Placer green-lights study for Tahoe City firehouse properties redevelopment

December 04, 2018

The Placer County Board of Supervisors today approved a feasibility study to evaluate two redevelopment proposals and other possible uses for the Tahoe City firehouse properties in Tahoe City.

The approval allows the county’s director of public works and facilities to execute a consultant agreement in the amount of $105,000 with the Chicago-based Hunden Strategic Partners to conduct the study.

Two proposed concepts to redevelop the properties on Commons Beach would be evaluated through the study, but the study may also determine other uses for the property not yet considered. 

The county-owned Tahoe City firehouse properties include three buildings: the former North Tahoe Fire Station 51, Tahoe Community Center building and the former visitor center building. Located in the heart of Tahoe City, the lakeside property offers access to outstanding recreation and proximity to the Tahoe City town center, transit hubs, bike trails, ski resorts, marinas and residential communities.

Placer began working with stakeholders in April 2017 through a series of community workshops to seek feedback and input on the best use for the site. The community’s vision for the properties was shared as part of a request for information solicitation to invite proposals, resulting in four submissions. Those four proposals were reviewed by a review committee comprised of four county staff and four community members, with two finalists selected as being most in line with the community’s vision for further study.

The first proposal, The Commonwell, features a market hall concept similar to the Ferry Building in San Francisco, coupled with community amenities like an outdoor pool and waterfront amphitheater. It would also include seasonal lakeside retail opportunities, a plaza deck and a ground- level parking underneath the project site.

The second proposal, Siren Arts at Tahoe City, features flexible-use performance space that could accommodate up to 250 people combined with retail and exhibition galleries, artist studios and multi-use classrooms. It would also include a rooftop deck, kitchen, office space for local cultural non-profit organizations and workforce housing.

“Although the Commonwell and Siren Arts concepts are exciting to imagine,” said Placer County senior project manager Suzy Vose. “It is still unclear if either proposal is feasible. The feasibility study will help ensure that potential concepts for the properties aren’t being overlooked.”

The feasibility study is expected to take 10-12 weeks to complete with county staff reporting to the Board of Supervisor in the spring of next year.