Changes are coming to Paso Robles with a new mixed-used development being built in the city.
Driving the 1800 block of Spring Street, you can’t miss the sign that reads, "Future Home of Paso Market Walk."
Shawna Roudebush can’t miss the new development, either.
"Our front door opens right up to all of the new construction," Roudebush pointed out. "At first, we weren’t too excited about it. We were really in love with the scenery that we had before and the wildlife that was here but it’s really nice to see the change that’s coming in."
Roudebush says she knew a project would go in when her family purchased the home about a year ago, but she didn’t realize construction would be this soon.
The plot of land, that’s more than 16,000 square feet, will have several businesses, mostly locally-owned.
A representative for the developer says so far, there will be an olive oil tasting room, a bakery, a chocolatier, a coffee shop, and short-stay one and two-bedroom suites.
Some of those businesses include:
- Montello Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Tasting Room
- Just Baked SLO
- Stafford’s Chocolates
- The Vreamery
- VRBO vacation rentals
A historic Victorian home at the site will remain. It was built in 1890 by one of the first elected trustees of the newly incorporated city. It’ll be preserved as a restaurant.
Other restaurants will go in, too.
"It’s been vacant for seven-plus years, I believe, when Hometown Nursery moved out and I have seen it slowly to start to look worse and worse but now, I’m excited. It’s going to get better and have new development and have more places for Paso to go to," said Trey Robinson, owner of the nearby Nology Computers.
From 1980 to 2008, the site was a nursery but nothing much after that.
The vacant lot will soon be vibrant again, filled with locals and tourists alike.
"I think it can help our business and other businesses," Robinson added.
But with any new development, there are some concerns.
"We are a little bit concerned about how the traffic is going to take place along this alleyway. All of the cars and people, foot traffic, and how it’s going to add to the neighborhood," Roudebush said.
Other neighbors who did not want to go on camera said they were concerned with parking and the potential noise.
The project is expected to be completed by next summer.
A groundbreaking ceremony is set for September 4.
