Lakeview Commons Project Nears Completion

The City of South Lake Tahoe hosted a special project walk-through at the Lakeview Commons Project Site Thursday afternoon, and revealed the almost-finished product that the city hopes will be a jewel in the recreation crown for the area.
“It’s going to be the Sand Harbor of South Shore” said Jim Marino, Capital Improvement Manager with the City of South Lake Tahoe.
Lakeview Commons Project spans the beach area that was once known to locals as El Dorado Beach. Approaching from the western side is the boat ramp, and a newly constructed Boathouse. The downstairs will feature storage lockers for paddle boards and kayaks, restrooms, and a boat rental area. Upstairs will be a concession stand and patio with a gas fire pit and a more commercial size barbeque with a cook top.

Entering the area from the southern edge near Rufus Allen Boulevard, the crumbling retaining wall has been replaced and the once inaccessible beach area has been developed into terraces that could accommodate 400-600 people. The ampetheater-like terraces on the beach are styled for picnicking, firework viewing, and possibly even entertainment and sports venues. Stone steps lead to direct beach access.
“This is a great opportunity for events here, from concerts and arts to sports,” said Stan Sheerer, Community Services Director for the city.
Lakeview Commons is considered a LEED Gold Standard project. Low voltage LED lights are built into the walls lining the terraces. The walkway that leads down to the beach will also have small lights under the handrail for nighttime promenades. All walkways and areas are ADA compliant. The roof of the Boathouse has laminate solar panels which are virtually non-detectable. Native vegetation is being used to minimize maintenance and assist with natural water filtration.
“We softened the edges, and at the same time preserved the view” said Brett Long, Landscape Architect. “The plants are perennials and so you should also see them growing in more from year to year”
“It’s a great interface between Tahoe’s urban environment and it’s natural environment,” added Marino.
Above the terraces, the original lawn and picnic area has been expanded to create a Community Plaza. There will be 27 picnic tables and 15 barbeques, integrated with paver stones and grassy areas.
“I’d like to see a farmer’s market or children’s faire here, “Marino said. “This is all accessible and visible from the highway and will tie into the Harrison Avenue commercial area nicely.”
Total cost for the project to date is around $7.5 M to date, according to Peter Eichar of the California Tahoe Conservancy. The CTC was instrumental in both the funding and planning portions of the project.
“We have had a great partnership (with the city) and look forward to the next project, the El Dorado to Ski Run Bike path.”Eichart added. “This (Lakeview Commons) has been under design for many years so it’s really exciting to see it come to fruition.”
Eichar also mentions the upcoming Harrison Ave project also and hopes for a time when the residents and visitors of Al Tahoe area will not have to get into their cars to enjoy the area.
Clark & Sullivan contractors are applying for a permit extension for ground work thru November 4. After that, the remainder of the stonework and paving should be completed by the end of November. Marino praised the inspector and superintendent of the project remarking that extensions are not given lightly by TRPA, and it is only because of good standing with these agencies that they could request one.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the people working out here, said Mark Frisina, Inspector of Record with Wood Rodgers Construction. “Our fast track schedule since June has been 6 days a week with 18-hour days, and we maintained a quality safety record as well.”
Marino also emphasized that the subcontracting for rock-work and other special features has been specifically geared toward s local businesses. There is also the positive ripple effect on the local economy from the employees having lunch, going to the store or getting fuel.
“You don’t see a lot of artwork, true craftwork, today in much of construction,” Marino added. “This rock and masonry throughout the project is old-school and really what it is all about, especially in Tahoe.”