Sweeping Plans For Empty Project Withdrawn After Grand Plans In Walnut Creek

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Plans by Restoration Hardware to transform the former Neiman Marcus building into a luxury destination featuring retail galleries, a full-service restaurant, and landscaped courtyards appear to be frozen.

Restoration Hardware's plans for Broadway Plaza came to a halt in June after the developer withdrew its application.

The move puts the future of the vacant property at 1000 S. Main St. and 1401 Mt. Diablo Blvd. back in limbo.

The withdrawal marks a dramatic turnaround for a project that promised to replace the long-vacant Neiman Marcus store, which closed in 2021.

Destination

Earlier this year, Restoration Hardware sought feedback from Walnut Creek's Design Review Commission on plans to demolish the former Neiman Marcus and Chico's buildings and replace them with four interconnected commercial buildings on a merged 1.14-acre site.

A February proposal called for nearly 30,000 square feet of new construction featuring fireplaces, fountains, landscaped courtyards, an outdoor wine experience, retail galleries, and a glass conservatory restaurant designed to make the property a destination rather than a traditional furniture showroom.

Mediterranean-inspired architecture would have been paired with more than 5,800 square feet of new landscaping, approximately 70 new trees, decorative lighting, pedestrian walkways, and public gathering spaces, according to the city's staff report.

Construction had been expected to begin in mid-2026, with an opening projected for early 2028.

During the process planning staff noted the project's biggest design issue was its single-story height.

Commissioners were asked whether the low-profile buildings created enough visual presence at one of downtown's most prominent intersections, where neighboring buildings such as Pottery Barn, Tiffany & Co., and the Rooftop restaurant are multi-story.

Demolition

Walnut Creek officials said they would have welcomed Restoration Hardware's expanded investment in the city.

However, neither the developer nor city officials explained why Restoration Hardware withdrew the application for the site.

"The City remains committed to supporting Restoration Hardware and exploring opportunities with future tenants for this important location," Walnut Creek Community Relations Manager Elizabeth Sheets Orcutt said.

"We appreciate Restoration Hardware's consideration of Walnut Creek for this project and value the company's existing presence in our community," she said in a statement.

The project's architects could not be reached immediately for comment.