LAMORINDA, CA — Not long ago, Mayor Latika Malkani said Orinda's downtown holds potential to become a Lamorinda shopping and dining destination.
Now, from a creekside beer garden to an Italian-inspired wine bar, several businesses in Orinda are trying to replace empty storefronts and reboot others.
The Orinda-based Paymun group is transforming a former bank building at 31 Orinda Way into CreekHaus with coffee, food, beer, cocktails, and outdoor areas overlooking San Pablo Creek.
Paymun initially predicted a midsummer opening, but has not announced a revised date.
"Our team is currently focused on getting the building across the finish line," Paymun spokesperson Alex Arnoff told The Orinda News.
Within 100 feet of the Creekhaus, the same developer is hoping to build on an empty lot.
Elsewhere, Orinda resident Daniele Carsano is preparing to open Sorso Bar and Bites at 2 Orinda Theatre Square, inside the former Starbucks storefront.
"I'm trying to sort of put Orinda on the map and create a little buzz," Carsano told The Orinda News.
Other recent downtown arrivals include Shemroon Cafe, Lamorinda Atelier, 8Moose Pizzeria, and Nine Tailed Fox, according to reports.
The expansion comes as Orinda launches a downtown façade improvement pilot. The City Council allocated $75,000 for the program through June.
Businesses may receive up to $10,000 for smaller projects, while the city will match spending on larger improvements costing up to $30,000.
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