GRASS VALLEY is OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Inspired by the History and Culture of Grass Valley, Downtown Transformation has Begun with the Goal of Expressing an Authentic Identity.

By Robin Galvan-Davies, Executive Manager, Grass Valley Downtown Association

The pandemic’s mandatory closure brought about changes that were essential to the survival of business in Grass Valley.

In downtown, the Question was: What to put into effect that would allow the restaurants to stay open during the mandatory closure? The Answer: Close Mill Street.

In a bold and heroic move to retain economic stability, the Grass Valley City Council voted to make the Mill Street right of way, from Neal Street to West Main Street, a pedestrian zone.

And for the most part, the community loved it. Having a place to gather that was safe for children, the elderly, and mobility-challenged individuals that created a sense of community was highly appreciated.

With strong community input, and conducting unscientific and scientific studies, both of which produced similar results in favor of the pedestrian zone, the City Staff proposed to Council to permanently transform Mill Street into a pedestrian plaza — in an effort to support local businesses and community activities, while welcoming visitors to experience the heart of Grass Valley in a unique and historical setting.

And Council approved.

Essential underground infrastructure work was completed in 2022, and the transformational work is slated to begin in January.

Elevating the street to produce a uniform promenade allows for safer pedestrian passage, welcoming people of all ages and abilities, and the creation of a cobbled effect on the concrete, reminiscent of old-world cobblestones, will complement our gold rush architecture.

Permanent planters of indigenous rock and some of unique design that includes seating will be interspersed along Mill Street. Planted with shade, ornamental trees, flowers, and shrubs, the streetscape planters will be imbued with beauty and practicality.

Turn-of-the-century lamp posts, beautifully designed outdoor dining patios, public tables, and chairs along with overhead string lighting will add charm and ambiance to Mill. East and West Main Street will have design elements incorporated that complement those on Mill.

So, what about construction — is all of Mill Street closed at once? No. The City and the construction firm have devised a plan to work in sections. As each section is complete, the fence will move down and enclose the next section. Nifty, huh? So only the section being worked on is fenced.

Where does construction start?

At the junction of the T: Mill and West Main Streets. Fences go up on January 9th in the center of the street. Sidewalks are open as usual and we invite you to come down and peek through the fence when you walk your dog, buy a book, sip a latte, or are questing for that perfect gift.

Double shifts promise to move the schedule forward with a nod to completion in early summer, and you don’t want to miss watching the progress!

All stores and restaurants will be open, and access during construction will be, as usual, easy, and unencumbered.

A bit of dust, a bit of noise, some tall fencing, and a few months later, a glorious gathering place will emerge; a wonderful setting for events, an evening out, or just a stroll through downtown on a lovely day.

By Rachel Rogers, New Nevada County Resident

Moving to Grass Valley was one of my life’s most magical, synchronistic moments.

I grew up bopping around from place to place, from upstate New York to San Diego, until my family landed in a small Colorado town where my brother and I grew up. While my heartstrings still play for my hometown and my years spent in the southwest in Durango, something was telling me I needed to look further west almost as soon as I graduated college.

Needless to say, it took some time and patience to find this special spot nestled in the Sierra Foothills. Initially, I had no idea what I was looking for, but I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted it to be: a place where the seasons change, fruit trees grow, in the mountains, where there’s a strong community feel, and somewhere closer to the coast than the 16 hours I was accustomed to driving.

I came across the area after I stumbled upon the Hallmark Movie “The Christmas Card” one day while wrapping presents. I was instantly captivated as soon as there was a montage of the area, thinking, “THIS is my spot!”. And though my skeptical side argued, the feeling in my bones was undeniable.

As if the stars aligned, my parents moved to Grass Valley when my dad accepted a job offer within three months of my inner-knowing moment. And it was perfect for so many reasons!

It was honestly like coming home for us all. My parents started married life in Quincy, and our close family friends — who set my parents up have lived in Truckee for over 30 years. My brother and his family also lived in Truckee at the time, so I had to follow suit.

It took some time to find my footing in a new community. While I found solace in working in a real estate office and finding new connections, I found myself still longing for more.

I needed to do something that felt more impactful, and I wanted to build a community.

Like most of us, once COVID-19 hit, it forced me into a break I didn’t realize I needed. I took a step back from literally everything in my life at that time. From work I was doing, the relationships I had, and perhaps most importantly, from the person I had become.

It took a 145-mile backpacking trip on the Colorado trail and a month of road-tripping with an old friend to bring me back to my center.

When returning home that year, I took even more time examining what I wanted. At that point, I asked myself, “Am I in the right place?”

As if, once again, all was meant to be I found myself welcomed into the intimate and kind community of Grass Valley. Meeting wonderful people, falling into a work opportunity that was a great fit, and creating a new life with the most kind-hearted, positive, and loving people changed everything.

Suddenly, this area was not only perfect but being in this city, in this region of California, was fulfilling.

What makes it so unique to me is watching how quickly the people here reach out and lend each other a hand. How easily a smile is shared when passing by. How friendly the shop owners are and how easily you can strike up a long conversation with restaurant servers and owners at dinner.

It’s blown my mind to see how something like a global pandemic and market mess can bring such hard times; yet this community felt closer than ever. The friends and network I found now feels like family, and I know I’ve found a home here.

Sure, the scenic drives, twisty roads through vineyards and farms, the rich and palpable history, the outdoors, and access to the coast or mountains are literally a perfect concoction for the adventurous but community-oriented individual. The magic truly happens in the heart of this community. I know I get to see and feel it each day, and I know anyone lucky enough to experience this place will feel it too.

2023 Downtown Events

Heart of the Town Valentine’s Day

Saturday, February 11th • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Annual St. Piran’s Day Festival

Saturday, March 4th • 9:30 - 11:00 am

Flag raising 9:45 am, Pasty Toss 10:00 - 11:00 am

Foothills Celebration

Saturday, March 18th • 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Downtown Car Show

Saturday, May 6th • 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Grass Valley Thursday Night Markets

Thursdays, June 8th, 15th, and 22nd 6:00 - 9:00 pm

4th of July Celebration

Tuesday, July 4th

Family Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 - 10:00 am

Parade at 10:00 am - Noon

Afternoon Festivities from 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Mill Street 4th of July Celebration 5:00 - 10:00 pm

Local for Locals

Saturday, July 29th

Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, September 16th • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Brewfest

Saturday, October 14th • 1:00 - 5:00 pm

Safe Trick or Treat

Tuesday, October 31st • 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Downtown Holiday Market

Saturday, November 11th • 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Donation Day Parade - Ladies Relief Society

Friday, December 15th • 10:00 - 11:30 am

Annual Cornish Christmas

Fridays, November 24th, December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 24th • 6:00 - 6:30pm