LRE & Companies announced the grand opening of Starbucks, the first tenant of the highly anticipated Gateway Project in Eureka, earlier this week in a news release. The new Starbucks, built on the site of a repurposed building, marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of this area, providing a hub for community engagement, job creation, and economic growth, the company stated in the release.
Starbucks closed another location in Eureka not far from the new site.
“We’re excited to see the Gateway Project come to fruition with Starbucks as our first tenant,” said Akki Patel, founder and CEO at LRE & Companies. “This project required close cooperation with the Coastal Commission to ensure that we not only adhered to environmental protections but also contributed to the community’s needs and economic future.”
Working with the Coastal Commission was a critical part of the development process, as it ensures that projects meet California’s high environmental standards. Although the process can be lengthy, it is vital for preserving coastal ecosystems while supporting development that benefits the community. LRE & Companies was able to meet these requirements through innovative approaches and solutions that harmonized the needs of the environment and the people of Eureka.
The Habit Burger Grill is the newest addition for the Eureka Gateway, LRE an Cos. announced Friday. It will be located at 1905 Fifth Street.
A new Starbucks will also be part of the Gateway project, the company announced earlier this year. LRE is also working on a Wingstop location on Broadway.
A release from the company noted Habit is “Known for its signature Charburgers and unparalleled fast-casual dining experience.”
“One of the greatest things about this project has been our partnerships,” says Akki Patel, CEO of LRE & Cos. “Our partnership with the city of Eureka and, of course, our partnership with Habit Burger. As a loyal consumer myself, I’m especially excited about the addition of this restaurant.”
The Habit Burger Grill will occupy the 2,400-square-foot space with a drive-thru.
LRE is currently working in partnership with the city of Eureka on the design phase of the project.
LRE & Companies has partnered with Starbucks to establish a new location at 1905 Fourth St. in Eureka. The spot allows the caffeine supplier to face both sides of U.S. Highway 101.
“LRE & Companies builds strong communities through strong partnerships with cities and brands,” Akki Patel, CEO of LRE & Companies, said in a prepared statement. “I am thrilled that this project will be bringing Starbucks to this high-paced intersection in Eureka, where residents and visitors can easily pick up and enjoy their cups of Starbucks coffee.”
LRE & Companies also plans to announce a new tenant that will be located next door.
Construction will be completed by the end of the year.
“We are thrilled to be bringing these great projects in prime locations in Eureka, where the community and opportunities continue to grow,” Patel said.
Yurok Tribe receives Cessna aircraft
Textron Aviation Inc. delivered a Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to the Yurok Tribe’s Condor Aviation. The special missions Grand Caravan EX aircraft will increase the tribe’s capacity to perform large-scale environmental restoration projects, evaluate long-term natural resource management decisions and quantify the effects of climate change.
The Yurok Tribe will make use of state-of-the-art LiDAR systems and high-end aerial imaging equipment to create extremely accurate three-dimensional maps of the earth’s surface and collect a broad range of data regarding terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes and oceans.
“This new aircraft will significantly enhance our ability to holistically restore salmon-spawning streams and make our landscape more resilient to climate change,” said Yurok Vice Chairman Frankie Myers. “We employ LiDAR data and high-definition aerial imagery to maximize the efficacy of our efforts to rebuild biologically diverse ecosystems and repair fire-damaged forests in Northern California.”
UPLIFT Eureka offers several programs
The City of Eureka’s UPLIFT Eureka program has a few upcoming free programs.
Betty Chinn talks to participants of the Pathway to Payday program, which will be offering a free four-day course at the end of July. (City of Eureka/Contributed)
The next Pathway to Payday Free Employment Workshop Series will take place July 31 to Aug. 3. The four-day program guides community members through the job hunting process, via resume building and job application help, mock interviews, and real interviews with real employers.
There also is a new co-pilot program designed to foster positive one-on-one relationships between volunteer co-pilots and community members looking for guidance and support in identifying and achieving their goals. The program will start in mid-July.
Vineyard Offshore today announced that Erik Peckar has joined the company as West Coast director of external affairs, the company announced this week. In that position, Peckar will be responsible for all aspects of local government and stakeholder engagement associated with Vineyard Offshore’s floating projects off the West Coast, principally the development of the lease area OCS-P 0562 off the Humboldt County coast.
Erik Peckar (Contributed)
“We are excited to have Erik join the Vineyard Offshore team to take on a critical role for our West Coast projects,” Christian Scorzoni, VP and head of external affairs at Vineyard Offshore, said in a prepared statement. “Erik was a leader in the development and implementation of the nation’s first Community Benefit Agreement for an offshore wind project with Vineyard Wind. His ability to work with local officials, fishermen, tribal members, and others toward mutually beneficial results makes him the perfect person to engage with communities that have stakes in offshore wind development in Northern California.”
Peckar voiced his excitement in a news release.
“I couldn’t be more excited to take on this incredible opportunity,” stated Peckar. “In Massachusetts, we showed that offshore wind could reap dividends far and wide, in particular for our local communities, thanks to deep engagement by all constituencies. I look forward to working with another incredible community in and around Humboldt County to ensure that Vineyard Offshore’s projects are beneficial to the people of Northern California.”
