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City Of Suisun
Revitalization Through Redevelopment

 

The City was established in the 1850’s during the California gold Rush as a trading route between the foothills of the
Sierra Nevada and the San Francisco Bay Area. The town continued to prosper with the introduction of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, linking Suisun City to the East Coast. The city remained the bustling hub of agricultural
Solano County until Interstate 80 opened in the 1960’s, effectively switching commercial traffic away from the railroad
and the waterfront area, and into nearby Fairfield

 

    
The challenge in the early 70’s and throughout the 80’s was how to revitalize Suisun? The onetime housing developer fees were funding a substantial portion of City services, but the property tax collected from this new housing, once completed, did not fully fund additional City services. Added to this, was lagging commercial development and increased public safety costs due to crime in deteriorating
neighborhoods. Something had to be done.

A plan was brought forth in the early 90’s to renovate and revitalize the Old Town Waterfront which would the create increased property tax revenues and increased sales tax revenues, as well as offering an attractive place for both residents and tourists to visit.
   

A View of the new promenade
by the waterfront in the City of Suisun.

The focus was on the unique waterfront amenity - the channel has been deepened to allow boating excursions from San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento Delta. A community advisory committee was established, and met
for thirteen months before coming up with a revitalization plan. This included setting up a City-wide Redevelopment District to assist businesses and property owners to get tax breaks for redevelopment of the old downtown and marina area. It was also decided that there was a need to uproot substandard housing and remove old industrial uses when residential use may be a better venue for development. The new City Hall, built in 1989 started the redevelopment effort.

It took a number of years and major investment dollars but in the end Suisun City now has a lovely waterfront with public spaces and public access. The City can claim that it is a pedestrian-oriented, small-town City with the charm of yesteryear. The creation of the Harbor Plaza focuses on community activities and special events. The construction of the new public waterfront promenade and 150 berth state of the art marina was also a valuable boost to the City. The City not only can claim its historic roots but also a new Main Street shopping area. In addition, the older and newer residential neighborhoods are both attractive and affordable, and considered an ideal place to raise a family.

It could be said that Suisun City is recreating itself as a prosperous waterfront
community from a more relaxed time. Buildings along Main Street have been remodeled to reflect the hometown charm of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Suisun City is destined to become a thriving destination for business gatherings, family day-trips, and people looking for a singular and relaxing waterfront atmosphere.
 
     
       
*Based on statistics from Bay Area Real Estate Information Services MLS (BAREIS)