Old Town Center Lauded For Its Beauty

is the home of some 16 reputable businesses, including three fancy favorite Los Gatos restaurants.

And despite its heavy foot and vehicle traffic, it's always looking sharp and clean and remains a big attraction for locals and non-locals alike.

For those reasons, its management company—Federal Realty Investment Trust—was lauded this week by the Los Gatos Town Council for its work to keep the upscale shopping center on University Avenue looking beautiful.

Rachel Richards, regional property manager for FRIT, received a commendation from Los Gatos Mayor Steve Rice Monday evening in which he stated the company was one of several businesses in town singled out for exemplifying the spirit of Keep Los Gatos Beautiful Month in April.

Each April, the town celebrates the companies and individuals that make Los Gatos such a gorgeous place to live, work and play with a series of events sponsored by its government leaders and local service organizations, Rice explained.

The events focus on protecting, restoring and preserving the local environment and celebrating businesses and property owners who work hard to keep Los Gatos beautiful, Rice said.

The town has identified downtown businesses and property owners whose efforts to maintain their storefronts and properties go beyond their front door and last the entire year, Rice added.

Federal Realty Investment Trust acquired Old Town Center in 1997 and maintains a total of 96,000 square feet and 218 parking spaces, Rice indicated, adding that Old Town Center has contributed to the character and aesthetic quality of the downtown beyond expectations.

The company utilizes a full time staff of four who maintains everything at Old Town, from the center's landscaping to the common area, including sidewalk and parking lot cleaning and awning maintenance, Rice said.

The Council commended and congratulated the company for its exemplary work to remain "beautiful" during the past 15 years.

Richards, who was present during the meeting despite the fact that it was her birthday, said the company and the center were excited to be recognized by the town and hoped to continue "a great relationship" with its leaders, community and business owners.

According to its website, Federal Realty is celebrating 50 years of being a proven leader in the ownership, operation, and redevelopment of high quality retail real estate in the country’s best markets.