Business Journal: Aggie Square Developers, Davis Burger Patch, Colfax Rebranding

UC Davis Chooses Aggie Square Developers

UC Davis has selected two developers from Baltimore and Pennsylvania to build out the first phase of Aggie Square, the biotech hub and satellite campus the university is planning to build in Sacramento along Stockton Boulevard. The research and innovation campus is expected to be rented to both third-party tenants and university-run programs. The Sacramento Business Journal's Sonya Sorich says one of the next steps is setting the costs and proposals for potential partners at Aggie Square.

"Another important next step is for the development team to negotiate business terms with UC Davis and the University of California Board of Regents, which could happen in November 2020," says Sorich.

If the developers get approvals, the first phase of Aggie Square could break ground in 2021. The project's first phase will span more than eight acres and include 500,000-square-feet of science, technology and engineering facilities along with co-working space and housing units. Overall, Aggie Square will fill a total of 25 acres near the UC Davis Medical Center.

Burger Patch Opening Davis Location

Sacramento-based meat-alternative restaurant Burger Patch is expanding. Sorich says the eatery is coming to Davis.

"It's filling a spot previously occupied by Solomon's Delicatessen in the Davis Commons center,” says Sorich. “The restaurant is expected to open next year."

Burger Patch, which is known for plant-based burgers and other food free of meat, dairy or animal products, opened a Midtown Sacramento restaurant earlier this year. The company was founded by a former Sacramento Kings executive and his wife. They expect to open more locations in Northern California in the future.

Colfax Wants More Tourists

The city of Colfax in Placer County wants to pull in more out-of-towners. City council members have approved a new contract with a marketing company to re-brand and market the city to tourists as a hub for outdoor recreation. Sorich says the move comes in the midst of several new developments.

"Some of the projects include a Best Western hotel that's under construction, as well as a new commercial center with another hotel in the planning stages,” says Sorich. “Two new residential developments are also in the planning stages in Colfax, and an RV park is in the works, too."

The city council approved a two-year contract with marketing company Thumbler Agency and Solace Graphics for more than $12,000. The two firms are based in Grass Valley, and they've worked with other cities on branding and marketing, including Nevada City.