Blue Diamond said Tuesday that a local developer intends to buy 35 acres of the almond collective’s sprawling plant in midtown, and build it out with housing and retail.
The announcement marked a sign of progress in the months-long effort to ensure the century-old manufacturing site is converted for new uses. Blue Diamond officials announced last June they intended to close the aging plant — which had become difficult to maintain and has an inefficient layout — and consolidate its manufacturing into sites in Turlock and Salida. Locals had worried about the future of the expansive campus, which occupies 53 acres on the edge of residential midtown.
The developers — Bardis & Miry Development — said in a news release Tuesday that their “initial vision” for the property sees it transformed into a walkable, mixed-use community with 1,000 to 2,000 homes, ground-floor retail and other amenities…