ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - At its June 25 meeting, the Elk Grove City Council approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement with El Segundo-based CenterCal Properties for development of Project Elevate. This project is set to be a 220,000-square-foot mixed-use district in the heart of Elk Grove.

The agreement marks a major milestone in advancing the city’s longstanding vision for the project, first conceptualized in 2020 as an elevated, modern, vibrant, walkable neighborhood blending new-to-market retail, entertainment and hospitality with dynamic public spaces. The 17-acre development will transform a vacant city-owned site adjacent to District56 into a regional live, work and play destination.

The development will initially feature a four-story upscale hotel and 100,000 square feet-plus of elevated retail, dining and entertainment. An additional 10,000 square feet of flexible second-floor space could accommodate retail, office or residential uses.

Long-term goals include a residential component that could include urban lofts or apartments. At the heart of the project will be a half-acre “village lawn,” serving as a central public gathering space and a curated streetscape experience coupled with modern elevated architecture.

To further activate the district, the project will include year-round programming and special events to foster vibrancy and create a true sense of place.

This rendering shows an aerial view of the Project Elevate development, a 220,000-square-foot mixed-use district at Elk Grove and Big Horn boulevards. 

The project’s progression reflects an innovative non-traditional approach by the City of Elk Grove. Rather than a standard request for proposals process typically employed by cities looking to redevelop land, the city invested upfront in design, market analysis and financial modeling to clearly define and articulate the community’s vision.

This approach enabled the city to solicit development partners that had the experience and financial relationships to execute the project. The end result was strong national developer interest, culminating in a competitive selection process that ultimately led to CenterCal’s selection in 2024.

“Our residents deserve a vibrant place to shop, dine and gather,” said Councilman Darren Suen, the city council’s Project Elevate Subcommittee co-chair.

“What CenterCal is bringing is truly unique, something our city and the entire region needs.” Said Councilman Sergio Robles, who also co-chairs the subcommittee, echoing that enthusiasm. “CenterCal shares our bold vision for what this space can become. We need fresh experiences, new restaurants, more diversity in our businesses and something that truly sets us apart. This project brings that opportunity.”

With the agreement now in place, CenterCal will pursue project entitlements and permits over the next 18 months. Construction could commence as early as mid-2027, with first openings beginning as soon as 2029.