Awards bid to SKK Developments/BlackPine Communities for mixed use, community project
The SMUD Board of Directors approved the SKK Developments and BlackPine Communities team as the developer for its 59th Street Reuse project, which will redevelop its 59th Street site into a multi-use, sustainable, transit-oriented, infill project that will help achieve SMUD’s ambitious carbon reduction goals by serving as an all-electric development.
The proposed project consists of 108 single-family homes, 770 multi-family homes, light-rail station relocation, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, community garden and event center, child-care facilities and a central parking garage. The project plan will continue to evolve after further technical studies and discussions with the community, SMUD and the city of Sacramento.
“We’re excited to work with SKK/BlackPine,” said SMUD Board President Nancy Bui-Thompson. “They really listened to the community’s needs and developed a top-notch proposal centered around public input, resulting in a proposal that embodies the spirit of SMUD and the needs of our region.”
“SKK/BlackPine delivers a wealth of community enhancements while furthering our goals of sustainable buildings and clean transportation,” said SMUD General Manager and CEO Paul Lau. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
SMUD’s 59th Street Reuse project was purchased from PG&E when the company took over providing electric service to the community in 1946. Since then, the community and the utility have grown exponentially and SMUD moved its field services to its new East Campus building off Bradshaw Road. Since then, it’s engaged in an extensive process to evaluate the property and decide future plans.
One of SMUD’s core values is to enhance the vitality of its community and, as part of the value, engaged local residents, community groups and city leaders in discussions about community needs and ideas for the redevelopment of the property.
SMUD began the selection process in September 2019 with a request for qualifications, followed by an invite for formal request for proposals by two highly qualified companies. After thorough review and evaluation, SMUD chose the SKK/BlackPine proposal.
While SMUD continues to complete remediation, SKK/BlackPine will start detailed project planning, environmental review and work with the city on final approvals. In addition, SKK Developments and BlackPine Communities plan a robust community engagement program, beginning with a virtual forum later this month open to neighbors and other interested community members.
The project will take an estimated 5-7 years, and SMUD will continue to be involved as agreed upon.
About SMUD
As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for almost 75 years to Sacramento County (and small adjoining portions of Placer and Yolo Counties). SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. SMUD’s energy is about 50 percent non-carbon emitting. For more information, visit smud.org.
