In keeping with its push towards mixed-use, Santa Maria has plans in the works for a six-acre commercial, residential and manufacturing site at the northwest corner of Depot Street and Morrison Avenue. Developers say the ambitious Rice Depot Mercado project will be a mixed-use hub, drawing pedestrian residential traffic from the densely populated area around it.

The project was approved in February by the city planning commission and will include the development of 49,000 square feet of commercial space, including a neighborhood market, retail and office space. It will also feature 10 residential units.

The other 1.6 acres will remain an industrial area and will have two buildings, totaling 17,300 square feet, to be used for manufacturing, processing and office space.

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