News

Hmong Community Center Opens in Mission Square
05/07/12

The Hmong United Community of Oroville, Inc. has opened a new community center. The new center is located in the former Oroville Mercury Register office at 2124 5th Ave. in Mission Square across from Feather River Tribal Health. The 1,000 square foot facility will be used for meetings and cultural activities, as well as translation services for the estimated 1,200 Hmong people who live in the Oroville area. The lease was handled by Mike Donnelly of Coldwell Banker Commercial.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Save Pro Insurances Opens
01/19/12

SavePro Insurance Solutions has opened a new office in Oroville's Mission Square commercial center. This is the fourth office to be opened by the growing regional company.

Company Co-Founder Paul Woodward says the location at 2000 5th Ave., Suite A is ideal because it is right next to the Department of Motor Vehicles and is an extra convenience for auto insurance customers. SavePro Insurance Solutions also offers a wide range of home, business and commercial policies and coverage.

SavePro Insurance Solutions, formerly Bains and Woodward Insurance also has offices in Chico and Auburn as well as the company headquarters in Yuba City. The Oroville office will be managed by Mario Cabrera who can be reached at 530-534-6600. The lease was handled by Mike Donnelly.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Dredger Green Fully Leased
09/26/11

The Group Real Estate has announced that the County of Butte has leased the remaining 4,297 square feet of available space at the Dredger Green at 2167 Montgomery Street in Historic Downtown Oroville. The facility will be the new location for the Oroville Live Spot, a program for youth that provides work and academic support, life skill and leadership development, vocational support, relationship building and connection to the community.

Earlier this summer, Oroville Acupuncture operated by Eric Schanke leased the front portion of the center. The leases were put together by Mike Donnelly of The Group Real Estate. Existing tenant SCS Engineers is also moving to the front of the building and will enjoy new and improved lease facilities.

The leases signal a remarkable turnaround for the former health clinic property, recently restored and renovated by the Seidenglanz family and a host of other business and community leaders. New landscaping gives the property a “park like” setting and the grounds and parking area features a small outdoor mining museum celebrating Oroville’s rich gold history. Mining artifacts were donated by Jack M. Stebles Family, George W. Scott Family, Reginald E. Smart Family, Cal Sierra Development, Inc. and Surplus City.

Other businesses that helped renovate the center include John Starr of Better Builders Construction, Inc., Reynolds Masonry, Cox Glass, and Marcus Construction. A large commemorative sign on the property also thanks the Oroville City Council and City Staff for helping to support the project

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

New Medical Supply Store Opens
08/23/11

Hoping to take advantage of the growing health care market, the owner of a new start up called Scrubs & Things has opened her doors at 2115 Myers St. in Oroville. Owned and operated by Ruth Andersen, Scrubs & Things offers a wide variety of medical uniforms and accessories. The store is located in the historic and recently remodeled shopping center at the corner of Park Ave. & Myers St., just north of RaboBank and the Raley’s Supermarket. Scrubs & Things has taken up the last available lease space in the beautifully renovated former "livery stable", now a completely full shopping center. Other tenants include Dot Com computer store, The Hair Studio, Bark Avenue Pet Grooming, and a Martial Arts school. The lease was put together by Mike Donnelly of The Group Real Estate.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Realtors Buy Downtown Building
04/11/11

The Oroville Association of Realtors (O.A.R.) has closed escrow on a 5,800 square foot building in Historic Downtown Oroville. The association has purchased the high profile building at the corner of Robinson and Downer St. for an undisclosed price. The seller was represented by Mike Donnelly. The association representated itself.

The O.A.R. has been renting at its current location 1835 Robinson St., Suite A, but had funds set aside to purchase a facility after selling its old office on Pomona Ave. in 1990. “This shows a real commitment from our realtors who have strong confidence in our industry and in Oroville”, said Randy Chapman, President of O.A.R. “We are investing in our community, investing in our downtown, investing in our industry and investing in our people”, Chapman said.

The O.A.R. has already started modifying the building and is expected to open for business at the new facility by June 1st. An open house will be scheduled soon. “We are excited about the move and hope to bring in some cutting edge real estate opportunities such as new training and technology”, added Chapman. “This will help Realtors and customers alike. We now have the space to grow, and will take full advantage of the new facilities”, he said.

