Rancho Cordova City Council members directed staff to continue with plans to purchase the properties and develop a more formal design for the center. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The city of Rancho Cordova is moving forward with plans to transform two International Drive properties into a community center focused on arts, education, events and other community uses.

The city has signed a letter of intent to purchase properties at 10845 and 10875 International Drive for the proposed Rancho Cordova Center for Arts, Lifelong Learning & Innovation.

During an Aug. 25 work session, the Rancho Cordova City Council reviewed the project's vision and progress and heard feedback from community members and project partners. Council members directed staff to continue with plans to purchase the properties and develop a more formal design for the center.

The proposed site includes approximately 154,000 square feet of building space on 15 acres, including about six acres of green space and nearly 1,000 parking spaces.

Potential indoor uses identified by the city include a library, a 299-seat black box theater, a 500-seat event or banquet hall, a maker space, an art gallery and workshop areas, historical archives and office, meeting and co-working spaces.

Outdoor concepts include an event plaza, amphitheater and performance space, areas for markets, fairs and festivals, public art installations, food trucks, outdoor classrooms and additional gathering spaces.

The city has been exploring the development of a community and civic center for several years. Community outreach on previous concepts included informational meetings in 2021 and a design charrette in 2023.

The International Drive properties were previously occupied by VSP Vision. The city is considering renovating the existing buildings rather than constructing an entirely new facility.

City officials have not finalized the design, and the uses presented for the property remain concepts as the planning process continues.

A recording of the Aug. 25 City Council work session and additional information about the project are available through the city of Rancho Cordova's website https://www.cityofranchocordova.org/.