Sacramento Capitol Area Specific Plan

Dyett & Bhatia was retained by the State of California to prepare a plan for the 42-block Capitol Area, which is anchored by the State Capitol Building and Capitol Park. Numerous surface parking lots and other underutilized sites provided development opportunities for both residential and commercial uses. The Plan has facilitated the Capitol Area’s transformation into a vital mixed-use center that is pedestrian-oriented and integrated with the surrounding neighborhoods. The Plan provides for the addition of 3.2 million square feet of office space, 725 housing units, and 90,000 square feet of support commercial space on underutilized sites, increasing development in the area by about 75 percent.

About 75 percent of the development program—2.5 million square feet of office space, more than 800 homes, and significant amount of commercial space—has already been constructed. The East End Complex, with more than 1.5 million square feet of space housing 6,500 employees, is complete, making this the largest civic building construction project ever in California. Buildings are arranged around a new street/court at the terminus of Capitol Avenue, framing views of the dome of the State Capitol building. Parking structures are tucked away from major streets, and along L Street are lined with active uses. All development, including building massing and the development program, is fully consistent with the Plan/Guidelines.