Massive Excavators Wreak Havoc on structures at a Well-Known Moraga Shopping Mall. Find the Reasons.
Moraga's Shopping Center Gets a Face-Lift
Ever wondered what the massive construction equipment tearing down old buildings in Moraga is all about? Let's break it down.
The Rheem Valley Shopping Center is giving its old strip of shops a facelift, trading them for a brand-new grocery store and two free-standing pads. This transformation, green-lit back in December 2023, seeks to revitalize one of Moraga's two main retail hubs while providing residents with a long-awaited alternative to Safeway.
What's being demolished?
In late May, demolition crews moved in to tear down an 11,167-square-foot wing between CVS and Dollar Tree. This wing had been largely vacant and sat mostly empty except for a Goodwill donation center. The project, part of a "partial redevelopment" approved by the Moraga Planning Commission, is the first significant step in this transformation.
The Future of Rheem Valley Shopping Center
The redevelopment also includes changes to the parking lot-removing 75 surplus spaces-and replaces 20 aging trees with 31 new plantings to soften the Moraga Road frontage. The developer behind this project is none other than U.S. Realty Partners, with renowned architects Lowney Architecture driving the designs.
Motivation Behind the Makeover
According to town staff, the aging center has had trouble keeping smaller bays filled, with the vacant strip becoming an eyesore. The revamp aims to:
- Increase foot traffic for existing tenants like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and the historic Rheem Theatre.
- Expand grocery options-Moraga currently has just one full-service supermarket (Safeway at Moraga Center).
- Advance the town’s economic vitality goals, particularly for Rheem Valley, where targeted reinvestment is prioritized.
Displaced Businesses
Two businesses, Moraga Jewelers and the Goodwill donation center, have relocated or closed due to the grocery store taking over their spaces.
Locals' Reactions
Online comments for the new grocery store are mixed. One Redditor commented, "Not mad about an alternative to the sad Safeway without having to drive to Lafayette," while another joked about the prospect of a pawn shop moving in beside Dollar Tree.
Cost-conscious shoppers welcome the lower-price option, but some locals worry the center may be overreliant on discount retail and fear increased truck traffic on Moraga Road.
What's Next?
Before construction can begin, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District must approve final plans. The ultimate vision is to breathe new life into Moraga's north-side shopping hub.
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The redevelopment plan for the Rheem Valley Shopping Center involves more than just a facelift, as it includes investing in new retail spaces, such as a brand-new grocery store and two free-standing pads, all part of a financial strategy led by U.S. Realty Partners. This move aims to diversify Moraga's retail options, particularly in real-estate sectors like grocery stores, to boost the town's economic vitality.
