Downtown river developments floated

The Petaluma Planning Commission on Tuesday voted to advance two projects seeking to make a splash in the area around the Petaluma River turning basin, proposals that together stand to bring new recreation and dining to the core of the city’s downtown.

The two projects - a floating small boat rental facility in the basin itself and a river-facing craft beer and barbecue restaurant on Water Street - are the latest example of a movement toward development that leverages the river as a key element.

“Having two river-oriented projects in one planning meeting really shows the city’s commitment that we need to bring life back to the river,” said Mary Dooley, principal at Petaluma’s MAD Architecture and architect for both projects.

Long championed by Petaluma’s rowing community, the Floating Small Craft Rental Center would allow residents and visitors to rent human-powered boats directly from the downtown turning basin. The facility would be built on an extension of the city’s current dock, and includes construction of a new bathroom and shower facility at the adjacent Cavanaugh Landing Park.

The facility would include a small rental office along with racks to store kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, row boats and other craft for rent. A ramp connecting the park to the city’s existing dock would also be upgraded to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The high-profile location would make it easier and more attractive for casual rowers to access the river, which Petaluma Small Craft Center Executive Director Greg Sabourin referred to as the city’s “largest, longest park.”

“What it’s been lacking for so many years is access,” said Sabourin, whose nonprofit organization has been a central force in the project as well as the annual Day on the River event.

A purpose-built rental center would lower the barrier for casual users and help infuse new activity into the downtown economy, he said.

“A family could pick up a boxed lunch, go out on the water, eat on the water or come back to downtown,” Sabourin said.

Sabourin cited the hundreds of people that have taken part in the annual Day on the River event as an example of the demand for a rental center. The event, whose ninth edition will be held at the downtown turning basin from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 7, allows attendees to try a variety of human-powered watercraft on the Petaluma River.

With some recommendations, including lighting and the planned restroom, the planning commission voted unanimously to approve the project and send it to the City Council. Several benchmarks remain before an anticipated soft opening in either 2016 or 2017, including modifications to the city’s lease for the dock site with the state and a campaign to raise the $500,000 to $750,000 Sabourin estimated to build the facility.

“It’s the right project at just the right place,” said Gina Benedetti-Petnic, a planning commissioner.

Also approved by the planning commission was a proposal to construct a half-acre, open-air restaurant facing the Petaluma River on Water Street North. Called Brewsters Garden, a nod to the Oakhill Brewster District that includes the nearby Penry Park, it would feature a rooftop garden and a staircase leading down to the courtyard-style space on Water Street below Petaluma Boulevard North.

“You’ll be able to look through the glass to see the trees of Penry Park. People on Petaluma Boulevard will be able to look down and see the restaurant,” said Dooley, the architect.

The below-grade approach would allow unobstructed views of historic grain tower across the river. The restaurant will also incorporate two historic walls dating back to the late 1800’s, with a main Water Street entrance facing the river.

The site will feature a bocce ball court, a fire pit, a forest canopy and a rotating selection of on-site food trucks, according to project plans.

“Our vision is a fun, safe, outdoor dining experience the whole family can enjoy,” said Mike Goebel, the project developer.

Approximately 30 full-time and up to 20 part-time employees are expected to work at the location, which could be complete within 12 to 15 months, he said.

While critical of potential traffic and parking impacts, planners universally lauded the project for furthering broader plans to encourage river-oriented development on Water Street and beyond. The project plan includes a dedication of space for future street and pedestrian walkway improvements along Water Street.

“I think it will set a precedent for the river, and how we can activate the river,” said Jocelyn Lin, commission chair.

(Contact Eric Gneckow at eric.gneckow@arguscouri er.com.)