LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA — The former Wells Fargo building (which was most recently a gallery space) at Moraga Road and Mount Diablo Boulevard has a new chapter taking shape, with plans for a restaurant space, outdoor dining and a new bank tenant.
A reader recently asked Bay Area Telegraph what was happening with the prominent corner property at 3525 Mount Diablo Boulevard. We did some digging–and it turns out the plan is a huge one!
City records show that Lafayette’s Design Review Commission approved a renovation on April 13, voting 3-0 to allow improvements to the existing building, subject to conditions. The application identifies the owner as Holly Lafayette LLC.
A Restaurant Space at the Corner
The plans call for an expanded patio with outdoor dining at the intersection, an awning over the proposed restaurant space, new storefront windows and updated lighting.
Other improvements include new siding, railings, landscaping and changes to the rear parking lot. The proposed exterior palette combines neutral grays, a warmer sand color and black metal elements.
The city’s staff report describes a rehabilitation of the existing commercial and office building. It also makes an important distinction: the application did not include individual tenants’ interior improvements or signs.
At the April hearing, property owner Steve Cortese explained that the building was originally designed for a single bank occupant and needed changes to function well for multiple businesses. He highlighted the proposed restaurant and expanded outdoor seating as central to bringing more activity to the corner, according to the meeting minutes.
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F&M Bank Is Listed as a Tenant
Leasing materials from Retail West identify F&M Bank as the tenant for a 1,614-square-foot space at 3529 Mount Diablo Boulevard, within the property.
The same brochure markets the corner space at 3525, measuring 2,751 square feet including its covered patio, and an adjacent 1,067-square-foot space at 3527. Those two spaces can be combined.
The property also has a private parking lot behind it with 29 stalls, according to the brokerage. The lot appears to be under construction, and construction notices are already posted around the space.
There is a tentative timeline for the bank. In a July 23 investor presentation, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp listed its future Lafayette location at 3529 Mount Diablo Boulevard for the third quarter of 2027 — July through September.
That is the bank’s projected schedule, rather than a firm opening date for the entire property.
A Colorful Addition to the Tower
The building’s distinctive upper space could also get a new attraction.
Draft minutes from the city’s August 5 Public Art Committee meeting refer to the renovation as Lafayette Point and describe a proposed installation by artist Scott Haycock.
His design would suspend approximately 100 colorful acrylic shapes in 30 to 35 mobile groupings within the triangular vaulted atrium. The pieces would move gently with natural airflow and be visible from inside and outside the building.
For now, the restaurant’s identity and opening date remain unconfirmed in the public materials reviewed by Bay Area Telegraph. A completion date for the overall renovation also remains unclear.
The approved plans, leasing materials and bank presentation do establish the direction: a refreshed building with several business spaces, a planned bank branch and room for dining at one of downtown Lafayette’s most visible corners.
This is a huge development right in the center of Lafayette, on one of the city’s busiest corners. You can bet we’ll be following it closely! Join our free 925 News newsletter so we can keep you updated.