The premiere feature will be the new conference room, which is much larger than the current conference room and can be enlarged even more if necessary. The whole building can be split into three units, and additional office and meeting space is available for lease.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

2010 Commercial Sales Report - Land Sales Triple
01/04/11

There appears to be a land rush in Oroville. Total number of land sales in Oroville tripled in 2010 over each of the previous two years. But total sales volume of land sales has not increased proportionately with the actual number of sales, meaning that buyers are presumably snapping up properties at bargain prices. They are also presumably paying cash or there is a great deal of owner financing, since banks are most likely not lending on these transactions. The smart money is moving to land, which appears to have reached bottom.

Also, the total number of commercial sales and total sales volume were up in 2010, but still way below the levels set in 2008. Most properties that have sold were seriously discounted. For example, A 13,500 sq. ft. warehouse complex in Oroville built 6 years ago with 9 units that rent for $600 each for a total monthly rent of $5,400 ($64,800 per year) sold for $325,000 Dec. 20, 2010. This same property which includes three parcels and extra land (8.40 acres) for additional warehouse construction, sold for $900,000 on Feb. 6, 2006. These are especially exceptional times for business owners/occupants to purchase because there is SBA Financing available at good rates. It’s a chance for business owners to finally be rewarded for their efforts, and upgrade to a better location or facility at reasonable to excellent prices.

Below are some basic sales reports taken from the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Please keep in mind that this should be considered a “snapshot” of the local market and does not include properties sold privately or that may not have been reported in the MLS. I hope you find this interesting. Please let me know if you have any comments or observations of your own.

Oroville Commercial Sales

2010 Total Commercial Sales – 6 (Up)
Total Sales Volume - $4,790,000
Average Sales Price - $798,333
High - $3,400,000
Low - $140,000
Average Days on Market – 292

2009
Total Commercial Sales – 1 (Way Down)
Selling Price $360,000
Days on Market 75

2008
Total Commercial Sales – 11
Total Sales Volume - $4,833,500
Average Sales Price - $439,409
High - $ 1,500,000
Low - $87,500
Average Days on Market – 114

Oroville Land Sales *

2010
Total Land Sales – 63 (Way, Way Up)
Total Sales Volume - $3,926,435
Average Days on Market - 168

2009
Total Land Sales – 20
Total Sales Volume - $2,713,262
Average Days on Market – 260

2008
Total Land Sales – 21
Total Sales Volume - $2,532,177
Average Days on Market – 183

*Subject Area extends from Thermalito to Bangor & Berry Creek

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Recreation District Buys Gymnastics Center
08/21/10

(Oroville) The Feather River Recreation and Parks District (F.R.R.P.D.) closed escrow Friday on the purchase of the Oroville Gymnastics and Sports Academy. The purchase price was $3.4 million dollars. The 41,706 sq. ft. state of the art facility will be the foundation for a new era of expanded recreation programs that will serve the greater Oroville area for years to come.

“This is a remarkable opportunity and investment into the future”, said Mike Donnelly of The Group Real Estate who represented the Seller along with Don Miller of Miller Realty. “This acquisition is a text book example of a private-public partnership that saves money and will have a huge benefit to residents”, Donnelly said. “There is no way this facility could have been built by a government agency for such a modest price”, he said.

The gymnastics center is the crowning achievement of Marcia Carter and her family, who spent 27 years bringing cutting edge sports and educational services to several generations of Oroville youth. Many of her former students have gone on to become Olympic caliber athletes or developed respected professional careers.

Carter, along with her son Shaw Carter and Jennifer Celentano will stay on with the center as employees of F.R.R.P.D. The district will retain all of its existing programs and services and take over additional programs run by the gymnastics and sports academy.

The multi faceted deal was put together over the course of more than a year, led by F.R.R.P.D. Chairperson Jan Hill, Directors Vene Thompson, Tamara Dorfman, Loren Gill, Roger Soudan and new Executive Director John Buck. The move was initiated by former Executive Director Bob Sharkey who retired last year after more than 15 years of service to Oroville recreation.

The acquisition was also facilitated by the Oroville City Council, U.S.D.A. Rural Development Agency and Butte Community bank, which all provided lending support. F.R.R.P.D was represented by Ed Becker of Ed Becker Real Estate and escrow was handled by Michelle Miller at Mid Valley Title & Escrow.

