Sunrise Boulevard McDonald's Revamp on Tap

As part of a national effort to update older McDonald's restaurants, the fast-food site on Sunrise Boulevard and Old Auburn Road may soon be replaced with a newer building with increased street presence.

The proposed changes – to be discussed at a public hearing Wednesday at the Citrus Heights Planning Commission meeting – include the demolition of the entire 4,732 square-feet restaurant, and the erection of one that's 5,044 square feet. The current building has been in place for more than 30 years.

"The bright red roofs and illuminated white trim iconic to older restaurants are being replaced with flatter and more conventional roof designs," a staff report from the city planning department stated. "The proposed McDonald’s restaurant uses a contemporary design consisting of traditional building materials and detailing such as brick and tile, horizontal expansion joints, a flat roof and earthy colors."

The inside will get a facelift as well to appear more contemporary, to appeal to large groups and families, the report states. McDonald's will retain its red, yellow and white corporate colors, but they'll be more muted or used as an accent to the building.

The project, which includes moving the restaurant closer to the street, will also trigger roadwork and safety enhancements on Old Auburn Road. These changes include extending a raised median about 60 feet in length, re-striping the roadway with a center two-way left-turn lane, and enhancing access to and from the site, according to the staff report.

The location is within the boundaries of a neighborhood association (Citrus Heights Neighborhood Association Seven Eight, or CHASE) and is adjacent to the Sunrise Ranch Neighborhood Association, which are "generally in support of the project," according to the planning department.

The Citrus Heights Planning Commission is set to meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

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