Caruso Project on Schedule for Late 2017 Opening

Caruso Affiliated announced Tuesday, April 28 that it remains on schedule for a late 2017 opening for its proposed plan for the Palisades Village.

As reported in the Post in December 2014, developer Rick Caruso will be building a collection of small-scale storefronts and restaurants oriented around Swarthmore Avenue in addition to a park space where the parking lot is currently located.

There will also be a five-screen movie theater inspired by the design of the original Bay Theatre that operated for years in Pacific Palisades.

Other features of the project include a community room, a specialty grocer and a limited number of residential units, along with underground parking, which the developer said will be “ample.”

Since closing escrow on the property in November 2014, Caruso has been managing significant cleanup of toxic soil that was left behind by a dry cleaner previously located on Swarthmore.

Caruso announced Tuesday that soil excavation efforts are approximately 60 percent complete.

The environmental remediation effort also required relocation of the storm drain that previously ran through the soil removal area and into Swarthmore Avenue.

As of March 20, the storm drain relocation is complete.

In a statement, Caruso said his goal is to complete the soil excavation work by the end of June.

This will signal a respite from the trucks, noise and street closures that have been a concern for some residents since the demolition, soil excavation and storm drain relocation efforts began in December 2014.

According to Caruso, there will be no additional planned street closures until project construction activities begin in 2016.

“We want to thank the community for its patience as we move through the process,” said Caruso in a statement.

The less invasive aspect of remediation will continue through the end of the year, and all environmental remediation will continue to be supervised by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).

During the construction, the shops and restaurants in the Village will remain open, and the Palisades Farmer’s Market will continue on Swarthmore on Sundays.

Caruso, who has made a strong effort to urge the community to support the local businesses on Swarthmore, continues to encourage Palisadians to shop and dine in the Village during construction.

“We are thrilled to be working here in the Palisades and excited about being a part of the community for generations to come,” Caruso said.

“We also would like to thank the community for its support as we envision a new Palisades Village that reflects the best of this wonderful town. And we give special thank you to the community for its patience as we begin construction along Swarthmore Avenue,” Caruso added.