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Palm Trees Arrive at Save Mart Center

Mature palm trees that were removed from the site of the historic Roeding family ranch in southeast Fresno have been temporarily replanted at the Save Mart Center while construction continues at the site.

The trees, replanted on the west end of the Save Mart Center, await permanent planting as part of the center's landscape design plan, said Deborah Adishian-Astone, executive director of Auxiliary Services and Save Mart Center coordinator.

The center's landscape design includes 28 trees that will be planted on the north, south and west sides of the building, complementing the exterior façade.

The trees were donated to the center by Synergy-Golden Dawn and the principals of the company, Dan Sabah and Josh Sabah of Los Angeles. The company is developing new homes at the Roeding ranch site. The palm trees (washingtonia filiferas) were planted in the early 1900s by the Roeding family, which donated the land for Roeding Park in Fresno. The trees average 50 feet in height, with some reaching 60-70 feet.

Adishian-Astone said commemorative plaques recognizing the efforts of the Roeding family and the donation from Synergy-Golden Dawn will be included with the final landscaping plan for the Save Mart Center.

In addition to donating the trees, Synergy-Golden Dawn assisted with the logistics and handled the cost of removing and relocating the trees.

Construction of the Save Mart Center at the corner of Shaw and Chestnut avenues is on schedule to meet its November 2003 opening date.

Back to University Journal, 5/03 Issue