the Train Station came Grand Junction – a matching motif to the Train Station that houses a restaurant and commercial office spaces.

Last year, Beach Place opened – our first significant mixed-use project – with multiple eateries, retailers, and service providers on the lower level, and apartments and vacation rentals on the top level.

In the central business district, marked most dramatically by the new landscaped median and inlaid brick crossings at Ninth & Tenth Streets, it’s easy to forget that The Promenade itself is not that old. In this one block-area alone, the eating options are exceptional – Hawaiian, Chinese, Thai, and English (as in fish & chips!), with multiple opportunities for Mexican, sushi, pizza, and fresh grilled burgers within mere blocks. Shopping and services are just as diverse, especially with Ramona Square just behind the Post Office.

With new traffic signals installed at Tenth & Eleventh Streets, upgraded signals at Eighth & Ninth Streets, brick inlaid crosswalks at Ninth & Tenth Streets, and many new pedestrian amenities (benches, light poles, and trash receptacles), a “visual identity” is emerging as our demonstration project radiates the possibilities for the downtown area.

Take part in it – visit YOUR downtown to shop and dine locally. It’s the strength of our local businesses that helps attract more businesses and new investments into our City!

RETAIL POTENTIAL IN OUR TRADE AREA =
$855 MILLION

Supporting our local businesses, as well as positioning Grover Beach for new business attraction and new investment, the City Council approved the Buxton Community ID Project in 2004. Analyzing in depth our market trade area, retail demographics, purchasing potential, and demand, this study provides yet another tool towards revitalizing West Grand Avenue. Final study results, presented to Council on April 4, 2005, are available at City Hall.