Book Passage, which has stores in Corte Madera and San Francisco, has
agreed preliminarily to open a 2,000-sq.-ft. store in Novato, according
to the Marin Independent Journal.
Lalanne Group, a San Francisco developer, has signed a letter of intent to lease a tract in the city's historic downtown with the intention of having Book Passage opening in it. Lalanne is also developing a Whole Foods Market and condo complex next door. Book Passage's opening is dependent on Whole Foods opening and having the property rezoned to accommodate a café.
Elaine Petrocelli, who owns Book Passage with her husband, Bill, told the paper: "We love Novato and are interested in coming to Novato--it sounds like a perfect spot for a Book Passage store--but we're waiting to be contacted."
Novato has not had a new-book bookstore for several years. City manager Dan Keen told the paper that residents frequently ask him about when the city will get a bookstore. "There is huge support for this," Keen said. "It fits."
The possible opening comes after a shopping center one block from Book Passage's flagship store in Corte Madera confirmed earlier this year that a 27,000-sq.-ft. Barnes & Noble will open there this fall. In reaction, citizens tried unsuccessfully to get the town council to limit big box stores.
Lalanne Group, a San Francisco developer, has signed a letter of intent to lease a tract in the city's historic downtown with the intention of having Book Passage opening in it. Lalanne is also developing a Whole Foods Market and condo complex next door. Book Passage's opening is dependent on Whole Foods opening and having the property rezoned to accommodate a café.
Elaine Petrocelli, who owns Book Passage with her husband, Bill, told the paper: "We love Novato and are interested in coming to Novato--it sounds like a perfect spot for a Book Passage store--but we're waiting to be contacted."
Novato has not had a new-book bookstore for several years. City manager Dan Keen told the paper that residents frequently ask him about when the city will get a bookstore. "There is huge support for this," Keen said. "It fits."
The possible opening comes after a shopping center one block from Book Passage's flagship store in Corte Madera confirmed earlier this year that a 27,000-sq.-ft. Barnes & Noble will open there this fall. In reaction, citizens tried unsuccessfully to get the town council to limit big box stores.