Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for $88 Million Lumberyard Project in Davis
The Michaels Organization and its development partners have kicked off construction on a $88 million, amenity-rich, mixed-use community in downtown Davis, California. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Mayor Donna Neville and city officials, marks the start of the new project, branded "The Lumberyard," on the former site of Hibbert's Lumberyard and Hardware Store.
Mayor Neville expressed excitement about the project's potential to enhance downtown life. "The Lumberyard Project can ensure downtown Davis remains vibrant, economically strong, and sustainable for generations to come," she said. "By encouraging private investment, we can bring new residents, customers, and energy to the historic downtown while making efficient use of already developed land."
The five-story mid-rise will feature 239 apartments, along with a variety of high-end amenities and a dedicated public promenade along the railroad tracks. Five percent of the apartments will be reserved for households earning 50 percent or less of the Area Median Income. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, co-working space, clubhouse, pool, and spa, as well as a landscaped roof deck and sky-lounge on the fifth floor. Apartments will range from studios to four-bedrooms, with open layouts, high-end finishes, and energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
"Bringing this new housing and commercial space to this important site is an honor," said Michael (Mick) Flannagan, Michaels' Chief Investment Officer. "Our future residents will be within walking distance of all that downtown has to offer, and we are committed to creating a vibrant, sustainable community that will serve the Davis community for years to come."
The building's design pays homage to the site's lumberyard history, incorporating features such as a sawtooth roof, corrugated metal, wood-inspired siding, and rustic red accents. The development is also designed to achieve LEED certification, with additional sustainability features including energy-efficient HVAC systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, drought-tolerant or native landscaping, and smart technology controls in each apartment. Solar panels and a wraparound roof deck will also be installed.
The project is a collaboration between Michaels, Kyuden Urban Development America (KUDA), and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development (JOIN), with Brown Construction serving as the general contractor and BDE Architects handling the design. Michaels will manage the property and assets.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2028, with the development poised to bring new life to downtown Davis and contribute to the city's ongoing revitalization efforts.