On the northern edge of Sacramento’s downtown core, the River District is undergoing a dramatic transformation into an exciting and innovative mixed-use community. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the nonprofit business association also known as the River District manages a property and business improvement district (PBID) that guides and promotes this unique 830-acre area that represents one of Sacramento’s biggest infill development opportunities.
Bounded by both the American and Sacramento Rivers on the north and west, respectively, the River District abuts the downtown grid to the south and east and is home to legacy businesses such as Blue Diamond Growers as well as relative newcomers like the California Lottery headquarters. Historically, the area was a warehouse and distribution center, but now underutilized land holds unmatched development potential. Envisioning a revitalization decades ago, property owners formed the Richards Boulevard Redevelopment Area, predecessor of the River District PBID.
We’re working to ensure that our transformation continues to make the River District the best place to live, work, and enjoy life. — Devin Strecker, Executive Director
Established in 1999 as the Capitol Station District and rebranded in 2006, today’s River District is working toward becoming a vibrant, mixed-use urban community with an eclectic mix of residential and commercial land uses topped off with riverfront views, parks, plazas, and open space.
“Last spring, we launched our strategic plan and have identified our Riverfront, Innovation District, and Growers District as project areas,” says Devin Strecker, executive director.
The Riverfront runs along both rivers and includes several exciting developments. Opened in 2021 along the Sacramento River, the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) is a regional destination attraction. Adjacent to MOSAC, the Hanami Line cherry blossom park will open later this year. Along Bercut Drive and the American River, the proposed mixed-use project American River One will create 825 residential units and commercial opportunities taking advantage of river views. Further east, the City of Sacramento is planning a bridge across the American River, linking the River District to Truxel Road and acting as a catalyst for future development.
The Innovation District is anchored by the 1.25 million-square-foot May Lee State Office Complex at Richards Boulevard and 7th Street, which was extended in 2004 as a critical link to the downtown grid. Nearby, the multi-phase Township 9 project continues construction with 372 new market-rate residential units rising near the low-income units of Cannery Place that have been in place since 2015. Also planned is the Alchemist Public Market, an incubator for farm-to-fork food entrepreneurs, to stand next to the new River District Park, which opened in 2022.
The Growers District on North 16th Street adjacent to Midtown is planned as a mixed-use cultural and residential neighborhood. This private adaptive-reuse development will rehab three historic brick buildings, including the old produce terminal, and add new buildings to provide more than 500 market-rate residential units as well as commercial and cultural opportunities.
The River District’s residential rebirth also includes Track 281 Apartments, a renovated hotel with 281 new market-rate units, opened in 2023, and the beautifully designed Mirasol Village (formerly Twin Rivers housing project) currently under construction to add market-rate units to recently completed low-income units. “Today, the River District has 748 residential units among four housing complexes, with three of those offering low-income housing, and proposed projects will add 3,474 more residences,” Strecker says.
The 501c3 foundation Capitol Station Associates was created in 1998 to promote, develop, encourage and maintain education, employment, commerce, and economic development in the River District. Through grants, sponsorship, and fundraising events, this charitable arm offers flexibility beyond PBID funds to improve the area.
“The River District is the region’s best infill growth opportunity,” Strecker says. “Residents and businesses have immediate access to not only the downtown core but also to the rivers and nature, and can look forward to many amenities and developments still to come. We’re working to ensure that our transformation continues to make the River District the best place to live, work, and enjoy life.”