Editors Note:

Just hours after the close of escrow, Butte Community Bank was shut down by federal regulators and this loan was perhaps the final major transaction for this long respected local bank. The loan and purchase of the Oroville Gymnastics and Sports Academy by the Feather River Recreation and Parks District should be considered a “parting gift” to the community.

In particular, Glen Rilinger and other loan officers at Butte Community Bank, along with Ron Tackett at U.S.D.A. Rural Development should be commended for taking extraordinary measures to expedite final loan approval before the close of business Friday. Butte Community Bank has a long history of giving back to the community, and this is a final gesture that will have a long and lasting benefit to the public.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Salvation Army Opens in Oroville Plaza
03/23/10

Extreme Discount Stores continue to be the dominant retail sector as the American economy climbs out of its slump. The Salvation Army Thrift Division is expanding in Oroville and has opened up a new store at 1889 Oro Dam Blvd.

The new 14,000 sq. ft. store is front and center along the busy Oro Dam Blvd. business corridor between large discount retailers Big Lots and Dollar Tree. The lease was handled by Mike Donnelly of The Group Real Estate and David Vasquez of Retail Specialist Commercial.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Weight Watchers Moves Downtown
10/28/09

Weight Watchers International has moved to a dynamic new location in Historic Downtown Oroville. Weight Watchers helps people eat right and live healthy, and can be found on the web at www.weightwatchers.com. The organization is opening up shop at 1881 Robinson Street between Lincoln and Huntoon across from the Butte County Office of Education. The location is know as a center for business and commerce, and includes such businesses as Wachovia, Bidwell Title and Escrow and the Oroville Association of Realtors. Mike Donnelly handled the lease.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Cha-Ching! New Check Cashing Store at Times Square
10/08/09

(Oroville) Northstate Check Exchange has signed a lease on the premiere corner location in Times Square at the corner of Montgomery & Feather River Blvd. This is the third location for the growing financial services firm headquartered in Redding. Northstate Check Exchange offers check cashing, payday loans, Western Union, money orders, and bill paying services and is a P.G.& E. Payment Center. The twenty year old company prides itself on honesty and great customer service. The new Oroville store located at 1353 Feather River Blvd. is expected to open by November 1st, 2009. The lease was handled by Mike Donnelly.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

"162 Cafe" to Open in Oroville
07/06/09

(Oroville) The owner of the popular "Coffee 162" is opening a second drive-through in Oroville, but this time with a different twist. The Shortstop Java Cafe at 3001 Olive Highway has been leased by veteran proprietor Eric Day, who is renaming the high profile location "162 Cafe" and plans to serve breakfast and lunch. Day will continue to serve his best selling coffee drinks and will keep the drive-through open while the restaurant undergoes remodeling.

"162 Cafe" is positioned at a highly desirable location next to the busy Oroville Hospital and is the "first" and "last" stop on the best side of town for customers traveling to and from work or heading out to the lake. Day's locally owned and operated coffee shops will appeal to a growing movement of people who enjoy the hometown independent establishments like his stores, rather than the more impersonal chain stores.

The new restaurant marks the end of an era for Shortstop Java Cafe owner Ted Short who is retiring after building the coffee business from the ground up. The lease was put together by Mike Donnelly of The Group Real Estate.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Big Lot's Opening in Oroville
02/11/09

(Oroville) Big Lot's, the nation's largest “close out” retailer is opening its newest store in Oroville. The massive discount chain has taken over the former Albertson's grocery store in the Oroville Plaza Shopping Center at the corner of Lincoln & Oro Dam Blvd.

Big Lot's sells a broad range of high-quality, brand name products including consumables, seasonal items, furniture, housewares, toys, electronics, home decor, tools and gifts. The expansion into the Oroville market is an example of the extreme discount stores that are thriving in the current economic environment.

The lease was put together by Mike Donnelly of the Group Real Estate and Mike Matlat of Keene Consultants - KPMG Finance representing Albertson's and Michele Low, Real Estate Manager for Big Lot's. David Vasques of Retail Specialist Commercial represented the Landlord at the Oroville Plaza Shopping Center.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

The "Copa" is Back!
12/01/08

(Oroville) An Oroville legend is Back! The famous Copa De Oro Nightclub and Restaurant in Historic Downtown Oroville is opening its doors once again.

