Lighting the Lights
Photo courtesy of Sandy Martinez, Emerald Gate Studios
After three years of construction and disruption, the building formerly known as the Knudsen Building was renamed Marketplace Shops, complete with a lighting ceremony last Thursday.
Following a champagne toast, Craig Semmelmeyer of Main Street Property Services led a countdown from 10, ending with light emerging from the hand-crafted fixtures for the first time.
Local contractors Bonetti Plumbing, Air Synergy, Golden Wire Electric JP Silva Construction, Arrow Signs, and Torres Hardscape, along with Architect Studio, the building architect, The Chamber of Commerce, and members of the public were on hand to see the finishing touches completed.
“On behalf of the [owners] Castro Valley Investment Group, we are truly grateful for the craftsmanship and resilience of our design and construction partners in overcoming the challenges of such a complex project,” Semmelmeyer said.
The Marketplace Shop section, adjacent to the Castro Valley Marketplace building, includes Knudsen’s Ice Creamery, Unincorporated Clothiers, State Farm, RE/MAX Accord, and CycleBar.
Semmelmeyer said the Castro Valley Investment Group, which owns the property, is looking forward to signing leases with additional restaurants and other merchants later this year to bring more vitality to the dining scene in Downtown Castro Valley.
“Projects such as the Marketplace Shops help create the place that makes a downtown special,” Semmelmeyer said.