The Market the Neighborhood has been Hoping For

Residents of the Sun Valley Neighborhood in western San Rafael have been hoping the long-empty neighborhood market will be reopened with the kinds of fresh and prepared foods that would make it a convenient neighborhood hub.

Neighbors say Sun Valley Market has a long history in the tight-knit community and had been a popular local grocer until a new owner bought it several years ago and stopped carrying the types of fresh products residents needed, making it more of a liquor and cigarette store.

Word is out that the building sold earlier this month and the new owner is Andy Bachich, owner of Andy's Local Market on Point San Pedro Road in the Loch Lomond area.

Bachich is in the midst of putting together financing and renovation plans, and said he is too buried in paper work to talk about the new market. Once all of the plans and permits are secured, he wants to let the community know what to expect.

Meanwhile, Nick Egide, a broker with Meridian Commercial Real Estate in San Rafael, said his client's plans for upgrading the market are exciting.

"It needs a good overhaul in terms of structure," Egide said of the 3,800-square-foot space. "It's going to be a big upgrade for the community and they have been itching for something better than a glorified liquor store."

The market, at 2202 Fifth Ave. at California Avenue, was at one time a neighborhood treasure where kids could go for ice cream when they were young or get jobs when they were older, said Linda Gridley a 19-year-resident and real estate agent with Frank Howard Allen Realtors. 

"Everyone is hoping for a vibrant place  with fresh produce," Gridley said, adding that coffee or espresso service would be nice. "It's good to have a wine and beer selection but it's good to focus on the groceries - the neighborhood is ready to support it."

Gridley said it is good for a neighborhood to have a lively, healthy market because it sets a tone.

"It's in the heart of Sun Valley and those businesses (along Fifth and California avenues) have an impact on the neighborhood," Gridley said.

Resident Diane Pollock, who lives across the street from the market, said neighbors hope to see the market return to its past glory.

"It's got to offer a baguette and a fresh head of lettuce or broccoli," Pollock said. "People understand now that if they want a market, they have to support it."

 Raffi Boloyan, the city's principal planner, said an upgraded market would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

"We don't like to see vacant buildings," Boloyan said.