This 25-acre development creates a totally new community in eastern Walnut Creek, immediately adjacent to the Shadelands Business Park. 

With senior housing, and 200,000 SF of shops and restaurants anchored by a flagship Safeway grocery store, Steinmart, Petco and Crunch fitness, The Orchards provides much needed amenities in an appropriately scaled, pedestrian-friendly shopping environment.

The masterplan and architecture were created with extensive community input and city dialogue that took place over nearly two years. The resulting design weaves buildings in and around existing mature oak and walnut trees, with winding roads and multiple outdoor spaces for gathering and dining. The architecture is “modern agrarian,” a contemporary interpretation of forms highlighting the area’s farming history. 

Roof deck parking reduces the presence of cars at grade, and solar panels help to offset the energy footprint of the complex. A quarter of the site is dedicated to outdoor green spaces, including all-abilities kids’ play areas and a splash pad.