The 1st Quarter got off to a fast start with many property enhancement projects being wrapped up and others about to begin. We are working on our project pipeline calendar where the team works closely with our business partners to create a chart of projects, scopes, and timelines in an effort to ensure that construction activities are efficiently managed throughout the year. From small day jobs to much larger multi-year initiatives, our goal is always to right-size our property investments, so that we strike a healthy balance between facility maintenance, tenant-valued enhancements, and budget considerations.

Canyon Place Office Park – Landscaping

Last year, we initiated planning for a much-needed landscaping upgrade at the Canyon  Place  Office Park in  San Ramon and I’m happy to announce  we will begin  obtaining  bids for the work to commence next quarter. We have partnered with a well-respected landscape design firm on this project to accomplish three main goals.

Beautification- The current landscaping is dated and not uniform. Through the years, some plantings faired well, while others did not take and have thinned out significantly. The result is a mixture of plantings and ground covers which are a bit unsightly, and a maintenance burden. The updated plan will add a neutral stone-based ground cover with symmetrical planting layouts, that incorporates color and contrast that are pleasing to the eye. Additionally, the currently inoperable fountain at the main entry will be converted to a planter with the help of some weathered steel plating, and colored stucco. 

Water conservation- The new hardscape-based, irrigation-friendly design is a significant departure from our current water-thirsty mix of a fountain feature, turf, and non-water sensitive plantings. The proposed design will incorporate a mixture of stone, artificial turf, and desert-type vegetation which will completely change our watering needs from the current wasteful spray sprinklers to highly efficient drip irrigation.

Modernization- This facility last addressed landscaping in 2005 with a project that focused on plantings of the interior atriums and over the years, we have simply maintained the dated design of our exterior. By updating the exterior landscape design, we will create a more attractive environment for our current occupants, and greatly enhance the “curb appeal” for prospective tenants.