Revamping of downtown mall proceeds slowly

The renovation of the former Napa Town Center continues, with the installation of new common area improvements and the demolition of one section of retail space within the old mall.

Last week, workers cleaned out a now-empty lot following the demolition of the Williamson & Co. mens clothing store.

Passing by on a break from her downtown Napa retail job, longtime Napan Natalie Swartz gazed at the vacant space.So far so good, Swartz said of the construction. I just wish it were done to get on to the next chapter.

That next chapter is already being written. One look around the First Street mall shows signs of revitalization such as new outdoor lamps, walkways and stone and metal benches, some still under wraps.

The mall's '90s-style peach/pink paint scheme has been mostly replaced with earth tones in taupe and sage. New awnings and window flower boxes have been installed in some areas. Sections of walkway remain closed off, but the fencing at the entrance between Eiko's restaurant and the Napa Valley Toy Co. has been removed.

So far I think its all looking really good. Im encouraged, said Renee Fannin, owner of the mall's Napa Valley Toy Co. They cant get it done quick enough for me.

Fannin said she plans to remain as a tenant in the mall, whether in her current corner location on First Street or another space inside the project, now referred to as Napa Center. Im doing everything I can to hang in there until its all done and looks as beautiful as I believe its going to look, she said.

In addition to the other improvements, Im excited to see the hotel go up quickly, said Fannin. Its going to be good.

Developer ToddZapolski and partners bought the beleaguered Town Center in May 2012 from George Altamura, the Doctors Co. and partners. He renamed it Shops at Napa Center and began working to find a hotel partner and retail tenants.

Zapolski has been courting high-end, national retailers, as well as local merchants, that would bolster downtown as a place to shop, not just eat and sip wine. The majority of those tenants will not move in until construction of a planned five-story Archer hotel has progressed, Zapolski has said.

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Revamping of downtown mall proceeds slowly