Paul Martin's, Lyfe Kitchen, Jared Coming to Mountain View

Castro Street could get some competition with the new restaurants, retailers and public amenities coming to The Village at San Antonio Center.

On Wednesday developer Merlone Geier Partners announced new stores for their Phase I project including Jared Jewelers, Lyfe Kitchen, Sleep Number and Paul Martin's American Bistro. This brings to nine the number of confirmed retailers for the project.

There's also news from the 330-unit apartment building, Carmel The Village. Its first tenant moves in on Friday, Mar. 1. Rents vary from about $2190 for a studio to upward of $4375 for a large two-bedroom. There will be no affordable units on-site. Instead, Merlone Geier recently paid the city of Mountain View $2.7 million in below-market rate in lieu fees.

Some of the public amenities at the Village Park include a dog park—with a high-tech cleaning sprinkler system—public artwork, and open green space available for outdoor movies and music events. There're also plans for a child-friendly spray water feature.

Mike Grehl, vice president of Merlone Geier, wouldn't spill any additional names of retailers in order to not jinx current lease negotiations, but he did hint at a major seafood restaurant possibly moving in. They are also in discussions with "soft good" retailers, which could mean some clothiers and they also hope to get a frozen yogurt shop in as well.

For the coffee drinkers, he pointed out that there will be two Starbucks on site, a storefront and a smaller concessionaire inside the new Safeway. The . The full-size Starbucks might test out a new concept, which might include the serving of wine.

The total projected revenue the city of Mountain View could receive from Phase I is $1.2 million. Along with Phase II, the city could expect nearly $4 million a year in sales and hotel taxes. Approximately 3,500 jobs could be generated.

Former Mayor Pat Figueroa commented how it's "a dramatic change for the community," particularly for old-timers who remember the way things were.

Visiting from her new home in Eugene, OR, former resident Jan Aho remarked how she had mixed feelings when she last visited and saw a large gaping hole where the Sears used to be. She wondered what it would look like.

"It's beautiful," said the 70-year-old who lived in Mountain View from 1961 until 1969 then moved right across the border to Palo Alto. "It's kind of like making Mountain View a first class citizen of the Peninsula, and it deserves it."

What do you think about the new retailers? Who else would you like to see at the site? What do you think about the rents of the apartments? The public amenities? Tell us in comments!

Related stories:

• Council Postpones Decision on San Antonio Shopping Center Redevelopment Project
• Vote on San Antonio Shopping Center Development Today
• Council Approves San Antonio Shopping Center Project and Adopts 2011-12 Budget
• A New $180M Facelift for the Old San Antonio Center
• Groundbreaking Kicks Off Development of The Village at San Antonio Center
• Photo of the Day: The Sun Also Rises
• 5 Retailers Lease in The Village at San Antonio Center
• New Safeway at San Antonio Shopping Center Hiring

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