One walks down 16th Street on the “grid” in Sacramento and comes across two large and empty buildings at the corners of L and K streets. Both once newly operating restaurants in this energetic area have since closed their doors.

The buildings, a common sight for many pedestrians and grid commuters like me, are prominent icons within the mid and downtown areas of Sacramento. The old Firestone building at 16th and K streets with its art deco details and sidewalk-fixed spot lights stands lonesome among the moving traffic and thriving businesses in the suites next door. The contemporary O Street Lofts, built back in 2005, beg for a tenant in their corner, first-floor suite with a wrap-around patio. If they stay vacant what will happen to the positive image that many want in the revitalization of Sacramento?

In mid-2011, after only being open for just a couple of years, California Pizza Kitchen closed its doors, despite an advantageous location within Midtown, due to corporate acquisition and forced closure of many locations. Just a few months later its neighbor, Spin Burger Bar, a concept of the well-known Bistro 33 name, a block away, foundered as well.

With a rough economy and deep recession many restaurants, both corporate and “mom and pop,” saw a huge hit to business in the last couple of years and struggled to stay afloat. It looks like when one door closes another opens in its place, in the case of these two locations, despite the hardships. According to the alcoholic beverage permit transfers posted on their windows, we have new tenants moving in.

A joint-venture between the men behind, de’ Vere’s Irish Pub and MIX Downtown Lounge will be opening at the former C.P.K location at 1132 16th St. Firestone Public House, a sports-themed bar with a full-dining menu boasting American cuisine is scheduled to open early next year.

Along with that will come the new occupant at 1020 16th St., Monsoon Indian Bar and Grill. A joint-venture with building owner, Loftworks and the original, Toronto-based restaurant company. It boasts a budget-friendly lunches and dinners for the growing, Indian-food concepts that don’t have a strong hold in our market as of yet. Eager for holiday sales, it is scheduled to open its doors before the end of the year.

The essence of big city atmosphere, the place you go to make a name for yourself. A place where all it takes is a sign in a window to get people talking. Let’s see how these new ventures prosper within Sacramento’s hustle and bustle.