Circle Bank’s Demolition Plans for 999 Grant Ave. Snagged By Permitting Delays

A year ago, Novato’s completed the purchase of a building on the most prominent intersection in Old Town Novato with plans to move its headquarters there after knocking down the existing, long-vacant building and starting from stratch.

The bank purchased 999 Grant Ave., at the southeast corner of Grant Avenue and Redwood Boulevard, after the previous owner, Catlin Properties, declared bankruptcy. As previously reported, demolition was set to begin in March, but sources say it will be at least another month because of delays in permit process that are not entirely unexpected.

According to Steven Leonard, senior vice president and leasing agent with Cassidy Turley commercial real estate firm and a member of Circle Bank’s board of directors, the bank is in the process of finalizing architectural approvals and the process should be complete by the end of March.

Since the original building 999 Grant Ave was built in 1968, it has seen many occupants, including Great Western Savings, two law firms and software firm. The 9,000-square-foot, two-story structure has been empty since 1999.

When Circle Bank rebuilds the space, it will be expanded to 20,000 square feet and include retail and possibly restaurant space right off the sidewalk and the bank's corporate headquarters on the second story.

The current building is set back from the sidewalk. Part of the purchase deal included an agreement to use Catlin Properties’ architectural plans, which showed  an expansino of the building’s footprint out toward the street. Additional parking will be created in the space between the back side of the Novato Police Department and the McDonald’s/Mill’s Restaurant parking lot.

Circle Bank won't have to move too far; its corporate offices are located a few blocks east on Grant Avenue. To comply with local zoning requirements, the bank will open a small branch on the ground floor, occupying only 2,499 square feet – just less than 25 percent of the ground floor space.   The branch will be on the southwest corner of the building, facing McDonald's and Redwood Boulevard.

The remaining 7,501 square feet is designated for retail use. Although Leonard reports there are no prospective tenants yet, Chipotle Mexican Grill expressed an interest at one time.  Unfortunately, the timing didn’t work out. 

However, burrito aficionados fear not. Chipotle is rumored to be moving into the former Starbucks building at 880 De Long Ave., only about 100 yards south of the new bank building. Representatives from Retail West, the building’s leasing agent, have been unavailable to confirm the latest development, but we will keep working on it. 

BUSINESS SHORTS

Stress Less at a Buck Institute Community Seminar

Novato’s is offering a community seminar on March 26 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at its Novato campus.  The next seminar is “Stress Less: What Scientists Have Discovered About the Deep Connection Between Stress, Aging and Health (And What You Can Do About It).”

Presenters are Thea Singer, author of wellness book, “Stress Less” and Buck Institute researcher Gordon Lithgow.  Preregistration is required, and a $10 donation is suggested at the door.  Call 415-209-2030 or e-mail specialevents@buckinstitute.org for more information.

Novato Youth Center Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Tickets are still available for the s 35th Anniversary Luncheon on March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Program speakers include: "Mistress of Ceremonies," ABC7 News anchor Cheryl Jennings; the keynote speaker, Marin County Superintendent of Schools Mary Jane Burke; NYC Board of Directors President Charlotte Shell; Past Board President Steve Rempe; and Executive Director Cheryl Paddack.

The luncheon will be at the Novato Youth Center at 680 Wilson Ave. Tickets are  $35. For more information, call 415-892-1643, ext 250.