Davis, Calif., latest city to join race to develop 'innovation hubs'

The City of Davis, Calif., has initiated environmental impact studies on two projects that, if approved, would add nearly 7 million sf of commercial space to this market.

The Sacramento Business Journal reports that the city expects to complete those studies by next summer, after which it could take another 18 to 24 months to annex the land needed for two “innovation centers” for local research and technology companies. 

The Business Journal reports that there are two proposals on the table:

• The Mace Ranch Innovation Center, submitted by The Buzz Oates Group of Companies, Ramco Enterprises and Barbara Bruner, would add office, research, retail and hotel space on 212 acres east of the city;

• The Davis Innovation Center, proposed by Hines, a real estate firm, and SKS Development, would place as much as 4 million sf of office space on 208 acres northeast of the city.

A third proposal for as 200-acre project called Davis Ranch—by Capitol Corridor Ventures, AKT Investments, Panattoni Development, and land entitlement expert George Philips—has yet to submit drawings to the city.

The annexation requires a majority vote by the public, which over the past decade rejected two large residential subdivisions. The projects would also need approval by the city’s Council, Yolo County, and the Local Agency Formation Commission.