OC’s River Street Marketplace delays opening — again

It’s good the Capistrano swallows don’t shift their schedule as much as the developers of River Street Marketplace.

The 60,000-square-foot retail hub and food hall — situated just down the street from the San Juan Capistrano Mission famous for the little birds that return to nest in its Spanish colonial arches every spring — has again delayed its debut. It’s the third time the date has been moved back, the Orange County Register reports. 

Developer Dan Almquist attributed the delays — the opening was first set for January and then July — to a prolonged and heavy rainy season. Plans now call for Almquist Developers to open the center sometime in September, though no specific date is set.

The project at 31801 Paseo Adelanto got approvals for construction in 2019. It has taken shape with contemporary architecture and a central open area next to the Los Rios Historic District, another tourist draw in the South Orange County city. 

The prospects of the new shopping center promise to boost for San Juan Capistrano based on the lift similar projects by Almquist have given other cities in Southern California. Almquist led the development of Rodeo 39 Public Market in Stanton in Central Orange County, the Uptown Commons in Long Beach and the New Haven Marketplace in the Inland Empire city of Ontario.

The River Street Marketplace stands to further enhance San Juan Capistrano’s reputation as a favorite of foodies. It has a roster of tenants for its opening, ranging from Paraná Empanadas to new brands such as the Fermentation Farm and 70-year-old McConnell’s Ice Cream.

Retailers with slots leased at the center reflect the surf-meets-cow country feel of San Juan Capistrano, with bootmaker Tecovas and Hobie Surf shop among the non-food tenants lined up.