Folsom based Real Estate professional Kimberly Morphis to manage leasing for new project
A new community gathering destination is in the works for El Dorado County in Placerville as local developer Grado Construction has unveiled plans for The Packing District at The Crossings, a project designed to blend food, hospitality, entertainment and locally owned businesses into a destination for both residents and visitors.
Planned in the heart of the Sierra Foothills, The Packing District is envisioned as more than a traditional shopping center. Developers say the project is being designed as a place where people can gather with friends, discover local businesses, enjoy unique dining experiences and experience the character of the Placerville region.
The concept draws inspiration from successful destination markets such as Napa’s Oxbow Public Market while focusing on creating an atmosphere that reflects the identity and culture of the Sierra Foothills.
The project is part of a broader long-term vision by Grado Construction. In addition to The Packing District, the company controls approximately 60 acres adjacent to The Crossings that are planned for future development. Those plans include a boutique hotel, a luxury RV resort and an outdoor entertainment venue that would host live music and community events.
Together, the developments are intended to create what project leaders describe as a destination where visitors can spend an afternoon, evening or an entire weekend enjoying shopping, dining, entertainment and overnight accommodations.
“We’re creating a place where people can gather and experience the best of Placerville,” project representatives said. “Visitors will be able to enjoy live entertainment, stay overnight, shop nationally recognized retailers, discover local businesses, and enjoy unique culinary experiences—all within a connected destination.”
Located along Highway 50, The Crossings is already home to several national retailers, including Boot Barn, Ulta Beauty, Petco and Dutch Bros Coffee. The Packing District is planned to complement those businesses by introducing a curated collection of local and regional operators focused on food, hospitality and specialty retail.
Developers envision the district as a place where visitors might purchase a farm-fresh bouquet for a dinner party, browse specialty wine merchants, shop for handcrafted chocolates, enjoy oysters and martinis during happy hour or gather for dinner at a full-service restaurant.
Current plans call for opportunities for artisan food vendors, specialty provisions, florists, fresh produce merchants, wine and beverage concepts, cafés, restaurants, dessert shops and other experiential businesses that contribute to a vibrant community atmosphere.
“We want this to feel distinctly Placerville,” said Kimberly Morphis, vice president with ROME Real Estate Group, which is handling leasing for the project. “The goal isn’t simply to create another retail center. It’s to create a destination people return to again and again—a place that brings together great food, local businesses, entertainment, and community.”
As planning continues, project leaders said they are working to assemble a mix of tenants that reflects the quality, authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Sierra Foothills while creating a destination designed to serve both the local community and visitors traveling through the region.
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