The proposal estimated that the project would create 1,500–1,600 jobs, and 75 percent of the space already has takers, based on received letters of intent to lease. Interested companies include SHM Partners Film Mare Island and vintners Joel Gott Wines and Safe Harbor Wine Partners.

Key to why city staff said they are backing the Nimitz Group proposal is “local knowledge and experience.” Behind it are Dave Phinney of Orin Swift Cellars and The Prisoner fame, together with East Coast farming and banking billionaire Gaylon Lawrence Jr., who purchased Heitz Wine Cellars in April for an estimated $180 million. The proposal said Phinney and Lawrence met through mutual friends, and Phinney took him on a tour of his Savage & Cooke Distillery, which recently opened in the redeveloped commercial areas to the south on Mare Island.

“The timing of this proposal combined with growth in other parts of the city has created real momentum for Vallejo,” said City Manager Greg Nyhoff in announcing the recommendation Thursday.

more at northbaybusinessjournal.com