SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Restaurant owners are clamoring to get space and build around a new Sacramento Entertainment and Sports Complex before it opens in 2016.

As construction continues on the arena, another high-profile project across the street on the 700 block of K Street is in store for a $50 million upgrade.

Ali Youssefi is one of the project’s developers, and he wants to revitalize the recently rebranded Kay District. That includes building close to 200 apartments on top of the old building with at least 15 restaurants and bars on all sides, including the alley.

Youssefi says local and unique is the theme of what he’s looking for, which brought us to The Shady Lady Saloon on R Street. Esquire Magazine recently dubbed it the best restaurant in America. They’re not just known for cool cocktails.

Owner Garrett Van Vleck reveals he’s in the process of creating a similar idea in one of the spaces on K Street.

“We’re looking to incorporate live music into our concept but it won’t be the main focus,” he said.

Other local restaurants introducing new concepts from around the area include Kru Japanese Cuisine, Insight Coffee Roasters and The Red Rabbit.

The Chamber of Commerce says the growth around the arena is beginning to attract a new crowd to the capital city.

“The proof of it is the demand for housing downtown particularly among younger people especially in the Midtown area,” said chamber president Roger Niello.