Dodd: City Center is designed to be a beautiful and enduring destination that becomes a gathering place for local and regional audiences. It is an important center for the future of Bishop Ranch. City Center will be the go-to destination for East Bay area families and employees who want all the perks of living in a big city, in terms of having access to great dining and shopping.

To date, we've announced two project anchors which include THE LOT and Equinox San Ramon, and dining and retail tenants Boba Guys, Fieldwork Brewing Company, Ramen Hiroshi, Roam Artisan Burgers, M, a new venture by fashion supermodel Maggie Rizer, Alys Grace, a Bay Area-based upscale women's clothing boutique, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and West Elm.

GlobeSt.com: Retail is evolving to retailtainment. What does City Center offer that fits that description?

Dodd: This trend first emerged in the early 90s when movies, dining and entertainment venues became desirable anchors for open-air projects. For City Center, our mix of stores is aimed to intersect with our customers throughout their week–from a morning workout to a business dinner to a weekend outing with the family. For each category, we are looking for a premium and unique operator.

We believe THE LOT has redefined the luxury theater experience and their vision is aligned with what we are trying to build here at City Center. The 30,000-square-foot Equinox is an ideal fit for City Center because the communities surrounding Bishop Ranch are known for their active lifestyles, and residents who place a premium on good health and high-quality fitness centers.

GlobeSt.com: What features ensure that City Center will stand the test of time?

Dodd: City Center's timeless design and architecture by Renzo Piano Building Workshop immediately differentiates the project in an elevated way. What we are creating is more than just an outdoor shopping experience–we are creating a destination that will become a new kind of gathering place for the community. It enhances the community surrounding it and becomes a part of the fabric as if it was always here.

GlobeSt.com: How does City Center stand out among other destination retail projects?

Dodd: By attracting great operators that are unique to the region, providing customers with great customer service and continual improvement on these two points. City Center will be located within Bishop Ranch, which swells with 30,000 employees every workday. We're also in the center of one of the most affluent regions in the US, situated on one of the most traveled freeways and we will be serving a trade area of nearly 400,000 people. The customers and the people are already here. They just need a destination. Our hope is that City Center will set the standard for future retail developments.

GlobeSt.com: What other trends are you seeing in mixed-use projects that make them compelling?

Dodd: People want to be able to shop, live, work and be entertained in one place. They are limited on time and want to accomplish as much as they can in one experience. Quality and convenience are critical.