Developer Turns To Mini Malls

Developer Turns To Mini Malls
By RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN/Times-Herald staff writer
Article Launched: 04/24/2008



Morton Field on Mare Island in Vallejo, used by North Hills School for its football program and baseball practice, could become the site of a mini-mall if plans by local developer Robert Litwin and his business partners come to fruition. (Mike Jory/Times-Herald)

Despite being frustrated in their bid to bring the San Francisco Flower Mart to Mare Island, local developer Robert Litwin and his business partners have turned their attention to mini-malls.

Litwin and San Rafael-based Gabrielsen & Co. officials said they hope to build three shopping centers on and near Mare Island.

"We have always wanted to do something on Mare Island and when we couldn't get the Flower Mart idea off the ground, we started looking at something else," Litwin said Tuesday. "We thought, let's look at strip malls, because, really, that's what we do."

Gabrielsen & Co. real estate director Jim Owen said the group has been "trying to get various things going on Mare Island for a long time, but we've been thwarted at every turn. But we still want to do something on the island. The owner has a sentimental attachment to Vallejo and Mare Island."

Dubbed the Mare Island Marketplace, the multi-million dollar flower mart project, proposed nearly two years ago, would have included an exhibition center, two former Naval ships and other businesses. "Challenges" regarding building readiness and zoning prevented the project from going forward, Lennar Mare Island spokesman Jason Keadjian said.

Litwin's group has had "very preliminary talks" with Lennar and Touro University officials to discuss development options, Owen said. The hope is to develop strip malls near the island's entrance at Wilson Avenue, and just inside, on the playing field at Railroad Avenue and Mare Island Causeway, on property now controlled by Lennar. They also hope to create another near Highway 37 on the island's north end in the area where Touro plans a university village, he said.

"We're really excited about what Touro is doing out there, and we feel they're the key to the island's development," he said. "They're really doing something and are not just delivering empty promises."

The firm's officials hope to coordinate their ideas with Touro's to develop cohesive plans "that will work with what they're doing," Owen said. "They have a wonderful overall plan. They've done a lot and have a lot coming."

Touro vice president Dick Hassel said he's familiar with the group's desire to help develop the island and looks forward to more productive talks.

"I think anything that brings improvement to the community is great," Hassel said. "I know they're a reputable firm and have done other malls, and we appreciate Robert's inquiring as to what the needs are and we'll continue to work with him."

Owen said his excitement is tempered by past experience with Lennar.

"In the old days, I'd be more optimistic, but at every turn, something keeps coming up," he said. "But we're very interested in doing this and would like to go forward."

Keadjian said the Flower Mart is water under the bridge and Lennar is eager to review any proposal Litwin and Gabrielsen & Co. submits.

"We have had constructive preliminary discussions about their interest in Mare Island and its potential, but we've received no formal proposal," Keadjian said. "Lennar Mare island is motivated to locate new business to the island."

Morton Field, which is used by several sports teams, is in an area recently designated for commercial development, Keadjian said. The field will be relocated elsewhere, he added.

"We are speaking with a number of potential future users or investors about that area," he said.

• E-mail Rachel Raskin-Zrihen at RachelZ@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6824.