The City of Claremont, California, has approved two

The City of Claremont, California, has approved two development agreements with the Tolkin Group of Pasadena to expand and redevelop the city’s downtown. The Claremont Village Expansion project calls for 61,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurants, 49,000 square feet of lofts and offices, a 750-seat theater, and a 30- to 45-room inn. The project also includes a public plaza and parking. The city will contribute the land for these projects, and in return get a proportionate share in profits (totaling $6.3 to $7 million, four times the value of the land), in addition to tax revenues. Construction is estimated to begin in late 2004.