WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Walnut Creek’s downtown is set to gain a major new attraction: The Foundry, a roughly 24,000-square-foot European‑style food hall approved for construction at 1250 Locust Street.
City planners describe a two‑story main building (possibly with a rooftop bar as essentially a third story–it’s unclear whether this is included in the two proposed stories or not) flanked by two smaller “wing” pavilions and centered on a spacious open-air courtyard.
Inspired by classic European market halls, the project promises a diverse mix of international cuisines, fresh market vendors and artisanal goods.
Once built, it will fill a long-vacant lot across from the Century Theater and transform it into a vibrant new culinary and social hub.
We did a bunch of research into the history of this development and plans for what it will include. We also stopped by the future site multiple times to see where this new building will be.
Developer and Ownership
The Foundry is being developed by BH Development, a Walnut Creek firm led by local restaurateur Brian Hirahara.
Hirahara has already shaped much of downtown’s dining scene – his projects include Telefèric Barcelona (Spanish tapas), Slice House pizzeria, the Va de Vi wine bar, and the Rooftop Restaurant & Bar (which sits just across the street from the new site).
Under a long‑term agreement with the city’s redevelopment agency, BH Development acquired the 1250 Locust parcel for this project. (City records show BH and the city have amended their development deal for this site repeatedly since the late 2000s.) Hirahara says The Foundry is privately financed; the company will oversee construction and tenant leasing once all approvals are in hand.
Design, Layout and Architecture
The Foundry’s design centers on a large open-air courtyard with seating, water features and a performance stage. The main structure (“Building A”) is about 24,472 sq ft and will house most of the vendors across two stories…