Proprietors Robert and Nicole Long are bringing the elegant bar, restaurant and fabulous “Star Room” back to life with food, live music and dancing. “The Copa” has a rich and colorful history, bringing such legendary acts as Tommy Dorsey, The Drifters and even Greg Kihn to the Northstate to perform.

Originally the home of the Elks Lodge, the building was completely remodeled in the late 80’s and features a sophisticated oak bar reminiscent of “Cheers”, along with a DJ booth and dance floor. Upstairs is another private bar that could be the setting for Humphrey Bogart and the movie Casablanca. The huge Ballroom tops it off, providing banquet facilities for up to 200 people.

The Longs will offer classic lunch and dinner menus and a long list of lively libations. The Copa De Oro is also available for weddings, parties and special events. For more information call 530-589-0318 or stop by The Copa De Oro at 1445 Myers St. near the Historic State Theatre.

The lease was handled by Jason Taylor of The REMM Group and Mike Donnelly of The Group Real Estate.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Oroville Mercury Register Moves to Mission Square
10/27/08

(Oroville) The revitalization of Mission Square continues with the arrival of another major tenant. The Oroville Mercury Register Newspaper has moved its newsroom and sales office into 2124 5th Ave. in the Mission Square Commercial Center.

The Lease was handled by Mike Donnelly of The Group Real Estate.

The Oroville Mercury is the latest in a string of businesses to move into the center. Edward Jones Investments, Table Mountain Physical Therapy, Lake Oroville Mortgage and The Group Real Estate have all recently announced moves into new or existing units at Mission Square. A new 11,000 square foot commercial expansion project has breathed new life into the center.

The Oroville Mercury Register is also opening up a new newspaper delivery distribution facility in a 900 sq. ft. warehouse at 2775 Feather River Blvd. That lease transaction was also handled by Donnelly at The Group.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Help-U-Sell Opens in Time Square
10/09/08

(Oroville) The transformation of Time Square continues with the addition of Help-U-Sell Real Estate, the commercial center’s latest new tenant. Led by broker JoAnn Grover, Help-U-Sell has moved its office into a 900 sq. ft. unit in the conveniently located complex at the corner of Feather River Blvd. & Montgomery Blvd.

Help-U-Sell’s new address is 1365 Feather River Blvd. across from the Cornucopia Restaurant. The office can be reached at 530-869-4996.

Three other commercial units are still available in Time Square, including an excellent check cashing location complete with security glass and counter. Another unit is ready to go for a hair salon or spa, and even has the plumbing for the sink and beauty stations.

For more information about Time Square and other commercial properties available in Oroville contact Mike Donnelly at 530-828-0011

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Ribbon Cutting at Mission Square
08/26/08

(Oroville) The dream has been realized for the developers of Mission Square in Oroville, who are celebrating the completion of a new 11,000 sq. ft. commercial complex. Several new businesses moving into the center are also celebrating, as are the many local contractors who helped make the project possible.

The beautiful Mediterranean style building was developed by long time residents and respected local businesspeople Bill Jones, Ken Harlan and Jim Scurlock, who made every effort possible to hire local builders and contractors. The $1.2 million dollar project was funded by Butte Community Bank and built by Mike Carey Construction. The exquisite rock work was created by Reynolds Masonry and the landscaping done by Greenridge Landscaping.

Several businesses have already purchased or leased space in the new commercial condominium building. Edward Jones Investments headed by longtime Financial Advisor Kevin Bertis is taking the premier location at the main entrance through the signature Mission Square arch, where the ribbon cutting ceremony will be held. Table Mountain Physical Therapy will be located at the end cap along 5th Ave., and The Group Real Estate is opening up a new office next door.

The entire Mission Square Commercial Center is experiencing a surge of new business activity, and the original complex which was built in 1980's still thrives. Lake Oroville Mortgage recently moved into an original 1,000 sq. ft. unit and Chiropractor Dr. James Roettger is moving his entire operation into a 2,000 sq. ft. unit. Physical Therapist Valerie Nelson is expanding and will be taking an additional 1,000 sq. ft. for a total of 4,000 sq. ft.

Mission Square is located at 2000 5th Ave. between the Hofbrau Restaurant and the Department of Motor Vehicles across from Feather River Tribal Health. The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 pm Thursday, September 18, 2008.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at 530-828-0011 or e-mail mike@californianorthern.com or go to www.californianorthern.com.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com