Westrust takes control of Nut Tree

Westrust takes control of Nut Tree
By Reporter Staff
Posted: 07/14/2009

The Nut Tree development in Vacaville has officially been purchased by developer Westrust.

The company bought the development from Snell and Co., a shareholder in Nut Tree Associates, previous owners and master plan developers of the property.

With this purchase, Westrust now owns, or has options to purchase, approximately 36 acres remaining of the original 77-acre master planned project.

A renovation is already under way on a new design to attract more visitors to the shopping complex.

Construction of an amusement and entertainment venue now known as the Nut Tree Plaza started in June and will be completed in early August, according to a press release.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to complete the Nut Tree master planned development under one stewardship," said Ricardo Capretta, co-managing partner of Westrust. "Having one unified plan and vision will make the final master plan a great product."

Westrust developed the 30-acre, 333,000-square-foot Nut Tree Retail hybrid life-style/community center that encompasses the site of the legendary Nut Tree road stop

In conjunction with the purchase of the Nut Tree Family Park obligations, Westrust worked closely with its tenants and the city of Vacaville to relocate key elements of the Family Park, such as the Nut Tree Train, Carousel and Ice Cream Pavilion structure. They are being moved into the historic Hackberry tree area of the retail center. Other elements of the original Nut Tree may also be brought back.

"This iconic venue will be a one-of-a-kind experience for our retail patrons," said Michael Piazzola, senior general manager of Westrust. "In addition, we are planning a special events area, a conversion of the closed family park into a museum and events center, working closely with the city to have a major connection to their planned hotel and convention center site, and working with the county to re-establish a pilot-friendly connection to the Nut Tree Airport."