New Ralphs Store In Southwest San Clemente May Finally Become Reality
San Clemente Planning Commission Approves Design Modifications
Posted on November 18, 2011 by Matt.
Towards the end of September, our blog post "Revamped Ralph's Plans On Hold For Now" concerned the holdup of a planned renovation of the Ralphs store in Southwest San Clemente at 903 S. El Camino Real. There has been an ongoing effort over the past couple of years regarding the store, which is the only grocery store located west of Interstate 5 and is in desperate need of revamping and expansion. Quite simply, the store is located in a rundown parking lot, and the store in general is simply too small to support the large clientele in the Southwest area as well as nearby Southeast San Clemente and Central San Clemente. This past April, it appeared that the renovations would finally move forward, adding almost 9,000 square feet to the existing store and turning it into a Ralphs Fresh Fare. As discussed in our previous blog, the project hit a snag when the proposed bids came in 25% over the planned budget.
According to this article in the Orange County Register ("San Clemente panel OKs Ralphs design changes"), an agreement appears to have been reached that will bring the project within the budget limits. The San Clemente Planning Commission, at their Tuesday night meeting, unanimously approved the package of design modifications, paving the way for construction to begin by the end of December. There were a total of 12 design changes offered up for approval; everything from the type of dome installed at the top of the store to the murals along the side of the store and the type of tiles used on the sidewalk in front of the store were discussed and agreed upon by the Planning Commission and Kroger, the parent company of Ralphs. Now that the project appears to be within the desired budget, the plan is to close the store beginning Christmas Eve, with a grand re-opening hopefully occurring sometime in August 2012.
It cannot be overstated how important of a project this is for the surrounding neighborhoods that will have access to this store. The fact that residents west of the 5 have one grocery store must be an annoyance, and the bottom line is that this is a 48-year-old store that needs a facelift. Even the regional construction manager is excited about the project; according to his quote in the Register's article, he believes that this will become the premier Ralphs store in Southern California. Based on the drawings of the project, I would tend to agree - this will be a beautiful Spanish-style building that would make city founder Ole Hanson proud. We will keep you posted as more development arise, but take heart San Clemente - your new Ralphs Fresh Fare is closer to becoming a reality!